TRIP DATES
Trip Overview
Experience the serenity and breathtaking beauty of Yosemite in the winter as we explore the majestic Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias and Gin Flat. This two day tour includes the famous "Dead Giant" (a fallen giant sequoia with a stagecoach-sized tunnel cut through it), incredible views of the Yosemite backcountry, winter wildlife, and more! A great introduction to winter/snow camping, your guides will provide you with expert advice on how to stay safe, comfortable, and experience the joys of winter camping at Gin Flat.
| SEE ALL SNOWSHOE TRIPS! |
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Participants will be carrying their own gear as well as group gear (35 - 40 lbs total), for roughly 3.5 miles each day over moderate terrain at elevations up to 7,000 ft. We recommend doing some day hikes with a 35 - 40 lb pack prior to your trip. Individuals should be in decent physical condition (See our Training Recommendations). Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian participating on the trip and are subject to manager approval.
Trip Itinerary
Although we'll always do our best to adhere to this schedule, it is often dictated by factors outside of our control and is therefore subject to change. We will run this trip rain or shine as long as it is safe to do so.
Day 1 - Saturday
Meet at the pullout nearest the closed gate at the end of Tioga Road (a one minute drive past the Tuolumne Grove Trailhead Parking Lot) at 10 am
Trip orientation and gear discussion
Snowshoe roughly 2.5 miles uphill through a winter wonderland (with pack)
Enjoy a trailside lunch
Make camp at Gin Flat
Enjoy a delicious, hot dinner along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
Day 2 - Sunday
Enjoy a delicious, hot breakfast along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
Break camp
Snowshoe roughly 3.5 miles on slightly downhill terrain (with pack)
Enjoy a trailside lunch
Enjoy scenic outlooks of the Yosemite backcountry
Return to the Tuolumne Grove Trailhead Parking Lot
Optional: Snowshoe roughly 1.25 miles downhill and then 1.25 miles uphill to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias (without pack)
Packing List
Required:
Snowshoes and Ski Poles (provided)
Lightweight 2 Person, 3-Season Tent (rentals available)
Backpacking Pack with Internal Frame - minimum 65L (rentals available)
Lightweight, Compressible Sleeping Bag Rated 0 Degrees with Compression Sack (rentals available)
Lightweight, Inflatable, and Insulated Sleeping Pad (rentals available)
Additional Closed Cell Foam Pad (provided)
Headlamp with Fresh Batteries (rentals available)
Mess Kit (bowl, insulated cup, and spork)
Sturdy, Waterproof Hiking Boots that are broken in
2-3L Water Bladder and 1L Bottle
Sunscreen, Sun Hat, Sunglasses (for snow blindness)
2x Wool or Synthetic Hiking Tops (quick dry, no cotton)
Hiking Pants (lightweight, quick dry, no cotton)
3 Pairs Wool or Synthetic Hiking or Ski Socks, Liner Socks (no cotton)
Thin, Liner Gloves for Hiking
3-4 Warm Layers for Camp: Baselayers, Fleece, Down Jacket, Ski Jacket/Winter Jacket, Fleece Pants or Ski Pants, Fleece Neck Warmer, Winter Hat, thick + waterproof Gloves/Mittens
Optional (but recommended):
Lightweight Day Pack for Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias Out and Back
Chemical Hand Warmers (highly recommended)
Down Pants
Down Booties
Camera/Phone
Luxury Item (small book, deck of cards, etc.)
Guide Gratuities (optional)
Do NOT bring:
Soap
Full Wallet and Set of Keys
Full sized Toothpaste, Deodorant, Sunscreen, etc. (Please only bring small packages of these things or re-package them yourself.)
Photo Gallery
$395 per person
Included:
Two Expert, Medically Trained Guides
Group First Aid Kit
All Wilderness Permits and Camping Fees
Bear Canisters when necessary
Group Cooking Gear (including stoves and fuel)
Water Filtration
Dinners, Breakfasts, Hot Beverages, and Trail Snacks
Snowshoes and Ski Poles
Closed Cell Foam Pad (for extra insulation)
WAG Bags (there is no soil typically)
Pre-Trip Phone Briefing Approximately Two Weeks Prior to Trip
An Amazing Winter Wilderness Experience
Not Included:
Transportation to and from Yosemite
Personal Backpacking Gear (see Gear List below; rentals available)
Lunches (although a Trail Snack Bag is provided)
Park Entrance Fees
Insurance of any kind
Guide Gratuities