Glacier point south rim 4 night 5 days June 21 -25 2024 ( Limited Space )
Little over 25 miles and 4500 ft in elevation gains is strenuous but an absolutely beautiful trip. This trip starts on an overlooked trail that is somewhat of a secret historical trail that doesn’t see many visitors. We start on Old Wawona rd and make our way up to Tunnel View a.k.a Artist Point to meet our other trail. Here we will see gorgeous views from just above the iconic “Artist Point “. Here we will climb up out of the valley. This beautiful trail takes us along the southern rim of the Valley with many Point views such as Stanford Point, Dewey Point, and the infamous Glacier Point. then we will descend to the classic Happy Isles Trailhead to finish our 5 night 4-day trip. For all the meals the guides will help you cook your food if needed. We will also set up your tent and sleep system.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
A professional, knowledgeable, certified Yosemite hiking guide
National Park backcountry camping permits
Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
Group shared water filtration system , fuel and cook system
A mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yosemite
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
IF ORDERING MEAL PACKAGES the first-night meal is not included with meal packages please bring something to eat or dine in the valley at the few restaurants available
ITINERARY
DAY 1
This professionally guided trip begins with meeting up in Yosemite Valley in Curry Village at 6 PM on Day 1. We will have a sign that has our outfitter's name. We’ll conduct an orientation meeting, after which we’ll get settled in the Backpackers Camp just a few steps away from the majestic Tenaya Creek and under the amazing domes and cliffs of Yosemite Valley. We’ll enjoy dinner either at Curry Village or in camp.
Day 2
5.2 miles
3000 ft elevation gain
Hardest day of the entire trip is our first day but I promise the views are very rewarding ! We will break camp at 8:30 am after our breakfasts . We will then make our way onto the Yosemite shuttle to drop off us of at Bridalveil Falls parking lot. Here we will begin our journey up a lesser know trail “ old Wawona road “ this classic trail has a some of the first history in and out of the valley . This will then get us to our next trail Pohono Trail which starts just above the iconic tunnel view or “Artist Point.” Then we will make the 3000 foot climb up out of the valley to some of the most breathtaking views on the southern rim. We will stop for lunch at one of these beautiful view points. We will then continue on to where we will set up camp at one of the most beautiful camp areas in all of Yosemite Dewey Point.
Day 3
2.5 miles with minimal elevation gains
Break camp at leisurely manner as this day we can consider a Nero “ minimal day of hiking and a lot of resting” This is setting us up for the next day for which will be a big push . We will set up camp close to Bridalveil creek which will offer beautiful sounds and a chance to read your favorite book.
Day 4
9 miles
1200 feet in elevation gain
9 miles but the elevation gains are not to bad especially for the beauty we will see this day. Will break camp at 8 am and start our journey towards Glacier Point where they have a snack shop and a gift shop . Here we will have lunch and enjoy the astonishing views of the valley. After we have lunch we will descend down into Illiloutte Creek where we will make dinner and camp our final night .
Day 5
6.9 miles with very little elevation gain
Break camp no later than 8:30 am and this will be pretty much all down hill to Yosemite valley . We will go by Nevada Falls and make a group decision to go on the mist trail or not . We will get wet !! Then we will exit at the iconic Happy Isles trail where we will finish this epic 5 day adventure . We than can catch the valley shuttle back to Curry Village .
Terms & Conditions: It is important that all S.S.B.A trip participants arrive in good enough condition to successfully complete and enjoy their backpacking vacation. Depending upon the trip and your body size, you’ll be carrying a backpack that weighs between 20 to 35 pounds at the beginning of a trip. Most modern backpacks are quite comfortable to carry, provided that they properly fit.
The vast majority of our clients do just fine, even on their first backpack trip. Nonetheless, backpacking is for active, not sedentary people, and in most situations, folks who are seriously overweight or who regularly smoke cigarettes are going to have a tough time and will likely be putting themselves and others in jeopardy.
We Require a doctor’s note for anyone that takes medication or over the age of 65. If you have any doubts about your physical capability to trek in the backcountry, or if you’re going on your first backpack trip, please see your physician. This is especially important for the elderly and for folks who have any known or suspected physical ailments that might compromise their safety (and group safety) on a backpack adventure.
S.S.B.A may contract with independent contractors to provide transportation, guide services, and/or all other related travel services. We assume no responsibility, however caused, for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service provided by an independent contractor or resulting directly from the following: - acts of God - detention - annoyance terrorism - thefts - pilferage - force majeure - civil disturbances government restrictions or regulations - strikes - delays and expenses arising from quarantine - failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled - discrepancies or change in transit or hotel services over which we have no control. We reserve the right to make reasonable changes in the itinerary where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of trip members. By advancing deposit to S.S.B.A, the depositor thereby agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions.
Cancellation: If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due to S.S.B.A at the time (prior to departure) we receive notice of your cancellation.
60 or more days $0 of trip cost 60 to 30 days 50% of trip cost
30 to 15 days 75% of trip cost
0 to 15 days 100% of trip cost
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. Travel insurance Should you have to cancel your trip because of illness, injury or death to you or an immediate family member, this insurance protects all your deposits and payments for both air and trip costs. We will mail you the necessary forms in your trip packet. S.S.B.A recommends that you purchase this insurance at the time of sign-up to be covered for pre-existing conditions (certain restrictions apply). We strongly recommend the purchase of trip insurance. If we cancel a trip S.S.B.A reserves the right to cancel all or a portion of a trip for force majeure or any other circumstances beyond our control and, in the event of such cancellation, full or partial refunds, if any, will be at S.S.B.A sole discretion. We also reserve the right to cancel any trip if sign-up is inadequate to make the trip economically feasible for us to operate, and in this event, we give a full refund of the trip price. However, S.S.B.A is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by you in preparing for the trip (e.g., non-refundable air tickets, visa fees if applicable, gear or medical expenses). Refunds S.S.B.A does not give any refunds for unused hotel rooms, meals, sightseeing trips or trek arrangements.
48-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Policy
Any reservation can be canceled within 48 hours of the initial booking, and we will grant you a full refund minus a 2.7% processing fee for credit card transactions. After 48 hours, our standard terms and conditions apply. To cancel, please email us at Summitbacking@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 831-713-7399. .This policy does not apply if the booked trip occurs within 96 hours of the initial booking.
Fire/Smoke Cancellation Policy
Fire/smoke cancellations are considered circumstances beyond our control. If your chosen travel insurance does not cover fire/smoke cancellations, a credit equal to the total amount paid will be issued. If we cancel during your adventure with us, we will issue a non-refundable credit equal to the dollar amount associated with the number of days not used. In both cases, these credits will be lifetime/transferable but non-refundable.
Other Considerations
Departing From a Trip: Once a participant has joined a trip and the trip has begun, no refunds or credits will be issued, regardless of the reason for departure. Costs associated with assisting a participant with evacuating from the wilderness will be passed on to the participant. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.
Minimum Participants: Our Guide Service multi-day trips have a two-person minimum. (Yoga trips have a three-person minimum.) Our Summer Camps have a four-person minimum. Should we fall short on these minimums, we will contact you 30 days before your scheduled start date with options that may include switching to another trip/date and/or a single-participant surcharge.
Infectious Illness Policy (including COVID): Any participant on any program/trip with any sign/symptom of a potential illness will not be able to participate, and no refund or credits will be given. Many forms of Travel Insurance cover these circumstances. We ask that you screen yourself and/or your child before participating and contact us to cancel if any sign of illness is present. Health screenings can be expected in all youth programs.
Half Dome & Other Summits: Reaching the top of a summit, such as Half Dome, is risky and can be made far worse by inclement weather. While we aim to get everyone to the top, summiting is not guaranteed. Lightning and rain can be deadly on exposed summits, and our experienced guides may have to call off a summit bid if weather conditions are unfavorable. You will not be allowed to summit using a Summit Backpacking Adventures permit should the experienced guide decide the conditions are not favorable.
