Sky Trail (Beginner Backpacking Course) 1 night 2 day ( Limited Space )
The sky trail is gorgeous with high mountain views above the Big Sur coastline. We will go over all the basics to have you ready to plan and safely execute a trip of your own. his is a great introduction to backpacking. We will go over all the basics so you can prepare for future hikes. Such things as how to properly pack your backpack, backpack adjustments, tent set up, leave no trace, trail etiquette, water filtration, bathroom duties, scouting an ideal camp location, cooking, recommended caloric intake, proper clothing, and any questions you may have. We are here to help. Often we will see whales and the occasional Condors. Although this is only 2.9 miles to camp with an elevation gain of 2,549 ft. The sky trail is pretty steep but worth the spectacular views. We consider this a beautiful trip for beginners who are in good physical shape. Your physical requirements should be of an avid weekend hiker who can cover 8-10 miles. The vast majority of our clients do just fine, even on their first backpack trip. Nonetheless, backpacking is for active, not sedentary people.
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 systems , fuel and cook system
A mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yosemite
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
5.8 miles round trip and 2549 feet in elevation gains but you can do it! Please check our physical requirements in the FAQ’s page. This is one of the few beginner classes we run and has absolutely amazing mountain-to-ocean views. We will meet at REI in Marina California at 10 a.m. and do a quick gear check and go over a few leave no trace etiquettes. From there we will caravan out to the trailhead. This drive is stunning as it is along one of California’s most iconic drives Highway 1 . This drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Believe me, it is worth it because the mountain-to-ocean views you are about to see are mind-blowing! We will gradually make our way up this wide open grassy haul up this beautiful mountain where we often times see whales below and Condors above. Along the way you will learn many things about being in the backcountry leaving no trace is our top priority. We will stop at the natural spring and go over the proper water filtering techniques.At the top, we will teach you everything from picking the proper campsite, cooking food, camp sanitation, mapping, and orientation, and answer any questions the group may have. Here we will enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Pacific. In the morning we will break down camp no later than 9 a.m. and make our way back down the gorgeous mountain to our cars.
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.
