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The alpine lakes and peaks of the Ansel Adams Wilderness along the southern Yosemite border are truly spectacular. This trip takes you deep into a seemingly unspoiled environment where granite peaks, clear lakes, cascading streams, and wildflower-filled meadows captivate the senses of all who travel there. This trip is for those who want to enjoy the dramatic landscapes of Southern Yosemite away from the crowds while traveling with a professional, friendly, and knowledgeable guide. We’ll spend our days exploring this rich mountain environment, via established on- and off-trail routes. There’s even the option of a peak ascent of one of the 10,000+ ft peaks making up the southern border of Yosemite!
Pricing
2024: $1495 per person
Price based on shared hotel occupancy
Single Room Supplement:
Requested $255, Forced $125
Explore Custom Trip Options
Check in to the Pines Resort on beautiful Bass Lake anytime after 4pm. Meet your guide and group at 6pm in the main lobby for a short meet-and-greet and trip orientation. Dinner tonight is on your own at one of the many local restaurants.
After an early breakfast on your own (there is a nice bakery in the Pines village), we’ll meet you at 8am to drive to the nearby trailhead (7,600’). The drive, which takes about an hour, is your responsibility to and from the trailhead. After a quick gear sort we’ll hit the trail. We will hike approximately 6 miles, first through fir forests and finally into the high sub-alpine lakes basin where we will make basecamp.
6 miles, Elevation: +1709’/ -322′
Today your guide(s) will lead a hike through the pristine upper lakes basin via established on- and off-trail routes. Exact destinations and distance vary depending on the preferences of the group members. The guides excel at customizing the itinerary to meet the preferences of the group. The day ends with swimming at our lakeside camp, a hearty dinner prepared by your guide(s), and stargazing.
Varies by trip 1-6 miles, Elevation varies
After a hearty breakfast prepared by your guide(s) we’ll set out again to explore the surrounding area. An optional summit hike to one of the nearby 10,000’+ peaks that make up the southern border of Yosemite National Park is a possibility. Also day hikes to other nearby alpine lakes with great fishing, swimming & photo opportunities are possible, depending on your interest.
Varies by trip 1-6 miles, Elevation varies
After a leisurely morning we’ll bid farewell to our cozy camp and make out way back to the trailhead. Expect a 12-1pm departure from the high country.
6 miles, Elevation: +322’/ -1709′
What's Included
Accommodations
- 1st night’s lodging at the Pines Resort in Bass Lake
- 3 nights of wilderness tent camping (permits included)
Gear
- All group gear including stoves, cookware, water filters, group first aid kit, etc.
- Personal backpacking gear provided by request: backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, trekking poles, and tents
Transportation
- Personal transportation required
- Follow guide in your own vehicle to remote trailhead and back on Day 2 and Day 5
Food
- Starting with lunch on Day 2 and ending with lunch on Day 5
- Backcountry gourmet meals including trail snacks
- Hot tea or coffee served each morning
A Few More Notes
Travel & Logistics
This trip begins and ends in Bass Lake, CA. Plan to arrive at the hotel before 6pm so you can meet your guides and group for your trip orientation. Transportation is not included in this departure, so you will need your own vehicle to get you to the Pines Resort as well as driving to and from the trailhead. We’ll return to Bass Lake between 2-3pm.
Training & Preparation
This is designed as a beginner-friendly experience. While we recommend putting in time to prepare for your trip, we often have people that are newer to backpacking join us.
We still recommend getting outside before your trip to hike in the shoes or boots that you plan to wear and feel comfortable with your personal clothing and gear. If possible, it’s also a great idea to do some hikes with a weighted pack on to prepare well.
What's not included
- Transportation to and from trailhead and lodging
- Personal clothing & footwear
- Recommended 10%-20% gratuity for guides
- Trip Insurance (strongly recommended)
- Airfare
- Voluntary or involuntary evacuations
Trip Reviews
Leslie B, 2020
Yvonne Wu, 2020
Darren M, 2019
