Yosemite Classic - Itinerary

day 1-2

Fly into beautiful San Francisco with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance where you meet your Moondance leaders and the rest of the group! We’ll use these days to get to know one another and learn the basics of packing a backpack before our first adventure on California’s Lost Coast.

day 3-6

The Lost Coast of California will be the stunning backdrop for our first backpacking trip in the wild. As we trek around boulders washed to shore from the powerful Pacific surf and climb high on top of the cliffs which overlook the beach, we’ll come to understand why explorers long ago were never able to penetrate this rugged coastline. We’ll enjoy dinners on the beach prepared by each other, tidal pools swimming with life left behind from the ocean, and the camaraderie that only develops through shared experiences in such dramatic landscapes.

day 7

We’ve heard the legends, now it’s time to actually see the real thing—the giant Redwoods—trees so magnificent that the oldest can live to be 2000 years old and 300 feet tall! We’ll spend today visiting Redwood National Park and getting ready for our next adventures to California’s Gold Rush country…The American River!

day 8-10

The Middle Fork of the American River will host us for two days and two star-filled nights while we learn to navigate its exciting Class III and IV rapids! Professional raft guides will walk us through proper paddling techniques before we take control of our raft, journeying through the intense Tunnel Chute, a 90-foot long rock tunnel! We will spend the evenings cooking meals and celebrating our successes together.

day 11-12

After stocking up on fresh fruits and vegetables, we’ll travel toward the majestic Lake Tahoe to play in the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada. As we dayhike to local waterfalls and alpine lakes, sit back and take in the splendor of the clear blue water and the surrounding mountains. In late afternoon we will again load up our van and head to one of the countries most notable national parks…Yosemite!

day 13-16

Home to some of the best rock climbing and backcountry hiking in the country if not world, Yosemite is an adventurers paradise. As Leader of the Day, or a member of the evening’s cook group, or perhaps as a route-finder, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate the necessary leadership skills and teamwork that is responsible for every successful expedition. You’ve completed your introduction to backcountry living while on the Lost Coast, now it’s time to step it up a notch! You got it, Yosemite National Park. We will spend the next few days starring at and climbing to features like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Tuolumne Meadows.

day 17-18

After all of the knowledge you have gained from your backpacking excursions, trade in your hiking boots for a pair of rock climbing shoes. Our new strength gained from the alpine valleys and ridges in Yosemite National Park will come to good use as we head to southern Yosemite to tackle some of the steep granite. Assisted by professional guides you will learn the art and basics of rock climbing. You will be amazed at how quickly you learn skills like: top-rope belaying, rappelling, and efficient movement on rock. Imagine the thrill of searching the rock in front of you for the handhold or foot placement when there's nothing but wind at your back or air under your heels!

day 19-20

Our time in sunny California draws to a close and once we take care of final details (like exchanging addresses and phone numbers!) we’ll celebrate the end of a successful adventure with our signature banquet dinner.