Hiking Yosemite:

John Muir’s Transcendent Sierras October 9 – 17, 2021 (Trip #2169)

INTRODUCTION Yosemite National Park (est. 1890) preserves some of the most beautiful landscape in the world, and provides unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment of the outdoors. It is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range (the Sierras) in eastern California. The beauty and majesty of the park’s scenery has inspired many, including John Muir and Ansel Adams. Muir’s love for the area led him to campaign for the park’s creation. “It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter,” he wrote of the Yosemite Valley in 1868. It is indeed! Using day hikes, our trip will explore some of the best-known wonders in the area. Highlights include Yosemite Valley; Half Dome, El Capitan, and Sentinel Dome; numerous falls, including Yosemite (North America’s highest), Nevada, and Vernal Falls; Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, including the California Tunnel Tree and other notable giants; Clouds Rest; and Cathedral Peak and Cathedral Lakes. We will travel in October, when there are fewer people and cooler weather, and plan to stay in the Valley, within easy reach of many of the trailheads.

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TRIP DIFFICULTY This trip is rated 4/5 (moderate/vigorous) overall, and includes seven day hikes (no backpacking): 1 easy, 2 moderate, 3 vigorous, and 1 strenuous (very difficult) with a vigorous alternate hike. See itinerary below for details. The terrain may be rugged and steep in places, requiring agility. There may be sections on narrow trails with exposure (steep drop-offs). We will hike at a moderate pace, permitting time for photos and rest breaks. We will be hiking at a range of elevations, from 4,000 to 10,000 feet, so you may expect to encounter a variety of weather. Temperatures should be moderate, with average highs of ~60-70°F, with no extremes, although wind chill can be significant. October is relatively dry, with an average rainfall of 2 inches, but weather in the mountains can be very fickle and storms, including snow, may occur. You will carry daypacks containing all your clothes, gear, food, and drink (up to 3-4 quarts) for the hike, but not weighing more than ~15 pounds. Applicants must be experienced hikers who hike regularly, are in excellent physical shape, have done multi-day hiking trips, and are capable of vigorous hiking for several days in a row. They must be capable of doing an 11-mile hike at a moderate pace with an elevation gain of 3,400 feet. Half Dome, the most difficult hike on the trip (16.5mi and 4,700’ gain), has an easier, alternate hike option (see itinerary). DETAILED ITINERARY Notes regarding itinerary: Unless a date is specified, the order of activity days may depend on weather, but is otherwise arbitrary. Time of activity start in the mornings will depend on each day’s activities, but will generally be about 8:30 am, although it may be as early as 6 am for the more difficult hikes. Similarly, the end of activities each day will vary, although we will aim for a dinner start time of 6 to 7 pm. (Sunrise is ~7 am, and sunset, ~6:15 pm.) For hikes, the difficulty, the distance, and the elevation gain are shown within parentheses. We will drive from a few minutes up to 1.5 hours from our base lodging to the trail heads. The itinerary is subject to change due to availability, conditions, and other circumstances beyond leaders’ control. Day 1 (Sat., Oct. 9, 2021): Arrive by 1 pm at

San Francisco International Airport; drive to Yosemite (3-4 hours.); group “Welcome Dinner.”

Day 2 (Sun., Oct. 10, 2021): Hike, Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley via Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls. From Glacier Point, we’ll take one of the most scenic routes to the Valley floor. The trail includes views of 370-foot Illilouette Falls, Upper Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, North Dome, Nevada Falls, Vernal Falls, and many other outstanding views. (Rated

Half Dome (Ansel Adams, 1927)

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5, vigorous; 9.1mi; +1700’/-3200’; one way; 1hr drive to trailhead.) Group dinner. Day 3: Hike, Half Dome via Little Yosemite Valley. In his 1870

Yosemite Guide Book, geologist Josiah D. Whitney described Half Dome as “a crest of granite rising to the height of 4,737 feet above the Valley, perfectly inaccessible, being probably the only one of all the prominent points about the Yosemite which never has been and never will be trodden by human foot.” The inaccessible was climbed five years later, and now Half Dome is the park’s preeminent—and most difficult—day hike, requiring hikers to obtain permits by lottery. The top 400 feet are very steep, with anchored cables to pull yourself up. (Rated 6, strenuous/very difficult; 16.4mi; +4842’/-4842’; out and back; no drive.)

Alternate hike, Clouds Rest. If we are unable to hike Half Dome because of weather or failure to obtain permits, or if you prefer not to, this is another stunning hike that takes you to the summit of Clouds Rest (9926’). The summit affords some of the most spectacular views of Yosemite Valley from its east end, and of surrounding mountains. (Rated 5, vigorous; 14.5mi; +1775’/-1775’; out and back; 1:15hr drive to/from trailhead.)

Day 4: Hike, Wawona Tunnel to Dewey Point. This was Ansel Adams’ favorite area to photograph and we will see his subject in real life from some of his favorite viewpoints overlooking much of Yosemite Valley, including Stanford Point, Crocker Point (heart-pounding view from the edge of a cliff), and the last and best, Dewey Point. (Rated 5, vigorous; 10.9mi; +3400’/-3400’; out and back; 15min drive to/from trailhead.) Group dinner.

Day 5: Hike, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Muir said it well: “Walk the Sequoia woods at any time of the year and you will say they are the most beautiful and majestic on earth. Beautiful and impressive contrasts meet you everywhere: the colors of tree and flower, rock and sky, light and shade, strength and frailty, endurance and evanescence…” We will spend the day hiking under some of the largest and oldest trees in the world, stopping to admire the grandeur of the most notable ones, including the Grizzly Giant, over 2000 years old and one of the largest; the Bachelor and Three Graces; Faithful Couple, whose trunks are fused; and the iconic California Tunnel Tree, cut in 1895 to allow coaches to pass through it. We will also spend time at the wonderfully informative Visitor Center to learn more about the trees, their place in the biome and ecological status, and the impact of climate change. (Rated 4, moderate; 7mi; +1200’/-1200’; out and back, with small loops; 1:15hr drive to/from trailhead.) Group dinner.

Day 6: Hike, Yosemite Falls. Highest in North America, Yosemite Falls drops 2,425 feet from

Yosemite Falls

Using cables for the climb to the top of Half Dome

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the upper falls to the base of the lower falls. This trail was privately built in the park’s early years, and was then operated as a toll trail, adhering closely the side of the falls, with almost 200 switchbacks. We will get panoramic views from Columbia Rock as well as other viewpoints as we climb up the wall of the falls. Upon reaching the top, we will have more stunning views across the valley to the Domes, Glacier Point, Cathedral Rocks, and Lost Arrow Spire, a massive rock pillar, rising nearly to the Valley’s rim. (Rated 5, vigorous; 7.2mi, with optional 1.6mi to Yosemite Point; +2700’/-2700’; out and back; 15min drive to/from trailhead.)

Day 7: A relaxing day with a hike on Yosemite Valley floor to the base of El Capitan to stand in awe of the 3,000-foot granite monolith sought out by rock hounds the world over. You can experience vicariously two of the most amazing climbing feats through two recent documentaries: “The Dawn Wall” (2017) records the first free climb of that route by Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson, who spent 19 days living on the rock. “Free Solo” (2018) records the rope-free climb of Alex Hannold in under four hours. (Free climbing means using your hands and feet to pull yourself up, whereas free soloing means hands and feet, but also no partner, so no ropes.) In 2018, Hannold and Caldwell teamed to do the first sub-two-hour climb of the Nose of El Cap. Yes, in awe! (Rated 3, easy; 6mi; little el. change; out and back; no drive.) Guided, two-hour tour of Yosemite Valley in open-air tram. Group dinner.

Day 8 (Sat., Oct. 16, 2021): Hike, Cathedral Lakes. The hike takes us on part of the John Muir

Trail to the Lower (9300’) and Upper (9600’) Cathedral Lakes, two of the most beautiful lakes in the high Sierras, surrounded by granite walls. Standing sentry over the lakes are Cathedral Peak, Echo Peak, and Tressider Peak. We will experience the unique ecosystem of

Day Hike Rating Dist. (mi)

El. Gain (ft)

El. Loss (ft)

2 Glacier Point to Valley 5 9.1 1,700 3,200 3 Half Dome 6 16.4 4,842 4,842

3 (alt.) Clouds Rest 5 14.5 1,775 1,775 4 Dewey Point 5 10.9 3,400 3,400 5 Mariposa Grove 3 7 1,200 1,200 6 Yosemite Falls 5 7.2 2,700 2,700 7 El Capitan (Valley) 3 6 ---- ---- 8 Cathedral Lakes 4 8 1,100 1,100

El Capitan

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the Sierras above 8,500 feet, one very distinct from that of the Valley. We will also drive a short distance to Tuolumne Meadows and Visitor Center for a light stroll around the area. (Rated 4, moderate; 8mi; +1100’/-1100’; out and back; 1:15hr drive to/from trailhead. An alternate hike is planned in case of inclement weather.) Group “Farewell Dinner.”

Day 9 (Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021): After packing and breakfast, we will drive back to the San Francisco International Airport, arriving there by noon.

LODGING/MEALS/TRANSPORTATION Lodging will be at the Yosemite Valley Lodge (pending reservations; or 3-star hotel equivalent) in the heart of the wondrous Yosemite Valley, in double-occupancy (two-bed) rooms with shower or bath. All breakfasts are included in the price; lunches will be bag lunches or at eateries and are not included; and 5 of the 8 dinners are included as group dinners: one is the “Welcome Dinner” on Day 1, one is the “Farewell Dinner” on Day 8, and the other two on other nights. Dinners will be at restaurants and eateries. We will use rental vehicles for transportation from and to the airport, and to and from some trailheads. Participants may be drivers if they pass a driving record check. Park shuttles will be used for some hikes. The group will meet at San Francisco International Airport on Day 1 and drive (3-4 hours) to our lodging. Those arriving by plane on that day should have landing times no later than 1 pm. On the last day, we will drive back to the airport. Those leaving by plane on that day should have departure times no earlier than 2 pm. Participants will need to meet at, and leave for, the airport at the prescribed times or arrange their own travel to or from our lodging.

Half Dome

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TRIP PRICE The trip price is $2,800 for AMC members, and $2,900 for non-members. Non-members can join AMC (2020 pricing: $50 individual, $75 family), and pay the same trip price. The trip price includes the following:

• Lodging and all local transportation, including from/to airport • All breakfasts and all but four dinners, from first evening’s “welcome” dinner through

breakfast on the last day • Fees for any planned group events, including guided tram tour • Emergency medical and evacuation insurance coverage

Airfare is not included in the trip price. At this time, we estimate that the price for a round trip from the east coast to San Francisco will be under $500. The leaders can assist you with airline reservations. Also not included, are lunches, snacks, alcoholic beverages, and other personal expenses.

The final trip price is based on the actual costs incurred. Any savings or cost increases will be passed back to the participants. The cost estimates in this prospectus are conservative, so a refund is considerably more likely than a price increase. AMC Adventure Travel trips are run on a non-profit basis. Leaders are volunteers who are not compensated except for costs associated with the trip. The trip price also includes a surcharge that goes toward the administrative expenses of the AMC Adventure Travel program. Emergency medical and evacuation insurance coverage is required by AMC, and is included

in the price. However, insurance for travel delay, interruption, or cancellation, or for baggage loss is not included. If the possibility of such problems concerns you, individual travel insurance is suggested. The AMC has a recommended vendor whose material will be sent to you if your application is accepted. Trip extensions: Participants are welcome to extend their trip either before or after the dates of our AMC AT trip, October 9–17, 2021. However, such extensions are solely the responsibility of the participants in terms of arrangements and costs. AMC takes no responsibility related to that travel, including for any associated risks. Since the AMC-included medical and evacuation insurance coverage is only valid while you are participating in the AMC trip, you may want to consider purchasing additional insurance for any extension.

California Tunnel Tree

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APPLICATION PROCESS AND PAYMENTS Each applicant must submit three required forms posted at www.bit.ly/Yos2021App:

1. Application form 2. Confidential health form 3. Acknowledgement and assumption of risk and release (waiver) form

The forms must be downloaded, and may be completed electronically (preferably), or printed and completed by hand. All forms must be signed and dated, either electronically with Adobe or by hand. Completed forms must be submitted to Mike Darzi by email (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) or by regular mail (PO Box 2308, Rockville, MD 20847). A deposit check of $1000/applicant payable to the Appalachian Mountain Club must also be mailed to Mike when the forms are submitted. To be offered a spot on the trip, the leaders must determine that you and the trip are a good match, a process that may require a telephone conversation with you, as well as reference checks. Your deposit check will not be cashed until you are offered an actual spot and you accept. Deposit checks from waitlisted applicants will not be cashed until a spot is available, the applicant is accepted for the trip, and he/she accepts the offer to participate. For those accepted, a second payment of $1,000 will be due May 1, 2021, and a final payment of $800 ($900 for non-AMC members) will be due July 1, 2021. CANCELLATIONS To cancel, you must provide the leader with a written (email or letter) notification. The AMC Adventure Travel cancellation policy is based on the fact that your cancellation may not raise the cost to the other participants or to the leaders. Once you are notified that the trip is declared to run as scheduled, the minimum cancellation fee is $200. If actual costs (expenses already incurred on your behalf and any unavoidable future expenses that will be incurred as a result of your registration and cancellation) are higher, they will be assessed instead, unless they can be applied toward another acceptable participant. Should the leaders be able to replace you, you may be charged a reduced penalty. The cancellation penalty will generally not be determined until after the trip. Failure to make trip payment(s) in a timely manner will be considered a Cancellation.

John Muir riding with Teddy Roosevelt

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On rare occasions, AMC Adventure Travel may need to cancel all or a portion of a trip due to force majeure (e.g. terrorism, local health conditions, natural disaster, or changes in local regulatory environment). In the event of such a cancellation, your trip fee will be refunded less any trip expenses already incurred plus any non-cancellable future trip expenditures. AMC Adventure Travel is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by you in preparing for the trip (including non-refundable air tickets, visa fees, gear, or medical expenses). EXPECTATIONS The exact itinerary may require changes based on safety factors, transportation logistics, or lodging availability, and other unforeseeable circumstances such as weather considerations, natural disasters, or recommendations of governmental agencies. The leaders reserve the right to make such changes as necessary, both before and during the trip. It may happen on any trip that a participant is or becomes unable to participate in one or more of the planned activities. Leaders, in their sole judgment, have the right and obligation to refuse participation in any activity to any group member for reasons of group or individual safety. Illness, injury, or lack of proper gear or proper fitness for a particular activity are examples of reasons that may result in a participant’s inability to perform one or more activity. Leaders may try to find a substitute activity for the trip member, but this may not always be possible.

Safety is paramount for all AMC-sponsored events. Participants should be aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including, but not limited to, adverse weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips, and transportation in vehicles or on foot. Participant responsibilities: You must be equipped with appropriate gear. Always be aware of the risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. Aside from any personal medical problems, participants should be aware of the possibilities of bug bites, dehydration, sunburn and other heat or

cold related problems. You should use sunscreen regularly, and be sure to bring enough water to Half Dome

Historical photo of Yosemite Valley

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be adequately hydrated on all day trips. Ticks and tick-borne diseases exist and you may wish to use insect repellent and other preventative efforts as appropriate. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own safety. AMC Mission: AMC Adventure Travel trips are run in a manner supportive of and consistent with the conservation, recreational and educational principles and mission of the Club. Trip leaders encourage participant conduct consistent with Leave No Trace environmental and conservation principles and local regulations. GROUP INFORMATION This trip is limited to twelve to fourteen participants and two AMC leaders. It is designed so that everyone may experience our adventure through shared participation in activities in an organized group environment. AMC travelers are known for their cooperative efforts, and expectations are that all participants will be considerate of others sharing this AMC Adventure Travel experience. You should enjoy traveling and be comfortable traveling in areas that are unfamiliar to you. You should recognize that you may find yourself in close quarters or be less comfortable than you are used to at home. You should make it a priority to help others on the trip, and contribute to their having a good time. Doing that should greatly enhance your own experience.

Mariposa Grove Giant Sequoias

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TRIP LEADERS

Mike Darzi, Leader, has been leading outings (mostly day-hikes, some paddling and backpacking) for the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Sierra Club for over 20 years. He has served as the Chair of the AMC Potomac Chapter, 2015-2016, and as Chair of the Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings, 2008-2012. He has led numerous multi-day trips in the northeast and mid-Atlantic U.S., including the Berkshires, Acadia National Park, the White Mountains, Pine Creek Gorge, the lower Hudson River Valley, the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, and Shenandoah National Park. For AMC Adventure Travel, he has led or co-led trips to Morocco, France, Switzerland, Italy, Bulgaria, and western U.S., and expects to lead an Ireland trip before this one.

Mike Smith, Associate Leader, has been an AMC member for over 25 years. As a Connecticut Chapter hike leader, he leads day hikes as well as overnight trips throughout the northeast. He has also planned and organized numerous personal group adventure trips with friends and family, including to New Zealand, Iceland, Rocky Mountain NP, the Canadian Rockies, the Great Smoky Mountains, the White Mountains, the Adirondacks, and the Sierra Nevada. He has joined many AMC Adventure Travel trips, including to Patagonia, Switzerland’s Haute Trek, the Italian Dolomites Trek, Morocco, Nepal, and Bulgaria. He is looking forward to this trip, his first co-lead for AMC AT, and to introducing others to the wonders of Yosemite, a park he has had the pleasure of exploring many times. Questions: If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of the leaders to discuss.

Mike Darzi: Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com, 301-580-9387 Mike Smith: BondCliffBerries@Gmail.com, 203-537-1282

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WHAT TO BRING Below is a list of the required and recommended items for the trip. If your personal equipment philosophy is different in significant ways, please consult with the leaders. Please pack light, and bring one piece of luggage and one daypack with you. Required/Essential • Suitcase or duffle big enough for all your personal clothing and gear • Daypack large enough to carry the clothes, gear, food, and water you will need for each hike • Broken-in hiking shoes/boots (preferably ankle high) • Rain gear (a poncho works) and wind-protection

outerwear • Synthetic pile/fleece jacket, or wool sweater • Non-cotton shorts (1 or more) and long pants (1 or more)

for hiking • Non-cotton shirts (at least 2-3) for hiking • At least 2-3 pairs of hiking socks with liners • Long underwear, top and bottom (for outside in evening) • Synthetic extra layer clothing • Hat for warmth, and gloves or mittens • Comfortable clothing for evenings and in town • At least three quart/liter water bottles or equivalent

hydration system • Waterproof pack cover, or garbage bags for pack liner • A lightweight flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries • Toilet paper and Ziplock bags to pack out waste; liquid hand gel • Personal toiletries and prescription medications (extra pair of prescription glasses) • Hat, visor, sunglasses, sunscreen, and/or bandana for sun protection • Hat for warmth, and gloves or mittens

Recommended or Optional Gear • Hiking poles • Personal first aid kit with moleskin, etc. (leaders will

have group first aid kits) • OTC medications such as for digestive problems

(Imodium) and pain relief • Whistle • Small knife (in checked bag) • High-energy trail snacks • Sandals and/or sneakers for time off the trail • Earplugs • Binoculars • Insect repellent • Camera, batteries, recharger • Field guides, reading material • Cell phone, tablet, and or laptop, with charger

Ansel Adams (1950)

John Muir (c1902)