New Peak Experiences – Guided Hikes to the Summits of Yosemite Icons

Yosemite Association premiers guided hikes to Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Mount Dana, Clouds Rest, North Dome, Mount Hoffmann and more!

In a continuing effort to keep the award-winning Outdoor Adventures programming fresh, timely and appealing to new audiences, the non-profit Yosemite Association (YA) will debut several guided destination hikes this summer, to the top of Yosemite’s most well known peaks and waterfalls. The day hikes are conducted by experienced naturalists, who provide interpretive narrative on Yosemite geology, history, flora and fauna, while leading guests to conquer some of the world’s most breathtaking summits.

“One of the most frequent course requests we receive is for guided hikes of Yosemite’s landmarks such as Yosemite Falls,” explains Pete Devine, Yosemite Association’s Education Programs Manager. “You might be surprised to learn how many people have wanted to climb Half Dome, or another famous Yosemite peak, yet have been intimidated to do so -- on their own. Our objective is to reduce the fear factor for hiking enthusiasts, by providing a small, intimate group experience led by an accomplished guide.”

The destination day hikes are rated as a strenuous level of physical difficulty as they involve more than 5 miles per day with elevation gains of over 1,000 feet. Most courses are limited to seven participants; thus ensuring a focused, quality experience for all attendees.

Fees for the destination day hikes are $68 for YA members or $80 for non-members. Free camping is available in either Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows for the night before and after the course.

The 2005 schedule of Yosemite destination day hikes includes:

To the Top of Yosemite Falls – May 21

A round-trip expedition up Yosemite Falls, including background insight on Yosemite’s geology, plant-life, trail building, birds, waterfalls and the early influences of John Muir.

A Hike with a View: Clouds Rest – July 10

Ranked as the largest granite face in the park, Clouds Rest gives the best views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet over 7 miles.

Go Climb a Peak: Mount Dana – August 1

Rising from Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows to over 13,000 feet, Mount Dana offers one of the most awe-inspiring views in Yosemite’s High Sierra.

Alpine Pass Trek: Mono and Parker Passes – August 6

This hike leads through a land of lakes, flowery alpine meadows and forests of ancient pines to the crest of the Sierra. Along the way, narrative includes park history, geology, high country nature and wildlife.

Go Climb a Peak: Mount Hoffmann – August 7

This hike leads from May Lake to the top of Mount Hoffmann (elevation 10,850 feet) for panoramic views of Yosemite’s diverse landscapes from the geographic center of the park.

I Made it to the Top: Half Dome – August 27

Hiking to the top of Yosemite’s most famous icon is a grueling 16-mile trek with 4,800 feet of elevation gain. Joining a guide and small group is a great way for hikers in good physical condition to experience the climb for the first time.

North Dome and Indian Arch – August 28

The exhilarating trail climb to Indian Ridge, where North Dome’s position above Tenaya Canyon, Merced Canyon, and Yosemite Valley, makes this one of the finest viewpoints in Yosemite.

Atop The Cathedral Range: Johnson Peak – September 3

Johnson Peak, one of the taller of the peaks in Tuolumne Meadow’s Cathedral Range, is the only mountain in the range composed of true granite, and has resisted erosion through the years.

Advance reservations are required for all courses. For more information or registration, call (209) 379-2321 or visit online at www.yosemite.org.

Founded in 1923, Yosemite Association revenues are used to support education, museum, research and environmental programs in Yosemite through donations to the National Park Service.

Annually, the Yosemite Association’s Outdoor Adventures program offers over 80 field courses on a wide variety of outdoor related topics throughout Yosemite serving all levels of ability. Subjects include art and writing, astronomy, birding, cultural history, interpretive backpacks, Native American, natural history, outdoor skills, photography, volunteer service, wildflowers and botany, as well as classes customized for families, children, and women.

Yosemite Outdoor Adventure participants do not have to be a member of Yosemite Association to attend field courses. However, those who wish to become a steward of Yosemite, one of the world’s most beautiful places, can join the Yosemite Association with memberships starting at $35 per year. Membership benefits include discounted room rates in and around Yosemite, a 15% discount on all outdoor adventures, subscription to “ Yosemite,” the quarterly journal of the Association, 15% discount on all books, maps, posters and calendars, and regular email newsletters.

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