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HOW
DO I REGISTER?
Register by phone at (209) 379-2321, through our website (www.yosemite.org),
or by mail using the registration form that can be downloaded from this
site.
WHAT
ELSE DO I NEED TO DO TO ENROLL IN A COURSE?
Every participant is required to complete a liability release form
before attending a course.
WHAT
IS INCLUDED IN TUITION?
Your tuition covers instruction with a top-notch guide, park entrance
fees, campground fees (a value of up to $20 per night where applicable),
and backcountry and special use permit fees. Use of a bear canister
is provided on all backpacks. Check specific courses for other items
covered by your tuition. Meals and equipment are not included unless
specifically noted.
WHAT
INFORMATION WILL I RECEIVE ONCE I ENROLL?
Within two weeks of enrollment, you will receive a confirmation in the
mail. Approximately two months prior to the course, you'll be mailed
a complete information packet, which contains your fee waiver pass,
detailed class schedule, reading and materials list, and park information.
WHAT
IS THE TYPICAL CLASS SIZE?
To ensure a quality experience, we limit most classes to 12-20 students.
Courses that require a more focused level of instruction may be smaller
in size. Our conferences, festivals, and other large events are intended
to accommodate sizable groups of people.
WHERE
SHOULD I STAY?
We provide free camping for most of our courses at YA shared campsites. If you would like to camp, you must indicate
this on your enrollment form, or notify us at least 30 days in advance
of the course start date.
A limited number of rooms are available
for participants at an additional cost. You can request a reservation
form when you enroll in the class.
Other accommodation
options are also available. We'll be happy to provide you with a list
of options upon request.
HOW
DO I GET TO YOSEMITE?
Most participants drive to Yosemite since it is some distance from urban
areas. Major airports near Yosemite include Fresno, San Francisco, Sacramento,
and Reno. Public Transportation arrangements can be made through Amtrak,
Greyhound Bus, and VIA Adventures. Please note that not all class meeting
sites are accessible by public transportation. Click
here for more information.
WHAT
SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE WEATHER?
Expect the unexpected! Weather conditions vary greatly in the Sierra
Nevada, so be prepared for all conditions in all seasons. Courses are
con-ducted rain or shine. For road and weather information call the
NPS 24-hour updated recording at (209) 372-0200.
HOW
HARD WILL THE HIKING BE?
Hiking is an integral part of practically every course, so you must
be in good physical condition to attend. Backpacking outings require
an even higher level of fitness, and if you wish to attend a backpack,
you will be required to complete a medical questionnaire before your space
in the class can be confirmed. For any outing, if you are unprepared
or appear physically unable to complete the required activities, trip
leaders have the right to ask you to leave the course in order to ensure
the safety of the group.
All courses
have been rated according to the difficulty of the hiking. To assess
whether a trip is right for you, use the guide below. Daily hiking miles
(DHM) are listed in the description of all level 2 and 3 rated classes.
If you have questions regarding the demands of any course, please call
the office-we'll be happy to help you decide whether the course is a
good fit.
FOR
ALL COURSES EXCEPT BACKPACKS:
o Level 1: Involves short walks.
o Level 2: Moderate hiking of less than five miles per day with elevation
gain less than 1,000 feet.
o Level 3: Strenuous hiking with intense physical activity; hikes are
over five miles per day with elevation gain over 1,000 feet.
FOR BACKPACKS
o Beginner: For people with no or limited backpacking experience. Hikes
limited to less than six miles per day with daily elevation gain of
less than 1,000 feet.
o Intermediate: For people who have prior backpacking experience. Hikes
between 6-10 miles a day with daily elevation gain of over 1,000 feet.
o Advanced: Participants must have extensive prior backpacking experience.
Hikes over 10 miles a day with daily elevation gain of over 1,000 feet.
CONSIDER
THE FOLLOWING FACTORS WHEN CHOOSING A COURSE THAT INVOLVES HIKING:
- Your
personal level of fitness.
- The
overall elevation of the hiking area: Tuolumne Meadows hikes start
at 8,600 feet elevation; Tioga Pass 9,940 feet; Yosemite Valley and
Wawona 4,000 feet.
- Each
hike's round-trip mileage per day.
- The
overall elevation gain or loss of a hike: If it's over 1,200 feet,
the hike will be demanding.
WHAT
IF I HAVE TO CANCEL?
Course refunds will be given for cancellations received in writing no
later than 30 days before the course starting date. A 10% cancellation
fee will be charged for each enrollment.
For cancellations
made after the 30 day deadline, we cannot issue refunds for any reason.
No exceptions can be made to this policy. We understand that unforeseen
or emergency circumstances may arise, but our non-profit organization
operates on a limited budget. We strongly urge you to obtain trip cancellation
insurance through your local travel agent. In the event you have to
cancel after the deadline, we can issue a credit for your unrefunded
fees that can be used for another course in the same calendar year only.
If the
Yosemite Association cancels a trip, we will refund your fees fully, but cannot be responsible for the costs of any other travel or lodging you've arranged.
HOW
DO I ARRANGE TO CAMP?
Y.A. Shared Sites: Course descriptions indicate that the course fee
includes a site at the YA shared campsites. If you want to bring a guest
you must make your own campsite reservation by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Camping
on Your Own: To make campground reservations on your own for an additional
fee, contact 1-877-444-6777. National Park Service campgrounds have
cold running water and flush toilets, but there are no showers or electricity.
Showers may be purchased through the concessionaire in most park locations.
Pets are not allowed on seminars or in YA-reserved campsites.
HOW
DO I RENT A ROOM?
YA Reserved Rooms: Course descriptions will indicate when a room with
bath (and a few without) are available for participants for an additional
cost at Yosemite Lodge, Curry Village, the Wawona Hotel, or elsewhere.
See specific course for lodging location.
Fill out
the room reservation request form mailed with your course confirmation,
and send it with the first night's deposit to the address on the form
as soon as possible. Unused rooms are dropped thirty days in advance
of the course starting date.
Reserving
a Room on Your Own: If you would like to rent a room on your own, call
(559) 252-4848 for reservations. In addition, there are other accommodations
outside Yosemite--call the program office.
WHAT
ABOUT MEALS?
Meals are on your own unless specified in the course description.
ARE
THERE BEARS IN YOSEMITE?
Yes! Black bears live in Yosemite and cause damage to automobiles and
personal property every year -- be sure to follow federal requirements
for food storage while visiting the park campgrounds or room accommodations.
Never store food in your car. Each visitor plays an important role in
keeping human food away from bears!
WHAT'S
INVOLVED IN BACKPACKING TRIPS?
It is imperative that you come well prepared for any backpacking trip.
If you are backpacking for the first time, we highly recommend that
you read a backpacking book in advance. Our staff is happy to help with
any questions. Backpacking trips are planned for all levels of skill
ranging from introductory programs for beginners (or for those wanting
to refresh their skills) who are physically fit to advanced hikers who
are in excellent physical condition and have previous multi-day backpacking
experience. Even introductory trips involve hiking at high elevations
and are very physically demanding. Each participant must be in excellent
physical condition and prepared with proper gear in order to attend.
If, at the start of a backpack, the trip leader determines that you
either do not have proper gear, or that you appear physically unable
or too ill to do the hiking required, he or she may have to ask you
to leave the course.
WHAT
ARE THE OUTDOOR COURSES REALLY LIKE?
You can read a first-person account for an
up-close look at a typical course.
CAN
YOSEMITE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES ARRANGE A SPECIAL TRIP FOR MY GROUP?
We regularly plan and lead outdoor programs for adults and families
who come as a group. Call the program coordinator at (209) 379-2321
if you would like us to customize an adventure for you. There are size limits depending
upon where the course is held.
HOW
CAN I BECOME A YOSEMITE ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER?
YA recruits volunteers each summer. A small staff of dedicated YA members
promotes a growing membership, staffs the Outdoor Adventures campground
area in Tuolumne Meadows, and helps with other interpretive programs
in Tuolumne Meadows. If you are interested in being considered for a
volunteer position for at least a four-to-six week period, and would
enjoy camping at 8,600 feet elevation in Tuolumne Meadows, please call
the YA office for an application at (209) 379-2321.
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