Program Overview: Humans have long been dependent on glacial and snow melt from the mountains surrounding the headwaters of the Tuolumne River — from Yosemite’s Indigenous peoples who first called this land home thousands of years ago to modern city dwellers in San Francisco and everyone in between. Of course, we are not the only species who depend on the Sierra’s pristine waters. Yosemite’s amphibians not only thrive in clear, high alpine lakes, they also impact the health of the water that they live in — and that we drink. How did these unique species get to the mountains? How do they survive in the high country’s treacherous winter conditions? How will climate change impact their survival in the future? On this three-day backpacking trip, you will discover how unique (and in some cases, endangered) amphibians like yellow-legged frogs have adapted to survive in the Sierra Nevada — and how their mere existence contributes to clean, abundant, mountain water.
Know Before You Go
- When: Thursday, July 21 (orientation at 6:30 pm) through Sunday, July 24 (return around 3 pm).
- Where: Mono Pass Trailhead.
- Registration includes: Guided backpacking trip, park entry (as needed), and two nights of tent camping at a shared campsite before and after the trip (July 21 and 24). There is no discount if you choose not to use the included gate pass or campsite.
- Lodging: Tent camping (included), or upgrade to Tuolumne Meadows Lodge for an additional fee. Camping and lodging dates cannot be adjusted. The upgrade option expires 30 days before the program. Lodging information will be sent immediately after registering.
- Experience level: All levels welcome.
View a suggested packing list.
COVID-19: We have implemented special safety measures to keep participants and instructors safe during the ongoing pandemic. Please review our COVID-19 procedures for details.
