2010 Yosemite Outdoor Adventures

Essential Information and Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a member of YC to take a course?
How do I register?
What else do I need to do to enroll in a course?
What is included in tuition?
What information will I receive once I enroll?
What is the typical class size?
Where should I stay?
How do I get to Yosemite?
What should I expect from the weather?
How hard will the hiking be?
What if I have to cancel?
How do I arrange to camp?
How do I rent a room?
What about meals?
Are there bears in Yosemite?
What's involved in backpacking trips?
What are the outdoor courses really like?
Can Yosemite Outdoor Adventures arrange a special trip for my group?
How can I become a Yosemite Conservancy volunteer?

Do I need to be a member of YC (YA or YF) to take a course?

No, but Yosemite Conservancy members do receive a 15% discount from all course tuition fees (along with a range of other benefits).

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.  Backpack trips require a medical form, too.

What is included in tuition?

Your tuition covers instruction with a top-notch leader, 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 backpack trips. Check specific courses for other items covered by your tuition. Meals, transportation 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. Any conferences, festivals, and other large events are intended to accommodate sizable groups of people.

Where should I stay?

We provide free camping (for enrollees only) for most of our courses at YC 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.  Any unused reserved rooms revert to DNC 45 days before a course.  We'll send you the necessary room reservation form after 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 (in summer). Public transportation arrangements can be made through Amtrak, Greyhound Bus, and YARTS (www.yarts.com). Please note that not all class meeting sites are accessible by public transportation.

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.  Daily hiking miles are listed in the description of all 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

• Easy: Involves short walks.
• Moderate: (Generally) moderate hiking of less than five miles per day with elevation gain less than 1,000 feet.
• Challenging: (Generally) strenuous hiking with intense physical activity; hikes are over five miles per day with elevation gain over 1,000 feet.

For backpacks

• Beginner: For people with no or limited backpacking experience. Hikes (usually) limited to less than six miles per day with daily elevation gain of less than 1,000 feet.
• Intermediate: For people who have prior backpacking experience. Hikes (mostly) between 6-10 miles a day with daily elevation gain of over 1,000 feet.
• Advanced: Participants must have extensive prior backpacking experience. Hikes (generally) 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.
• Winter courses can become more challenging than usual if there's a lot of fresh snow.

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 Conservancy 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?

YC Shared Sites: Course descriptions indicate that the course fee includes a site at the YC shared campsites. If you want to bring a guest or family 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 YC-reserved campsites.

How do I rent a room?

YC 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 the specific course for the lodging location.

Delaware North needs our participants to use a specific room reservation form to secure these bookings.  We'll send this to enrollees once we have them from DNC.  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 45 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 801/559-4911 or check www.yosemitepark.com for reservations. In addition, there are other accommodations outside Yosemite--call the YC office for a list.

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 and/or find some informational videos online in advance. Participants provide all their own food and equipment, other than a bear-proof cannister, which are mandatory and we provide. 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 guided hike for my group?

We love doing this!  We regularly plan and lead Custom Adventures for corporate groups, travel and tour companies, churches, universities, friends and families who come as a group. Call the program coordinator at (209) 379-2321 if you would like us to arrange a special adventure for your group with one of our top-notch naturalists. There are size limits depending upon where the course is held.

How can I become a Yosemite Conservancy volunteer?

YC recruits volunteers each summer. A small staff of dedicated YC 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 YC office for an application at (209) 379-2317.