The Family Camping Trip Schedule
Transportation: private auto
Accommodations: Yosemite Association campsites at the Tuolumne Meadows Campground.
Trip difficulty: Easy. We will make a leisurely walk up a beautiful granite dome, hike into meadows to look for wildflowers and wildlife, pan for gold, view a series of spectacular cascades, spend time relaxing at the beach at high country lake, have every meal prepared by the trip leaders, and enjoy sitting around the campfire each night. There will be craft materials for the kids - and the kids at heart - to play with, a microscope and spotting scope, nature guides, gold mining pans, and more.
Weather should be mild; however, summer thunderstorms are possible.
Who is this trip for? Anyone who loves the natural world, likes camping, hiking, and views of the high country. It's for anyone who enjoys sharing the experience of the natural world with family and new friends. This is a special time, in a special place, to spend time with our families. It's also a trip that has become a tradition for people of all ages (and we're doing it twice this summer); everyone is welcome on either trip!
The trip is offered through the Yosemite Association.
YA has served long and well as the natural history arm of the park, and
sponsors a wide variety of seminars, workshops, and family trips,
including this one, first offered more than a decade ago.
The Leader: Dave Wyman has conducted outings to Yosemite since 1974. When he isn't in Yosemite, Dave conducts family camping trips and photography workshops throughout California and the American West and Southwest. Dave is the author of the book, Yosemite in Photographs, as well as Backroads of Northern California and Backroads of Southern California. Some of Dave's friends - all veterans of many family camping outings - will be along to help with the activities and meals.
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What Will be Provided: - Trip leaders- Three nights accommodations at Tuolumne Meadows campsites. - All meals, from arrival dinner through the last breakfast. - Guided hikes and activities - Slide Shows/campfire sessions in the evening |
 A Relaxed Black Bear Takes a Dip
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On
Lembert Dome
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- Day packs - Tent - Sleeping bags and foam pads
- Comfortable boots or walking shoes
- Rain gear (rain jackets or ponchos)- Clothes for warm and cool conditions - Sun block, cap, mosquito repellent - Beach chairs |
Basic Itinerary: Arrive by late afternoon the first day at our YA campsites. No activities planned other than setting up our tents (and commissary by trip leaders), dinner, perhaps a sunset walk into Tuolumne Meadows. As the luminous stars begin to shine, we will sit around the campfire and watch a slide show.
- On our second day, after breakfast, we will explore beautiful Tuolumne Meadows, including the Tuolumne River, historic Parson's Lodge, and Soda Springs. We'll look for wildflowers and wildlife, enjoy glorious views of the surrounding peaks of the High Sierra, learn how to purify water and pan for gold. In the afternoon, we will return to the river, where we can lounge along the shore or play in the shallow, wide, and slow running water. Before returning to camp, we'll make a short hike to view some spectacular cascades. In the evening, after dinner, we'll enjoy another campfire session, complete with s'mores.
- On our third day, we will make an easy, slow-paced hike up impressive Lembert Dome; the satisfaction gained from reaching the summit of this granite monolith will include commanding views of Tuolumne Meadows and the High Country, with the peaks still topped with patches of snow. In the afternoon, after lunch, we'll travel a few miles by car to shimmering Tenaya Lake, where we can relax on the beach. Back in camp, we will enjoy a final dinner, campfire session and a special slide show.
- On our fourth day, we will finish the trip with breakfast, break our camp, and make our farewells.
Meals: We pride ourselves on providing delicious and wholesome food, much of it prepared fresh, in camp. There are enough choices to satisfy any appetite, from omnivores to vegetarians.
Cost: Approximately $290 (adults), $125 (kids) - Yosemite Association will set the price this spring.
To sign up, visit the Yosemite Association website (sign-ups available this spring). Choose the appropriate dates and choices for adults and kids. Or contact YA by calling 209 379 2646.
If you have more questions, contact the trip leader, Dave Wyman,
at (323) 377-7565, or e-mail him at
mr.yosemite@imountainman.com.