Adventure 16: Outdoor and Travel Outfitters - Since 1963

< Back to Search Results

Alpine Lakes

Hiking/Trekking in California with Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides, Inc.

Highlights

  • Take in stunning views seldom seen by other Yosemite visitors
  • Expert guides with years of experience leading hikers off-trail
  • Enjoy gourmet backcountry cooking
  • Swim and fish in pristine waters of high-alpine lakes

Full Description

The high country lakes and peaks of the Ansel Adam's Wilderness and Yosemite high country are truly spectacular, and this trip delivers hikers deep into the heart of a pristine alpine environment. The Alpine Lakes trip is best suited for those with some hiking experience who want to enjoy the beauty of the high peaks, while hiking both on and off trail in the high country.

Remote timberline lakes, spectacular views of the Sierra Crest, and an itinerary geared towards exploration of this seemingly untouched landscape, create an ideal setting for our most popular backpacking trip. Hike through the Ansel Adams Wilderness, and see views of Yosemite seldom seen by others.

On the first day, meet your guide at your accommodations for orientation & gear organization. The following morning, hike approximately 6 miles to basecamp. The next two days are spent hiking to numerous sub-alpine and alpine lakes, and may include a summit trek where you'll have the opportunity to look down on the famed Yosemite monolith, Half Dome. Day 5 will arrive too quickly, and 6 miles later, we'll arrive back at the trailhead in the early afternoon.

Accommodations: First night is spent in chalet lodging on Bass Lake. Facilities include lakeside pool and hot tub, as well as tennis courts, market, restaurants. Chalets contain two queen beds and a fold out queen and are shared among trip participants (3-4 per chalet) unless otherwise arranged.

Equipment: SYMG can supply all needed personal and group camping equipment (backpacks, sleeping bags, ground pads, tents) if requested on the registration form. There is no additional cost for this service. You may print from our web page a detailed gear list , directions, and this itinerary.

Meals: Meals begin with lunch the second day and are provided through breakfast and trail snacks the last day. Our "Back country Gourmet" meals have been acclaimed in Sunset Magazine.

Preparation: Increase your physical activity and exercise routine. Hike at least one long hike with a fair amount of elevation gain prior to the trip.

Group Size: 3-10 participants with 1-2 guides.

Includes:

  • Meals
  • Camping gear
  • Shared accommodations
  • Permits
  • Guides

Excludes:

  • Personal gear
  • Meals noted above
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips for guides (10-20% of trip fee)
  • Transportation
  • Optional trip cancellation insurance

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Check in at the Pines Resort on Bass Lake anytime after 4 PM. Choose from several local restaurants for dinner. Meet your guides at 6pm in the Pines Resort Lobby and go over a summary of the trip.

Day 2

After breakfast (there is a restaurant & bakery in the village), we drive to the trailhead (roughly an hour drive-it is your responsibility to drive to and from the trailhead) and hike in to our camp about 6 miles. That evening there is time to swim or fish while your guides prepare dinner beneath the high peaks. The day ends with campfire and star gazing.

Days 3 & 4

These two days are spent hiking to nearby alpine lakes from our base camp. Guides lead hikes each day based upon group's abilities and goals. There will be options to climb the Yosemite boundary peaks of 10,000-11,000', as well as day hikes to other scenic lakes.

Day 5

An early breakfast and departure puts us back at the resort on Bass Lake with time to use the hot tub or swim in Bass Lake before heading home.

About The Operator:

Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides, Inc.

Headquarters:

Bass Lake, California

Established:

January 1991

Voted by National Geographic Advenutre Magazine in 2007-2009 "Best Outfitter  Earth" and the "Best Adventure Travel Company," Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides has shown thousands of people the beauty of the mountains and wild places in Yosemite National Park, the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness, Sequoia & Kings Canyon Nat'l Parks, and the Eastern Sierra region. SYMG is a leader in the active travel and mountain guiding world, providing carefully planned and operated trips and programs in the most spectacular Wilderness areas ofCalifornia. Programs and courses include hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, and fly fishing; and haven't changed much over the years.

There's a reason for this. The style of trip offered, the locations and times of the year in which the trips or courses run, the types of meals chosen, itineraries, and your guides; all contribute to the quality of your experience. Our trips are highlighted in the following pages. Visit Our Trips for daily itineraries, gear lists, and reviews. Visit Reservations for availability and registration. Or, call our office and talk with us. We look forward to speaking with you, and meeting you soon.

Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides, Inc operates under special use permits in Sierra National Forest, Inyo National Forest, Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park, and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks and is a bonded and licensed fly fishing guide service with the CA Department of Fish and Game. All SYMG rock courses are instructed by certified PCGI instructors and AMGA trained guides. SYMG is also a proud member of Trout Unlimited, the Worldwide Outfitters and Guides Association, and the Sierra Club.