Explore the breathtaking beauty and magnificent natural wonder of Yosemite National Park with Great Outdoors. This trip will bring together lovers of the great outdoors to have a gay ole’ time and explore our country’s premier national park. The park contains the first land that was set aside for preservation and public use by the US federal government.

We will be camping at Bridalveil Creek group campground, which is in Yosemite’s “high country” at an elevation of 7,200 feet. We’ll be 3,000 feet above the floor of the Yosemite Valley – about a 45-minute drive from Curry Village. Although removed from the crowds of the valley, we’ll only be a short jaunt away and it will be an easy day trip to explore the beautiful hikes of the valley as well as the sites of Yosemite Village, Curry Village, and the Happy Isles Nature Center.

Activities will include: hiking, backpacking, fishing, and exploring the strikingly beautiful sights in the area.  We will also be playing a variety of games and there will even be an arts-and-crafts table.  There will be a “summer camp” feel with lots of (optional) activities…. Feel free to participate with the group or explore on your own.

Optional backpacking excursion: Up to 12 lucky campers will be able to participate in a one-night (in-and-out) moderately strenuous backpacking excursion to Ostrander Lake, which is a 7.5 mile hike from our campground (6.2 miles from the trailhead). Starting at an elevation of 7,200 feet, we’ll ascend to 8,500 feet and camp at Lost Bear Meadow for one night. This side-trip is perfect for a first-time backpacker.  Our route takes us through the Southern section of the park, with incredible views of Mt. Clark, Red Peak, and the Buena Vista Range.  We’ll camp near scenic Ostrander Lake, with an optional afternoon hike to Hart Lakes. “Turbo” hikers may want to do this as a day hike (about 15 miles roundtrip from the trailhead). (Note: bear-resistant food canisters are required. They can be rented at the park or through your neighborhood wilderness supply store.)

Carpooling is necessary!

We are limited in the number of automobiles we are allowed.  For Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, we have two group sites reserved, and each is allowed 5 cars (10 cars total).  For any campers who want to stay Sunday, we only have one site reserved (Site B), meaning we will only be allowed to have 5 cars that night.

Sorry, no dogs or RVs.

Facilities: Bridalveil Creek campground has water and flush toilets, but there are no showers.  The closest showers are in the valley, either at Curry Village or Housekeeping Camp.  In terms of supplies, there is a small snack shop at Glacier Point, a market in Wawona (8 miles) or a full grocery store in the valley at Curry Village.

Weather: Expect warm to hot days, with occasional rain (usually as afternoon thundershowers, especially at the higher elevations).
Average temps for July (Yosemite Valley): 90°F / 54°F 

High country (including Bridalveil Creek) is typically 10-20 degrees cooler

Price:  $35 for Great Outdoors members, or $55 for non-members (which will include a one-year membership).  This will include the camping fees for all nights, as well as some “incidentals” that will be thrown in for fun (including continental breakfast for two mornings, and an “afternoon” tea for one day).  The price will NOT include the park entrance fee ($20 per vehicle…. Another great reason to carpool!).

To Register: Full trip notes and registration form can be downloaded here:

http://www.greatoutdoors.org/sb/TripNotes/Yosemite2010TripNotes.pdf

Please send registration form and payment to the address indicated.

To secure a space immediately, payment may also be made online at:

http://www.regonline.com/Checkin.asp?EventId=851189

(This payment method will cost $3 more for an additional service fee.)

Bridalveil Creek campground is located on Glacier Point Road in Yosemite National Park.  From the South Entrance, continue following Route 41, about 12.5 miles past Wawona, and then turn right onto Glacier Point Road. The campground is about 8 miles up Glacier Point Road, on the right. 

From the Big Oak Flat entrance, continue following Route 120 (Big Oak Road) until you get to Route 41, at the Yosemite Valley.  Turn right (south) onto Route 41 and follow for about 9 miles until you get to Glacier Point Road, and then turn left.  The campground is about 8 miles up Glacier Point Road, on the right.