This advanced-level trip will be conducted in the world-famous Yosemite National Park. After reaching our basecamp, we will spend five days exploring the area, paying particular attention to the flora, fauna, and geology. Excursions will include a hike/run around the Yosemite Valley floor, a challenging hike from the Valley floor to the top of Yosemite Falls, a day-trip to the Cathedral Lakes in Tuolumne Meadows, and a very challenging 1-2 day “fastpack” trip to the top of Half Dome.
Fastpacking is a variant of backpacking that involves traveling long distances with a bare minimum of gear. Because of the strenuous nature of this trip, which includes long distance hiking and trail running at altitudes up to 8800 feet, participants need to be extremely fit. As a general rule, the participant must already have hiking and running experience, and be capable of running a 5k (3.1-mile) distance in 30 minutes or less.
Temperatures on this trip typically range from daytime highs in the 80s to nighttime lows in the 30s-40s. Trip advisors will guide students in making their own arrangements for tents, food, stoves, sleeping bags, and camping gear. For more information, packing lists, and photos of the location, please visit http://faculty.polytechnic.org/rwhite/fastpacking
Vendor: Run by Poly (Mr. White, Ms. Bush, and Ms. Tsai)
Departs from Poly: Sunday, September 21, 9:00am
Returns: Friday, September 26, 9:30pm
Program Duration: 6 days