ROCK CLIMBING & CAVING

California: Yosemite Adventure

With 1,600 miles of streams, countless lakes and over 800 miles of hiking trails, Yosemite National Park is the ultimate family escape. Stand at the foot of the “Grizzly Giant,” a 2,000- year-old, 90-foot wide and 200-foot tall Sequoia tree. Hike forest trails, climb granite domes and feel the mist of thundering waterfalls against your cheeks. Learn the basics of rock climbing with the help of our professional instructors. Top off your day in the tranquility of the Mariposa Sequoia Groves on Mawona Point with a slice homemade chocolate cake and a dollop of sugary-sweet whipped cream before returning to the comforts of the Tenaya Lodge.

Highlights

• Visit the scenic overlook of Taft Point, an area that juts 1,500 feet over the valley.
• Join hands to see how many people it takes to encircle one Giant Sequoia.
• Rappel 60 feet down to the base of El Capitan.
• Learn the history of the Yosemite Firefall, an 88 year old tradition deemed so dangerous that it was discontinued in 1968.

Unique Aspects

You’ll discover Yosemite from an insider’s point of view as guides share their knowledge of the region and lead you down little known trails to majestic overlooks. Raft the Merced River and enjoy an introductory rock climbing, belaying and rappelling course. On this trip, you have a home base at the Tenaya Lodge, which means you only have to unpack once!

Accomodations

The Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is a mountain lodge with modern amenities and elegant decor. The Lodge is the perfect place to unwind after a day of strenuous, fun activity in the park. It’s fully equipped with a state-of-the-art spa and a 2,900 square foot fitness center with indoor and outdoor heated pools.

Duration

6 days.

Sustainable Elements

• Local guides.
• Locally owned accommodations and restaurants.
• Public and local transportation.
• Recycles at both operator’s site & on the road.
• Utilizes reusable materials.
• Purchases local goods & services.
• Carbon offsets.

Cost

From $2,298; $880 single supplement Trip price includes all meals, accommodations, guides, bike equipment, vehicle support, national park entrance fees, shirt and water bottle.

About the Author

Wiser World Travel

Wiser World Travel is a sustainable travel agent, your personal link to eco- and people-friendly trips around the globe. Supporting ethical travel, we consult with and match groups and individuals to the most fitting and responsible trips, whether for an eco trip or adventure, a cultural, educational, service-learning, volunteering experience, or combination of activities, and within the given budget. Our tour operators tailor itineraries to meet your needs while providing value. Wiser World is one point of contact to meet your travel needs as sustainably as possible at no extra cost.

Wiser World Travel also specializes in high school trips, whether for a senior class trip that may include volunteering for students or for a high school trip that includes a combination of activities at an affordable price.

We are your ‘green travel agent’.

Wiser World Travel is dedicated to serving people, cultures, and environments by matching caring travelers who seek new experiences to the most fitting, enjoyable, quality, and sustainable/responsible tours, itineraries, and accommodations. We represent only those travel providers who meet strict criteria for sustainability and responsible travel.

Wiser World Travel

ALPINE UP (English) Revolutionary belay/rappel device from Climbing Technology

Petzl K53 CORDEX PLUS Midweight Glove, Tan, Small $37.95 These medium weight belay/rappel gloves offer extra protection without sacrificing dexterity. Double-layer leather and padding protect the palm from heat generated during long rappels or lowers. Fingertips and other high-wear areas are reinforced for increased durability. The back is made of leather with abrasion-resistant stretch nylon at key flex areas. The low profile neoprene cuff with Velcro …

Sunset Rappel – 24W x 21H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l…

KONG Classic Figure 8 Polished $17.99 Kong’s figure 8 provides one of the smoothest, easiest to control descents of any device. The Kong Classic Figure 8 will also outlast most other rappel devices on the market. Fits ropes 9 – 12mm….

Mountaineering-The Freedom of the Hills One of the first compilations of extremely pragmatic safety recommendations for mountain camping and climbing, particularly in artic conditions….

The Nylon Caver – February 1994 (Especially for the Vertical Caver) FEATURE ARTICLES Change – Over with a Rack by Mark Jancin Preparation and Technique for a Long Rappel by Bob Coney The Climbing Contest, Lets Look at Reality by Bill Bussey Military Fast Roping by Duncan Lill SMC Stainless Steel Figure 8 by Tom Moss Belays, Fact or Fable? by Michael A Payne Weybridge a la Mode by Peter Grant Ukraninian Climbing Contest by Alexander Klimchouk & Teresa Williams El C…

The Nylon Caver – September 1994 (Especially for the Vertical Caver) FEATURE ARTICLES A Dozen Ways to Stay Alive While Vertical Caving by David McClurg Think before you Rappel Through a Tight Spot Picks and Pans by Bill Bussey Getting Myself Out of Lechuguilla by Peter Jones Wheeler’s Deep Cave, Nevada by Ralph E Powers A View of El Capitan by Miriam Cuddington Cam Devices and Prusiks by Cliff Shattuck Beginning Vertical Work by G T Sanford III Rope Strength and Ca…

Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate Locking Carabiner: Mocha $7.46 The RockLock carabiner features a keylock nose and a screwgate closure that can be operated with one hand.Square hinge end holds belay loop securely in placeSlightly curved spine maximizes gate openingKeylock nose prevents snaggingWeight: 89g, 3.1ozClosed Gate Strength: 24 kN, 5395 lbfOpen Gate Strength: 7 kN, 1574 lbfMinor Axis Strength: 7 kN, 1574 lbf…

Black Diamond ATC Belay Device $16.95 Often copied but never equaled, the Black Diamond ATC provides lightweight and durable belaying and rappelling performance anytime, anywhere….

Petzl AM’D Locking Carabiners The shape and size of this carabiner makes it great for most uses, from connecting a belay device to your harness or as a connector at the end of a lanyard. Gate opening 22mm. Major axis strength 28kN. Minor axis 7kN. Open gate 8kN. CE certified….