Yosemite Retreat - June 5 - June 7, 2020 Supported by REI Adventures

Your Adventure Itinerary Day 1

Arrive in Fresno for SheLift welcome night. We will begin our adventure together with a 1 night stay at a hotel in Fresno, plus dinner at a restaurant. The evening will be a chance for everyone to get to know each other and SheLift a little better, before heading into the park the next morning.

Day 2

Arrive in Yosemite and explore the of Giant Sequoias. Our trip begins today in Fresno, , where we meet our guides and fellow hikers at 8am at the host hotel. After a warm welcome and brief orientation, we jump in our private van and begin the two-hour drive to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in . The largest and most spectacular grove of redwoods in Yosemite, Mariposa contains more than 500 mature giant sequoia trees, their gorgeous red-barked trunks soaring over 200 feet into the Sierra sky. Our hike leads us into the heart of this magnificent grove and allows ample time to photograph and wander among these awe-inspiring arboreal giants. Our next stop is Tunnel View, an iconic viewpoint that provides our first awe-inspiring panoramas of the magnificent . Later this afternoon, a short van ride takes us to our campsite in Yosemite Valley where we set up camp before digging into a delicious guide-prepared dinner. For the night owls among us, a crackling campfire provides heat and light for evening conversation and contemplation. Lunch and dinner included.

Hiking: 5–7 miles, Elevation gain/loss: minimal; Van transfer: 3 hours

Day 3

Hike up the spectacular to Vernal and Nevada Falls. On our way to the trailhead this morning, we gaze out at Yosemite Valley’s iconic peaks and the towering walls that comprise this epic granite landscape beloved by , Ansel Adams, Royal Robbins and a host of other renowned explorers and adventurers. Today’s exhilarating hike up the Mist Trail climbs granite staircases built alongside the cascading Vernal and Nevada Falls, to the top of 600-foot-high Nevada Falls itself. On the descent, we follow in the footsteps of John Muir, hiking along his namesake trail and enjoying exceptional views of , Mount Broderick and . After our hike, we visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center before returning to camp, where we can kick back and catch up on some vacation reading or just hang with our new hiking buddies. After dinner, a good night’s sleep is only a few steps away in our large, comfortable tents. All meals included.

Hiking: 9 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 2,200'

Day 4

Bid a fond farewell to Yosemite on a final hike to and . Awaken to the first rays of sunshine and the smell of freshly brewed coffee before digging into a tasty hot breakfast—fuel for today’s adventure. For our grand finale, we’ve planned a double-header hike to Sentinel Dome (8,123’) and Taft Point (7,503’). This pair of stellar south rim viewpoints offer some of the best bird’s eye panoramas of Yosemite Valley and the rugged high peaks of the Sierra Crest, stretching out towards the distant horizon. After a picnic lunch on trail, we return to our van and make a final photo stop at magnificent before setting out for the drive back to Fresno. Our adventure ends upon our return to Fresno at approximately 4pm this afternoon. Please do not schedule any departing flights from Fresno prior to 6:30pm this evening. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: 5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 1,050'; Van transfer: 3 hours

Gear List This gear list has been created to help you choose the best equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, as this will help you and the field staff. The weather and other conditions at the time of your arrival will dictate what clothing and equipment you will be required to use each day and what (if anything) can be left behind. It may be a necessary precaution that you bring certain items on the list, even if it is uncertain whether or not they will be needed. What to pack

Included in your trip (you do not need the following items). All Group Cooking Gear Group First Aid Kit Sleeping Pad Tent(s)

Packed by you (items you will be required to bring) Day Pack (21L-35L) Flashlight or Headlamp with Fresh Batteries Hiking Pants (Quick-Dry, Lightweight) Hiking Shoes Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool) Insulated Jacket and/or Vest Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight) Prescription Medications Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable) Sleeping Bag (40°+ Most Trips/15°-29° in Colder Travel Periods) Tee Shirts (Cotton and Synthetic) Water Bottles (Two 1-Quart) or Hydration System Plus One 1-Quart Water Bottle Water Shoes (No Flip-Flops)

Recommended Bandana Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Lightweight, Synthetic or Wool) Camp Towel Casual Shoes for Camp Day Pack Rain Cover Duffel Bag or Soft-Sided Suitcase Fleece/Wool Gloves Fleece/Wool Hat Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight) Insect Repellant Luggage Tags and Locks Sun Block and Lip Balm Sun Hat Sunglasses and Accessories Toiletries Travel Pillow Trekking Poles

You might also consider Camera and Accessories Ear Plugs Liner Socks (Synthetic) Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight) Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable) Reading and Writing Materials Small Binoculars Swimwear

Travel documents Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)

Contact Us (REI) Feel free to give us a call at 800-622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out ​REI Expert Advice​, which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Practical details

Call 1-800-622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone (this is the phone number to REI Adventures).

Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time

Not Included Air transportation to/from Cusco, Peru; arrival and departure transfers; optional guide gratuities; optional hike of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; airport taxes; items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, laundry fees, immunizations; insurance of any kind. Consider as you sign up Airline tickets​ - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Travel insurance​ - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of ​travel insurance​.

REI membership​ - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus ​other valuable benefits​.

Additional Information Special Payment, Cancellation, and Transfer Policy

The reservation deposit is $400 per person; full payment due 60 days before departure. If you decide to cancel or transfer, the following fees apply and are due to SheLift at the time (prior to departure) we receive notice of your request to do so.

91 or more days = $0

61 to 90 days = $400

31 to 60 days = 50% of trip cost

0 to 30 days = 100% of trip cost

Single Accommodations

There is no single accomodation option.

Weather

Average daytime temperatures in and around Cusco generally range from 55°–75°F with Andean evenings cooling down to 40°–60°F. Much of the itinerary takes place in the mountains where the weather can change very quickly. For the overnight camp at Rainbow Mountain, which is at a high altitude, temperatures could drop to 20°F. During the months of May–October, days are typically clear and pleasant, with afternoon clouds occasionally building and leading to small amounts of precipitation. While rainfall is more common during the months of December–April, all-day rain is unlikely.

General Information

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Additional trip information will be provided upon sign up. ​We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived​ (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.