Yosemite High Country

Backpacking Yosemite: Vogelsang

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trip dates
To Be Determined
Trip Dates

Select your dates during checkout.

trip difficulty
3 Days
trip difficulty
Difficult
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Participants will be carrying their own gear as well as group gear (35 - 45 lbs total), for roughly 7 miles each day over moderate to strenuous terrain with elevation drops and gains of up to 2,000 ft in a day at an altitude as high as 11.000 ft. We recommend doing numerous day hikes and training with a 35 - 45 lb pack prior to your trip. Individuals should be in very good physical condition. Participants under the age of 18 can currently not join this trip.
trip difficulty
6-15 people

Description

One of the most underrated areas of Yosemite National Park, Vogelsang (German for bird song) offers spectacular high country views. Visit secluded and picturesque alpine lakes, meadows, and peaks on this three day journey that will not disappoint the intermediate nor advanced backpacker. We will make Camp near Fletcher Lake and the Vogelsang High Sierra Camp.

Please note that minors under 18 need prior approval to join this trip. We are happy to answer any questions through email or phone listed below.

Have a question about this trip? Email us at [email protected].
Sports Basement has partnered with the Outdoor Adventure Cub for this trip.

You may find our cancellation policy at the bottom of this page.

"Great guides and amazing trip! It was my first time backpacking and they were very helpful." - Emma

Itinerary

Although we'll always do our best to adhere to this schedule, it is often dictated by factors outside of our control and is therefore subject to change. We will run this trip rain or shine as long as it is safe to do so.

DAY 1
  • Meet at the Lyell Canyon Trailhead Parking Lot at 9 am
  • Trip orientation and gear discussion
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of the high country
  • Hike roughly 7 miles on moderate uphill terrain
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Make camp near Fletcher Lake and the Vogelsang High Sierra Camp
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot dinner along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
DAY 2
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot breakfast along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
  • Optional day hike: Hike 7 miles roundtrip with a lightweight day pack over Vogelsang Pass
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of the high country
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Hike back to Camp with a lightweight day pack
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot dinner along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
DAY 3
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot breakfast along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
  • Break camp
  • Hike 7 miles on moderate downhill terrain
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of the high country
  • Return to the Lyell Canyon Trailhead Parking Lot
  • Congratulations! You just backpacked/hiked 21 miles with roughly 4.7k elevation gain over 3 days!

Packing List

Included:
  • Experienced guides, certified as Wilderness First Responders
  • All necessary permits for backpacking in Yosemite
  • Yosemite entrance permit (not the entrance fee, but the permit needed to enter Yosemite, if required)
  • Meals: Day 1: lunch and dinner, Day 2 breakfast, lunch and dinner, Day 3 breakfast and light lunch
  • Group cooking gear (stoves, pots, water filters)
  • Bear Canisters
  • Group first aid supplies
  • Dinners, Breakfasts and Hot Beverages
  • An Amazing Wilderness Experience
Not Included:
  • Transportation to and from Yosemite
  • Personal Backpacking Gear (see Gear List below; rentals available)
  • Trail Snacks
  • Park Entrance Fees
  • Insurance of any kind
  • Guide Gratuities
  • Soap
  • Full Wallet and Set of Keys
  • Full sized Toothpaste, Deodorant, Sunscreen, etc. (Please only bring small packages of these things or re-package them yourself.)

Reviews

Interested in a private trip? Click here for info.
Sports Basement Outdoors Cancellation Policy

For our Ski Bus trips:

Cancellations for the Tahoe Ski Bus must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled departure time in order to receive a refund of 97%. After that, refunds will not be given, but we will accommodate rescheduling of reservations up until noon the day before the trip.

For all overnight trips or multiple day courses:

If we cancel a trip:
While we make every effort to run our scheduled trips, our current climate reality means that some trips may not be safe to run due to circumstances beyond our control. At our sole discretion, we may choose to postpone, reschedule or cancel these trips. If we decide to cancel,  postpone or reschedule a trip,, a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. If participants are unable to reschedule to another date, a full refund will be provided.
Please note: Rain, snow, nearby fires or smoke are not necessarily reasons we will cancel a trip. 

If you cancel a trip:
For all overnight trips or multiple-day courses, you can cancel more than 30 days before the start of the trip/course and receive a full refund.  Between 30 and 14 days before the start of the trip, you can reschedule your trip for a future date, but no refunds are given. If you cancel within 14 days of the start of the trip,, there are no refunds, cancellations or rescheduling. **
**Exceptions may be available for severe illnesses, injuries, or a death in the immediate family. A medical note from a licensed physician or death certificate will be required. If an exception is made, a fee of  50% of the total trip cost will be charged .