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Beginner Backpacking:
Gem Lakes - Yosemite's Backyard
Embark on an unforgettable backpacking adventure through Yosemite's Backyard, trekking from Little Lakes Valley to the breathtaking Gem Lakes! Prepare to be captivated by towering peaks, shimmering alpine lakes, and pristine wilderness vistas as you traverse this scenic trail. Get ready to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and create memories that will last a lifetime in this iconic Sierra landscape!
PLUS SOAKING IN NATURAL MINERAL HOT SPRINGS!
Need we say more?!
| Adventure Chart |
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Type: Backpacking Trip
Difficulty: Beginner / Intermediate
- 2 nights wilderness camping
- (Free bonus 3rd night for acclimation optional, see below)
- We are setting up a base-camp, and day-hiking on Saturday.
- 3.5 miles/day with backpacks (Saturday could be more like 7 miles depending on which day hike we do, but this will be without heavy backpacks)
- Elevation gain of about 1,033ft (depending on the day hike we choose as a group on Saturday)
- A host to show you around the best natural mineral hot springs in the area!
Details: You should have been on hikes before this trip. You should also be able to carry 30lb backpack, over 4 miles, with plenty of rest stops
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Trip Details:
Nestled between Yosemite and Inyo National Park, this area is a true gem, offering a glimpse into the pristine wilderness that is the true California. From the rugged beauty of the Eastern Sierra to the serene tranquility of the Gem Lakes, we're privileged to explore such a diverse and stunning landscape.
You can expect an epic beginners' backpacking journey through the gorgeous landscapes of Yosemite's Backyard, from the stunning Little Lakes Valley to the enchanting Gem Lakes! Over the course of three days, we'll conquer the full 7-mile round trip loop, averaging just around 3.5 miles a day. Prepare to be mesmerized by towering peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and lush forests, ensuring every step of our adventure is met with awe and wonder. Rest assured, we'll have plenty of opportunities to take a leisurely pace, indulge in numerous rest stops, and savor every moment of this unforgettable experience.
The near by hot springs are the perfect cherry on top! Amidst the gorgeous nature are a series of rejuvenating natural pools! These hot springs are breathtaking, and offer the perfect serene oasis, allowing us to unwind and recharge our spirits. We will soak in the hot springs on Thursday night, the evening before our hike in to the backpacking camp. We will also have the opportunity to soak after our backpacking trip. As we soak in the warm waters under the starlit sky, surrounded by the majestic mountains, we'll have the perfect opportunity to connect with one another, and with nature!
| This is a cooperative trip. If you would like to join us for this amazing weekend, please have some camping experience or attend one of our backpacking clinics at the clubhouse. You should also be in decent physical condition. If you have any questions regarding this trip, contact the event host for questions. All questions and concerns are welcome, please don't be shy :) |
Itinerary:
Thursday Night / Friday Morning
There are 2 separate choices here, and all of the coordination regarding the arrival to the starting location will take place in the weeks leading up to the trip. We will be meeting at the Little Lakes Valley Trail Parking lot, the following options are in reference to WHEN people will be arriving.
ARRIVAL OPTION 1: Leave the Bay Area on Thursday. We will be spending one night prior at the backpackers campground located near the trail head. We understand some people won't be able to miss any work on Thursday, so option 2 might be the better option for you. For those that choose this option, we will spend the evening watching the sunset from the natural hot springs!
HOWEVER - If you are someone who knows you struggle with altitude or altitude sickness, we highly recommend arriving at least one day prior to the trip to acclimate.
ARRIVAL OPTION 2: Leave the Bay Area EARLY on Friday morning. Like, 5am early. Seriously... you have to be at the trail head by 11am in order for us to have ample time to get organized and enjoy our first days hike to the campsite. From the heart of San Francisco to the campground is about a ~6 hour drive (depending on where you are located, and what time of day you leave/traffic), so calculate based on that.
Friday Mid-Morning
Our backpacking adventure begins here!
 We have about 3.5 miles to hike on this first day, and the sun sets at around 7:30pm-ish, so we want to get going NO LATER than 10:30am. This should give us time to take a few stops along the way, enjoy the insane views, and still make it to camp on time. This day is mostly flat, with a little bit of up hill to get the heart a healthy pump, so we should be able to keep a pretty good pace. Our campsite will be absolutely stunning, tucked up next to a lake in the Gem lakes area, nothing like waking up next to an alpine lake :)
Saturday
 Today we will have the option to have a mellow day, either hiking to other alpine lakes, or explore a more lengthy hike to Morgan Pass. There will be some mild elevation gain, but nothing too strenuous. We'll watch the sunset over the water with the beautiful granite mountains in the backdrop and think to ourselves, "Life is good!" After an awesome nights rest we'll pick up where we left off on Sunday. We will head back to camp for a delicious group dinner and campsite hangouts :D
Sunday
After a leisurely rise in the morning, we will prepare a hot breakfast. Then we will make the 3.5 mile hike back to the cars and make the drive back to the Bay Area. This day is entirely downhill at a mellow pace, and we'll be able to take our time and be kind to our sore legs. We'll close out the hike with some beautiful views of Yosemite's backyard as we hike back to the cars. For those that have time and want a relaxing soak, we will be doing another optional stop at the hot spring on the way home. A perfect send-off to a perfect trip :)
Includes:
- Host for the weekend
- 3 Nights Camping and Backpacking Permits
- You can arrive either Thursday, or very early Friday AM
- Multiple trips to the natural hot springs, and a host to show you around
- Maps and Trail Snacks
- Lunches for Saturday, Sunday
- Awesome dinners on Friday and Sunday
- Breakfasts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Club Group Gear (tarps, stoves, water filters, hammock, bear box, first aid kit)
- Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions... Use the comments box when you register for this event, or text the host phone number listed in the Details and Directions section below.
Why You Should Come:
 Explore the hidden gem of Little Lakes Valley and Gem Lakes nestled within Inyo National Forest, AKA Yosemite's backyard!!
Surrounded by towering granite peaks, this remote freshwater system offers unparalleled natural beauty in a serene and less crowded setting compared to Yosemite Valley.
This trip provides the perfect opportunity to embark on this backpacking adventure with temperatures warming up but not yet scorching, mosquitoes still in slumber, and summer crowds yet to arrive. Pack your bags and join us for an unforgettable backpacking journey!
Contact the Host:
Do you have questions about this trip? Is this your first backpacking trip? Text me and schedule a 1:1 call with today! Contact me @ (415) 766-7317
Or email me christina@urbandiversion.com
SEE YOU THERE :)
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