Wilderness Navigation & Emergency Skills Course

Trip Length: 2 - 3 days

Pre-booking 2025 Dates

$497

Trip Summary

Are you ready to take your backpacking and wilderness skills to the next level? Do you want to get into more remote corners of the wilderness without the crowds but be confident on evacuation steps if there is an emergency? Do you have goals to hike off-trail routes like the Sierra High Route? Or do you simply want to become more adept at using your GPS device to be more reliable when traveling in the backcountry?

If you answered yes to any of the above, this course is for you!

In this backpacking course, you will learn the ins and outs of cross-country wilderness travel and emergency procedures and communication. We’ll discuss how to navigate using the traditional map and compass, navigating using cell phones and other digital GPS tools, and utilizing terrain and natural features. You’ll also learn how to navigate as a group, giving each team member the chance to take on different responsibilities to safely and efficiently traverse off-trail terrain. You’ll learn how to choose the best route and hone in your movement efficiency along with the skills to handle emergency scenarios - all the while enjoying an incredible journey through the High Sierra backcountry of Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows.

This hands-on immersive course also includes a video call in advance of the course so that you can be fully prepared to enjoy your weekend in the wilderness.

Highlights

Learn to use a map and compass, GPS devices, and natural terrain features to travel off-trail
Work as a team to take on a variety of tasks while safely and efficiently traveling through wilderness terrain
Practical session on creating makeshift stretchers and safely moving an injured person.
Decision-making exercises, including when to call for evacuation and understanding
available resources.
A challenging final scenario that integrates all learned skills, requiring teamwork and
effective communication.
Explore Yosemite and learn valuable skills with a group of adventurous women
Join your knowledgeable female guide on a traverse through a gorgeous and secluded corner of one of the most iconic national parks

Dates and Locations

2025 Pre-Booking

May Lake Trailhead, Yosemite - 2 Nights
Physical Fitness Required: Beginner+
Trail Profile: 6miles, 5’ elevation gain round trip

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2025 Pre-Booking

Young Lakes, Yosemite - 2 Nights
Physical Fitness Required: Beginner+
Trail Profile: 14.3 miles, 2500’ Elevation Gain, round trip

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What’s Included

Online pre-course work
- An introductory online session that will give you an overview of map and compass use and digital GPS navigation before the in-person course.
- Access to digital area topographic maps
On Field Course
- A professional female guide
- 5:1 client to guide ratio or less, with a max group size of 5 clients
- Group first aid kit
- Water filtration
- Paper maps of our area
- Backcountry permit fees & park entrance reservation
- 5% back to the park
Special discount to shop at Alpinistas store

Activity, Fitness & Skills

These trips range from Beginner+ to Intermediate, depending on the itinerary.
This trip requires prior backpacking experience and a general level of physical fitness.
To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we encourage you to participate in a training program before the trip. We recommend that your program includes training by hiking with a weighted pack.

Accommodations

Backcountry camping, 1-2 nights.

Accommodations before and after the trip are not included. We recommend staying in the nearby towns of Lee Vining, June Lake, or Mammoth. There are also many Forest Service campgrounds on Tioga Road to the east of Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows entrance gate.

An alternative option is the backpackers campground in Yosemite that you may use the night before and after the event. Inquire for details.

Not Included

Backcountry meals and cooking gear
Personal backpacking equipment (a detailed packing list will be provided)
Cell phone for downloading GPS navigation apps
Compass with mirror (but you may share ours)
Park entrance fees where required
Guide gratuities

Gear List

Layering is the key to staying comfortable while being active outdoors. The secret to achieving maximum comfort with minimum weight is to bring versatile layers that can be mixed and matched to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation, and weather protection.

When packing, try to bring only what you need. This not only makes your load lighter but also helps our amazing field staff.

If you've already booked your trip, don't worry! You’ll be getting emails with a detailed list of what you'll need to bring (plus tons of other helpful information).

Are you looking to reduce your carbon footprint or save some money? Check out our rental page for great gear to borrow for your trip or shop at Alpinistas Re-Cover department for gently used gear online.

Get ready to conquer the outdoors, Alpinistas! We can't wait to see you on the trail.

Group First Aid Kit
Water Filters
Topographic map of the region
Compass to share
Backpacking Pack (Extended, 55-65L)
Tent
Bear Cannister
Compass
Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Lightweight, Synthetic or Wool)
Fleece/Wool Gloves
Fleece/Wool Hat
Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
Hiking Boots
Hiking Pants (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
Insulated Jacket and/or Vest
Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
Pack Rain Cover
Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner
Prescription Medications
Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
Sleeping Bag (15°-29°, Lightweight, Compressible)
Sleeping Pad
Spork, Bowl and Mug
Sunblock and Lip Balm
Water Bottles (Three 1-Liter) or Hydration System Plus One 1-Liter Water Bottle
Bandana or Buff for Sun Protection
Day Pack (Lightweight, Compressible)
Face Mask
Hand Sanitizer
Head Net
Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
Insect Repellent
Garbage Bag for Personal Trash
Sun Hat
Sunglasses and Accessories
Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
Toiletries
Trowel
Underwear
Camera and Accessories
Camp Towel
Casual Shoes for Camp
Ear Plugs
Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes
Lightweight Backpacking Chair
Liner Socks (Synthetic)
Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)
Reading and Writing Materials
Sleeping Bag Liner
Small Binoculars
Small Multitool

Have questions about the gear list?

Give us a call at 775-230-7125 or send us a chat or email.

Helpful for booking

After you book your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email with some action items. (Please check promotions and spam folder if you don’t receive a confirmation immediately.)
As you start to get closer to your event date, you will receive additional emails confirming access to your client portal that includes itinerary details and other important or helpful supplemental information such as start time and driving directions. You will also have someone from our office reach out to discuss any questions that you might have.
The week of the event, you should be ready to go and you will receive a final email introducing your guides, providing you with their contact information and other last minute notes.
The closest airport to Yosemite National Park is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), located about 65 miles (105 km) away. Another option is the Merced Regional Airport (MCE), located about 80 miles (129 km) away.
Public transportation is available from Fresno Airport to various locations in Yosemite via the Yosemite Area Regional Transit System. There is also public transportation available within the park. Please review their schedule for the latest dates and times.
Sierra daytime temperatures at this time of year can range between 70s - 80s degrees F, with overnight lows dropping to the 40s - 50s.
This trip is for women only. While our company is proudly female-forward and specializes in creating empowering experiences for women, our custom, private trips are open to everyone. Send us a message to find the dates that work for you.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your trip in the event unforeseeable circumstances or illness comes up that interferes with your ability to join the trip.