Yosemite Mens Expedition

All adult male survivors 18 and older are invited to join TAPS on the Yosemite Men's Backpacking Expedition as we find new purpose, gain radical perspective, and remember what it feels like to live with determination.

TAPS Expeditions are outdoor skills-based events that require dedication, preparation and a real sense of adventure. Our route along Yosemite Creek takes advantage of running snowmelt, which feeds into crystal clear mountain creeks. From views like Eagle Peak, considered by John Muir to be the most comprehensive views from the north rim of the valley, we’ll be led to consider what we really can control as we learn to trust our guides, our gear, our team and ourselves.

OVERVIEW

Join us as we backpack through Yosemite National Park with our fellow male survivors along some of the most iconic views penned by John Muir himself. Our experience in the High Sierra will lead us to breathe deeply amidst the Jeffrey pines, dip our toes into mountain streams, and soak in Sierra sunrises and sunsets as we backpack this beautiful area.

Leading up to the expedition, we'll form a team bond and gain familiarity with each other through virtual team meetings to discuss training regimens, gear lists and more. Your team will be a source of encouragement as you train for this adventure and an ongoing support network long after the expedition is complete.

While each expedition is unique and rewarding, they can also be physically, mentally and emotionally challenging. Each offers an opportunity to experience for the first time or hone in on a valuable outdoor experience. We hope you’ll apply to join us after you’ve taken some time to consider your current physical and emotional strength and resilience.  

This expedition is being put together through a partnership with REI Adventures. 

SCHEDULE

PRE-TRIP

There will be team meetings via conference call or video chat that are mandatory for participants. You will have access to our Facebook group, which will include participants from this expedition, as well as those who participated in previous expeditions so you can ask questions and learn from their experience.

THE TRIP

Day 1: The Expedition begins in Yosemite National Park, California where you’ll meet the team at 4:30 p.m. at Backpackers’ Campground, located at the far end of The North Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley. Our first evening will include a gear check, dinner and a relaxing first night at camp.

Day 2: After breakfast at camp and sharing group gear, we will caravan to the trailhead to begin our backpacking journey. On our first trail day we will hike through the pines alongside Yosemite Creek, hiking just below the snowline.We’ll stop for lunch along the trail, but we’ll keep our eyes sharp for many species of birds. After a few more miles along the trail, we’ll set up camp and enjoy our dinner immersed in Yosemite’s wilderness. Backpacking: 5 to 7 miles

Day 3: After breakfast we’ll continue exploring the Yosemite backcountry. We’ll load up only our day packs today to set out for the rim of Yosemite Valley to enjoy the view from Eagle Peak where we’ll experience Clouds Rest, Half Dome and many other iconic features of the park. After lunch and more of the day’s exploration we will head back to camp, enjoy our last group dinner and our final sleep under the Sierra stars will prepare us for the next day's hike back to civilization. Backpacking: 6 to 8 miles

Day 4: Our final day will begin with breakfast and breaking camp, enjoying our last sunrise along the Sierras. Our team will then retrace our path travelling uphill along Yosemite Creek, a different perspective after our nights in the clean mountain air. We’ll enjoy a final lunch together and return back to the trailhead to caravan back to our meeting point, renewed from Yosemite’s splendor.

*This schedule is provided by REI Adventures and is due to a number of reasons, including weather and participant skill level. A more detailed itinerary is available on the REI Adventures website.

POST-TRIP

We fully expect your team members to become your family and an ongoing support network long after the TAPS Expedition is complete. You'll be provided with a directory following the expedition to keep in touch with each other.

TRIP FEES

A $50 deposit will be collected at the time of registration. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, TAPS will cover the rest of the trip costs, with the exception of your transportation to and from Yosemite National Park, your first night's lodging expenses and some meals.

LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION

You will need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Yosemite National Park. The closest airports are Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Oakland International Airport. Plan to arrive in Yosemite National Park by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 13.  You may want to arrive an evening early depending on where you’re travelling from, but we will be available to recommend lodging options that fit within your budget. TAPS will cover the costs for all subsequent lodging and meals from dinner Thursday, June 13 through lunch Sunday, June 16.

SKILL LEVEL

This expedition requires no backpacking experience but does necessitate that you be physically fit and healthy. This physically demanding expedition that will include backpacking from 5-10 miles per day. Even if you don't have backpacking experience, if this adventure excites you then we encourage you to submit an entry form by April 7.

The TAPS Expeditions team will make sure you are prepared and well informed of the nature of this trip.

To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest you engage in a regular exercise regimen leading up to the trip. Prior to the trip, we'll have a conference call and/or an online video meeting to go over training regimens, gear lists and more.

ENTRY FORM DETAILS

Entry forms will be open from March 18 to April 7, 2019. Entry forms will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so you can expect a call within two weeks of submitting your entry from. If more entry forms are received than we have slots available, we will do a random selection from qualified entries.

If you have any questions, please email expeditions@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).