Great Outdoors- San Diego
Yosemite National Park: Horsetail Fire Falls Campout
Join Great Outdoors for an amazing week at Yosemite National Park. During this time we will witness the natural phenomena of Yosemite's Horsetail Fire Falls! This trip will include stunning views of the Yosemite Valley, skiing/snowshoeing, the full moon, Horsetail Fire Falls, and more! The area is forested with a diverse mix of ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and whiteleaf manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. The gentle South Fork of the Merced River flows alongside the campground.
Campout Start Time and Location: 12 noon at the Wawona Campground
Campout Schedule:
Monday Feb 10th
12:00pm Arrive to set up camp for the week
01:00pm Drive to Yosemite Valley for Fire Falls viewing
02:00pm Set up viewing area
05:15pm Fire Falls viewing (sunset), 3-4min event
05:30pm Drive back to camp
07:00pm Welcome social - drinks and light apps provided
Tuesday Feb 11th
08:00am Breakfast on your own, coffee provided
09:00am Weather dependent: Morning hike/snow shoeing or skiing at Mariposa Grove
01:00pm Leave for Yosemite Valley (optional, group depending)
05:15pm Fire Falls viewing
07:00pm Group potluck
07:30pm Bonfire
Wednesday Feb 12th
08:00am Breakfast on your own, coffee provided
09:00am Weather dependent: Morning hike/snow shoeing or skiing at Mariposa Grove
01:00pm Leave for Yosemite Valley (optional, group depending)
05:15pm Fire Falls viewing
07:00pm Bonfire or Full Moon snowshoe at Badger Pass to Mono Pass
Thursday Feb 13th
08:00am Breakfast on your own, coffee provided
09:00am Weather dependent: Morning hike/snow shoeing or skiing at Mariposa Grove
01:00pm Leave for Yosemite Valley (optional, group depending)
05:15pm Fire Falls viewing
07:00pm Bonfire or Full Moon at the Wawona Meadows
Friday Feb 14th
09:00am Breakfast on your own, coffee provided
10:00am Breakdown camp
11:00am Campout close
Campout Type (car parking, group camp, hike-in): car parking, tent only
Campground Details: The Wawaona campground in Yosemite National Park is a tent-only facility that can accommodate group gatherings. It provides a great mountain getaway for city dwellers to relax and enjoy snowy winter activities like snow shoeing in addition to hiking and gorgeous views of the Horsetail Fire Falls natural phenomena! The site is situated at the southern end of the park, 27 miles and approx. 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 4000ft. Paved roads, parking spurs, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. A general store and gas station are located about a mile south of the campground
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232446?tab=info
Campground challenges (temperatures, animals, allergens): food storage lockers provided, likelihood of 1.5-2ft of snow upon arrival for camp and daily highs of 30s-50 degrees. Bring extra layers and bedding for warmth. If able, bring fire wood for our much needed evening fires!
Equipment Needed:
- Multiseason/3-4 season tent preferred. Standard tent can be modified for use (tarp for waterproof layer and ground insulation layers. Note: If you are planning on using a standard tent please discuss with Trip Leader and do your research. Being prepared for cold wet or cold dry weather is critical to safety. It is recommended to have a tarp under your standard tent and an insulation layer within your tent in addition to your air mattress/pad. If rainy or snowy weather, an additional tarp may be used atop your tent (caution: this should not be when your tent is wet or your tent will freeze inside).
- Tire chains required during this time of year, snow shovel
- Skiis/snow shoes, if preferred
Parking Information: limit of 5 of vehicles permitted in camp. 2-3 additional parking spaces available for Loop A on a first come, first serve basis. Overflow parking available at Alder Creek Trailhead, Pioneer History Center, and at the Wawona Store. Note: With 5 parking spots, those driving and parking at camp will need to host at least 3 campers in their vehicle. Parking preference will be given to those who register early and have the ability to organize their carpool.
Costs involved: $50 for members or $75 for nonmembers. Refunds will be on a case by case basis.
Pets Permitted: No
What to Bring in Addition to the 10 Essentials*: In an effort to stay as green as possible please bring your own plates, cups, mugs, eating utensils, napkins, paper towels, camp soap, etc. There are water spigots located in the camp or in nearby restrooms for washing dishes
Who to Contact with Questions: Host, Tyler Roosden 651-497-1611
*Note on the 10 essentials - The 10 essentials are a collection or system of items that significantly increase your safety on any hike or outdoors trip. This is not an exhaustive list of anything you could ever need. You can visit the link included Here but one version of this list is as follows:
1. Navigation
2. Headlamp
3. Sun Protection
4. First Aid
5. Knife
6. Fire
7. Shelter
8. Extra food
9. Extra water
10. Extra clothes
Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement
Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.
