Rappelling at Yosemite National Park
A FOUR-HOUR DRIVE from San Francisco puts you in the heart of Yosemite National Park on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, amidst towering ancient sequoias and famed granite cliffs and boulders. Yosemite has earned a reputation as a climber’s paradise, thanks to iconic names such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Sentinel — but you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy this glacier-carved valley. One of the best bets for navigating Yosemite safely is to climb with a guide. Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service features the only authorized climbing guides in the park — and they’re also either certified Wilderness First Responders or Wilderness EMTs. The school offers climbing lessons daily, suitable for anyone from
it’s best known as a recreational
novice to pro, as well as private guided climbs and equipment rentals. Rappelling, a self-
wonderland — and specifically for some of the finest white water rafting west of the Rocky Mountains. The South Fork of the American River includes 50 Class III (moderately difficult with high, irregular waves) and Class II (easy with smaller waves) rapids over the course of 21 miles. Although it offers plenty of whitewater thrills — with ominous names like Meatgrinder, Triple Threat, Troublemaker and Satan’s Cesspool — the river also features plenty of large pools after each rapid, allowing you to catch your breath before the next surge. Beginning and intermediate rafters are encouraged to make the journey with one of the Bureau of Land Management’s permitted commercial companies. In addition to the benefits of having an experienced guide, using an outfitter eliminates the hassle and expense of buying or renting life jackets and other gear. Depending on your time frame and appetite for excitement, there are trips ranging as short as two hours on the water to two full days to see the entire river and do some camping in the wilderness. The South Fork season generally lasts from early March through October. In spring, expect higher water flows and smaller crowds, with chillier conditions that warrant a wetsuit. Memorial Day through Labor Day is the peak season for traffic and warm, steady water flows.
controlled descent down a rock face using a system of
anchors and ropes, is an essential skill in this terrain. The “Welcome to the Rock” program is designed for beginners, with climbing and rappelling at heights up to 60 feet, while
the “Crack Climbing” and “Anchoring” classes are perfect for intermediate climbers who want to take their indoor climbing skills to the next level. For advanced climbers, “Leading/Multi-Pitch Climbing” provides a solid foundation for learning how to climb without a guide. If climbing Half Dome or El Capitan is on your bucket list, plan on a five- or six-day trip — and make your reservation well in advance. White water rafting the South Fork of the American River THE SOUTH FORK of the American River, 40 miles east of Sacramento, gained its original fame as the site of California’s first gold discovery in 1848. Today,
14
IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 9 | 2021
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker