They say hiking boots. We say running shoes! This is a rare opportunity for just 10 runners (+ 2 guides) to explore high mountain trails in Tuolumne Meadows next summer on a 3-day sojourn to the spectacular Yosemite Valley below.
Run at your own pace! This trip is not a race. Our trail running trip is about getting out on trails and doing what we love. It’s about stopping at the next ridge to take in the glittering blue lake below, or taking a moment to refresh in a meadow stream. Running? It IS about running. But you have 10 hours to make to the next camp, so use the time in this glorious setting wisely. Run fast. Run slow. Or somewhere in between. The trails are yours.
Our journey is luxurious only in its scenery and grandeur. Tent Cabins at the glorious High Camps will shelter us underneath starry nights, where you’ll enjoy casual dinners as the day’s light fades and alpenglow bathes the landscape.
Ahwahnee Lodge is the final touch. Luxuriating in the softer comforts of this historic hotel after three days of down-n-dirty mountain running will be welcome respite.
Detailed Itinerary
The itinerary below is based on a 5-day, 5-night trip with an 8/22 trip start. As you know we
have applied for two separate date ranges. If we “win” an 8/30 trip start (it’s a Lottery after
all!), then the dates here will shift accordingly. Although the trip will officially begin the
night of 8/22, we will meet briefly in Yosemite Valley the day before to sort/organize
luggage. We will then send you to the High Country on your own to either get a first day’s
self-guided run in, or relax and acclimatize. We will convene officially at Tuolumne Meadows
High Camp “Lodge” for dinner on Friday, August 22.
I have outlined a trip for four days of running (and potentially five, if you take advantage of
a self-guided run on Day 0) below. The 3-day trip would essentially exclude Day 1, and
begin at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. Read on…
Day 0 - Friday, August 22 - Get Sorted and Settled
We will congregate at some predetermined “spot” such as The Ahwahnee Lodge Bar off
of the Lobby (see directions to Lodge below) in the early afternoon. Based on
instructions that follow, we will have our luggage sorted into 3 segments, ready to load into
respective vehicles. Once loaded, we’ll shuttle up to the High Country for self-guided
excursions and then congregate at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge for dinner and a good night’s
sleep. A self-guided run or hike, a dip in the stream, or a scramble up one of the Meadow’s
beautiful granite domes are all options. The air is thinner up here, and your body will need
to acclimate, so take it easy today listen to your body. Run or hike at your own pace, and
enjoy!
◊ Altitude: 8,600 ft
◊ Run: optional, self-guided
Day 1 - Saturday, August 23 - May Lake to Glen Aulin
Glorious Cathedral Peak
We’ll begin at a trailhead off of Tioga Road, and run 2.7 miles to May Lake Camp and 8
additional miles to Glen Aulin Camp. This is one of two camps where showers are not
available. A kitty bath or dip in a stream will only make our trip more memorable, with more
laughs and stories about the stinky Dude Girls.
◊ Altitude: 9,270–7,800 ft
◊ Run: 10.8 miles
Day 2 - Sunday, August 26
Glen Aulin to Tuolumne Meadows Lodge
Sunshine and solitude
In just 5.7 miles we’ll run to Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. A short run today but that will give
you plenty of get-up-and-go for tomorrow’s longer run and altitude gain. This is the perfect
day for a picnic along the river (there are some beautiful spots on giant flat rocks that line
the waterside). Also a great time to relax and read a book.
◊ Altitude: 7,800–8,600 ft
◊ Run: 5.7 miles
Day 3 - Monday, August 27
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge to Merced Lake Camp
The Ahwahnee Lodge, Yosemite Valley
Whether you do the 14.6 or 15.4 miles, your destination is Merced Lake. We’ll pass through
the highest of the High Camps, Vogelsang, at 10,300 ft and continue to rise over a strikingly
high pass. Not too long before cresting the highest point of the day, a glorious alpine lake
will beckon us to stop for lunch. And we will. The rest of the day is downhill, which isn’t
always easy. The trail is rocky and exposed and we’ll take care in our descent. When you
arrive at camp, take free time to wander at high altitude, walk around Merced Lake. Dinner
is family style at the camp. Typically, after dinner and around a central campfire, there are
nightly talks given by an articulate and charismatic ranger about topics such as the
changing eco-system and recent studies and data… frogs, birds, you name it! Fascinating
information.
◊ Altitude: 10,300—7,150 ft ◊ Run: 14.6 miles or 15.4 miles
Day 4 - Tuesday, August 28
Merced Lake Camp to Yosemite Valley!
Today is another exhilarating trail run right down to Yosemite Valley floor. You have the
option for a side trip up the granite guardian Half Dome. If you have not yet done this, it is
a must. For those feeling more excited about relaxing at the grand Ahwahnee Hotel, go
ahead and make your way there and we’ll see you for dinner!
◊ Altitude: 8,842 ft to Half Dome ◊ Run: 13 or 20 miles with Half Dome option (not all runable)
Day 5 - Wednesday, August 29 - Depart Yosemite Valley
If your legs are up to it you can join us for a easy 3-6 mile run before brunch is served at
the Ahwahnee Lodge. Note: Brunch is not typically included in price of trip, but I am happy
to add it in if everyone wants to join. It is excellent and the perfect way to splurge on your
post-run replenishment. Reservations are required for brunch so please let us know if you
would like to join us, and we will take care of the reservation for you.
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Send payments to
Kim McElhinney
Dude Girl
P.O. Box 2695
Truckee, CA 96160
Cancellation
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you will receive a full refund.
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What's Included:
- All Breakfasts, lunches and dinners
- All accommodations
- Services of 2 guide(s), who will lead the running, sweep the route, handle behind-the-scenes logistics and try to look after your every need
- As much support as is humanly possible — we’ll carry a few extras but every runner should plan on being self-sufficient for each day’s run.
- Maps and detailed route suggestions
- Baggage transport between lodges
- All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off
Price Does Not Include
- Flights
- All gratuities for baggage, porters, valet, parking and other services
- Transportation to trip start location or from trip finish
To reserve a place, you are required to make a
deposit of US$500 per person, payable by check,
at the time you receive confirmation from us.
All reservations are subject to our
Terms and Conditions.
Contact us with questions at 530-587-3833.
Book this trip
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