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The Ascent to Yosemite National Park

6/19/2018

4 Comments

 
Picture

“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” 
― John Muir, The Mountains of California

What started as a bold idea in October became a memorable reality this June for 8th grade students at Ruch Outdoor Community School: a multi-day excursion to Yosemite National Park and northern California.  

Students were responsible for a bulk of trip preparations.  In addition to learning about natural history and current land use practices, students planned the food menu, researched hiking routes, set the itinerary for the trip, completed the Educational Fee Waiver form, and conducted multiple fundraising activities to cover over three-quarters of the trip's expenses.  This promoted a natural "buy in" and sense of agency.  Students walked away from this experience with a greater appreciation for public wild areas and the recreation activities made available by them.  

Highlights from the trip include:
  • Warm-up morning hike to Lower Yosemite Falls;
  • Guided tour of the riparian valley adjacent to Merced River from the Parks as Classroom Ranger Program;
  • 6.4 mile hike on the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails;
  • Views of Liberty Cap and Emerald Pool from the John Muir Trail;
  • Scouting for rock climbers with binoculars on El Capitan - we saw three!
  • Birdwatching and nature sketching in Hodgdon Meadows;
  • Swimming in glacial Tioga Lake in Tuolome Meadows at 9,639' elevation!
  • Waterfall hikes on the McCloud River.

Please enjoy this video of memories and moments:

4 Comments
Bindara link
10/27/2023 03:23:50 am

Your travel blog has become my favorite escape from the everyday routine. Your posts are not just travel guides; they're immersive experiences. The level of detail and enthusiasm you bring to your writing is truly remarkable. I can't thank you enough for helping me discover new destinations and plan my own adventures. Keep up the fantastic work!

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Dalton Trantow link
11/18/2023 02:10:08 am

Amazing article! Are there any environmental conservation efforts in Yosemite that you find particularly interesting?

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Nelle Hodkiewicz link
2/5/2024 01:08:43 am

Exciting! Can you share any hidden gems or lesser-known spots along the route to Yosemite National Park?

Reply
Shanelle Wolff link
4/11/2024 04:42:16 am

Your article beautifully captures the awe-inspiring journey to Yosemite National Park - I'm already planning my own ascent!

Reply



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