Yosemite Volunteer Vacation

Trip Length 7 Days
Group Size 8-12
Activity level
Starting from $990

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Mon–Fri 6am–6pm PT

Spend six nights working with rangers while helping to preserve Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite is one of the world’s most beloved national parks. Its rushing streams, soaring peaks and beautiful meadows entice travelers the world over. On this trip, we pitch in to help preserve an American icon for generations to come. As volunteers in Yosemite Valley, we help rangers renovate trails and restore fragile natural resources. No previous experience necessary, our leaders provide the training we need to complete the work at hand.

Our days are spent learning about trail-building and conservation efforts with our nights camped under starry Sierra skies. We get our hands dirty repairing trails from visitor and water damage, removing rocks or asphalt from trail tread, cutting vegetation to clear trails, and moving crushed rock to create dry walking surfaces. This trip takes place in May and September—the perfect times to visit Yosemite thanks to pleasant daytime temperatures and fewer visitors. Have fun restoring a national treasure in the company of other outdoor enthusiasts.

This REI volunteer vacation is offered in partnership with Conservation Volunteers International Program. Additional detail regarding the special features of these trips can be accessed on the ConservationVIP website.

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Trip Highlights

  • Give back to one of America's most popular wildernesses: Yosemite National Park
  • Work with rangers to maintain trails and protect fragile resources
  • Learn about trail building and restoration, park conservation, and tool skills
  • Spend six nights camping out in beautiful Yosemite Valley

Activities

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Volunteers should be comfortable hiking up to two miles each day, possibly on mountainous terrain with some steep ascents and uneven trails. To assess your fitness, you should comfortably be able to hike stairs for 2-3 miles with a daypack weighing approximately 10-15 pounds as well as work in your garden all day moving plants, shoveling soil and pruning trees. Novice volunteers are welcome.

  • Trail Maintenance
  • Restoration

What's Included

All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 7; campground reservations; volunteer project leadership and support staff; group tools; transportation from campground to work sites; orientation and training; park entrance fees.

Accommodations

Camping, 6 nights (bring your own tent)

Your Adventure Itinerary

Day 1

Meet for orientation and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Our volunteer vacation begins this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the Yellow Pines Volunteer Campground located in the middle of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park. An orientation meeting will be conducted to provide volunteers with an overview of the scheduled work projects as well as training in proper tool use and safety. In the evening, we'll enjoy our welcome dinner together. Dinner and campground reservation included.

Days 2-5

Working with park rangers, assist in trail maintenance and restoration.

We begin the day with breakfast at the campground, prepare a box lunch, and then travel a short distance to the day's work assignment in Yosemite Valley. During these three days, we plan to work from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. with an hour scheduled for lunch. We return to Yellow Pines Campground each evening for dinner and relaxation. All meals included.

Day 6

Explore Yosemite National Park on your much deserved rest day.

Challenge yourself on a hike up the Mist Trail, relax by the Merced River, or read a book in a peaceful meadow—this day is all yours. All meals included.

Day 7

Depart Yosemite for home.

The Yosemite National Park Volunteer Project ends with breakfast this morning. Volunteers wishing to stay longer may make reservations at other campgrounds or lodging in the park. Breakfast included.

Gear List

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, as this will help you and the field staff.

What to pack

Packed by you (Required)

Recommended

You might also consider

Travel documents

  • Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)
  • Mandatory Evacuation Insurance

Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 800-622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.