Yosemite Volunteer Vacation
Protecting an Icon
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- Activity Level: 3
- Days: 7
- Group Size: 8-12
- Price: from $990
Overview
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.
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
- Trail Maintenance
- Restoration
Accommodations
Camping, 6 nights (bring your own tent)
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
Note on Itinerary
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions. Work locations may vary with each volunteer expedition according to the needs of park rangers at the time the expedition takes place.
What's included
Call 1-800-622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone
Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time
Price Includes
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.
Not Included
Travel expenses/transportation from your home to Yellow Pines Campground, Yosemite National Park; camping gear (volunteers must bring their own tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad); cost of medical immunizations; insurance of any kind (emergency medical and evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip and can usually be purchased for less than $75 through REI Adventures); excess baggage charges; airport taxes; alcoholic beverages or soft drinks; gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Consider as you sign up
Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Please contact us or see details.
REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.
REI Co-op World Mastercard® - Earn 5% back on REI Adventures trips and all REI net purchases. Learn more.
Additional Information
Special Payment and Cancellation Policy
A deposit of is $400 per person is required at the time of signup; final payment is due at 90 days prior to departure. Cost is fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure. Cancellations or transfers requested 61-90 days before departure incur a $400 fee; at 31-60 days before departure, 50% of the trip cost will be forfeited. At 30 days or less, the trip cost in non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Medical & Evacuation Insurance
All participants on this trip are required to have emergency medical ($50,000) and emergency evacuation ($500,000) insurance valid in their destination country. Short-term travel insurance to cover this minimum requirement (as well as more comprehensive coverage) is available for purchase through REI Adventures.
Weather
Average temperatures in May and September range from 47 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit. Days are generally clear and pleasant, although wind or rain can occur year-round; all day rain is unusual. Volunteers can expect to work every day except in unusually severe weather conditions. Please come prepared for all weather possibilities and equipped with good quality raingear.
Single Travelers
Single travelers are most welcome but please remember you must have your own tent as described in the "Accommodations" paragraph above.
General Information
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Additional trip information will be provided upon sign up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Meet your guides
Ed E.
Ed has been leading volunteer trips since 2013. After a 13-year legal career, he is happy to focus on raising his daughter and volunteerism. He volunteered with the Surfrider Foundation for 10 years and enjoys sharing his love for the outdoors with others.
Meet your guides
Michael T.-P.
Michael has been leading trips with ConservationVIP since 2014. Over the last 27 years, he has worked as an engineer and project manager, has traveled extensively, and volunteered for various organizations on trail restoration and maintenance projects.
Adventure Expert
Andy
Pitching in and contributing to the conservation of a place as special as Yosemite gives you a remarkable feeling of accomplishment. Working alongside park trail crews and other volunteers is incredibly energizing and fun.
Departure dates
Select a month to view departure dates. If there are no departures in a month, the month will not appear below.
Prices are per person, double occupancy.
2019
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May 12 - May 18 Sold out from $990Error: Please select a departure date to book your trip. Error: Sold out. Please select another departure date.
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Sep 8 - Sep 14 Sold out from $990Error: Please select a departure date to book your trip. Error: Sold out. Please select another departure date.
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.
Required
- Day Pack (21L-35L)
- Flashlight or Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
- Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater
- Hiking Pants (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Leather Gloves
- Pack Rain Cover
- Personal Mess Kit (Bowl/Plate, Cup, Utensils)
- Prescription Medications
- Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Safety Glasses
- Sleeping Bag (40°+, Lightweight, Compressible)
- Sleeping Pad
- Tent(s)
- Water Bottles (Three 1-Quart) or Hydration System
- Waterproof Hiking Boots
Recommended
- Bandana
- Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Midweight, Synthetic)
- Casual Shoes for Travel and Free Time
- Compact Roll of Toilet Paper
- Duffel Bag
- Ear Plugs
- Eye Mask
- Fleece/Wool Gloves
- Fleece/Wool Hat
- Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
- Insect Repellant
- Liner Socks (Synthetic)
- Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
- Luggage Tags and Locks
- Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)
- Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Sun Block and Lip Balm
- Sun Hat
- Sunglasses and Accessories
- Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
- Toiletries
Optional
- Camera and Accessories
- Camp Towel
- Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes
- Folding Camp Chair
- Gaiters (Low)
- Insulated Cup
- Knee Pads
- Personal Wipes and Hand Sanitizer Gel
- Reading and Writing Materials
- Reusable Containers for Lunch Items
- Small Binoculars
- Travel Alarm Clock
- Travel Pillow
Travel Documents
- Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)
- Mandatory Evacuation Insurance
Contact Us
Feel free to give us a call at 1-800-622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (1-800-426-4840) 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.
.Itinerary
Print Itinerary Collapse all days
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.
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.
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.
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.
Note on Itinerary
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions. Work locations may vary with each volunteer expedition according to the needs of park rangers at the time the expedition takes place.
What's included
Call 1-800-622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone
Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time
Price Includes
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.
Not Included
Travel expenses/transportation from your home to Yellow Pines Campground, Yosemite National Park; camping gear (volunteers must bring their own tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad); cost of medical immunizations; insurance of any kind (emergency medical and evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip and can usually be purchased for less than $75 through REI Adventures); excess baggage charges; airport taxes; alcoholic beverages or soft drinks; gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Consider as you sign up
Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Please contact us or see details.
REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.
REI Co-op World Mastercard® - Earn 5% back on REI Adventures trips and all REI net purchases. Learn more.
Additional Information
Special Payment and Cancellation Policy
A deposit of is $400 per person is required at the time of signup; final payment is due at 90 days prior to departure. Cost is fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure. Cancellations or transfers requested 61-90 days before departure incur a $400 fee; at 31-60 days before departure, 50% of the trip cost will be forfeited. At 30 days or less, the trip cost in non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Medical & Evacuation Insurance
All participants on this trip are required to have emergency medical ($50,000) and emergency evacuation ($500,000) insurance valid in their destination country. Short-term travel insurance to cover this minimum requirement (as well as more comprehensive coverage) is available for purchase through REI Adventures.
Weather
Average temperatures in May and September range from 47 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit. Days are generally clear and pleasant, although wind or rain can occur year-round; all day rain is unusual. Volunteers can expect to work every day except in unusually severe weather conditions. Please come prepared for all weather possibilities and equipped with good quality raingear.
Single Travelers
Single travelers are most welcome but please remember you must have your own tent as described in the "Accommodations" paragraph above.
General Information
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Additional trip information will be provided upon sign up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Meet your guides
Ed E.
Ed has been leading volunteer trips since 2013. After a 13-year legal career, he is happy to focus on raising his daughter and volunteerism. He volunteered with the Surfrider Foundation for 10 years and enjoys sharing his love for the outdoors with others.
Meet your guides
Michael T.-P.
Michael has been leading trips with ConservationVIP since 2014. Over the last 27 years, he has worked as an engineer and project manager, has traveled extensively, and volunteered for various organizations on trail restoration and maintenance projects.
Adventure Expert
Andy
Pitching in and contributing to the conservation of a place as special as Yosemite gives you a remarkable feeling of accomplishment. Working alongside park trail crews and other volunteers is incredibly energizing and fun.