High Sierra Private Family Adventure Travel Tour |MT Sobek

A Special Ansel Adams Wilderness Experience

Gather the family together for a fun-packed private camping adventure in the heart of the Ansel Adams Wilderness - one of the best-kept secrets of the High Sierra, located on the southeast edge of Yosemite National Park. Be wowed by spectacular vistas, sweeping granite ridges, dazzling alpine lakes, and wildflower-strewn meadows. Spend your days exploring this stunning mountain environment on moderately paced hikes for all ages. Plus swim, fish, relax at camp, and even learn backpacking skills from expert guides - who make amazing mentors to inspire a life-long love of the outdoors. This is a perfect week-long summer camp for the entire family.

Experience the wonders of the Ansel Adams Wilderness on this backcountry camping adventure designed for the whole family

Hike, swim, fish, stargaze and learn the skills necessary to camp in the backcountry - great for first-timers in the wilderness!

Follow scenic trails high in the Sierras with an option to tackle a 10,000-foot peak

Why take this trip with us?

Reason #01

MT Sobek has been leading trip in the Sierras for 50 years, working with the best local guides to create truly outstanding hiking adventures.

Reason #02

This unique family trip is especially tailored for all ability levels so that everyone can enjoy the entire wilderness experience.

Reason #03

We make it fun! It's like summer camp for the whole family with opportunities to bond on the trail and around crackling camp fires.

Meet your guides

Alex Kendrall

Alex grew up in Concord, New Hampshire exploring the mountains of New England. It was here that his spirit and passion for adventure began. Alex's passion for shared wilderness experiences has culminated in a degree in Outdoor Education and certifications from the American Mountain Guiding Association (AMGA). Moving to California was the culmination of a dream come true, where he is able to combine his passion for climbing with a career in guiding. He has a tremendous amount of experience in the backcountry and great leadership qualities which endear him to MT Sobek travelers.

Sierra Zacks

Sierra was born and raised on the entrance road to Joshua Tree National Park and spent her early years hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding in the park and the nearby high Sierra. She went on to graduate from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in Ecology and Plant Biology. During this period, she worked UC Santa Cruz's Adventure Outings Department where she led climbing, backpacking, and river trips. She now spends her summers in the High Sierra leading trips and exploring the beautiful landscape. In her free time you can find her rock climbing, botanizing, or birdwatching in the mountains.

Activities

Moderately paced hikes, tailored for all ages, with options for swimming and fishing. Plus learn insights into wilderness survival.

Lodging

Full-service hotel to kick off the adventure, followed by MT Sobek tented camps with spellbinding views in the heart of the Ansel Adams Wilderness.

Climate

Average temperatures are between 70°F-80°F in the daytime and 40°F- 50°F at night.

FAQ

Is this really family friendly?

Absolutely! This trip takes you into one of the world's most beautiful places - the Ansel Adams Wilderness - where we will be based for 3 nights at the same beautiful camp. This means you can hike with your kids as much as you like, or stay back and swim, fish, or play games. This is heaven for outdoorsy families!

How do I prepare for this trip?

Training is paramount to the enjoyment and success of your trip. We recommend exercising in the months prior to your trip to bolster sustained cardiovascular/aerobic activities as well as core and leg strength. Day hikes, preferably on hilly, off road terrain, is the best way to train for our trips. Activities such as cycling and step-master type machines are also excellent and preferable to a routine comprised solely of running.

How are the meals while camping?

We provide meals starting with breakfast on day two through lunch and trail snacks the last day. Our "Backcountry Gourmet" meals have been acclaimed in Sunset Magazine. We take pride in providing excellent meals even in remote surroundings.

What will the packstock do?

Mules will be carrying all of our equipment and your personal gear on Day 2 and Day 5. We won't be hiking with the mules nor camping with them. You will need to pack your personal belongings efficiently into one mid-sized compression sack or duffel as outlined in our pre-trip materials. You are welcome to pack anything extra in your daypack.

What about bears?

There are black bears in the Sierras, but there are no brown or grizzly bears. We will use bear proof food storage, so as not to attract snacking bears. In very rare instances, black bears have shown dominance by bluff charging, especially when guarding cubs. This is very rare, and no one has been seriously injured by a black bear in Yosemite.

What camping equipment is provided?

We supply all group camping gear (stoves, cookware, water filters, group first aid kit, bear cans, etc.). We can also supply personal camping equipment (daypacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, trekking poles, and tents) upon request with no additional fee.

Testimonials

"Great experience every time with some of the most knowledgeable guides in their fields. We always come home with wonderful memories of the people we meet and things we see."

Bob J.
MT Sobek Guest

"MT Sobek took care of everything for our extended family vacation. Not a hiccup in the planning, the itinerary, the lodging or the guide. Everything in life should be so easy."

Kathy J.
MT Sobek Guest