Please read these Terms of Service (“Terms”) carefully. This document is a binding legal agreement between you (“you” or “the guest”) and Yosemite Wilderness Company (“YWC,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).
By booking a trip with us, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, as well as our Cancellation & Refund Policy and our Privacy Policy.
1. Our Services
Yosemite Wilderness Company is a guide-owned company offering full-service, private wilderness backpacking charters in the Yosemite area. Our services include all pre-trip planning, securing all necessary wilderness permits, providing all group gear (tents, water filters, etc.) and personal gear (packs, sleeping bags, etc.), all backcountry meals, and professional guides.
For our primary service, we also provide private transportation from and to any Bay Area airport (SFO, OAK, SJC).
2. Booking Process & CUA Contingency
We do not offer instant e-commerce booking. All trips begin with a 1-on-1 consultation call with our founders, Evan and Shawna. This call is to ensure we are a good fit for your group and that your desired trip matches your fitness and experience level.
Your booking is contingent on our final permit acquisition and our annual Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) from the National Park Service. If we are unable to secure your permits or our CUA for any reason, you will receive a 100% refund of all payments made.
3. Cancellations and Payments
All payments and cancellations are governed by our Cancellation & Refund Policy. Please review it in full, as you are agreeing to its terms when you book a trip.
4. Assumption of Inherent Risks
This is our “Honest & Unpretentious” section. Wilderness backpacking is an activity with inherent, unavoidable risks. These risks are serious and can result in significant injury, illness, or death.
By booking a trip, you acknowledge and accept these risks, which include (but are not limited to):
Travel in remote, rugged terrain with uneven footing.
Sudden and severe weather changes (snow, lightning, heat, cold).
Risks from wildlife (bears, rattlesnakes, insects).
Risks from natural events (rockfall, forest fires, smoke, falling trees, flooded creeks).
Long days of strenuous physical exertion, potentially at high altitude.
Distance from professional medical care.
You are agreeing to voluntarily assume all responsibility for these risks. We strongly recommend you purchase your own travel and medical insurance.
5. Guest Responsibility & Conduct
Fitness & Medical: You are responsible for being truthful and transparent with us during the consultation call about your physical fitness and any medical conditions. You must be in sufficient physical health to participate in the strenuous activity of backpacking.
Guide Authority: You agree to follow the instructions of your guides (Evan and Shawna) at all times. Their authority is final in all matters of safety and group well-being.
Removal from Trip: We reserve the right to remove any guest from a trip, without refund, for reasons of safety, medical necessity, or behavior that negatively impacts the safety or experience of the group or violates park regulations.
6. Guide Authority & Itinerary Changes
Your safety is our absolute priority. As experienced, “Competently Confident” guides, we reserve the right to alter or cancel any trip itinerary at any time due to safety concerns. This includes (but is not limited to) unsafe weather, trail conditions, forest fires, or regional smoke.
As stated in our Cancellation Policy, we will attempt to find an alternate route from our portfolio, but we do not issue refunds for changes or cancellations due to these ‘force majeure’ events.
7. Limitation of Liability
Except for our 100% refund guarantee for CUA/permit failure, Yosemite Wilderness Company, its founders, and its employees shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, losses, or death resulting from the inherent risks of wilderness travel or any other occurrences on your trip.
8. Privacy
We are committed to protecting your data. Our use of your personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy.