frequently asked questions

general

  • From May to October, Yosemite offers a mix of mild and warm weather. May and June can be cooler, with daytime highs in the 70s-80s°F (21-27°C) and chilly nights. July and August bring warmer days in the 80s-90s°F (27-32°C) and cool evenings, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms at higher elevations. By September and October, temperatures drop to pleasant 60s-70s°F (16-25°C) during the day, with crisp, cooler nights. Weather in the mountains can vary dramatically depending on the year. In a heatwave, temperatures in the Valley can eclipse 100°F (38°C). Always be prepared, and check the weather ahead of time.

    Average weather chart: NPS Yosemite

    Current 7-day forcast: NOAA Yosemite Valley

  • Your safety is our top priority. Our guides are certified Wilderness First Responders (or possess an even higher level of training, such as EMT certification) and are equipped to handle emergencies in remote settings. Each guide carries a satellite communication device to ensure we can quickly reach emergency services if needed. Rest assured, we have detailed emergency protocols in place to keep you safe in any situation.

  • In the event you need to cancel your trip, we offer a flexible cancellation policy, which you can review in detail on our Terms & Conditions page. We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment in case of unexpected changes or emergencies. It’s a great way to ensure peace of mind while planning your adventure!

  • For custom or private trips, we require booking at least 4-6 months in advance to ensure we can reserve space on our calendar and secure the proper permits. For our standard trips, you’re welcome to book up until a week prior to departure, as long as there’s availability. We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during peak season, to secure your spot!

  • We believe adventure is for everyone! Western Sierra Adventures is designed to welcome participants of all ages and fitness levels, whether you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast or just starting out. While some trips require a basic level of fitness—like being able to hike a few miles or climb at an introductory level—our guides are here to support and encourage you every step of the way. Our participants range from kids and families to seasoned athletes. If you’re excited to explore, we believe you have what it takes!

    Minors younger than 18 must have an adult accompany them. For children younger than 12, please contact us ahead of time to discuss if your desired itinerary is suitable for their age and experience.

  • WSA trips run rain or shine. Always be sure to pack appropriate gear for the weather. In rare instances, we may alter your itinerary or cancel a trip due to severe weather. Please review our Terms & Conditions page for more information.

  • Nope! Western Sierra Adventures takes care of all the permitting and logistics, so all you need to do is show up and enjoy the adventure. However, if you’re planning to do some fly fishing during your trip, you’ll need to bring along a valid fishing license for California.

  • During peak season, Yosemite National Park requires an entry reservation, which must be booked in advance and has become highly competitive. Fortunately, when you book a trip with Western Sierra Adventures, your invoice serves as your entry reservation, allowing you to present it at the gate for access.

Running Retreats

  • Nope! Our retreats are open to all levels, whether you’re new to trail running or have years of experience. Each day offers route options with varying distances, so you can choose what feels right for you.

  • Definitely not! Hiking and walking are both parts of running in mountainous terrain, and many participants choose to hike sections, especially on steeper or more technical trails. It’s entirely possible to hike large portions of each day and still complete the routes in the given time frame.

  • Yes, you can choose to take a rest day whenever you like. Relax at basecamp, enjoy the scenery, or opt for a shorter run or hike. Our basecamp team will be there to show you around the Valley or just hang out!

  • You’re welcome to run or hike at your own pace—this retreat is all about enjoying the trails your way. Naturally, pace groups will form, and we encourage you to run with others to meet new people and share the experience. Our guides will be on the trail for support, ensuring everyone is safe and accounted for.

  • No. We provide .gpx files for download, and discuss the route in detail the night before. We encourage you to run with others, and should navigation questions come up, there are always guides on trial with you to help out!

  • No, runners will be unsupported throughout the day, except for the guides accompanying you on the trail. You’ll need to leave camp each morning with everything required for the day, including food, water, and essentials. We’ll conduct pack checks before departure to ensure you’re fully prepared. Occasionally, when the route allows, our basecamp team may set up along the trail, but this is rare and will be discussed during the nightly briefing. Being self-sufficient is part of the adventure!

  • No one is ever left behind! Our guides will stay with you every step of the way until you make it to camp. If you find a route too challenging, we’ll adjust the next day’s plan to better suit your abilities or coordinate rest day activities to ensure you’re comfortable and enjoying the experience.

  • For local runners, you’re welcome to bring a personal vehicle and park at the campsite. Please note that space is limited to 2 cars per site, so we highly encourage carpooling. Reach out to us ahead of time to confirm parking availability. You’ll have access to your personal vehicle throughout the trip, but transportation to and from the trailheads each day will be handled by the WSA shuttle.

    For those traveling from farther away, WSA can provide shuttle services from nearby airports, train stations, or bus stops. Please reach out to us with your travel plans, and we’ll work with you to ensure a smooth arrival and departure.

If you don’t see the answer to your question here, feel free to reach out to us directly — we’re happy to help!