Terms & Conditions

1. Payment & Cancellation Policy

Payment: Full payment is required at the time of booking to reserve your spot.

Cancellations:

Cancellations 14+ Days Before Trip: Full refund minus 3% credit card processing fee.

Cancellations 0-13 Days Before Trip: Non-refundable.

Park Closures: Refunds or reschedules are only issued if:

Yosemite National Park formally closes the area for the trip date, OR

The specific permitted trailhead becomes inaccessible due to NPS action (road closures, trail closures, etc.)

No refunds for: Subjective environmental conditions (smoke, haze, air quality, weather preferences) unless they result in an official park closure or trail closure by NPS.

Trips operate rain or shine unless conditions create an unsafe situation as determined by the guide.

No-Shows: Clients who fail to arrive at the designated meeting location within 30 minutes of the scheduled start time forfeit the trip with no refund.

2. Guide Unavailability

If the guide is unable to lead the trip due to illness, injury, or emergency, clients will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule to another available date. This does not apply to client-initiated cancellations.

3. Guide Authority & Safety

Turnaround Authority: The guide has full authority to adjust routes, turn around, or end a trip early based on safety, weather, environmental hazards, or client condition. Client compliance with these decisions is mandatory.

Safety Dismissal: The guide reserves the right to deny participation at the trailhead, without refund, if:

A client lacks required gear (proper footwear, layering, water, etc.)

A client's physical or mental condition poses a risk to themselves or the group

The guide determines that participation poses an unreasonable safety risk

4. Client Preparedness

Health Disclosure: Clients must provide accurate health and fitness information to support safe trip planning. Notify the guide in advance of any medical conditions, injuries, or limitations that could affect your ability to complete the hike.

Mandatory Gear: Clients must arrive with:

Mountain-suitable footwear (hiking boots or trail runners with ankle support)

Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)

At least 2 liters of water

Appropriate layering for variable weather conditions

Personal Medication: Clients are responsible for carrying and managing their own required personal medications (e.g., inhalers, EpiPens). The guide's medical kit is for emergency use only and does not replace personal medication needs.

5. Transportation

MountainsCalling.me does not provide transportation. Clients are responsible for their own transportation to the meeting point and within Yosemite National Park.

6. Liability Waiver

All participants must sign a separate liability waiver acknowledging the inherent risks of hiking and outdoor activity, including but not limited to: falls, wildlife encounters, weather hazards, and remote medical emergencies. This waiver is provided upon booking confirmation and must be signed before the trip begins.

1. Payment & Cancellation Policy

Payment Schedule:

50% Deposit Due at Booking (Default): A 50% deposit is required to reserve your spot. The remaining 50% will be automatically charged to the card on file 30 days prior to the trip start date.

Pay in Full Option: You may choose to pay 100% at the time of booking if you prefer.

Payment Failures: If the final payment fails, you will be notified and given 48 hours to update your payment method. Failure to complete payment within 48 hours will result in forfeiture of your spot and loss of the deposit.

Cancellations:

Cancellations 31+ Days Before Trip: Full refund minus 3% credit card processing fee.

Cancellations 0-30 Days Before Trip: Non-refundable.

Park Closures & Permit Revocations: Refunds or reschedules are only issued if:

Yosemite National Park formally closes the wilderness area for the trip dates, OR

The National Park Service revokes the specific wilderness permit for this route.

No refunds for: Subjective environmental conditions (smoke, haze, air quality) unless they result in an official park closure or permit denial by NPS.

No-Shows: Clients who fail to arrive at the designated meeting location within 30 minutes of the scheduled start time forfeit the trip with no refund.

2. Guide Unavailability

If the guide is unable to lead the trip due to illness, injury, or emergency, clients will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule to another available permit date. This does not apply to client-initiated cancellations.

3. Wilderness Authority & Safety

Turnaround Authority: The guide has full authority to adjust routes, campsites, or end a trip early based on safety, weather, environmental hazards, or client condition. Client compliance with these decisions is mandatory.

Safety Dismissal: The guide reserves the right to deny participation at the trailhead, without refund, if:

A client lacks required gear (proper footwear, layering, etc.)

A client's physical or mental condition poses a risk to themselves or the group

Equipment is deemed unsafe or inadequate for wilderness conditions

4. Participant Preparedness

Physical Requirements: Backpacking requires carrying a 30-35lb pack over rugged terrain at elevation. Clients confirm they have accurately disclosed their fitness level, any chronic joint or cardiovascular conditions, and any injuries or medical conditions that could affect their ability to safely complete the trip.

Medical & Dietary: Clients must disclose all food allergies and medical conditions. Clients are responsible for carrying their own required personal medications (e.g., EpiPens, inhalers).

Bear Safety: Compliance with all National Park Service bear-resistant food storage regulations is mandatory and will be enforced by the guide.

5. Equipment

Clients are responsible for providing their own gear (backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad) unless rental arrangements have been made in advance. A lightweight 2-person tent is provided by Yosemite Life. All gear must be in good working order. The guide may inspect gear at the trailhead and deny participation if equipment is deemed unsafe or inadequate for wilderness conditions.

6. Transportation

MountainsCalling.me does not provide transportation. Clients are responsible for their own transportation to the meeting point and the trailhead.

7. Liability Waiver

All participants must sign a separate liability waiver acknowledging the inherent risks of wilderness travel, including but not limited to: wildlife encounters, altitude sickness, falls, weather hazards, and remote medical emergencies. This waiver is provided upon booking confirmation and must be signed before the trip begins.