April 22–25, 2027 | Capacity: 20-30 Participants
For the classes of 2017-2026

Yosemite National Park

Join fellow Carleton Young Alumni and faculty leader George Vrtis for a three-day escape to Yosemite National Park—often called “the most beautiful place on earth.” Thoughtfully curated by George and the Young Alumni team, this adventure balances crisp granite peaks and iconic Valley vistas with the comfort of Under Canvas Yosemite.

Our Very First Young Alumni Adventure

Reconnect with nature—and each other—without sacrificing comfort. During the day, we’ll explore Yosemite’s legendary trails, glacial valleys, and ancient sequoia groves alongside George Vrtis. By night, we’ll retreat to our safari-inspired glamping tents nestled in the Sierra Nevada countryside.

While this trip offers comfortable beds and private bathrooms, daily park explorations will involve moderate physical activity over uneven terrain.

Our group of 20-30 Carleton alumni and friends will sleep in glamping tents at Under Canvas Yosemite.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Can you comfortably hike 3 to 6 miles per day on trail surfaces with moderate elevation gain?
  • Are you comfortable walking over uneven rocks, exposed roots, and granite steps?
  • Are you prepared for variable mountain weather, ranging from warm daytime sun to chilly alpine evenings?
  • Do you love getting out into the wilds of nature, exploring extraordinary landscapes, and connecting with nature and old and new friends?

If you enjoy active days outdoors paired with cozy nights around a campfire, this trip is designed for you.

Faculty Leader

George Vrtis is a Professor of History and Environmental Studies at Carleton College. His research and teaching interests focus on the field of American Environmental History, with particular interests in mining and resource use, urban environments, and wilderness and national parks. His course offerings include American Environmental History, American Wilderness, and American Cities and Nature. Over the past decade, he has taken many Carleton students to Grand Canyon National Park as part of his Wilderness Studies OCS Program.  The Yosemite Young Alumni program brings together many of George’s research and teaching interests, as well as his love of the West, national parks, and backcountry hiking. He is excited to share the trail with you at Yosemite National Park.

Basic Logistics

  • Day 1 (April 22): Arrive at Under Canvas Yosemite in the late afternoon. Gather for a welcome group dinner under the stars. Transportation from SFO is available as an add-on.
  • Day 2 (April 23): Guided exploration of Yosemite National Park, including hiking iconic sights across Yosemite Valley and the surrounding trails. Evenings will include a group dinner and time to relax by the fire pits with complimentary s’mores.
  • Day 3 (April 24): Choose your own adventure! Join an optional group excursion/hike, or head out on your own to explore Yosemite. Optional individual activities in the area include fly fishing, jeep tours, rock climbing, or visiting local sites. Evenings will include a group dinner and time to relax by the fire pits with complimentary s’mores.
  • Day 4 (April 25): We will conclude our Yosemite adventure with a final group breakfast before departing for home.
a glamping tent in the night time with stars in the sky

Pricing and Accommodation Options

Choose between two luxury, safari-inspired tent styles. All tents feature plush king beds, West Elm furnishings, luxe linens, wood-burning stoves or in-tent heating, and private en-suite bathrooms with hot showers.

  • Deluxe Tent: Features one king bed (sleeps up to 2 adults). Ideal for couples or solo travelers wanting private space.
    • Deluxe tent w/ 1 adult: $2,500
    • Deluxe tent w/ 2 adults: $2,900 ($1,450 per person)
  • Suite Tent: Features one king bed plus a leather queen sofa bed (sleeps up to 4 adults). Perfect for friends sharing space.
    • Suite tent w/ 2 adults: $3,500 ($1,750 per person)
    • Suite tent w/ 3 adults: $4,050 ($1,350 per person)
    • Suite tent w/ 4 adults: $4,000 ($1,000 per person)

Child cots and airport shuttle recommendations are available upon request.

Included in Your Rate:

  • 3 nights of accommodations at Under Canvas Yosemite
  • Guided park excursions led by George Vrtis
  • Daily breakfasts and nightly sit-down dinners at camp
  • Evening camp amenities, including s’mores and fire-pit gatherings
  • Convenient proximity to the local YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) bus stop for easy, hassle-free transit into the park

Not included:

  • Transportation from your home city to Yosemite/Under Canvas and back
  • Daily lunches and trail snacks
  • Optional gratuities
  • Additional excursions you choose to participate in
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Pre- or post-trip accommodations

Payment and Refund Policy

  • Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $500 per tent is due at registration (deadline: November 23, 2026).
  • Final Payment: Due in full by February 15, 2027.
  • Cancellation Policy: Due to group booking commitments, payments are only refundable if your reserved spot can be filled from the waiting list. We strongly encourage purchasing personal travel insurance.
water and rocks in Yosemite National Park

We expect this trip to fill quickly!

Let us know you are interested! Please fill out the C’YA at Yosemite interest form below!

Yosemite Young Alumni Adventure Interest Form

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name
Class Year
What tent type would you be interested in?
This trip will take place in glamping tents. Please indicate any additional alumni (first name and last name) and their class year that you intend to travel with(up to three others).

Questions about this trip?

This trip is hosted by the Carleton Young Alumni Program. Please reach out to Alumni Relations at youngalumni.group@carleton.edu with any questions.