Yosemite National Park and the YNP Staff’s goal is to provide the highest level of accessibility to visitors as possible, each year making improvements in both physical and programmatic accessibility at Yosemite. The Yosemite Valley floor is virtually flat, with paved paths and wide trails, and many of Yosemite’s most iconic landmarks can be seen from the meadow. For more information, check out the park’s Accessibility Guide here (last updated 2022).

The approach to the climbing sites can be varied, but is generally paved or packed dirt trails. Depending on mobility level and climbing site, the approach can range from 20 minutes to 45 minutes and can require the assistance of volunteers. The trail accessibility for chair users and those with limited mobility is generally very good. Participants will have ample support in traveling over this terrain by staff, guides and volunteers but should have a base level of comfort traveling in variable terrain. If you have limited mobility, and have questions on the approach/accessibility, please contact us.

Paradox Sports strives to serve all individuals regardless of ability, and encourages individuals considering this program to review our Essential Eligibility Criteria here. If you have specific questions about this program, please contact us at info@paradoxsports.org.

NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change.
A finalized schedule will be emailed to you before the trip.

DAY 1

12 PM – 4PM: Arrive in at Yellow Pine Campground, camp setup
6 PM: Welcome dinner and program overview
8 PM: Campfire

DAY 2

8 AM: Breakfast at Camp
9 AM – 4 PM: Full day of climbing
6 PM: Dinner at camp
8 PM: Campfire hangout under the stars

DAY 3

8AM: Breakfast at Camp
9 AM: 9/11 ceremony in the meadow with Yosemite National Park staff
9 AM – 2 PM: Half day of climbing
6 PM: Dinner at camp
8 PM: Campfire hangout under the stars

DAY 4

8AM: Breakfast at Camp
8 AM – 12 PM: Breakdown camp, pack up and depart

What you need to bring will vary depending on the type of trip, time of year, lodging situation, length, or other factors! You will be emailed a complete packing list specific to your trip prior to the event along with other trip information, but here are some example items of what to pack:

CLOTHING:

Being properly dressed is essential to enjoying your outdoor adventures. Layering will give you more versatility, depending on the weather and your activity level.

• Wool or Synthetic Shirts: No cotton! Cotton keeps you cold if you sweat and it takes a long time to dry out, while wicking fabrics help you regulate your core temperature and avoid overheating or chilling.
• Pants: Synthetic abrasion resistant pants are best for climbing. Lightweight and stretchy to allow you to move are the rock are ideal!
• Waterproof and Breathable Shell: Rain jacket with a hood should always be in your pack just in case.
• Insulating Jacket: A heavy fleece, down or synthetic puffy jacket to keep you warm in the shade at the crag or at night – especially for camping trips.
• Footwear: Climbing shoes if you have them, hiking shoes for the approach, flip flops for at the crag.

GEAR

If you do not have your own, you can request to borrow any necessary gear during registration.

• Personal Hydration System: water bottles or bladder with a hose in your backpack. Recommended to have at least 2 (1) Liter bottles.
• Backpack: large enough to hold all your gear without strapping extra gear to the side.  It’s nice to have a pack that has a hip belt to help support the weight. Recommended size is 25-35L pack.
• Climbing Helmet: required!
• Climbing Harness
• Climbing Shoes
• Chalk Bag (optional)
• Belay Device (optional)
• Two Locking Carabiners (optional)
• One long runner or sling (optional)
• Any adaptive equipment or systems you use for climbing. For example, Evolv Climbing shoe and TRS foot!

Additional Gear for CAMPING TRIPS:

• Camp chair for at crag or at camp
• Tent
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad
• Pillow
• Gloves
• Warm Hat
• Bowl and utensils
• Headlamp
• Bug Spray

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS:

• Personal hygiene products, toiletries
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and hat for sun protection
• Medications – please let us know if you have medications that require refrigeration
• Camera – light, point and shoot or phone recommended
• Phone chargers
• Athletic tape
• Travel Mug for hot beverages
• Snacks and Food: Typically, meals are provided, and we will have some snacks and bars available.  However, you may want to consider bringing some snacks of your own, especially if you have dietary constraints.

We encourage participants to have basic outdoor experience and at minimum an introductory understanding of either rock climbing. Each year we welcome first-time climbers into our community, right alongside some of the best in the world. There will be routes available for a wide variety of skill levels, and coaches to help you succeed – whatever your goal may be. Our climbing will range from 5.7-5.10, with the majority of routes falling around the 5.8-5.9 range.

We will be staying at the Yellow Pine Campground. Look for Paradox Sports Signs at the entrance and visit the camp host with any questions. This campground offers primitive campsites with tent spaces. There is no electricity and no running water at the campground. Bears and other wildlife are commonly seen throughout Yosemite valley. The use of ‘bear boxes’ is required for all food, and scented items. These are provided at all campsites.

This trip is a car camping trip – please come prepared for all weather! Individuals should be prepared to bring their own camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, pads, cook setup, etc.). Paradox Sports has some gear available to loan if requested during registration. Campers will use accessible restrooms at the campground (vault toilets – a permanent structure with a toilet but no running water) and during the day while climbing.  You may visit one of the multiple shower facilities within Yosemite Valley during your stay. There are coin operated accessible showers with hot water, if you choose to use them. However, most campers bathe in the river!

We encourage climbers to bring their own personal gear if possible, including a harness, helmet, and climbing shoes. All group gear, including ropes, anchor material, bouldering pads will be provided. Climbers will also need to bring all personal camping gear, including tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad and appropriate clothing. Paradox Sports has a limited range of climbing shoes, helmets, harnesses, and camping gear available to loan if you need to borrow please indicate in your registration. You can see a full packing list for trips at the button above, and we are happy to answer any questions about gear that you might have!

All participants and climbing assistants are responsible for their transportation to and from the event as well as during the weekend.

Travelers that fly to California can rent a car in Fresno (2.5 hours away) or Sacramento (3 hours away). Paradox Sports can help connect you with rideshare options if available from other participants or volunteers joining, depending on location. During registration you will have the option to request carpool, and include where you will be coming from.

There are many ways to get to Yosemite in all directions – including from San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Reno, and Las Vegas. For more information on traveling to Yosemite visit https://www.travelyosemite.com/discover/getting-here/

Paradox Sports will provide all meals starting the evening of Day 1 through breakfast on Day 4. Individuals are responsible for packing their own lunches with food provided and snacks during the day at the crag. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, please include that in your registration.

Due to the nature of this program, climbing assistants should have previous experience on a Paradox Sports trip, attended a Paradox Sports volunteer training, Adaptive Climbing Initiative course, and/or be an experienced climber. We encourage all assistants to have experience in the outdoors. Assistants are expected to belay, be comfortable assisting others through variable terrain, and have at least an introductory understanding of climbing and the associated equipment. Paradox Sports reserves the right to assign assistants to appropriate roles based on the assessment of experience, skills, comfort and overall ability.

Assistants register through the link above, and select “Assistant Climber Registration”. The cost for assisting with the same as the cost for adaptive climbers. As a non-profit, we need to cover our cost to operate and this includes both participants and assistants pitching in to cover trips costs. Often the lines between “participant” and “assistant” are indistinguishable as we enjoy a weekend of climbing as a community. Registration fees for everyone cover food, lodging, equipment, professional guides, extra programming, insurance, and other overhead for planning the trip. It takes a lot to make these programs succeed – we thank you for your contribution both physically and financially.

If you are an AMGA certified guide and want to volunteer guide time on any of our programs, please contact our Program Manager Sam Sala at sam@paradoxsports.org.

What’s Included:

•    Professional guides and instruction
•    Camping and Guide Fees
•    Meals: Paradox Sports will provide all meals starting Day 1 through breakfast Day 4
•    Gear: Technical rock climbing equipment (please indicate your gear needs in your registration)

What’s Not Included:

•   Transportation: All participants and volunteers are responsible for getting to and from the event, as well as transportation during the weekend.
•   Park Entrance Fee ($30): since participants and volunteers will be arriving independently to the park, you are responsible for the entrance fee at the gate.  Veterans with proper ID get free entrance to all National Parks.
•   Guardian / Partner registrations: Each registration is for one individual only. If your friends, significant other, guardian or personal aid would like to join, we ask that they register as a volunteer for the trip and that they are eager and willing to be an active part of the community for the weekend!
•   Alcohol is not included, and not permitted while on Paradox Sports programs.

* For information on financial assistance please see more details here.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of our programs, Paradox Sports has a no pets policy. If you have a service animal that you plan to bring with you on a program, please be sure to let us know in advance and familiarize yourself with this Service Animal Agreement . We will require a signed copy of this agreement from anyone bringing a service dog with them on the trip.  If you bring any animals on a program that are not service animals, you may be asked to leave without reimbursement.

We have a cancellation policy to ensure the maximum number of climbers can attend and spots do not go unused.

If you cancel:

•   30+ days before the event, you will receive a 100% refund of your registration fees.
•   Between 14 and 30 days before the event, if we cannot fill your spot, you will receive a 50% refund of your registration fees.
•   14 days or less before the event and we cannot fill your spot, then your registration fee is non-refundable and we will retain the full fee.
•   Without notice (no-show) your registration fee is non-refundable and we will retain the full fee.

*If you are asked to leave any Paradox Sports event by staff due to inappropriate behavior, you will not be refunded any fees in association with the trip or event, no matter the duration that you were in attendance.

Paradox Sports focuses on adaptive climbing opportunities for people with physical disabilities, including but not limited to people with amputation or limb difference, blindness, hearing impairment, spinal cord injuries, neurological issues, TBI and PTSD. Please see our full Essential Eligibility Criteria.

As a non-profit, we need to cover our cost to operate and this includes both participants and climbing assistants pitching in to cover trips costs. Often the lines between “participant” and “assistant” are indistinguishable as we enjoy a weekend of climbing as a community. Registration fees for everyone cover food, lodging, equipment, professional guides, extra programming, insurance, and other overhead for planning the trip. It takes a lot to make these programs succeed – we thank you for your contribution!

Although our main group of individuals on programs is adults, we have had a handful of minors join us on rock and ice climbing trips in the past! As a minor, we require a guardian join them and register as a volunteer.

Yes and we hope you can share these experiences with them! We ask that they register as a climbing assistant for the trip and help cover the costs of lodging, meals, logistics, guides, etc. and that they are eager and willing to be an active part of the community for the weekend.

Yes! Our Program Leaders and Instructors are professionally trained and certified by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), often volunteering their time and expertise to help us expand adaptive climbing opportunities. They work for Paradox on a contract basis, taking time away from their full-time positions as guides with other companies.

With over 10 years of experience working with people with disabilities, the one thing we know for sure is that each disability is unique! You are the expert on you, and our motto has always been that we will work together to communicate and understand your needs. Each program leader, guide, and volunteer brings their own unique background and expertise as well – from physical therapy and medical backgrounds, to over a decade of adaptive climbing experience.

Yes! We encourage participants to bring their own gear if you have it so you can get familiar with your own equipment, however we do provide gear to climbers who need it. You will be able to list your gear needs during registration. Required gear for any program: helmet, harness, climbing shoes (or ice boots and crampons for ice climbing).

Accessibility is a focus for choosing our program areas. However, each program area presents different terrain and unique challenges depending on the adaptive athlete. We strive to provide assistance to all our adaptive athletes in all of our program areas, however, we also recognize the spectrum of adaptive athletes and recognize not all our climbing areas may be accessible to all athletes.

It is always our goal to empower our participants! Our certified guides and qualified climbing assistants are eager to answer questions and help you grow as a climber, within a safe environment. We also offer specific skill building courses for adaptive athletes that want to take their climbing to the next level. We are happy to answer any questions you have and teach some technical skills. We do not provide lead climbing opportunities on Paradox trips (unless backed up on toprope).

Paradox Sports has a thorough Emergency Response System and Emergency Response Team. At the beginning of each program, we will work with the climbing assistants and climbers to communicate risks and what to do in case of an emergency. The majority of guide, program leads, and Paradox staff also are Wilderness First Responder certified and many volunteers serve on Search and Rescue teams. You are in good hands!

Depending on what trip you are participating on, the packing list varies. You will be sent a full packing list prior to the event. Please see our suggested packing lists at the bottom of the Legacy Trips page.

Paradox Sports does not provide transportation directly, however during registration volunteers and participants are asked about their travel plans/needs. We are happy to connect people interested in carpooling that are coming from the same areas!

If you are signing up for rock or ice climbing, you likely already have a sense of adventure! Sometimes the path to the crag is not ADA accessible, or the lodging options are limited in these remote areas, but we work as a community to figure it out. After you register for your climbing trip, we will review your application and be in touch to discuss the specific logistics around your trip.  

On each Paradox trip there is a full spectrum of experience levels. If you are an experienced climber, we can promise you an engaging community, coaching by AMGA certified guides, a diversity of routes and a great overall trip experience. However, we do not provide lead-climbing opportunities on Paradox Sports programs.

We try to cover all common needs such as vegetarianism, dairy-free, gluten-free, and allergies. If you are severely allergic to foods, require specific or more frequent snacks, or are worried about cross-contamination, bringing your own snacks is always an option as well. Depending on the trip, some meals are cooked as a group and others are provided by local restaurants.  If you have allergies, please list them in your registration and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Yes we can definitely take care of that for you!

Participants on our trips have historically administered their own medications. Paradox Sports staff is not QMAP certified and will not administer medication to participants. If someone is a minor or requires medical assistance, they have often had someone qualified join them on the trip.

We understand that injuries happen, work gets in the way, or other issues arise that mean you cannot join the trip. You can see the full cancellation policy at the bottom of the Legacy Trips page.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of our programs, Paradox Sports has a no pets policy.  If you have a service animal that you plan to bring with you on a program, please be sure to let us know in advance and familiarize yourself with this Service Animal Agreement.  We will require a signed copy of this agreement from anyone bringing a service dog with them on the trip.  If you bring any animals on a program that are not service animals, you may be asked to leave without reimbursement.

*Please be advised that some of our trips are not hospitable for service animals.  Our Ice Climbing trips include risks such as extreme cold, falling ice, crampons, potential exposed rivers, and more.  Our alpine trips include similar risks such as extreme weather, falling and loose rocks, impassable areas for an animal, etc.  If a staff member or guide encourages you to leave your dog at home, it is out of safety concern for your animal due to the dangers listed above.