Pints & Peaks:

July 29 - August 2, 2026

5 Days, 4 Nights

Day 1: Meet your guides and brewmaster at South Gate Brewery in Oakhurst, CA.

Check into the Best Western Plus in Oakhurst anytime after 3 pm. Meet your guide and group at 5:30 pm at the Southgate Brewery in Oakhurst CA. We’ll have a short trip orientation including appetizers and your first South Gate beer. We’ll then have a tour of the brewery by the owner/brewmaster. Dinner tonight is on your own at the brewery. 

Day 2: Hike into the Ansel Adams Wilderness and enjoy Happy Hour at our lakeside camp.

After breakfast on your own at the hotel, we’ll meet at 7:00 am to drive to the pack station and trailhead. The drive is approximately 2 hours and it is your responsibility to drive to the pack station and trailhead (your guide will  lead the way in their vehicle). After dropping our gear with the packers, we’ll make our way to the trailhead. While hiking, you'll carry just what you need for the day (see packing list below). We’ll hike approximately 5 miles into a centrally located lake where we will make basecamp. After a swim in the lake, we’ll have happy hour where you’ll be the first to enjoy the South Gate beer crafted especially for your trip and a delicious dinner to follow. 5 miles, Elevation: +1709'/ -322' 

Day 3: Explore alpine lake basins and enjoy dinner and drink pairings in the evening. 

Today your guide(s) will lead a hike through the pristine upper lakes basin via established on- and off-trail routes.  Exact destinations and distance vary depending on the preferences of the group members. The guides excel at customizing the itinerary to meet the preferences of the group. The day ends with swimming at our lakeside camp,  happy hour, and stargazing. 

Varies by trip 1-6 miles, Elevation: -500, +500

Day 4: Optional peak ascent on the southern border of Yosemite Wilderness.

After a hearty breakfast prepared by your guide(s) we’ll set out again to explore the surrounding area. An optional  summit hike to one of the nearby 10,000' peaks that make up the southern border of Yosemite National Park is a  possibility. Also day hikes to other nearby alpine lakes with great fishing, swimming & photo opportunities are possible, depending on your own interests. Happy hour and dinner rounds out an exciting day in the high country.  Varies by trip 1-6 miles, Elevation: -500', +500 

Day 5: Depart the backcountry and return to Oakhurst.

After a leisurely morning we’ll bid farewell to our cozy camp and make our way back to the trailhead. Expect a 3 pm departure from the high country, getting back to Oakhurst no later than 5pm. 

5 miles, Elevation: +322'/ -1709'

• Expert AWE wilderness guides

• Pack animals and experienced wranglers

• Required permits and logistics coordination

Accommodations 

• 1st night's stay at the Best Western in downtown Oakhurst CA.  

• 3 nights of wilderness tent camping 

Food 

• Trip orientation with craft beer tastings and appetizers at Southgate Brewery. 

• Hand crafted South Gate Brewery beers each evening. 

• Backcountry gourmet meals starting with lunch on Day 2 and ending with lunch on Day 5, including trail snacks. 

Gear 

• All group camping equipment including stoves, cookware, water filters, group first aid kit, bathroom kit etc. 

• Personal camping gear provided by request: backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, trekking poles, and tents.

❌Transportation to and from meeting place.

❌Trip Insurance (strongly recommended)

❌Recommended 15-20% gratuity for guides based on overall satisfaction of trip. 

❌Personal clothing & footwear (packing list provided after booking) 

❌Dinner at South Gate Night 1, Breakfast Day 2  

❌Airfare

Unless you are willing to absorb the entire cost of your trip in the event of a cancellation or early exit, it is recommended that you obtain travel insurance to protect your investment. AWE is not liable for cancellation fees or costs pertaining to your changed or canceled flights, rentals, lodging, or other arrangements (travel insurance can cover those costs). We recommend you call and speak with agent(s) before purchasing.

Our recommendations (please do your own research to see what best suits your needs):

• Travel Guard- travelguard.com

• World Nomads- worldnomads.com

• ADD Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage to your insurance plan – it’s highly recommended you add this to your policy. You often need to purchase this coverage within a short timeframe of making your reservation (typically 1-2 weeks).

• Full Payment: Due 60 days before trip departure

• Cancellation 60+ days before departure: 75% of deposit refunded or transferred to another trip in same season.

• Cancellation within 60-45 days of departure: 50% of trip cost refunded or transferred to another trip in same season.

• Cancel 45 days or less, non-refundable, non-transferable.

Cancellation policies are necessary for operating “tour-type” programs with high up-front costs and overhead. While AWE operates within industry standards and strives to be fair, there are many things are out of our control.  

By their nature, backcountry adventures are uncertain endeavors. Many factors can influence the arrival to, the running of, or the outcome of an AWE program. Therefore, AWE strongly suggests obtaining “cancel for any reason” travel insurance before embarking. Weather, route conditions, or your own abilities may create circumstances that make continuing an AWE program unsafe or unwise, and you and/or your party may have to exit early. No refunds are given if a program ends early due to weather or route conditions. If this occurs your guide will offer to spend your remaining time pursuing a different or more feasible route. There is no credit for any days that go unused.

Should AWE need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances (government closures, etc), we will offer you the opportunity to change programs, reschedule, or refund without penalty.

Pints & Peaks Training Program

Challenge Level: Moderate / Beginner-Friendly (Pack-Supported)

Pints & Peaks is designed as an accessible introduction to multi-day backcountry travel. This pack-supported experience allows guests to hike with a light daypack while enjoying alpine scenery, lakeside basecamp living, and celebratory evenings featuring craft beer in the high country.

While no prior backpacking experience is required, guests should arrive prepared for moderate daily hikes, variable terrain, and elevation typically ranging from 7,500–10,000 ft. Proper preparation will ensure you’re able to fully enjoy the hiking, scenery, and camaraderie that define this trip.

Minimum Fitness Expectations

Before your trip, you should be able to:

• Hike up to 6 miles in a day on hilly or mountainous terrain

• Carry a daypack weighing 10–15 lbs comfortably

• Complete multiple days of hiking with adequate recovery between days

• Manage moderate uphill travel and uneven trail surfaces

This trip is paced intentionally, with time for exploration, swimming, fishing, photography, and relaxation at camp.

Recommended 6–8 Week Training Plan

The best training for hiking is hiking. We recommend building toward a consistent schedule that mirrors the demands of the trip, focusing on endurance, comfort on uneven terrain, and steady pacing rather than speed.

Weekly Structure

Aim for 3 training sessions per week, including:

1–2 Short Hikes (Midweek)

• Distance: 3–5 miles

• Terrain: Rolling hills, local trails, dirt paths, or stairs

• Focus: Cardiovascular fitness and leg strength

• Pack: Light daypack; gradually add weight up to 10–15 lbs

These hikes help build consistency and comfort moving with a pack.

1 Longer Hike (Weekend)

• Distance: Build from 4–5 miles up to 6–7 miles

• Terrain: Uneven or hilly trails when possible

• Elevation Gain: Gradually increase elevation gain over time

• Pack: Daypack with water, layers, and snacks

This hike prepares you for the longest days on the itinerary.

Optional: Back-to-Back Hikes

If your schedule allows, add two consecutive hiking days once or twice before your trip. This helps your body adapt to hiking on multiple days in a row, even at shorter distances.

Strength & Conditioning (Optional but Beneficial)

While not required, light strength training can improve comfort and reduce fatigue.

Focus on:

• Squats and lunges

• Step-ups (especially weighted)

• Core strength (planks, balance work)

• Ankle and hip stability exercises

1–2 short sessions per week is sufficient.

Elevation & Terrain Considerations

Whenever possible:

• Train on uneven or natural terrain rather than flat pavement

• Include sustained climbs, even if they’re short

• Practice steady pacing and breathing

If you don’t have access to elevation, consistent cardio training will still help your body adapt once on the trip.

Footwear & Gear Preparation

• Train in the same footwear you plan to wear on the trip

• Break in boots or trail shoes well in advance

• Practice hiking with trekking poles if you plan to use them

• Use training hikes to test clothing layers and pack fit

Rest, Recovery & Mindset

Rest days are an essential part of training. Recovery allows your body to adapt and prevents injury. Arriving rested, well-prepared, and open to the experience is just as important as physical conditioning.

This trip is about moving comfortably through wild places, enjoying the journey, and celebrating each day’s effort — not pushing limits.

Have fun and be creative! There are all sorts of ways to incorporate supplemental activities, which will help your overall training. A softball game with friends, a gym class, biking around town, a short walk/hike with coworkers on your lunch break... building these things into your routine can help build strength and endurance in different ways.

*If you have questions about fitness, altitude, or gear, we encourage you to reach out before booking. We’re happy to help you prepare and ensure this trip is a good fit.

Pack-Supported Trip Gear List

Pack-supported travel allows you to hike light while essential overnight gear is transported by pack animals. Guests carry only a comfortable daypack during the hiking day. Please review the list below carefully and reach out with any questions.

What AWE Provides

• Experienced wilderness guides

• Group cooking gear & camp kitchen

• All meals & snacks (unless otherwise noted)

• Pack animals & wranglers to transport group and personal gear

• Group first aid & emergency communication devices

• Bear-resistant food storage

• Tents, Backpacks, Sleeping bags, Sleeping pads, trekking poles can be provided on request.

What You Carry Each Day (Daypack: 10–15 lbs)

• Comfortable daypack (20–30L recommended)

• 2–3 liters of water capacity (bottles or hydration bladder)

• Hiking snacks (provided by AWE, carried by you)

• Rain jacket

• Insulating layer (fleece or lightweight puffy)

• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

• Personal items (camera, phone, medications, etc.)

Required Personal Gear

Clothing (synthetic and non-cotton recommended)

• Hiking boots or trail shoes (well broken-in)

• 2–3 pairs hiking socks

• Hiking pants and shorts

• 2-3 shirts

• Long-sleeve sun shirt or lightweight layer

• Warm insulated jacket (down or synthetic)

• Rain jacket/ Rain pants (waterproof, not just water-resistant)

• Sleepwear (warm base layer recommended)

• Camp shoes or sandals

• Swimwear and lightweight camp towel

Sleep System

• Sleeping bag (rated to 15 - 20°F unless otherwise specified)

• Sleeping pad (self- inflatable)

Personal Items

• Headlamp (with fresh batteries and/or charge and extra batteries)

• Hydration bladder (2-3 L capacity) and bottle (1 L capacity)

• Toiletries & personal hygiene items

• Small personal first-aid items & medications

• Sunscreen & lip balm (SPF)

• Insect repellent

• Head bug net

• Trekking poles (recommended, optional)

• Lightweight gloves & beanie

• Buff or neck gaiter

• Power bank to charge electronics.

• Whistle

Optional but Recommended

• Lightweight camp towel

• Knife or multi-tool

• Camp pillow

• Map

• Fly fishing rod

• Journal or book

• Camera or binoculars

Duffel Bag Requirement

All overnight gear must fit into one soft-sided duffel bag (no hard suitcases).

• Max weight: Typically 15-20 lbs (this only includes personal clothing/toiletries/small items). Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, are not included in this weight.

This allows safe and efficient loading on pack animals.

What Not to Bring

• Hard-sided luggage

• Excessive valuables

• Drones (restricted in wilderness & national parks)

Questions About Gear?

We’re happy to help. Gear recommendations, requests, and packing guidance are available upon request. Our goal is to help you arrive prepared, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the experience.

What does “pack-supported” mean?

Pack-supported trips use experienced pack animals and wranglers to carry the bulk of group gear and personal duffels. Guests hike with only a light daypack, allowing for a more enjoyable experience overall.

How challenging is Pints & Peaks?

This trip is designed for hikers with a moderate level of fitness. Daily hikes typically range from 5-6 miles with 500 ft.-1000 ft. elevation gain/loss. While prior hiking experience is helpful, it is not required. If you’re unsure whether this trip is right for you, we’re happy to talk it through.

Are permits included?

Yes. All required wilderness permits and land-use authorizations are handled by Axis Wild Expeditions.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

No problem, your guides can adjust the menu to accommodate any dietary restrictions/ preferences. Be sure to note them down on the pre-trip Health questionnaire that will be sent via email upon booking.

Are peak ascents required?

No. One or more optional summit days are offered, typically reaching elevations of no more than 10,000 feet. Guests may choose to summit or enjoy a relaxed day by the lake (9,000 ft).

Is this trip right for me?

This trip is well-suited for guests who are newer to multi-day hiking but ready to challenge themselves in a supportive, pack-supported, group environment.

You’ll be a good fit if you:

• Can hike 4–6 miles in a day with a light daypack

• Are comfortable spending multiple days outdoors

• Enjoy a mix of hiking, relaxation, and exploration

• Are open to learning and growing your backcountry confidence

If you’re uncertain about your readiness, our team is happy to talk through expectations and help you prepare.

How do we handle gratuities for our guides & packers? 

Your guides work very hard to provide an exemplary trip experience for you, and it is customary to give them a gratuity based on your overall experience on the trip. Tips are shared between your guides. 10-20% of your trip cost is  recommended and cash or venmo is preferred.

It is also customary to tip the packer. A tip of $20-30 (cash is best) per participant is recommended, tips can be given directly to the packer on the last day at the trailhead.

How do I book?

You can reserve your spot directly through our website. You can start the process by clicking the Registration button below. If you have questions before booking, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to connect.

What if I need to cancel?

Please refer to our Terms of Service policy on the website. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.

There is a 4 person minimum requirement for this trip to run.

If a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests.

We make the final determination for these trips 4-5 weeks before the departure date, and notify guests of changes and options immediately