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Pack in 3 days of extreme adventure in the High Sierra. From cross country mountain biking, wake boarding, rock climbing and a white water river adventure this itinerary is sure to get your heart racing and put a smile on your face.
Set up your home base up at Bass Lake located in the Sierra National Forest. Embark on a heart racing adventure each day and cap it off with a swim and relaxing sunset over a beautiful alpine lake.
Start your morning out with a mountain bike ride on one of several world class single track trails in Bass Lake, enjoy a tasty lunch on the lake, then head out for an extreme water adventure.
Goat Mountain offers a smooth flowy ride along a shady forested trail with limited technical sections. This trail connects to several other trails allowing options depending on how intense you would like your ride. You’ll finish the trail off at The Forks Resort. Stop in for lunch and be sure to try their world famous “Forks Burger”.
Be aware of poison oak along all trails in Bass Lake, is it grows widely in the spring and summer season.
Check out MTB Project for directions and maps.
For the advanced rider, the Willow Creek Trail delivers in a handful of rocky technical sections, some fun flow sections plus scenic views along Willow Creek. Beginner riders can easily walk around more difficult rock gardens. Pack your swimming suit, as you will be passing a few fantastic swimming holes along the way.
This trail is also popular with hikers. We suggest getting an early start to enjoy a less populated trail.
You’ll complete this ride at The Falls. Head to The Pines Village for lunch and choose from a selection of great dining options such as Casa Velasco’s Mexican Restaurant, Marina Bar & Grill or Ducey’s Bar and Grill.
Check out MTB Project for directions and maps.
See how the locals ride, check out this Bass Lake Mountain Bike video.
In the afternoon, cool off in the lake after working hard on that mountain bike with an extreme water sport adventure. Try waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing or more. Launch your own boat or rent one. There are three locations to rent a boat on the lake (see list below).
Launch your own boat at one of two locations on the lake.
1) The Pines Marina – on the North side of Bass Lake. Fee is $5 per launch or pull. Trailer parking is available for $5.
2) Public Ramp on the South East side of Bass Lake, near the dam. There is no fee to launch. Parking fee is $3.
Renting a boat.
1) The Forks Resort – located at South West shore of Bass Lake.
2) Bass Lake Boat Rentals – located at The Pines Marina on the North side of Bass Lake.
3) Miller’s Landing Resort - located on the South East shore of Bass Lake.
New to watersports? Get lessons! Bass Lake Boat Rentals and Miller’s Landing Resort both offer ski lessons. Get out on the lake and learn a new skill.
You’ll likely have worked up an appetite by the time the sun begins to go down. Enjoy one of many great restaurants around the lake.
Yosemite is a rock climber’s heaven. It beckons people from all over the world to scale some of Yosemite’s famous granite monoliths and so, rock climbing is a must do on this extreme sports itinerary. Spend the day challenging your skills on the famous granite walls of Yosemite National Park and surrounding area. If you’re an experienced climber, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect climb for your skill level. Mountain Project is a great resource to get you started.
New to rock climbing? We’ve got you covered... rather Southern Yosemite Mountains Guides (SYMG) has you covered. Embark on a private rock climbing trip with your own personal guide. Be instructed by a pro as you develop your skill set learning climbing technique, knots and more.
Test your abilities out on easy top-roping climbs or go for a challenge and try a multi-pitch trad or sport climb. SYMG will create a personalized adventure to fit your personal interest and abilities.
We suggest finishing the day off at South Gate Brewing Company in Oakhurst. Try one of their award winning beers and pair it with a tasty seasonal meal.
Jump in a boat for a day on the Wild and Scenic Merced River.
Spend the day exploring a wild and scenic river, Located alongside Highway 140 just miles outside of Yosemite National Park. You’ll enjoy an adrenaline packed ride paired with stunning views of the surrounding mountain terrain.
Schedule your trip in early spring and catch the wildflower bloom. You’ll spot California Poppies, Lupine and Indian Paintbrushes scattered across the hillsides.
Try to keep a smile off your face as your professional guide leads you over exhilarating roller-coaster like waves, twisting river turns and more. Grab the front seat for a bigger splash or take it a little easy and sit towards the back.
Along the way, you’ll stop for lunch on a secluded beach to enjoy a fresh deli spread prepared by O.A.R.S. complete with a generous offering of fruit and cookies to top it all off.
Rapids rated Class III-IV with some Merced rapids reaching Class V during spring runoff periods, so you’ll be sure to get your excitement in.
Choose from two of our favorite guide companies: O.A.R.S or Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions.
At the end of the day, we suggest dinner at Narrow Gauge Inn. The authentic lodge setting is both relaxing and comforting, which will make the delicious comfort food you're about to enjoy that much better.
Set up your base at Bass Lake ending each day of adventure watching the sunset over a pristine alpine lake.
Lodging and Camping Around Bass Lake
Get a taste of the Merced River with this mini video from O.A.R.S.
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