Policies and Information for Outings Participants

Please note that a new sign-in sheet has been provided by to your leaders which codifies the outing's leader and participant's responsibilities.

Tehipite Chapter outings are free and open to the public. All leaders are unpaid volunteers assuming responsibility for a good trip, and your cooperation is mandatory. Please call the leader well in advance for details, reservations, or if you plan to cancel. Outings start officially at the trailhead. Carpooling is encouraged but leaders can not be responsible for the organization of carpooling. The Sierra Club does not provide insurance for transportation. Drivers are normally reimbursed five cents per mile by passengers. No guns, pets, or radios are permitted on trips. Please leave the area cleaner that you find it. Travel responsibility rests on each participant.

Fees for many of our outings are increasing. Trip leaders have had to absorb permit and/or campsite costs for no-shows. Chapter funds are not available to repay these costs. Confirmation for participants will require a NO-REFUND deposit to the trip leader. The option is to chance an extra space situation. Please make plans well in advance.

ALCOHOL is NOT permitted on day hikes (Tehipite Chapter policy passed at May, 1997 Executive Committee meeting). Remember that the effects of alcohol are increased by altitude and can increase the chances of getting hypothermia. The use of alcohol is at the discretion of the leader on other trips.

Problems: If problems develop on a trip please call one of the Outings Co-Chairs, Carolyn Ordway (559) 449-7780, or jbord606@yahoo.com; or Richard Sloan (559) 696-2971 or RiverRich1509@aol.com; or the Chapter Chair, Gerald D. Vinnard (559) 431-5780 or gvinnard@cvip.net. You may email less urgent problems and questions to Tehipite.Chapter@sierraclub.org and your email will be directed to the proper individual.

Car Pooling: In the interests of energy conservation, ride-sharing/carpooling is used on our outings. Considering the rise in costs of gas, park pass fees, smog and labor, and wear and tear on mountain roads or snow trips, an increase in reimbursement to drivers seems warranted. Riders should now expect to pay up to ten cents a mile and share entry fees if the driver has no pass. This is optional but we are trying to be fair.

Safety Advisory: Due to the number of recent incidents, hikers are reminded to avoid deviating from the planned route(s) or designated lunch stop. If the pace is too taxing or you are unable to proceed as planned, let the trip leader know ASAP. Do not leave alone unless okay with leader. These practices cause undue concern and search efforts by the leader and/or group. Participation by the parties is an acknowledgment of the hazards and risks of the outing and one's need to exercise care. Moreover, an increase in the use Alcohol has been noted on our day hikes. Chapter policy is no alcohol on day hikes (see policy above). The after lunch return trip requires high energy levels. The consumption of alcohol diminishes energy levels, adding to the natural hazards usually present. Because of the effects on stability, stamina, or the opinion of others, leaders may request no alcohol be taken on trips.

Day hikers are reminded to avoid deviating from the planned route(s) or designated lunch stop. If the pace is too taxing or you are unable to proceed as planned, please let the trip leader know ASAP. Do not leave alone unless okay with the leader. These practices cause undue concern and search efforts by the leader and/or group. Participation by the parties is an acknowledgement of the hazards and risks of the outing and one's need to exercise care.

Snow Trail Etiquette: Now that there are as many snow-shoers as cross-country skiers, we need to revisit the snow trail issue. If at all possible snowshoe trips should forge a separate trail from the skiers, and post-holers should absolutely stay out of the ski trails. In any case, please give skiers courtesy, and plenty of room to maneuver.

What is the Yosemite Triangle Series?

Our motto is, “that which does not kill you makes you stronger!�? Mt. Dana, Half Dome, Mt. Hoffman, Mt. Conness, and Cloud’s Rest. Three out of five peaks gets you no pin or patch, just satisfaction.