2008 BEAR PAW RESERVATION PROCEDURES
January 2, 2008 - YOU MUST BOOK DIRECTLY WITH BEAR PAW BY PHONE ONLY
AT 888-252-5757

January 3 and on we can book Bear Paw for you by using our lodging request form
We have booked Jan 2 for the past 15 years but Delaware North Corp has changed their policy and are not permitting independent reservation companies to book on January 2 only.  We are sorry for this inconvenience.

Remember that Bearpaw requires full payment at booking with 61 DAY cancel period with NO exceptions.
PRICES FOR 2008 ARE NOT SET YET, THEY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME

Bearpaw Meadow Camp
Sequoia National Park, CA
Elevation 7800 feet

  
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Trail Information

General Information

Booking A Reservation

Reservation Information

Trail Description & Information
Park location map at bottom

The hike to Bear paw High Sierra Camp is a mini expedition in itself.  It is considered moderate with a hot southern exposure.  Most of the guests find the 11.3 mile walk and 1400' elevation gain quite tiring, especially the last 1.2 miles up from Buck Creek.  You should take the trail seriously even though it is considered moderate.  Walking time to Bearpaw varies from five to ten hours.   The average time is 8 hours.

• Start Hiking Early.  You will probably wish to shower and relax prior to dinner.  A 7:00 am start is advised.   Also, by starting this early you will avoid some of the mid-day heat.

• Drink and Carry Plenty of Water. Drinking water is not available along the trail. 

• Eat Little but Often.  Big meals sit heavy and demand

• Pace Yourself.  The hiking rule is to start slow, end fast and fit.  The last 1.2 miles are by far the toughest.

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Cancellation notice must be received sixty (61) days or more prior to arrival date

  There are no exceptions!

Travel insurance is available either at time of booking the tent space or by clicking on the tab below

Travel Insurance

Crescent Meadow Trailhead

1. Upon arriving at Crescent Meadow, a sign identifying the High Sierra Trail will be easy to find.  The trail is generally level or slightly uphill until you reach Mehrten Creek at the half-way point (5.6 miles).

2. The next 4.5 miles are basically level or downhill until you reach Buck Creek (10.1 miles).  Make sure to rest and enjoy Buck Creek (it has a concrete bridge) because the last 1.2 miles gain 500-600 vertical feet and is waterless and hot.

3. As you finally top the ridge, a sign identifies the campground.   Do not hike to the campground!  Take the LEFT fork towards Hamilton Lakes.  The tent camp lies 300 yards ahead.  Come on in for an ice cold lemonade.  After you've caught your breath the camp hosts will show you to your tent.

General Information

• We suggest you spend one night at Wuksachi Village in Sequoia Park before your BEARPAW trip to adjust to the altitude, and one night after possibly in Three Rivers or Wuksachi to rest before your drive home.  

• BEARPAW guests are required to obtain a wilderness permit.  The permit reservation is available in advance by mail for a $10 fee or free at the Lodgepole Visitors Center prior to the day of hiking.  
  The address for advanced is
        Wilderness Permit Reservations
        Sequoia National Park
        HCR 89 Box 60
        Three Rivers, CA 93271
  Include the date/s of your stay at Bearpaw and/or continued dates you will be in the back country.     

• Hot showers are available in the late afternoon before dinner.   Most guests bring TOO MUCH extra food and clothing which weighs them down and they usually have to carry it back out. 

• Temperatures at BEARPAW vary greatly.  Long underwear and a stocking cap may assist you in keeping warm.  All bedding, towels and linens are supplied.  Bring small flashlight for evening foot travel to and from the bathroom and campfire.

• Meals are served family style.  Breakfast and dinner are included.  Box lunches can be obtained.  They are unable to accommodate special dietary needs. 

• If you are a newcomer to BEARPAW, we suggest you stay at least two nights.  There are several interesting trails from the camp ranging from half hour walks to all day hikes. 

Pricing Information
2006 rates subject to increase
MAX 3 persons per tent

• Daily rates are per person based on double occupancy and include two (2) meals per day.

• Minimum is one tent.  If you are a single adult, it will cost $350.00 per night plus tax

• Adults $175.00

• Children (12 and under) in tent with adult  $75.00 each
  sleeping on floor in bag you bring.  There is no age limit to Bearpaw.  As long as that person can hike the 11-12 miles to get there.

• Third adult sleeping on the floor.   $75.00.  Must provide
  your own sleeping bag.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Maximum occupancy is three (3) persons per tent cabin.

• Each tent cabin is furnished with two single beds and linens.   Additional occupants must provide their own sleeping bags.  Showers and restrooms are shared by all guests.

Reservation Information

• Reservations are taken beginning January 2 each year and usually the entire season (mid-June to mid-September) can be heavily booked in a matter of hours.

• The deposit is the entire amount for the stay and must be paid in full at time of booking with a credit card. 

• If you are not able to obtain a reservation on January 2, please call back periodically as we do get cancellations. 

• If you are able to arrange a trip to BEARPAW on short notice, it is a good idea to call our office one or two weeks prior to when you want to stay.   Again, cancellations do come through.

• Your reservations may be cancelled due to snow or trail conditions.  Notice will be given of such changes. 

• Reconfirm your reservations 3-5 days prior to your arrival date to check on trail conditions.

• Cancellation notice must be received sixty (61) days or more prior to arrival date.
    There are no exceptions.