Operation YOSEMITE 2025

Operation YOSEMITE

August 2, 2025 | Yosemite Wilderness, CA, USA

Distance: 12 / 19 / 22.5 +/- miles

Weight: 20 lbs dry

Elevation: 3,238 / 4,199 / 5,226 +/- elevation gain

Brief Start Time: Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 0630 hrs

Event Start Time: Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 0700 hrs

Start Location: Rush Creek Trailhead, June Lake, California

Event Finish Time: Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 0800 hrs

Finish Location: Rush Creek Trailhead, June Lake, California

Situation

Operation YOSEMITE offers three distances (12, 19, 22.5 miles) and takes you into one of the most beautiful natural areas in the world. Yosemite National Park lies to the north, and Sierra National Forest to the south, making this event a scenic journey past the famous Thousand Island Lake. Yosemite National Park is renowned for its towering granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and stunning waterfalls, embodying the spirit of conservationist John Muir, who played a key role in its preservation. This event allows candidates to experience the wilderness that inspired Muir's advocacy for the protection of America's natural treasures.

Mission

Operation YOSEMITE MINI. Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 12 +/- mile route in under 6 hours to pass and under 4.5 hours to earn the GBF Operation YOSEMITE MINI Dog Tag.

Operation YOSEMITE. Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 19 +/- mile route in under 9 hours to pass and under 7 hours to earn the GBF Operation YOSEMITE Dog Tag.

Operation YOSEMITE MAX. Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 22.5 +/- mile route in under 10 hours to pass and under 8 hours to earn the GBF Operation YOSEMITE MAX Dog Tag. The winner will earn the elite Gold Dog Tag.

Execution

Candidates will meet at the Rush Creek Trailhead. At 0630 hours, GBF Staff will give an event brief before answering any questions and releasing the candidates to begin the route at 0700 hours.

Service Support

Mapping. GBF events use the AllTrails app for navigation. To download the route from AllTrails, you will need to sign up for a membership. GBF suggests candidates have a paper map, compass, and GPS too.

Route. Ensure you download the map for offline use. Cell service is not guaranteed.

The route for Operation YOSEMITE MINI is here.

The route for Operation YOSEMITE is here.

The route for Operation YOSEMITE MAX is here.

Weight. Candidates must carry a minimum of 20 lbs dry (i.e. without food and water) in a backpack. Weight vests or sandbags are not permitted.

Equipment

Mandatory Equipment

• Backpack (waterproof inner-bags)
• Phone (fully charged)
• Phone charger
• LifeStraw (or similar water filtration system)
• Head Torch (spare batteries)
• Hydration bladder(s)
• Whistle
• Compass
• Emergency rations (see below)
• Emergency shelter
• Personal First Aid Kit
• Bear Spray

Strongly Recommended

• Maps (waterproofed)
• GPS
• Blister kit
• Pocket knife
• Chem-light/Cyalume
• Hiking poles
• MRE(s)

Dress. Candidates' dress will be a personal choice.

Checkpoints. There are no checkpoints on this route. You are self-sufficient with water.

Water. There will be bottled water at the finish point. Candidates should carry enough water to last the route distance plus 3 additional miles, in case they get lost.

Rations. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 energy bars and 0.5 liters of water as emergency rations.

Medical. Every candidate requires a personal medical kit. GBF Staff must be made aware of any medical conditions before starting the event.

Transportation. Transport to and from the event will be at the candidate's arrangement.

Command and Signal. GBF HQ: 941-993-9432

The Fine Print

Numbers. Maximum number of candidates 50. Minimum number of candidates 15.

Refunds. Refunds will be in the form of a GBF voucher to use towards future events. Refunds must be requested 30 days before the event start date.

Event Changes. Slight changes to any event including, but not limited to route changes, brief times, start locations, and other details are under the discretion of GBF Staff.