WildLink April 2026: Cristo Rey San José Jesuit High School

The WildLink 2026 season opened in early April with the new participating group Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School and the biggest rain storm of the Spring. The group arrived at the National Environmental Science Center (NESC) on a clear and sunny Monday afternoon. Staying the first two days at the NESC while preparing for their four day backpacking expedition into the Yosemite wilderness. Accompanied by their brave chaperone Sally and Juana and guided by amazing educators Kelly and Katie, the group was in good hands to make the best out of the expedition. The forecast can be fickle early in the season and the week ahead showed a slight chance of thunderstorms. 

The group gathered all the gear necessary in Yosemite valley and on a crisp Wednesday morning they set off the Rancheria Falls trail head in Hetch Hetchy to begin their journey. When the group got to the trailhead they were met by wilderness ranger Connor, who has lots of experience in the backcountry and has worked with youth groups before. It was a quick introduction before everyone was ready to go and the group began hiking along the Hetch Hetchy reservoir. Wednesday was a clear and sunny day and the team did great work hiking in. 

Thursday morning brought a bit more clouds in but the sun still appeared amongst them making the landscape more dramatic. That morning the group spent some time learning about Ranger Connor’s role in the park and helping with a restoration project of the area. The group reduced and removed unwanted fire rings and picked up microtrash in the area they were camping at. Soon it was time to eat some lunch and for Ranger Connor to say goodbye to the group. Throughout the morning the clouds were building and by the afternoon they were above and rain was falling. The group hunkered down and stayed dry as the storm clouds came and went card games and other activities made the time under tarps more enjoyable. Finally the storm broke later in the evening and the group enjoyed an evening of sun painted clouds with the sunset and dinner around the campfire. 

The next morning the group woke up to clouds already overhead, they ate breakfast and prepared for the impending downpour. But after breakfast they were still dry and had time to go explore the area a bit more. Everyone gathered their rain layers, some snacks, water, and began their exploration of Rancheria Creek. A ways up the creek from camp you arrive at Rancheria Creek proper and there is a bridge above which gives a great open view of the Hetch Hetchy valley. Having an expanded view of the valley it was easy to see the storm approaching. As rain approached and thunder was heard in the distance the team made their way back to camp. Camp was situated in a low part of the valley surrounded and protected by a pine forest. As soon as the team got back to camp the deluge began. Camp had already been prepared for rain from the day before and the group spent more time under tarps getting to know each other and passing the time through games and conversation. Rain got heavier and heavier, then hail began to fall, the biggest storm of the Spring was unleashing its full potential as the group huddled together to stay dry. The rain continued through that evening and that night. Guides Kelly and Katie worked tirelessly through the night, adjusting the shelters in order to keep as many people as dry as possible. Not a lot of sleep was had that night and when the group got up the next morning most of the group was wet. 

The group persevered through the cold and wet environment to packout camp. Luckily the storm had broken that morning and the team was able to pack up camp without any rain. Everything was still soaked and heavy with water weight. The group packed up camp and began their journey back to the trailhead after a long night. On their way out the sky broke through the clouds, it was still cloudy but the rain had ceased and Hetch Hetchy valley was happy for it. All the plants seemed rejuvenated and the newts were out and about enjoying the hydration. 

The team hiked efficiently and soon enough they were back at the trailhead and changing into dry clothes. Spirits were still high and when asked how the trip was the group was all smiles saying, “wet but good”. Their mental toughness over the uncomfortable conditions was impressive to see and as the team made their way out of Hetch Hetchy valley their sense of accomplishment in the face of adversity went right along snacks and naps in the vehicles.