The Approach Trading Post

The Approach Trading Post Your last chance to gear up before the final approach to Yosemite.

Independent, family-owned outfitter of hiking essentials to keep you safe and happy on your outdoor adventure.

Check out The Approach's Bingo Prize Takeover at The Grove House tonight! Fuel for the trail, beverage vessels, handcraf...
08/16/2025

Check out The Approach's Bingo Prize Takeover at The Grove House tonight! Fuel for the trail, beverage vessels, handcrafted treasures and cold hard gift card cash will go home with the lucky winners. Even if you don't get to exclaim BINGO tonight, when local businesses team up to create something fun for the community, everybody wins.

Local hikrs sunglasses are now in stock! aren't just functional; they're personal. Born right here in the Sierra Nevada,...
08/13/2025

Local hikrs sunglasses are now in stock!

aren't just functional; they're personal. Born right here in the Sierra Nevada, tested on our trails, and priced so you won't cry if you accidentally leave them on your table at 1850 Restaurant + Brewing Company after your post-trip debrief.

We're proud to carry gear created by someone who knows our mountains as well as we do. Polarized shades in adult to kids sizes, we've got the whole family covered. Stop by The Approach and see what local innovation looks like - because mountain life is better with mountain gear.

Day 3 of 7: Lower Ottoway Lake below Red Peak Pass Cognitive science shows it takes three days in nature for your brain ...
08/08/2025

Day 3 of 7: Lower Ottoway Lake below Red Peak Pass

Cognitive science shows it takes three days in nature for your brain to truly relax and reset. Our modern world constantly hijacks our attention with endless noise and notifications, but natural environments offer "gentle, soft fascination" - allowing our overworked minds to rest.

By day three, your senses recalibrate. You notice sounds and scents that weren't there before. Creativity and problem-solving improve dramatically - studies show people scored 50% better on cognitive tests after just a few days disconnected. Your nervous system activates dormant muscle fibers, making each step more efficient.

The approach isn't just physical, it's mental too. And by day three? That approach is finished. You're no longer visiting nature; you're living in it.

When is your next Day 3?

You asked, we listened - Peak Refuel backcountry meals have officially landed at The Approach! Do half of your trail con...
07/27/2025

You asked, we listened - Peak Refuel backcountry meals have officially landed at The Approach! Do half of your trail conversations center on anticipated post-hike indulgences when you get back to town? (Ears burning much, & ?)

But here's a wild idea - what if your backcountry dinner didn't have to be a survival exercise? Peak Refuel actually makes trail food worth looking forward to. Real ingredients, real flavors, and real simple to prepare and clean up.

Fair warning: I'm pondering if brownie bites are a backcountry breakfast ahead of my trip next week. Supplies might not last.

Route beta, guide books, trip tips, gear advice, scout intel, field reports: the outdoor community thrives on shared kno...
07/20/2025

Route beta, guide books, trip tips, gear advice, scout intel, field reports: the outdoor community thrives on shared knowledge.

If you're anything like us, your sun hoodie is a crucial piece of outdoor gear - that go-to layer that comes with you fr...
07/12/2025

If you're anything like us, your sun hoodie is a crucial piece of outdoor gear - that go-to layer that comes with you from morning coffee to summit celebrations. We're excited to share that our personal favorite Ridge Merino Solstice Sun Hoodies are now in stock at The Approach!

Locally designed by just over the Sierra crest in Mammoth Lakes, the Solstice is built for those long days in the Sierra sun. These beauties are crafted from lightweight, breathable merino wool that provides natural UPF 35 protection and won't leave you smelling like you've been on the trail for days.

Thumb holes keep your sleeves right where you want them while a loose-fitting hood works perfectly with hats, helmets, or ponytails. And let's be real - merino wool just feels right against your skin when you're pushing towards peaks and passes.

Are we saying it's the best sun hoodie in the world? Yes, in fact we are.

Stock is limited, so stop by and feel the difference for yourself today. Your next Yosemite adventure (and your trail partners) will thank you.

Backpack trip prep just got a whole lot easier, friends! Yesterday's backcountry gear shipment hadn't even made it to th...
07/10/2025

Backpack trip prep just got a whole lot easier, friends!

Yesterday's backcountry gear shipment hadn't even made it to the shelves when we had our first trip assist. An adventurous local family showed up this morning with a misbehaving stove and a scheduled trailhead rendezvous. You know that feeling - packs loaded, permits pulled, weather window perfect, and then your trusty gear decides to go rogue.

We had them back on route toward the trailhead in just a few minutes with a reliable replacement. Sometimes the best gear is the gear that's there when you need it most. Whether you're a seasoned local or planning your first Yosemite adventure, we're here to make sure nothing stands between you and the trail ahead.

What a first week! When we kicked off our False Summit Opening a week ago, we knew the plateau was an opportunity to see...
07/05/2025

What a first week! When we kicked off our False Summit Opening a week ago, we knew the plateau was an opportunity to see how far we've come and catch our breath, and we also knew it would be the time where the true summit started to come into sight and we could start to plan the route to the top.

The enthusiasm and support from our local community has been incredible. You didn't just stop by to browse - you came with lists, stories, and exactly the kind of insight we needed to truly serve our Mariposa County adventurers.

We listened, we took notes, and we got busy. Many of the items you requested are ordered and on the way:

Backpacking gear: Freeze-dried meals, backcountry coffee/hot drinks, stove fuel, stoves & cookware, sleeping pads, ground tarps, bear cans, and gravity water filters.

Fly fishing essentials: Leader, tippet, flies, and floats to restock your kit on your way to your favorite spot.

Adventuring must-haves: Sun hoodies, collapsible water bottles, climbing chalk bags & chalk, Kershaw knives, gear repair supplies, and sturdy dog leashes for your four-legged trail companions.

This is exactly what a true trading post should be: a place where the community comes together to share knowledge and gear up for the trails ahead. We're not there yet, but with your help, we're definitely on the right path. Keep the advice coming!

Before we were outfitting adventurers, we were accessorizing outfits. LothLorien Stewart has been crafting jewelry as Mo...
07/02/2025

Before we were outfitting adventurers, we were accessorizing outfits. LothLorien Stewart has been crafting jewelry as Mostly Sweet Jewelry right here in Mariposa County since 2009 - she's a recognized Yosemite artist whose work has been treasured by locals and visitors for over a decade.

Opening our storefront started as a way to finally give her collection a permanent home. For years, you could only find her full line at a few local events per year or by special appointment in our living room. Now? Every piece is right here, ready to discover.

But here's the thing - we had more space than jewelry alone needed. So we asked ourselves: what does our community need? What would serve the adventurers heading to Yosemite National Park? That's how The Approach Trading Post was born.

From handcrafted silver to hiking essentials, we're here to help you prepare for whatever trail you're taking - whether it's over a pass or down the aisle.

Her jewelry tells stories of this place we love, and now our gear helps you write your own adventures. Stop by and see the full Mostly Sweet collection - it's never been more accessible!

P.S. LothLorien also made that batik wall hanging in the background. Stay tuned for The Approach merch showcasing her talents in a whole new medium.

Address

5081 California Highway 140, Suite A
Mariposa, CA
95338

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

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