The Approach Trading Post

06/11/2026

School year, we keep Sundays clear for family. School's out, so we'll open Sundays for summer.

Speaking of summer sun days: squint less, see more with a new pair of shades. Suncloud just joined the lineup. A Hikrs restock is on its way (local sunnies sported by a Grove House fashion influencer). Knockaround and Pepper's round out the rack. And if you've got your eye on the good glass, we can order you a pair of Smith's anytime.

06/04/2026

We've got Totem Cams! The first shipment nearly sold out in a weekend, forcing us to hold our new product post until we had a restock. Come by soon to add Totems to your rack and enjoy bomber placements in the Valley's flared cracks and pin scars.

05/15/2026

We're heading to Strawberry Music Festival next week (May 19–25) to host the Artisan Tent — which means the shop will be closed. Extra Sunday hours (10–6) this weekend so you can prep for whatever Memorial Day adventures you're scheming. Regular hours return on Tuesday, May 26.

05/03/2026

SPECIAL HOURS NEXT WEEK: We're taking Mostly Sweet Jewelry to the Whole Earth Festival in Davis, so the shop will be closed Thursday May 7 through Saturday May 9.

With Mother's Day coming (ahem), we're adding a few bonus open days before we go: Sunday & Monday (May 3-4).

04/28/2026

Ten months ago, we wondered if someday, maybe, we'd be Patagonia caliber. Today:

04/23/2026

Summer stock is almost here, so we're clearing the racks. But it can't be long until the pass opens, and you and I know layers come into play year round in the Sierra. Steep savings right now on what's left of the Rab Downpour rain jackets, Rab Stavel fleeces, Marmot Highlander down jackets, and Marmot Drop Line fleeces. Sizes are limited.

04/19/2026

This is a win-win-win-win-win situation we invite you to get in on.

Have gear that you don’t use anymore and have been looking for a needy and deserving organization or community to donate to?

Find our Watershed Council option at The Approach Trading Post and donate the proceeds of your consignment to us.
We thank you for your support and appreciate your stewardship in our beautiful county✨

04/16/2026

On the way down from Red Peak Pass last summer, deep in the Merced headwaters, I started wondering how we could support this place from behind the counter at The Approach. This Saturday at the Merced River Fest, we launch a partnership with the Upper Merced River Watershed Council to do exactly that. You can now consign used gear through our Switchback Gear Exchange and donate the payout directly to UMRWC. Drop your quality used gear at the shop, we'll handle the rest. We'll be at The Grove House for the Fest, or stop by the shop anytime to learn more.

04/10/2026

We'll be at the Mariposa Facelift tomorrow to kick off a new partnership with the Yosemite Climbing Association! Their Facelift events mobilize thousands of stewardship volunteers to care for our backyard. To support their efforts, you can now consign used gear through our Switchback Gear Exchange and donate the payout directly to YCA. Bring your quality used gear by the shop and we'll take care of the rest. Find us at Facelift, at The Grove House after party, or stop by the shop anytime to learn more.
Volunteering tomorrow? Swing by The Approach for a free Honey Stinger waffle, until we run out.

04/01/2026

Naturally, it's time for spring hours.

If you ever have a need when our doors are closed, send us a text - we'll help if we can.