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1-800-513-8651, [email protected], p.o. box 1078, groveland, ca 95321.

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Hidden Yosemite Backpacking Trip

Hidden northern yosemite backpacking trip.

Trip Highlights:

Untouched Alpine Wilderness

Granite peaks, incredible scenery.

Guide’s Top Pick!

Mileage & Difficulty

Departure Info

Tuolumne Wilderness Center

This trip is now completely permitted/guaranteed through August 19, 2024 departures. Additional weeks/dates will be confirmed and updated every week through the permitting season.

2024 Departure Dates by Month

June departure dates  .

  • Tue, Jun 25th – Sun, Jun 30th

August Departure Dates  

  • Fri, Aug 2nd – Wed, Aug 7th
  • Wed, Aug 7th – Mon, Aug 12th

September Departure Dates  

  • Sun, Sep 15th – Fri, Sep 20th

All dates remain tentative until permitted 22 weeks in advance. Please refrain from making travel arrangements outside of this timeline. We will contact you if we are unsuccessful in obtaining your dates. Feel free to contact us if you would like to confirm.

Guided Yosemite Backpacking Tours: Hidden Yosemite

For a detailed map with elevation profile of the tentative itinerary, click here:  Map .

Day 1 Meet your guide in the parking area of the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Permit Center at 12 pm. Get acquainted with the group and with your gear while eating your lunch that you brought for day one. Hike six easy miles out of Tuolumne Meadows and north towards the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne—a dramatic glacier cut river canyon. This is mostly a gradual downhill hike that meanders through alpine meadows and across massive granite slabs. Set up camp at the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp (7,980′)  next to a pristine swimming hole. Total mileage today is approximately six miles. Today’s Mileage: 6.3 mi / +0′, -700′

Day 2 We will get an early start as we continue along the Pacific Crest Trail. The start of the day will take us seven miles through Cold Canyon before we reach an amazing vista peeking into Virginia Canyon and beyond. We will then descend and find a campiste near Return Creek at 8,500′. Today’s Mileage: 8.0 mi / +1,700′, -700′

Day 3 After a leisurely start with breakfast today and packing up, we will continue our trek along the PCT into Spiller Canyon and climbing to Miller Lake. Today will also provide time to enjoy this high alpine lake. Today’s Mileage: 4.5 mi / +800′

Day 4 We will rise and begin the day by ascending out of the Miller Lake basin before dropping into Matterhorn Canyon. At this point we will leave the Pacific Crest Trail as we continue deep into Matterhorn Canyon where we will make camp surrounded by the beauty of spectacular geological formations such as: the Fingers, Matterhorn Peak, Whorl Mountain, and the famous Sawtooth Ridge. Today’s Mileage: 8.4 mi / +1,200′, -1,300′

Day 5 After a hearty breakfast we will climb over Burro Pass at 10,600′ before descending into Slide Canyon. We will then climb out of Slide Canyon and over Mule Pass (10,440′) as we exit Yosemite. We will proceed about another 1.5 miles past some extraordinary eastern sierra pinnacles as we head to camp along the shore of Crown Lake (9,450′). Today’s Mileage: 6 mi / +2,200′, -2,000′

Day 6 On our final day we will continue our descent through the Eastern Sierras passing many other lakes, rivers, streams, and small waterfalls as we proceed to the  Annett’s Mono Village Resort  on the east side of Twin Lakes at 7,092′. Reward yourself with lunch, cold beverage, and/or an ice cream before our scheduled shuttle back to Tuolumne Meadows to retireive vehicles. Today’s Mileage: 7.2 mi / +100′, -2,550′

  • Required shuttle costs are included in the above costs. We also provide backpacks, sleeping bags/pads, tents, trekking poles and eating utensils as needed at no extra cost. Group gear including all kitchen supplies, first aid, and water purification is also included. See the  Guide Service Backpacking Equipment List  for more information.
  • All trips are pending permit availability which we gain 23-weeks in advance. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until we have confirmed dates. If we are unable to acquire permits for this exact itinerary on your chosen dates, you will be contacted with options to choose different dates and/or cancel/refund.
  • Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. Lasting Adventures is recognized for its commitment to safety and risk management. In this regard, the summit of Half Dome (or any other peak) will not be attempted when clouds are in close proximity.
  • Your participation helps sustain our non-profit mission of supporting youth, families, and disadvantaged communities with positive experiences in America’s National Parks and natural spaces.

REQUIRED FORMS

In addition to full payment, the final acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all the  Required Forms . These forms are also attached to your confirmation email once you register online.

We will require an additional medical release for any guests on multi-day trips, any “Half Dome in a Day” hiker, or any guest who is currently under the care of a physician for any ongoing disease, illness, or any other condition/factor that may be a concern on the trip.

DIETARY CONSTRAINTS

Although we are able to accommodate many specific dietary constraints and choices, we prepare foods in a facility with peanuts, gluten, soy, and other major allergens and are not certified as an ‘allergen-free’ facility. We take steps to limit the risk of cross-contamination, but we cannot guarantee that the foods we prepare will be fully free of major allergens.

We have experience in accommodating a variety of dietary choices and concerns, including, but not limited to:

  • Vegan and Vegetarian
  • Peanut and/or Tree Nut Allergy
  • Lactose Intolerant
  • Celiac or Gluten-Free

If we have questions or concerns about the information on your medical form, we will call you the day before your trip to ensure we are packing foods you are able to eat without issue.

TRADITIONAL BACKPACKING

Lasting Adventures runs “traditional backpacking” trips. This is done without using porters, stock, or other outside assistance. For this trip, you will be expected to carry your personal gear, a share of the group gear, and food in a backpack. The weight can be expected to be 30-50 lb. and no more than the recommended ⅓ of your body weight.

As needed, it is recommended that participants discuss their ability to fully participate in a backpacking trip with their doctor, including (but not limited to) the ability to carry heavy loads over long distances and strenuous and uneven terrain. Levels of difficulty listed on our website are relative and in no way an objective declaration of difficulty. A regular physical exercise program is recommended before going on your adventure.

TRIP ITINERARIES

All trips are subject to itinerary changes for various reasons, including, but not limited to permitting, weather, forest fires, park or public land closures, and/or road closures. In most situations, we will offer an alternative itinerary of equal value and quality or a credit equal to the total amount paid through the end of the following season. Payments are non-refundable for itinerary changes. If a trip is canceled before its start date due to circumstances beyond our control, a credit equal to the total amount paid will be issued.

STAFF SCHEDULES

Due to the nature of backpacking, our guides work long hours. To provide the best possible experience to our guests and guides, we limit the number of hours our guides work to 15 hours per day. Guides will not be required to be available from 9 pm to 6 am unless the group agrees to a different period before this standard break.

During time off, our guides will be available for emergencies but should be allowed to rest and not be considered available for other purposes outside of working hours. Please don’t request non-time-sensitive assistance from guides during this period. Our guides are also entitled to take 10 minutes every four hours and 30-minute meal breaks every 5 hours, between 6 am and 9 pm.  We appreciate your cooperation with these scheduling requirements.

See our  Coupon Use Terms and Conditions .

TRAVEL INSURANCE

For your protection and ours, we strongly recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance , which can provide you with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption (including COVID-19) , travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, airfare, and baggage loss/delay to protect your financial investment. We recommend those with “cancel for any reason” clauses included. See reviews of some of the best Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Options presented by Forbes  or  Squaremouth . Othe r good student options include InsureMyTrip and Allianz Travel Insurance for Students.

Travel Insurance is the easiest and best way to protect yourself and our smaller non-profit organization against last-minute cancellations. We are happy to provide timely and accurate documentation for any insurance claim related to our trips when requested. Please remember that when canceling a reservation, you must first contact the company responsible for ensuring your reservation.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Full payment is preferred for all backpacking trips and youth programs/summer camps. During check-out, you may pay a 50% deposit at the time of booking and the remaining 50% at least 30 days from departure. If choosing this option, you can either complete payment on your own with the self-service link in the confirmation email, or you will be billed automatically at or shortly after the 30-day interval for the remaining amount. Final Lodging/Hiking package payments are due 45 days in advance. Any new multi-day booking made at/within 45 days in advance must be paid in full. Feel free to contact us directly to set up any other payment plan.

When registering online, expect to pay a booking fee of 3.0% (which is capped at $30) and a processing fee of 2.7% (no cap). These fees can be avoided when paying by check. For detailed information, see our Payment Options page.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES

Lasting Adventures reserves the right to cancel trips. If a trip is canceled due to circumstances beyond our control, a credit equal to the total amount paid will be issued. Lasting Adventures is not responsible for additional expenses incurred while preparing for the trip.

The following cancellation policy is only for trips booked directly through our official website, lastingadventures.com . If you have booked via a third-party website (such as TripAdvisor/Viator, bookyogaretreats.com, or 57Hours), the below policy does not apply, and you are held to the third-party’s cancellation policy.

Multi-Day Adventures/Summer Camps Cancellation Policy

  • More than 90 days before the start date, we will grant a full refund minus a 2.7% processing fee for credit card transactions.
  • Between 90 and 61 days before the start date, we will grant a full refund minus $50/person and a 2.7% processing fee for credit card transactions.
  • Between 60 and 46 days before the start date, we will retain 25% of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the total value paid.
  • Between 45 and 31 days before the start date, we will retain 50% of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the total value paid.
  • Less than 31 days before the start date, or once the trip has begun, no refunds or credits will be issued .

48-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Policy

Any reservation can be canceled within 48 hours of the initial booking, and we will grant you a full refund minus a 2.7% processing fee for credit card transactions. After 48 hours, our standard terms and conditions apply. To cancel, please email us at [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 800-513-8651. This policy does not apply if the booked trip occurs within 96 hours of the initial booking.

Fire/Smoke Cancellation Policy

Fire/smoke cancellations are considered circumstances beyond our control.  If your chosen travel insurance does not cover fire/smoke cancellations , a credit equal to the total amount paid will be issued. If we cancel during your adventure with us, we will issue a non-refundable credit equal to the dollar amount associated with the number of days not used. In both cases, these credits will be lifetime/transferable but non-refundable.

Other Considerations

Departing From a Trip: Once a participant has joined a trip and the trip has begun, no refunds or credits will be issued, regardless of the reason for departure. Costs associated with assisting a participant with evacuating from the wilderness will be passed on to the participant. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.

Minimum Participants:  Our Guide Service multi-day trips have a two-person minimum. (Yoga trips have a three-person minimum.) Our Summer Camps have a four-person minimum. Should we fall short on these minimums, we will contact you 30 days before your scheduled start date with options that may include switching to another trip/date and/or a single-participant surcharge.

Infectious Illness Policy (including COVID) : Any participant on any program/trip with any sign/symptom of a potential illness will not be able to participate, and no refund or credits will be given. Many forms of Travel Insurance cover these circumstances. We ask that you screen yourself and/or your child before participating and contact us to cancel if any sign of illness is present. Health screenings can be expected in all youth programs.

Half Dome & Other Summits: Reaching the top of a summit, such as Half Dome, is risky and can be made far worse by inclement weather. While we aim to get everyone to the top, summiting is not guaranteed. Lightning and rain can be deadly on exposed summits, and our experienced guides may have to call off a summit bid if weather conditions are unfavorable. You will not be allowed to summit using a Lasting Adventures permit should the experienced guide decide the conditions are not favorable.

TRIP CHANGE/CREDIT POLICY

Once you book a trip with Lasting Adventures, the value you paid is valid towards switching to another trip in the current or the coming year, pending available spaces on the new trip. Changes to your booking and conversion to credit must occur more than 30 days before your original start date. Changes within 30 days are subject to fees. Once changed to a lifetime/transferrable credit, credits are non-refundable and are a dollar-for-dollar value.

epic backcountry along one of our Guided Yosemite Backpacking Tours

#1 Rated Guide Service in the West

Guide Service Guest, 2021

Similar Trips

View from Glacier point to half dome on one of our Yosemite backpacking trips

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Hidden Gems of Yosemite: Hiking & Camping Tours

June through September

Sacramento, CA, is 3 hours away

5 or 6 days

Intermediate to advanced

Camping (gear included in the price)

Things to know

Who’s down for an epic hiking and camping tour? Yosemite sure is! And we’re not talking about the same-old tourist attractions. We’re diving deep into the park’s hidden nooks—the kind of places that’ll make you feel like a true explorer. Take your pick: a 5-day journey through the refreshing 3,000-ft Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne or a 6-day alpine expedition in the untouched northern corners of Yosemite. Along with this is what you’d expect from self-supported adventuring in the wild—campfire stories, complete immersion into nature, and memories to last a lifetime. Best part? We’ve got it all sorted—experienced guides, delicious meals, gear, permits… So, who’s up for the adventure of a lifetime?

Explore the hidden areas of Yosemite and backpack in its wild northern areas or across the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne 

From granite peaks and old-growth forests, to impressive canyons and rushing waterfalls—get surprised at every turn

Don’t worry about the gear, permits, or meals and just concentrate on hiking, skill-building, and making memories

backpacking tours yosemite

Available itineraries

Explore the hidden beauty of Yosemite's Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne on this guided backpacking tour. Discover rushing waterfalls, tranquil pools, and the majestic Tuolumne Meadows. It’s a 5-day adventure, with all permits, meals, and equipment provided. Immerse yourself in nature, surrounded by granite domes and peaks, as the pure waters of the Tuolumne River carve through the 3,000-foot-deep canyon. This trip is perfect for water lovers and those seeking to visit a less-visited area of the park.

Meet your guide in the parking area in front of the White Wolf Lodge/Campsite at 4 pm. Get acquainted with the group and gear. If time allows before dinner, explore some of the area’s hidden gems, like the tranquil meadows or nearby trails. Enjoy dinner with the group and camp at the White Wolf Backpacker’s Camp at approximately 8,000 ft (2,438 m).

Tent in a forest, in Yosemite.

After a hearty breakfast and packing up, embark on a long but mostly downhill 10.5-mile hike dropping over 3,500 feet (1,067 m) into Pate Valley (4,380 ft/1,335 m) on the western end of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. Descend through diverse terrain, from dense forests to open vistas, soaking in the breathtaking scenery along the way. Once you’ve reached your campsite, set up your tent and enjoy a delicious dinner in great company. 

Meals: Lunch, and dinner Hiking : 10.5 mi (16.9 km) Elevation : +100 ft, -3,600 ft (+30 m, -1,097 m)

Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne river in Yosemite, during sunset.

After breakfast, today’s journey begins with a hike paralleling the Tuolumne River, gradually ascending eastward. Your group will traverse along the river’s winding path, offering dramatic views of granite walls and cascading waterfalls. Hike approximately 7 miles (11.3 km) to a picturesque riverfront campsite nestled within the canyon’s granite walls, across from the captivating Cathedral Creek cascades into the Tuolumne. Enjoy another great dinner before retreating to your tent. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Hiking : 6.9 mi (11.1 km) Elevation : +1,600 ft, -350 ft (+488 m, -107 m)

Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne.

After the regular morning activities, continue your trek up the Tuolumne, passing famous spillways such as Waterwheel Falls, LeConte Falls, and California Falls. Arrive at Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp (7,980 ft/2,432 m), where you’ll have time to relax along the beach below before witnessing a spectacular sunset from a nearby bluff. What a way to finish the day! 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Hiking : 6.5 mi (10.5 km) Elevation : +2,250 ft (+686 m)

Backpackers enjoying sunset in Yosemite while sitting on a bluff.

After breakfast and breaking down your tents, your group will start the last hike of the adventure — departing the Tuolumne River gorge and ascending into the expansive Tuolumne Meadows (8,600 ft/2,621 m). Hike 5.5 miles (8.9 km) while relishing breaks at prime water holes and serene lakes. Upon reaching the Tuolumne Meadows, catch a shuttle back to the vehicles at White Wolf. Expected ending time between 12 pm-2 pm. Say goodbye to your Yosemite hiking guide. Fellow hikers and to Yosemite —or continue touring on your own. 

Meals: Breakfast and lunch Hiking : 5.5 mi (8.9 km) Elevation : +700 ft (+213 m)

Waterfall, Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, Yosemite.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure through the hidden northern reaches of Yosemite National Park. This backpacking tour offers a 6-day journey into untouched Yosemite wilderness, where granite peaks and breathtaking scenery await. Camp beside pristine rivers and backcountry lakes, surrounded by deep canyons and dense forests. Led by experienced guides, this trip promises an authentic wilderness experience in one of the last true wilderness areas of the Sierra Nevada. All permits, meals, and equipment are provided for a hassle-free adventure.

Meet your guide in the parking area of the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Permit Center at noon. Get acquainted with the group and your gear while enjoying your lunch. Afterward, your group will go on a six-mile hike out of the Tuolumne Meadows, heading north towards the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne—a breathtaking glacier-cut river canyon. This mostly downhill hike meanders through alpine meadows and across massive granite slabs. Set up camp at the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp (7,980 ft/2,432 m) next to a pristine swimming hole. 

Hiking : 6.3 mi (10.1 km) Elevation : -700 ft (-213 m)

Get an early start and do the regular morning activities — breakfast and packing up. Today, you’ll continue hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail. Trek seven miles through the Cold Canyon before reaching an amazing vista overlooking Virginia Canyon and beyond. Descend until you reach a campsite near Return Creek at 8,500 ft (2,591 m). Set up your tent and enjoy dinner in great company

Meals: Lunch, and dinner Hiking : 8.0 mi (12.9 km) Elevation : +1,700 ft, -700 ft (+518 m, -213 m)

Rugged terrain in Yosemite.

After a leisurely breakfast and packing up, continue your trek along the Pacific Creat Trail and into the Spiller Canyon. After that, your group will climb to Miller Lake. Enjoy time at this high alpine lake before setting up a camp. Spend another evening in great company, with tasty food and interesting conversations by the campfire. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Hiking : 4.5 mi (7.2 km) Elevation : +800 ft (+244 m)

Spiller canyon, in Yosemite.

Once you’ve done with breakfast and packing up your stuff, ascend out of the Miller Lake basin before dropping into Matterhorn Canyon. Leave the Pacific Crest Trail and continue deep into Matterhorn Canyon, surrounded by spectacular geological formations. Continue hiking until you reach the camp for the night. Later, your group will proceed with regular evening activities. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Hiking : 8.4 mi (13.5 km) Elevation : +1,200 ft, -1,300 ft (+366 m, -396 m)

Miller Canyon in Yosemite.

After breakfast, climb over Burro Pass at 10,600 ft (3,231 m) before descending into the Slide Canyon. Climb out of Slide Canyon and over the Mule Pass (10,440 ft/3,182 m) as you exit Yosemite. Proceed about another 1.5 miles past the extraordinary eastern Sierra pinnacles to camp along the shore of Crown Lake (9,450 ft/2,880 m). This is your last evening, so take a chance to celebrate a little before going to sleep. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Hiking : 6 mi (9.7 km) Elevation : +2,200 ft, -2,000 ft (+671 m, -610 m)

Granite mountains in Northern Yosemite

After breakfast and breaking down your tents, it’s time to continue hiking. Your group will continue your descent through the Eastern Sierras, passing lakes, rivers, streams, and small waterfalls on your way to Annett’s Mono Village Resort on the east side of Twin Lakes at 7,092 ft (2,161 m). Once there, reward yourself with lunch, cold beverage, and/or ice cream before catching the scheduled shuttle back to Tuolumne Meadows to retrieve vehicles. Say goodbye to your Yosemite hiking guide, fellow hikers and to Yosemite —or continue touring on your own. 

Meals: Breakfast Hiking : 7.2 mi (11.6 km) Elevation : +100 ft, -2,550 ft (+30 m, -777 m)

Backpackers in the hidden, northern part of the Yosemite National Park.

Meet your guides

Scott Gehrman

I chose the Hidden Yosemite trip and joined two other Washingtonians that I hike with regularly. What an incredible trip. First and foremost, our guides Will and Bella were awesome. They kept us well fed, educated on the history of Yosemite. Who knew that the white powder on an aspen tree could be used as sunscreen? They made the whole journey memorable. I can’t imagine a better way to experience this amazing place. A sincere thank you to Lasting Adventures and to Will and Bella!

Lasting Adventures and more specifically our guide, Zachary Naegele, made my trip to Yosemite a dream vacation! It was stress-free because every detail was covered from food and transportation to clear meeting instructions and itinerary. Zachary was a joy to have on hikes because he was knowledgeable, competent and personable. He took a hike that would have been fun and made it magical by explaining the history and ecology of the area we were hiking. He matched our athletic pace and often let us lead so we didn’t feel “pressured” to keep up as all the people in my group were not used to the altitude. His calm and confident control of the situation when I got scared trying to summit Lembert Dome was priceless and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better when I panicked! I can’t say enough good things about Zachary and Lasting Adventures. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM!

We went on a trip with Nolan through the Grand Canyon on the Tuoloumne. This was an epic trip mostly because we were truly in the wilderness, and Nolan knew everything about it! We learned so much about “Leaving No Trace”, how to look out for wild animals, and how to protect yourselves from them if needed (we didn’t) and lots about John Muir. We were out for 5 days and only passed about 5 people. The hiking was strenuous, but the swims in the icy tuoloumne river were a perfect pairing. The scenery was like nothing I’ve seen before, truly a magical place. With no cell phone service, constant sound of running water, awe inspiring natural beauty and good company this trip will forever leave an imprint on my heart and soul! 

This is our second trip with Lasting Adventures. The two trips couldn’t have been more different, but both were amazing. I’d recommend going out with them anytime!!

Absolutely amazing trip, would recommend it to anyone who wants an adventure, very few other hikers and absolutely stunning views, a total back to the wilderness experience

The recent HIdden Yosemite backpack trip was my first Lasting Adventures experience and first time in Yosemite National Park. I couldn’t ask for a better initial immersion into place, with two outstanding guides, Bella and Will.

The route they chose offered daily wonders that kept my soul and spirit in awe. Bella and Will generously offer playful, positive energy, species and ecology information that heightened my reception of the Yosemite wonders, fresh cooked meals (unbelievable), and an ease of time together on the trail. If you’re looking for an outstanding experience in Yosemite, I strongly recommend you connect with Lasting Adventures.

What you get on this adventure:

  • Experienced, Yosemite hiking/backpacking guide(s) with extensive knowledge of the area
  • A 5-day or 6-day Yosemite hiking & camping tours (depending on your chosen itinerary)
  • Backpacking permits
  • Required Park Reservations
  • Meals during the adventure (as indicated in the itinerary)
  • Personal backpacking equipment — backpacks, single-person tents, sleeping bags, pads, trekking poles, eating utensils (upon request)
  • Group camping equipment
  • Overnights at camping sites
  • All transit during the adventure

What’s not included:

  • Transportation to and from the meeting point
  • Accommodation before and after the adventure — if applicable
  • Travel/medical insurance — recommended
  • Park entry fee
  • Personal expenses before heading into the backcountry
  • Guide gratuities

These Yosemite hiking tours require strong hiking experience and, preferably, some backpacking experience as well. These tours are open for people who hike regularly and are generally physically active. The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne itinerary includes daily hiking covering between 5.5 and 9.5  miles (8.9-15.3 km)—with an elevation gain of up to 2,250 feet (685 m). Similar in difficulty is the Hidden Yosemite itinerary, with daily hiking between 4.5 and 8.4 miles (7.2-13.5 km), and an elevation gain of up to 2,200 ft (670 m).

During both adventures, all participants should be able to carry a 30-50lb backpack. Temperatures can get very high in the summer nights and it can also get pretty cold during the nights (due to high elevations). Your guides will always be by your side during hikes and will notice if it gets too strenuous for anyone in the group, making frequent breaks. They will also teach you all the necessary skills you need for backpacking.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  • Camp sandals/shoes
  • Underwear/undergarments (synthetic preferred for hiking) and long underwear
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Light waterproof rain jacket, fleece/warm wool jacket, and warm synthetic jacket for mornings and evenings
  • 1-2 Pairs of lightweight hiking pants and shorts
  • Sunhat, beanie, bandanas/buffs, mosquito head net
  • Swimwear, camp pillow and towel
  • Personal medication
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)
  • Cards, small games, book and other things for entertainment at the camp — optional 

Backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, trekking poles, camp pillows, bowls, mugs and sporks are all included in the price of the trip . However, feel free to bring any of these items if you have your own. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. Make sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast and adjust your packing list accordingly. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans. A comprehensive equipment list will be made available upon booking.

All dates listed for these itineraries remain tentative until your guides confirm trailhead permits, usually 22-23 weeks in advance. Although their success rate is high, should they not gain the exact dates through permitting, you will be contacted and offered choices including new dates and/or different itineraries. Should no alternative work, a full cancellation/refund will be granted.

Please refrain from making travel arrangements (that are unchangeable) until dates/permits are confirmed.

You can expect excellent backcountry cuisine throughout your guided Yosemite backpacking tour! Typical breakfasts might include burritos, oatmeals, pancakes, dried fruit, bagels, etc. For dinner, your guides will prepare a variety of pastas, risottos, beans, couscous, meats, vegetables, etc. Lunch will consist of trail food with fruits, vegetables, pita, bagels, salami, cheeses, hummus, trail mix, energy bars, etc. All special dietary requests (vegan, keto, gluten-free, vegetarian—you name it) can be easily accommodated , just let your guides know in advance!

Group sizes and prices:

  • For these group adventures, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 5:1. The number of participants in a group is usually between 4 and 8.
  • The cost does not decrease as the group grows

Yosemite hiking & camping tours can be arranged for larger or for private groups (with a custom date). Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

  • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 are permitted to join, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. Both adventures are family-friendly! 

If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to Yosemite, most people fly into Sacramento International Airport which is around three hours away from the park or the Fresno/Yosemite International Airport which is also three hours away. Another option is flying into the San Francisco International Airport , just over four hours away from the park. From here, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service.

You will meet your guide at the White Wolf Campground for the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne itinerary at 4pm on Day 1 and at the Tuolumne Wilderness Center for the Hidden Yosemite itinerary at 12am on Day 1. If arriving the day before, we suggest finding accommodation in Curry Village, Yosemite Village, Foresta, or El Portal.

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency in the wilderness, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. 

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. 

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

A 50% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 1 month (30 days) prior to departure. If booking 45 or less days before departure, full amount is required upon booking. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

  • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to ninety (90) days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund.
  • For cancellations sixty-one (61) to ninety (90) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a full refund minus the 50$ per-person processing fee
  • For cancellations forty-six (46) to sixty (60) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund lessened by twenty-five percent (25%) of total trip cost. Alternatively, Client may also take a non-refundable credit of the full value paid.
  • For cancellations thirty-one (31) to forty-six (46) days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund lessened by 50 percent (50%) of total trip cost.
  • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.

Other things to do in Yosemite National Park

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Hiking the Best of Yosemite National Park

Guided Half Dome hiking tour

Backpacking the Iconic Half Dome in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park Camping Tour

Yosemite National Park Camping & Hiking Tour

Yosemite Grand Traverse

Yosemite Grand Traverse: Backpacking Adventure

Backpacking Adventures in Yosemite National Park.

All-Inclusive Yosemite Half Dome Backpacking Adventures

All-Inclusive Yosemite Backpacking Tours.

All-Inclusive Yosemite Family Backpacking Tours

Yosemite National Park Lodging Tour

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Yosemite National Park Tours & Vacations

Tour guide and group walking though the long grass next to the mountain, Yosemite National Park, USA

Giant waterfalls, majestic peaks and epic hiking trails – Yosemite National Park will have you California dreamin’, that’s for sure.

Yosemite National Park is bursting with bucket list-worthy adventures. With dramatic mountain ranges, crystal clear lakes, pristine alpine valleys and some of the world's best hiking trails, you’ll get a hearty serving of nature and adventure on our Yosemite tours. Our local guides will help you discover the best bits of Yosemite as well as some hidden trails and secret spots along the way. Whether you want to go rock climbing up the famous El Capitan, marvel at the ancient sequoia trees (the tallest trees on earth), follow the Mist Trail to the thundering Vernal Falls, or watch the sky turn spectacular shades of pink and purple as the sun sets over Glacier Point, one  trip to Yosemite  will never be enough. 

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Yosemite national park travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Where is Yosemite National Park?

Yosemite is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of central California, USA.

How do I get to Yosemite National Park?

Driving to Yosemite from San Francisco takes about four hours, and three hours from Sacramento.

Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System   (YARTS) provides a public bus service with various pickup and drop off points.

You can also catch a train from San Diego, Los Angeles, Fresno, San Francisco, San Jose, and Sacramento to Merced/Riverbank which connects with the YARTS bus service directly to Yosemite Valley.  

The closest airport to Yosemite is the Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT). Other airports within driving distance of the park are San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Jose International Airport (SJC) and Oakland International Airport (OAK). 

Getting around in Yosemite National Park

As Yosemite is so big, the best way to get around the park and access the main trails is by car.

There is a free daily shuttle bus every 10-20 mins with 19 stops throughout the Yosemite Valley, but having a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. 

What is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park?

Yosemite has a huge number of visitors during the summer months with the peak season from June and August.

The best time to visit is late spring, later summer and early fall when the park isn’t too crowded.

Winter is also a great time to visit with fewer visitors, great hiking opportunities and stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. 

What is the weather like in Yosemite National Park?

The weather in Yosemite is seasonal but it can vary greatly from year to year.

Spring is generally quite cool with sunny skies and the occasional downpour of rain; summer is consistently sunny with warm to hot temperatures; autumn is still warm with cool nights; and winter is cold with frost, ice, and snow.  

What to wear during a Yosemite tour

If you go during the summer, bring t-shirts, shorts/skirts, hiking socks and boots, hiking trousers, a waterproof/windproof jacket, a sunhat, sunglasses, a daypack, a water bottle, sunscreen and insect repellent.

For winter trips, bring light layers, warm clothes, a fleece, thermal underwear/leggings, a waterproof winter coat, waterproof hiking boots/shoes, gloves, a hat, a daypack, sunglasses, sunscreen and a water bottle.

What to pack for Yosemite National Park?

There are several items that pretty much every visitor to Yosemite National Park should have. These include sturdy walking shoes, a raincoat, an extra warm layer, sunglasses, a sun hat and a reusable water bottle.

Depending on the time of year and what you're planning to do in Yosemite, you may need additional gear. If you go during the summer make sure to bring t-shirts, shorts/skirts, hiking socks and boots, hiking trousers, a waterproof/windproof jacket, sunhat, sunglasses, daypack, a water bottle, sunscreen and insect repellent.  

For winter trips bring light layers, warm clothes, a fleece, thermal underwear/leggings, a waterproof winter coat, waterproof hiking boots/shoes, gloves, a hat, a daypack, sunglasses, sunscreen and a water bottle. 

What is mobile/cell phone service and internet access like in Yosemite National Park?

Cell phones work near major tourist hubs such as Yosemite Valley, but the service can be weak and unreliable.

There is limited or no cell phone service in more remote areas of the park such as hiking trails and high-altitude viewpoints. 

What animals live in Yosemite National Park?

You can expect to see many different animal species in Yosemite including:

  • American Black Bears
  • Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep
  • Sierra Fence Lizards
  • Garter Snakes
  • Northern Pygmy Owls and more.

Keep an eye out for animal tracks when you’re out hiking. 

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

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  • Trip Styles
  • Destinations

backpacking tours yosemite

  • Trip Destinations
  • California Hikes & Tours
  • Yosemite Hiking Tours

High Sierra Loop: Nelson Lake Entry

Yosemite valley, ca, trip highlights.

  • Point to Point Hike
  • Tuolumne Meadows
  • Remote Subalpine Lakes
  • Iconic Views
  • Famous Waterfalls
  • Moderate Off-trail Hiking
  • Guides Choice Trip

Description

This dramatic and varied itinerary takes guests through the heart of Yosemite’s wilderness and has some of everything Yosemite has to offer. Our point to point hike begins in Tuolumne Meadows and ends in Yosemite Valley, and features a range of terrain from off-trail hiking to maintained trails. The scenery changes constantly and the crowds vanish as we descend from the high country down Yosemite’s most famous river and its tributaries. We will cut a path straight through the heart of the Park as we hike over high mountain passes and through deep river canyons, past alpine lakes, flower-filled mountain meadows, signature granite domes and roaring waterfalls. This is an adventure to remember, and yet has a moderate difficulty rating, making it a fantastic option for a wider range of fitness levels than our Level 4 and 5 hikes.

NEED TO KNOW: YOSEMITE PERMITS

We enter the permit lottery for this trip 5 months prior to the trip start date. To create the best experience for our guests, we also apply for excellent alternate itineraries. If we initially secure only an alternate itinerary, you can accept it, transfer to another trip or request a full refund. However,  we recommend accepting alternate itineraries and remaining on the trip, as there is a second (and more promising) opportunity to secure the primary permit approximately 1 week before the start date. We will update you and notify you of your options throughout this process. In the case that we are unable to secure the primary permit the week before, we will still run the trip  with the backup itinerary ( which is a highly rated, world class trip). In this case regular cancellation policies will apply.

$1900 Per Person

backpacking tours yosemite

DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3

Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult

Hiking Distances:

backpacking tours yosemite

Backpack Weight:

backpacking tours yosemite

Moderately Rugged

Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:

backpacking tours yosemite

Heights Exposure:

backpacking tours yosemite

Please Note: Terrain, Elevation Gain and Heights Exposure ratings reflect the section or day of the trip with the maximum difficulty of each. Much of the trip is at easier levels. See the trip itinerary for more detailed information. Backpack Weight ratings are estimates that account for Wildland-provided gear, guest clothing, personal items and a share of group food. By packing light it’s often possible to stay on the lower end of the weight range. Pack weights also decrease during the trip.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP

  • Hiking uphill or downhill with a 35-45 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
  • Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain, including two days of off trail hiking
  • Hiking with occasional, light heights exposure

SOLITUDE LEVEL 3

1 least solitude, 5 most solitude

We rate this Yosemite backpacking trip a solitude 3. The first two days have exceptional solitude due to being off trail, and the final two days of the trip are on more popular trails that lead us down to Yosemite Valley.

Private Trips

backpacking tours yosemite

Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!

Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.

Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations. 

Private Rates FOr This Trip

  • 2 People: Rate x 2.5
  • 3 People: Rate x 1.75
  • 4 People: Rate x 1.25
  • 5+ People: Rate x 1.15

*all rates are per person

Learn About Our Private Trips

This Yosemite backpacking tour begins with rendezvous in Yosemite Valley in the parking lot of Curry Village near the bear boxes at shuttle stop 14 at 6PM on Day 1. You will easily spot your guide waiting for you in a Wildland Trekking hat. We’ll conduct an orientation meeting, after which we’ll get settled in the Backpackers Camp a stone’s throw away from majestic Tenaya Creek and under the spectacular domes and cliffs of Yosemite Valley. We’ll enjoy dinner either at Curry Village or in camp.

Colorful stream and mountain view

  • Shuttle: 2 hours
  • Hiking Mileage: 5.2 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 1770 ft
  • Elevation Loss: 810 ft

Our hike begins in Tuolumne Meadows, the largest alpine meadow in Yosemite. We start with a gentle climb through a sublime lodgepole pine forest to beautiful mountain lake near tree line. We’ll explore this sub-alpine gem while your guide prepares lunch under the granite spires of a towering peak. After lunch, the trail will all but disappear as we cross a 10,000+ foot pass into a magnificent and remote canyon. As we finish the day, we will set up camp at possibly the most stunning high country lake in Yosemite. We’ll watch the glow of the sunset on granite cliffs reflected in the waters of the lake as your guide prepares a well-earned dinner.

backpacking tours yosemite

  • Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 100 ft
  • Elevation Loss: 1490 ft

Today we dive into the heart of the Yosemite Wilderness. After a delicious breakfast, always with hot tea and/or coffee, we will follow the outlet stream of the lake to its confluence with a pristine mountain creek. Our trek continues through wildflower strewn meadows and across huge granite slabs down to the junction with another stream, where we’ll set up camp. After a hearty dinner we’ll spend the evening stargazing next to a lovely campfire with the rewarding feeling that we are the only people for miles.

backpacking tours yosemite

  • Hiking Mileage: 8.7 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 320 ft
  • Elevation Loss: 2400 ft

Today marks a dramatic change in the scenery. We descend into the Merced River Canyon and follow it past roaring rapids and swirling cascades. We stop for lunch, and maybe a quick dip in the river, amongst the soaring sugar pines and granite domes of Lost Valley before making camp at the Little Yosemite Valley campground. We will spend the evening with fellow hikers from all over the world at the communal campfire rings before turning in under the shadow of Yosemite’s most iconic feature: Half Dome.

backpacking tours yosemite

  • Elevation Gain: 740 ft
  • Elevation Loss: 2870 ft

Our return to Happy Isles and Yosemite Valley will follow the John Muir Trail, a parallel trail to the Mist Trail. This more relaxing route offers additional outstanding views of the falls, Liberty Cap, Mount Broderick and the backside of Half Dome, as it switchbacks down through a Douglas fir forest below the north face of the Panorama Cliffs. Reaching the trail’s end at Happy Isles, we can celebrate our accomplishment with a foot soak in the cold waters of the Merced or an ice cream cone at the snack shack!

backpacking tours yosemite

Please Note : We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal  terms and conditions  apply to trips with itinerary changes.

Trip Dates & Booking

Trip dates & booking.

Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.

backpacking tours yosemite

AVAILABLE TO BOOK

This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!

backpacking tours yosemite

This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.

backpacking tours yosemite

REQUEST A RESERVATION

This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.

backpacking tours yosemite

Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.

Trip details, what's included.

  • Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
  • High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) – or  bring your own .
  • Use of trekking poles
  • All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on the last day
  • Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See  Guide Bios .
  • National park backcountry camping permits
  • Bear cannisters for food storage
  • Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
  • Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yosemite

What's Not Included

  • Clothes, raingear, and footwear ( see recommendations )
  • National park entrance fee
  • Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
  • Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
  • Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)

Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed information about what to pack.

Meals: What to Expect

All of our hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.

For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables (fresh and dried). In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.

We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.

Gear We Provide

We provide all group gear which includes the following:

  • Deuter or Osprey backpacks
  • Sierra Designs, Kelty or Big Agnes tents
  • Sierra Designs, Kelty, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware synthetic-fill sleeping bags (or  bring your own )
  • Thermarest or Big Agnes sleeping pads
  • Leki trekking poles
  • Cooking stoves and cookware
  • Bear cannisters
  • Company-issued first-aid kit
  • Emergency communication device(s)

Guest Packing List

When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip ( click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.

Additionally, some guests choose to bring their own sleeping bag. We supply high quality, synthetic fill bags that are professionally laundered after every trip. Synthetic fill is non-allergenic, insulates when damp and stands up well to repeated washings, but is heavier and bulkier than down. If you’re able to bring your own  down  sleeping bag, there are  multiple benefits . If not, we’ve got you covered!

Trip Logistics

How do i register.

Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can  click here  to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.

Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!

Where Do We Meet?

This trip meets in Yosemite Valley in the parking lot of Curry Village near the bear boxes at shuttle stop 14 at 6PM on Day 1. Your guide will contact you approximately 10 days before your trip to coordinate this rendezvous and answer any last minute questions you have. Your guide will be waiting for you in a Wildland Trekking hat and shirt. This trip includes dinner and camping that night at the backpackers camp. Personal vehicles can remain parked at Curry Village during your trip.

Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed information about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.

Travel to Yosemite Valley

Travel to yosemite valley backpackers camp.

Many Wildland guests rent vehicles or drive their own to Yosemite Valley. However, you can also travel to and from Yosemite National Park using train and bus options from much of California:

From Fresno :  Yosemite Area Rapid Transit (YARTS)  is offering 1 bus ride each direction from Fresno to Yosemite Valley. To reach the Yosemite Valley Backpackers Camp get off at Curry Village and either walk or take a national park shuttle to North Pines Campground. Walk to the back of the campground and across the footbridge to the camp.

From Other California Cities : by rail on the  Amtrak San Joaquin Train  to the city of Merced (serviced by most large cities in California) or by  Amtrak “Thruway” Bus Service  from Merced to Yosemite Valley. To book your trip, use Amtrak’s Online Reservation Service to book round-trip Amtrak travel to “YOS” (Yosemite Valley).

Start/End Times

Your guide will inform you of the first day’s rendezvous time at the orientation meeting. Generally, you can expect it to be between 5 and 8 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will be out of the backcountry normally before 5 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time) on the final day.

Safety Precautions

Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.

If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at  1-800-715-HIKE (4453)  for more information.

Essential Eligibility Criteria

Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”)  have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.

Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the  EEC  and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please  contact us  prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.

The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.

Guide Shifts

The guide(s) for this trip work daily shifts from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. During off hours (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.) the guides’ time is their own, and they are free to sleep, rest, take personal time, postpone guest requests until the next morning, and any other legal, reasonable activity people engage in when not working. We ask all guests to respect the guides’ off-duty hours by not waking or asking anything of them unless there is a true emergency. Also, state law requires that employees receive an uninterrupted 10 minute break every four working hours, so guides are required to take four 10 minute breaks between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Age Restrictions

Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:

  • 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
  • 10 and older to join private tours, with final approval on a case by case basis
  • specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis

Weather in the Sierras

Being a high mountain environment, the Sierra Nevada Mountains are prone to sudden temperature and weather shifts. This is an exciting aspect of being in the mountains. On trips in June, snow is a possibility, and the rest of the summer rain is always a possibility on your trip. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). See below for average summer temperatures:

  • Accommodations

backpacking tours yosemite

BACKCOUNTRY SLEEPING

Tent camping.

Sleeping on backpacking trips is in premier 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.

backpacking tours yosemite

BACKCOUNTRY CUISINE

Fresh & delicious.

Meals from breakfast Day 1 through lunch the last day are fully included and prepared by your guide. We never use dehydrated backpacking meals, instead serving freshly prepared, delicious backcountry cuisine made with a variety of common and specialty ingredients that travel well in the wilderness.

yosemite campsite with hikers

AMAZING CAMPSITES

In the action.

Of course campsites vary tremendously by destination, trip and even by the individual day of a trip. However, you can expect to camp in beautiful areas that put you right in the action to make the most of your backpacking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.

Trip Reviews

Average customer ratings:.

  • 4.8 (5 reviews)
  • Most recent

Will be highly recommending

Mike, our guide, made this trip. He was positive, engaging, a complete billy-goat on the rocks, knows the area really well, was a plethora of information about the formations and the park, and was very professional and prompt the entire trip. His off trail choices were excellent. I really enjoyed camping at lake Nelson! Also he gave us the option for a day hike day so we could see 5 lakes in our immediate area instead of just hiking a creek. I thought that was a great option for day 3 and ended up being my favorite day. All food and equipment provided my Wildland Trekking was perfect and in good shape, or food wise delicious. I will be highly recommending Wildland Trekking to others.

Great Time!

great time! organized, secured, adventure time that gave all of us opportunity tu learn, laugh, and enjoy nature first timers thru hikers. Mike is chef, guide, friend, excelente person, professional and human all the time. thanks mike gracias! nature is easier with a guide like you. great work, great friend.

My original trip is for Back Packing and it was modified to Base Camping due to the Mariposa fire, I'm just glad that it's not canceled so I didn't waste my day off for nothing and not waste money on all reservations like an airline, and car rentals. The adventure hike, mountain climbing, and alpine dipping were great, Jessie the guide was awesome, and our group was great. Looking more adventure in the future with Wild Land again. Thank you for the memories.

See All Guest Reviews!

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IMAGES

  1. 10 Killer Backpacking Trails in Yosemite National Park

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  2. Backpacking In Yosemite Backcountry

    backpacking tours yosemite

  3. Guided Yosemite Hiking Tours

    backpacking tours yosemite

  4. Backpacking

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  5. Backpacking Yosemite National Park in 7 Days

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  6. Yosemite Falls Backpacking Tour in Yosemite National Park

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VIDEO

  1. Day 083

  2. El Capitan Yosemite #nationalpark #yosemitevalley

  3. Backpacking in Yosemite National Park

  4. Yosemite Falls Backpacking Trip in 14min

  5. Yosemite Tour Teaser

  6. Beach camping...IN YOSEMITE?!

COMMENTS

  1. Guided Yosemite Backpacking Tours

    Guided Yosemite Backpacking Tours - Explore Hidden Yosemite! Hidden Yosemite Backpacking Trip. Hidden Northern Yosemite Backpacking Trip. Yosemite National Park. Trip Highlights: Untouched Alpine Wilderness. Granite Peaks. Incredible Scenery. Guide’s Top Pick!

  2. Guided Yosemite Hiking Tours

    Experienced, Yosemite hiking/backpacking guide(s) with extensive knowledge of the area; A 5-day or 6-day Yosemite hiking & camping tours (depending on your chosen itinerary) Backpacking permits; Required Park Reservations; Meals during the adventure (as indicated in the itinerary)

  3. Yosemite National Park Tours & Vacations

    Yosemite National Park is bursting with bucket list activities worthy of any North American adventure. With dramatic mountain ranges, crystal clear lakes, pristine alpine valleys and some of the world's best hiking trails, you’ll get a hearty serving of nature and adventure on our Yosemite tours.

  4. Heart of Yosemite Backpacking Adventure

    Heart of Yosemite Backpacking Adventure - Wildland Trekking. 800-715-4453. High Sierra Loop: Nelson Lake Entry. Yosemite Valley, CA. 4.8 (5 reviews) Trip Highlights. Point to Point Hike. Tuolumne Meadows. Remote Subalpine Lakes. Iconic Views. Famous Waterfalls. Moderate Off-trail Hiking. Guides Choice Trip. Description.

  5. Yosemite Backpacking Trip & Tour: Half Dome Guided Hike |

    Going on a Discovery Treks Yosemite backpacking trip and tour is a once in a life time experience. For three days we’ll guide you on a hike to the famous and most popular location - Half Dome. Hiking there is so popular, even day hikers have to have a permit to hike the monolith, limiting the numbers of people hiking the great monolith.