Pack it Up, Pack it In

Yosemite is a backpacker's paradise with stunning views, great weather, and 800+ miles of trails. With guided group trips and custom expeditions, pack it all in and make unforgettable memories! Minimum age for our guided backpacking tours is 14 years old.

Backpacking Basics Clinic (3 hours)

Interested in backpacking but not ready to commit to a full trip? Our 3-hour Backpacking Clinics are perfect for those looking to gain essential backcountry skills without the time or financial commitment of a guided overnight trek. Designed for beginners and curious adventurers, these hands-on sessions cover everything you need to feel more confident and prepared on the trail.

Details:
- Dates: June 28th through October 5th, 2025
- Days: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
- Times: 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM
- Meeting Place: Curry Village Amphitheater
- Stage Cost: $45 per person
- Age: 12+ Max
- Group Size: 10
Participants will learn:
- How to pack for a trip and choose the right gear
- Food planning and water filtration methods
- Navigation basics and seasonal trail considerations
- Leave No Trace Principles for responsible recreation
- Where to camp and how to use a camp stove
- Emergency communication and severe weather preparedness
- Wildlife awareness and bear safety
We'll also go in-depth on Yosemite-specific regulations, including:
- The permitting system and how to plan trips within it
- Campfire restrictions and seasonal rules
- Proper outdoor hygiene, including how to use the bathroom responsibly
- Bear canister use and food storage requirements
Whether you're planning your first overnight or simply want to be more informed, this clinic
offers a welcoming, informative introduction to backcountry travel in Yosemite.

Overnight Backpacking Trips

Yosemite National Park has some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, and superb weather most of the year. With over 800 miles of trails, it's no wonder that the park has become a must-visit destination for backpackers from all over the world. The Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service makes it easy and safe to explore Yosemite's seemingly endless trails. Daily scheduled group trips and custom designed backpacking expeditions are available and can be tailored to your group's unique interests and abilities.

2-Day Trip - May Lake

A great trip for beginner backpackers. This trip heads into the high country and arrives at May Lake, situated at the base of Mt. Hoffman (the geographical center of the park!). These are two low-mileage leisurely days, so we've added on an option to summit Mt. Hoffman where you get an incredible 360-degree view of Yosemite National Park.

Details:
Pricing: $500 per person with four or more in group

Schedule:
- August 22-23, 2026 (Sat-Sun)
- Sept 19-20, 2025 (Sat-Sun)
Includes: Permits, camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, stove, bear canister). Food and water filter not included.

Itinerary

Day 0: Meet guide at Yosemite Mountaineering School located in Curry Village for a pack check. (If not possible meet by trailhead Day 1 for pack check.)

Day 1*: Hike into May Lake from trailhead (about 5 miles west of Tenaya Lake off Tioga Road).
- Distance- Approximately 1.5 miles.
- Ascent- Approximately 492 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 57 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 8,885 to 9,367 ft above sea level.
Day 2: Hike out of the backcountry toward trailhead.
- Distance- Approximately 1.5 miles.
- Ascent- Approximately 57 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 492 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 9,367 to 8,885 ft above sea level.
*Option to summit Mt. Hoffman either day: Mt. Hoffman
- Distance- Approximately 3 miles round trip.
- Ascent- Approximately 1,540 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 1,540 ft. E
- Elevation Profile- 9,367 to 10,758 ft. above sea level.

3-Day Trip - Yosemite Valley Rim

Catch a unique perspective on Yosemite Valley in this North Rim adventure. Start up the Yosemite Falls trail and head east on the rim toward North Dome, catching great views of the Valley along the way. This trip is only offered at the start of the season due to heat and shortage of water later in the summer.

Details:
Pricing: $750 per person, with four or more in the group.

Schedule:
- May 15-17, 2026 (Fri-Sun)
- May 23-25, 2026 (Sat-Mon)
Includes: Permits, camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, stove, bear canister). Food and water filter not included.

Itinerary

Day 0: Meet guide at Yosemite Mountaineering School located in Curry Village for a pack check. (If not possible meet by trailhead Day 1 for pack check.)

Day 1: Hike up to Castle Cliffs by Yosemite Point.
- Distance- Approximately 4 miles.
- Ascent- Approximately 4,600 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 1,300 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 4,000 to 7,400 ft above sea level.
Day 2: Hike east to North Dome, set up camp, then hike up to Indian Rock.
- Distance- Approximately 5 miles.
- Ascent- Approximately 1,700 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 1,600 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 7,000 to 8,500 ft. above sea level.
Day 3: Hike over to Snow Creek trail head then down to Mirror Lake.
- Distance- Approximately 9 miles.
- Ascent- Approximately 1,300 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 4,600 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 8,200 to 4,000 ft above sea level

3-Day Trip – Half Dome (via Little Yosemite Valley)

Experience one of Yosemite's most iconic summits on this 3-day guided backpacking adventure. Begin by hiking the Mist Trail past Vernal and Nevada Falls, camping overnight in Little Yosemite Valley. On day two, challenge yourself on the Half Dome cables for unforgettable views of Yosemite Valley below. With expert guides, backcountry camping, and a small group setting, this trip offers both support and adventure for those seeking to conquer one of Yosemite's most famous hikes.

Details:
Difficulty: For experienced backpackers only.

Permits: Half Dome summits and permits are not guaranteed. Acquiring the permits is very likely, but in the instance we do not get Half Dome permits we will adjust the trip as necessary.

Cost: $750 per person with four or more in group.

Schedule:
- May 29-31, 2026 (Fri-Sun)
- June 5-7, 2026 (Fri-Sun)
- June 12-14, 2026 (Fri-Sun)
- September 25-27, 2026 (Fri-Sun)
Itinerary

Day 0: Meet guide at Yosemite Mountaineering School located in Curry Village for a pack check. (If not possible, meet by trailhead Day 1 for pack check.)

Day 1: Hike into Little Yosemite Valley Campground via the Mist Trail. Distance- Approximately 5 miles Ascent- Approximately 2,300 ft Descent- Approximately 500 ft Elevation Profile- Approximately 4,000 ft to 6,100 ft

Day 2: Summit Half Dome then hike back down to LYV Campground. Distance- Approximately 7 miles Ascent- Approximately 2,850 ft Descent- Approximately 2,850 ft Elevation Profile- Approximately 6,100 to 8,800 ft

Day 3: Hike from Little Yosemite Valley down to Yosemite Valley via the John Muir Trail. Distance- Approximately 6 miles Ascent- Approximately 1,500 ft Descent- Approximately 3,500 ft Elevation Profile- Approximately 6,100 to 4,000 ft

4-Day Trip - Cloud’s Rest to Half Dome

Get to the top of two of the most popular summits in Yosemite, Cloud's Rest and Half Dome, in this wonderfully strenuous trip. It begins in a beautiful part of Yosemite's high country, Sunrise Lakes. From there, we summit Cloud's Rest, standing proud at 9,926 ft in elevation then head over to the iconic Half Dome standing at 8,839 ft. in elevation. Eventually we make our way down to Yosemite Valley where we end our trip.

*This trip is for experienced backpackers/hikers only.

**The entry trailhead and exit trailhead are in different areas of the park.

Details:
Difficulty: For experienced backpackers only.

Permits: Half Dome summits and permits are not a guarantee. Acquiring the permits is very likely, but in the instance, we do not get Half Dome permits we will spend a night at beautiful Merced Lake instead.

Transportation: Transportation is not included in our services. You will need to either book the Tuolumne Hiker's Shuttle to get to the trailhead for Day 1 or after the trip to retrieve your vehicle.

Cost: $1000 per person with four or more in group.

Schedule:
- June 19-22, 2026 (Fri-Mon)
- July 3-6, 2026 (Fri-Mon)
- Aug 7-10, 2026 (Fri-Mon)
- September 4-7, 2026 (Fri-Mon)
- September 11-14, 2026 (Fri-Mon)
Itinerary

Day 0: Meet guide at Yosemite Mountaineering School located in Curry Village for a pack check. (If not possible meet by trailhead Day 1 for pack check.)

Day 1: Hike into Sunrise Lakes from the trailhead at Tenaya Lake.
Distance- Approximately 3.5 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 1,400 ft.
Descent- Approximately 220 ft.
Elevation Profile- Approximately 8,200 to 9,350 ft

Day 2: Summit Cloud's Rest then hike down to JMT junction.
Distance- Approximately 9 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 1,250 ft.
Descent- Approximately 3,150 ft.
Elevation Profile- Approximately 7,300 to 9,900 ft

Day 3: Summit Half Dome then hike down to Little Yosemite Valley.
Distance- Approximately 6 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 1,600 ft.
Descent- Approximately 2,600 ft.
Elevation Profile- Approximately 6,200 to 8,500 ft

Day 4: Hike down into Yosemite Valley to complete trip.
Distance- Approximately 6 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 1,000 ft.
Descent- Approximately 3,500 ft.
Elevation Profile- Approximately 4,000 to 6,200 ft

Custom Trips

Explore Yosemite with a guided backpacking adventure tailored to your schedule, interests, and expertise. Call us for more information, suggested itineraries, and to make reservations at 209.372.8344.

Pricing (includes permits)

1 Person $550 per day

2 People $400 per person per day

3 People $325 per person per day

4+ People $300 per person per day

The Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service offers a limited supply of backpacking and camping gear, which can be rented by the day. No reservations are accepted for gear, so we strongly recommend bringing your own. Please call 209.372.8344 for more information.

Equipment Rentals	Rental Rate
Sleeping Bag (Limited availability in winter)	$25.00 per day
Sleeping Pad	$8.00 per day
Overnight Pack	$20.00 per day
Day Pack	$5.00 per day

Reservations and deposits are required for all Yosemite backpacking trips.

To Book: Call 209-372-8344 or email yms@aramark.com. Deposit is due at booking.
Group Size & Age: Max 7 people, ages 14+. Private trips welcome all ages.
After Booking: Complete the Trip Registration & Medical Questionnaire for each participant.
Mailing Address: Yosemite Mountaineering School, PO Box 306, Yosemite, CA 95389.
Backpacking Checklist: View Equipment Checklist here.
Meal Planning: View Meal Planning instructions here.

Essentials (Available for Rent/Purchase):

Internal frame backpack
3-season sleeping bag (+15 °F)
Sleeping pad
Bear canister

Protection:

Sunblock and lip balm (UV protection)
Sunglasses (UV-A/UV-B/IR block)
Headlamp with spare batteries
Blister kit (with moleskin)
2 heavy-duty garbage bags

Footwear:

Broken-in, waterproof hiking boots or shoes
Lightweight camp shoes/sandals
Wool or synthetic hiking socks (3 pairs)
Polypropylene liner socks (2-3 pairs)

Utensils:

2 one-liter water bottles or Camelback (70+ oz)
Spoon, bowl, insulated mug

Toiletries:

Personal medications
Toilet paper

Optional:

Waterproof clothing (jacket/pants)
Insulating layers (jacket, pants, long underwear)
T-shirts, shorts, sun hat, gloves
Insect repellent (before August)
Camp items: first aid kit, compass, GPS, biodegradable soap, camera, hiking poles, guidebook, and more

Remember, you'll carry all personal items plus group gear (tent, bear canister, stove, etc.), so pack wisely. Mountain Hardwear gear rentals are available—contact us in advance to reserve. For questions, call the Mountaineering School.

A full deposit (100%) is required for reservations, except for big wall climbs, which require a 50% deposit. Cancellations 14+ days in advance receive a full refund; cancellations with less than 14 days' notice or no-shows forfeit the deposit. YMS cancellations are fully refunded, but no refunds are given for weather or snow conditions. Once a climb begins, refunds are capped at 50% of that day's fees. Reservations can only be made up to one year and one day in advance.

1 Person	$550 per day
2 People	$400 per person per day
3 People	$325 per person per day
4+ People	$300 per person per day