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.

3-Day Trip - Cathedral Lakes

Join us for a spectacular trip into the Cathedral Range in the high country of Yosemite. We'll trek along the John Muir Trail before setting up base camp near a pristine alpine lake, and below Cathedral Peak. Exploring the Cathedral range area will reveal hidden landscapes that only backcountry travelers are able to enjoy. A great trip for first time backpackers!

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

Schedule:
- Sept 2-4, 2025 (Tue-Thu)
- Sept 15-17, 2025 (Mon-Wed)
Includes: Permits, camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, stove, bear canister). Food and water filter not included.

Itinerary Highlights:

Day 0: Meet guide at Yosemite Mountaineering School located in Curry Village for a pack check.

Day 1: Hike into Upper Cathedral Lake.
- Distance- Approximately 5 miles.
- Ascent- Approximately 1,426 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 434 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 8,605 to 9,630 ft
Day 2: There are a few different options to explore the area, like Tressider Peak, Budd Lake, or Lower Cathedral Lake.

Day 3: Hike out of the backcountry toward trailhead.
- Distance- Approximately 5 miles.
- Ascent- Approximately 436 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 1,426 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 9,630 to 8,600 ft

3-Day Trip - Glen Aulin

This trip includes a beautiful hike along the cascading Tuolumne River to the High Sierra Camp, Glen Aulin. On Day 2, leave your pack at base camp and explore the Grand Canyon of Tuolumne with a day hike to Waterwheel Fall. This a great trip for exploring one of Yosemite's glacially carved watersheds.

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

Schedule:
- June 14-16, 2025 (Sat-Mon)
- Sept 22-24, 2025 (Mon-Wed)
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 Day 1 for pack check.)

Day 1: Hike into Glen Aulin from trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows.
- Distance- Approximately 6 miles.
- Ascent- Approximately 570 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 1,200 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 8,700 to 7,800 ft above sea level.
Day 2: Hike down to Waterwheel Fall.
- Distance- Approximately 7 miles round trip.
- Ascent- Approximately 1,850 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 1,850 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 7,900 to 6,800 ft. above sea level.
Day 3: Hike out of the backcountry toward trailhead.
- Distance- Approximately 6 miles.
- Ascent- Approximately 1,200 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 570 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 7,800 to 8,700 ft above sea level.

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:
- June 18-19, 2025 (Wed-Thu)
- Sept 20-21, 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
- levation Profile- 9,367 to 10,758 ft. above sea level.

2-Day Trip - Alder Creek

Our Alder Creek backpacking trip is one of our new group Learn to Backpack trips, and therefore is an excellent trip for brand new backpackers. This is a great trip for the budding naturalist as Alder Creek is a wooded area and is home to various plant, wildflower, and bird species. Enjoy a scenic view at Alder Creek Falls toward the end of the trail as well.

NOTE: Children must still be at least 14 years of age for our group Learn to Backpack trips.

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

Schedule:
- May 10-11, 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 Alder Creek from trailhead off of Highway 41.
- Distance- Approximately 4-6 miles depending on where you camp.
- Ascent- Approximately 1,468 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 451 ft. Elevation Profile- 4,845 to 5,904 ft above sea level.
Day 2: Hike out of the backcountry toward trailhead.
- Distance- Approximately 4-6 miles depending on where you camp.
- Ascent- Approximately 451 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 1,468 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 5,904 to 4,845 ft above sea level.

2-Day Trip - Chilnualna Falls

Join one of our friendly and experienced Yosemite Mountaineering School guides on this wonderful new Learn to Backpack trip to Chilnualna Falls. This trip explores and highlights a different area of the park, Wawona. Enjoy beautiful views of the cascading waterfalls on this trail. As a Learn to Backpack trip, it is a great choice for beginner backpackers, although it is more strenuous than our Alder Creek and May Lake trips due to elevation gain.

NOTE: Children must still be at least 14 years of age for our group Learn to Backpack trips.

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

Schedule:
- May 17-18, 2025 (Sat-Sun)
- May 31-June 1, 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 Chilnualna Falls from trailhead in Wawona.
- Distance- Approximately 4 miles depending on where you camp.
- Ascent- Approximately 2,502 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 644 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 4,244 to 6,267 ft above sea level.
Day 2: Hike out of the backcountry toward trailhead.
- Distance- Approximately 4 miles depending on where camp was set up.
- Ascent- Approximately 2,502 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 644 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 4,244 to 6,267 ft above sea level.

3-Day Trip - Vogelsang to Lyell Canyon

Explore the area of Yosemite's highest in altitude High Sierra Camp, Vogelsang. Vogelsang is a locals' favorite with views of high alpine lakes and rugged peaks. The trip typically finishes through Lyell Canyon and has options to make the experience easier or more difficult depending on the group's ability.

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

Schedule:
- June 27-29, 2025 (Fri-Sun)
- Sept 6-8, 2025 (Sat-Mon)
- Sept 12-14, 2025 (Fri-Sun)
Includes: Permits, camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, stove, bear canister). Food and water filter not included.

Itinerary Highlights:

Day 0: Meet guide at Yosemite Mountaineering School located in Curry Village for a pack check.

Day 1: Hike into Vogelsang from trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows.
- Distance- Approximately 7.4 miles.
- Ascent- Approximately 1,688 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 235 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 8,675 to 10,189 ft above sea level.
Day 2: There are a few different options to explore the area, like Vogelsang Peak, Ireland Lake, and Hanging Basket Lake.

Day 3: Hike out via Lyell Canyon.
- Distance- Approximately 5.7 miles.
- Ascent- Approximately 269 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 479 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 8,933 to 8,675 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 20-22, 2025 (Tue-Thu)
- May 24-26, 2025 (Sat-Mon)
- June 6-8, 2025 (Fri-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 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 - Ostrander Lake

Hit the trail with the Yosemite Mountaineering School on this outstanding trip to Ostrander Lake. Ostrander is special place nestled in the pocket of the Sierras out off Glacier Point Road. For day, two enjoy a moderate hike out to Hart Lakes or trek up to Horse Ridge to get your fill of alpine scenery. If you love Ostrander, you can also ski out to it in the winter from Badger Pass Ski Area (if you're ready for some black diamond backcountry skiing)!

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

Schedule:
- September 26-28, 2025 (Fri-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 Ostrander Lake area from trailhead off of Glacier Point Road.
- Distance- Approximately 6 miles.
- Ascent- Approximately 1,692 ft.
- Descent- Approximately 120 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 7,037 to 8,615 ft above sea level.
Day 2: A couple options to explore the area.

Horse Ridge
- Distance- Approx. 4 miles round trip.
- Ascent- Approx. 1,050 ft.
- Descent- Approx. 1,050 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 8,615 to 9,484 ft. above sea level.
Hart Lakes
- Distance- Approx. 3 miles round trip.
- Ascent- Approx. 800 ft.
- Descent- Approx. 800 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 8,615 to 8,936 ft. above sea level.
Day 3: Hike back toward Glacier Point Road via Ostrander Lake trail.
- Distance- Approx. 6 miles.
- Ascent- Approx. 200 ft.
- Descent- Approx. 1,750 ft.
- Elevation Profile- 7,038 to 8,662 ft above sea level.

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 9-12, 2025 (Mon-Thu)
- June 20-23, 2025 (Fri-Mon)
- Aug 29-Sept 1, 2025 (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