Backpacking

You’ll join a group of other inexperienced backpackers on this wonderful two-day trip. Along the way, you'll learn all about backpacking, gear selection and the surrounding wilderness. The hikes are typically 3 to 4 miles, followed by setting up camp—and enjoying the outdoors together.

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. Observe mirror image reflections of sky island peaks, and a brilliant night sky illuminated by stars. The second day will allow you the opportunity to leave your heavy pack with your tent, so you can day hike through the craggy alpine zone. Exploring the Cathedral range will reveal hidden landscape formations that only backcountry travelers are able to enjoy. This is a photographer’s dream trip, and appreciators of nature will enjoy capturing life long memories with their eyes. Low mile, high altitude backpacking trip has an altitude ranging between 8,600 feet to 10,500 feet above sea level

This twenty-mile loop trail varies in elevation as it ascends into the upper reaches of the sub-alpine zones. Mirror images of high-alpine peaks rise from small lakes and a spectacular landscape. Trekking at tree line provides long distance views across Yosemite National Park’s High Sierra Crest. Eventually descend into Lodgepole Pine and Western Juniper forest until reaching the Tuolumne River at the bottom of glacially carved Lyell Canyon. From here, it’s a casual six miles of scenic hiking back to your starting point in Tuolumne Meadows.

This trip includes a beautiful hike along the cascading Tuolumne River, to Glen Aulin, situated at the base of the White Cascade waterfall. On day two, leave your pack at base camp and enjoy a day hike down into the Grand Canyon of Tuolumne to Waterwheel Falls where above you rises the impressive landscape feature, Wildcat Point. Passing by seven waterfalls will make this a great trip for exploring one of Yosemite’s most dominant glacially carved watersheds.

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!). On day two, get in a strenuous but worth-while summit of Mt. Hoffman (optional) where you’ll get an incredible 360-degree view of Yosemite National Park. May Lake is a great trip for Yosemite lovers!

Begin hiking from Tuolumne Meadows. Ascend the Dog Lake trail then continue north toward Young Lakes. Broad vistas across the Cathedral Range and the Grand Canyon of Tuolumne sweep the horizon. 2,000 feet of elevation gain over 7 miles rewards the backcountry traveler with a campsite on the edge of Young Lakes, where Ragged Peak casts its beauty into calm waters. On day two, leave basecamp set up and explore Mount Conness or Roosevelt Lake basin. Route choice on this day is determined by weather conditions, and physical ability of group. Your last day in the wilderness will be spent retracing some of your footsteps before reaching the trail junction for Soda Springs. Descend 2,000 feet through a mixed conifer forest and walk across glacially polished granite bedrock slabs, then finish with a gentle stroll along cascades of the Tuolumne River.

This trip is really special, as it includes one of the best 360-degree views in the entire park, Cloud’s Rest. It begins with a trip into a beautiful part of Yosemite’s high country, Sunrise. From there, we summit Cloud’s Rest, standing proud at 9,926 ft in elevation. Be sure to bring your binoculars to check out the hikers going up the Half Dome cables while you’re up there!

This beautiful, yet long, and strenuous trip follows a large portion of the High Sierra Loop Trail. Traditionally, it was done with mule support, and High Camp tent cabins which are not open for the 2021 season. That said, determined backpackers can still enjoy the High Sierra Loop trail with guide support. We’ll visit Tuolumne Meadows, Vogelsang, Merced Lake, and Sunrise areas along the way.

Catch a unique perspective on Yosemite Valley in this North Rim adventure. 3,000 feet in elevation gain will end your first day at the top of Yosemite’s tallest waterfall, Yosemite Falls. From the Yosemite Creek drainage hike east above Royal Arches toward North Dome, where your camp site will have a stunning panoramic view of Half Dome and Cloud’s Rest. On day three, hike to the iconic geological feature, Indian Rock Arch, then make your way down to a Snow Creek campsite where the night sky and Milky Way rotate over a Half Dome silhouette. Embrace your final descent while enjoying powerful views into Tenaya Canyon, eventually making your way back into Yosemite Valley via Mirror Lake.

Walk where glaciers once dominated the landscape. This elegant backpacking trip begins at 8,600 ft elevation as it follows the John Muir Trail along side of the Tuolumne River. The first 8 miles meander through gentle terrain of Lyell Canyon. Eventually, the trail steepens as it ascends above tree line, and into a glacially carved, alpine cirque. Mid- summer wildflowers grow on natures terraced gardens while headwaters of the Tuolumne River trickle down from melting snow and ice. Remnants of an ancient glacier still remain clinging onto the north slope of Yosemite’s highest peak, Mount Lyell. Dusk and dawn alpenglow bathe a peaceful base camp which allows folks a chance to relax, while photographers enjoy a landscape filled with complex geologic features. Adventure seekers may have the option to continue farther up the mountain where rock meets ice.
The final destination depends on the fitness level, and technical abilities of the group while weather conditions will be considered along the way.

With a guided backpacking trip, you'll enjoy seeing the best of Yosemite National Park with the comfort and safety of an experienced guide. While most of the hiking trips are moderately difficult, there are some that are quite physically challenging and recommended only for the most experienced backpackers. Designed around your schedule, interests, and level of expertise, we can create a backpacking vacation of a lifetime.

Call us for more information, ideas, and suggested itineraries at 209.372.8344