Backpacking

Pack It All In and Go

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.

Our highly experienced guides will take care of everything — from obtaining the required permits to ensuring you’re well equipped with the appropriate tents, food supplies, water and clothing. Each trip is more than just a journey from Point A to Point B: it’s also an opportunity to learn lifelong skills like map and compass usage, food storage techniques, wilderness safety and stream crossing.

Guided Backpacking Trips

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

Guided Backpacking Trips

We require reservations and advanced deposits for all Yosemite backpacking trips.

Reservation Information

Reservations & Deposit	If you have questions, or are ready to make a reservation, you can reach us at 209-372-8344. Deposit payment is due over the phone at the time your reservation is made.
Trip Size & Age Requirements	Backpacking trips are limited to a maximum of seven people aged 12 and older.
Private Trips	Private backpacking expeditions are open to all ages and abilities.
After Making Your Phone Reservation	After you've made your trip reservation please fill out our Trip Registration & Medical Questionnaire. Each participant is required to fill out a form.
Mailing Address	Yosemite Mountaineering School PO Box 306 Yosemite, CA 95389

Guided Backpacking Trips

Below is a list of items you will need to bring with you for your backpacking trip. Please gather your equipment early so you don’t forget anything.

Cotton clothing should be avoided! Choose wool or synthetic materials like polyester, polypropylene, Capilene, and nylon.

Essentials
For rent or purchase	Mountain Hardwear internal frame backpack Mountain Hardwear 3-season (+15 °F) Synthetic sleeping bag Mountain Hardwear sleeping pad Bear Canister
Protection	Sunblock Lotion & Lip Balm Sunglasses (UV-A, UV-B, and IR block) Headlamp, spare bulb and batteries Blister kit with extra moleskin 2 large, heavy-duty garbage bags
Footwear	Medium weight, broken-in hiking boots or shoes (waterproof preferred) Lightweight camp shoes or sandals to practice Leave No Trace (LNT) in camp 2 or 3 pair polypropylene liner socks 3 pair wool or synthetic hiking socks
Utensils	2 1-liter water bottles or 70+ oz Camelback Spoon, bowl, and insulated mug
Toiletries	Personal medications Toilet paper

Optional Items
Toiletries	Bandana Insect repellent (before August 1) Disinfecting hand wipes
Clothing	Waterproof (breathable is preferable) pants and jacket Insulating jacket Insulating pants Light long underwear T-shirt Turtleneck, zip-type is good Underwear Shorts Sun hat or visor Winter hat or balaclava Warm mittens or gloves

You can bring any of the items you want but remember that you have to carry them yourself. You’ll also need room in your pack for some of the group gear (Mountain Hardwear tent, 9” x 12” bear can, fuel, stove, etc...) so don’t overdo it. Optional items include: backpack rain cover, swimsuit, lighter or matches, small towel, Camp Suds-type biodegradable soap, mosquito head net, lightweight daypack (for trips with layover days), first aid kit, GPS, compass, map, guidebook, camera and film, hiking poles, gaiters, binoculars, fishing tackle and current license, small pocket knife, paper and pen, art supplies, reading material, special food and drink.

For your convenience, the Mountaineering School rents Mountain Hardwear sleeping bags and pads and backpacks that are perfect for your trip. Let us know in advance what you need. If you rent gear from other sources please be sure it is adequate for your trip and in good working order. Call us if you have any questions.

Guided Backpacking Trips

A full payment (100%) deposit is required to book a reservation, except big wall climbs where a 50% deposit is required. If reservation is cancelled at least 14 days or more in advance of the scheduled activity, the full deposit will be refunded. For a cancellation of less than 14 days notice, deposit will be forfeited. For a no-show with no warning, the full deposit will be forfeited.

Activities cancelled by YMS will be fully refunded. There will be no refunds due to weather or snow conditions. Once a climbing outing has started, the maximum refund is one half of that day’s fees. YMS will not accept reservations earlier than one year and one day before any YMS outing.

Guided Backpacking Trips

2-Day Trip - Learn to Backpack

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.

Pricing	$250.00 per person, with 4 or more in the group. Custom rates apply for groups less than 4. NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible.
Additional Information	Includes permits and backpacking meals, as well as use of our sleeping bags, pads, backpacks, tents, stoves, and water filters.
Reservations	To make a reservation please call 209.372.8344.

3-Day Trip - Glen Aulin to May Lake

On this three-day moderate backpacking trip, a 6-mile easy to moderate hike takes you past several waterfalls on your way to Glen Aulin. The second day is the hardest as we head south along the moderate to strenuous trail east of Tuolumne Peak for 8-miles, with plenty of views along the way. Day 3, we will either relax and enjoy the high sierra lakes and vistas or make an additional short but steep trek of Mt. Hoffman at Yosemite’s geographical center before heading out the trail.

Pricing	$375.00 per person with four or more in group NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible.
Schedule	Depart Monday morning and return Wednesday afternoon. July 13 - 15, 2020 August 10 - 12, 2020
Additional Information	Includes permits and backpacking meals, as well as use of our tents, stoves and water filters.
Reservations	To make reservations please call 209.372.8344.

3-Day Trip - Ten Lakes Basin

A glacier basin with alpine lakes in the Yosemite high country, this three-day trip takes us from the trailhead on Tioga Road through lodgepole and western white pine forest to Halfmoon Meadow before ascending to Ten Lakes Pass at 9600 feet and a night at the shore of one of these secluded glassy lakes. Day 2 and 3 take us along the southern edge of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne before descending along Murphy Creek to Tenaya Lake. Beautiful panoramic views and good fishing are available on this moderate to strenuous hike at high altitude.

Pricing	$375.00 per person, with four or more in group NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible.
Schedule	Depart on Monday morning and return on Wednesday afternoon. July 13 - 15, 2020 August 10 - 12, 2020
Additional Information	Includes permits and backpacking meals, as well as use of our tents, stoves and water filters
Reservations	To make reservations please call 209.372.8344.

3-Day & 4-Day Trips - Yosemite Valley Rim Adventure

A wonderful opportunity to see nearly all of the most famous natural landmarks in Yosemite Valley, this trip differs in length throughout the season based on trail availability and conditions. The first three trips of the season are four-days-long — and the rest are three-day backpacking trips. In the spring, the first day of the trip starts on the historic Big Oak Flat Trail. Later in the summer when Tioga Road opens, the trip starts at the Tamarack Flat Campground.

The first day of the hike is the most challenging... and your goal will be to make it to the top of El Capitan! The second day is a bit easier, with 6 to 7 miles of hiking before setting up camp near the top of Yosemite Falls, where you’ll take in the gorgeous setting sun.

Pricing	$375 per person, with four or more in the group. (3-Day Trip) $500 per person, with four or more in the group. (4-Day Trip) NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible.
Schedule	3-Day Trips June 19 - 21, 2020 July 3 - 5, 2020 July 10 - 12, 2020 August 28 - 30, 2020 4-Day Trips May 21 - 24, 2020 May 28 - 31, 2020 June 4 - 7, 2020
Additional Information	Includes permits and backpacking meals, as well as use of our tents, stoves and water filters.
Reservations	To make a reservation please call 209.372.8344.

3-Day Trip - Clouds Rest

This three-day backpacking trip from Tenaya Lake down to Yosemite Valley will take you along narrow ridge of Clouds Rest, outstanding views of Half Dome.

Pricing	$375.00 per person, with four or more in the group. NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible.
Schedule	June 26 - 28, 2020 July 31 - August 2, 2020 NOTE: All trips leave on Friday morning & return on Sunday afternoon.
Additional Information	Includes permits and backpacking meals, as well as use of our tents, stoves and water filters.
Reservations	To make a reservation please call 209.372.8344.

3-Day Trip - Young Lakes to Mt. Conness

On this three-day backpacking trip, your journey will begin with an 8-mile hike to Young Lakes below Mt. Conness. On the second day, you’ll climb up to Mt. Conness, which has incredible views of the Tuolumne region and the Mono Basin. An additional climb of Ragged Peak and side excursions to Roosevelt Lake are also possible.

Pricing	$375.00 per person, with four or more in the group. NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible.
Schedule	June 19 - 21, 2020 July 17 - 19, 2020 July 31 - August 2, 2020 August 21 - 23, 2020 NOTE: All trips leave on Friday morning & return on Sunday afternoon.
Additional Information	Includes permits and backpacking meals as well as use of our tents, stoves, and water filters.
Reservations	To make reservations please call 209.372.8344

4-Day Trip - The Incredible High Sierra Loop

You’ll pass through three of Yosemite’s famous High Sierra Camps on this four-day backpacking trip.

You and your group will hike from Tuolumne to Vogelsang Pass to Merced Lake then on to Sunrise and out through Cathedral Lakes. Each High Sierra Camp is different, and you’ll get a taste of them all—with their unique views, meals and hospitality. Each night you’ll retire to your tent, as we do not stay in the High Sierra Camps.

Pricing	$500.00 per person, with for or more in the group. NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible.
Schedule	June 25 - 28, 2020 July 23 - 26, 2020 NOTE: All trips leave on Thursday & return on Sunday afternoon.
Additional Information	Includes permits and backpacking meals as well as use of our tents, stoves, and water filters.
Reservations	To make reservations please call 209.372.8344

4-Day Trip - Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley

Our most popular trip, this four-day backpacking journey goes from Tuolumne over Vogelsang Pass to Merced Lake and on to the Yosemite Valley. You’ll hike through towering mountain passes, flowering meadows, and alongside sky-high trees—and, if your group is strong enough, you may even want to attempt ascending Half Dome. This is a challenging backpacking trip at high altitude, and is only for strong, experienced hikers.

Pricing	$500.00 per person, with for or more in the group. NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible.
Schedule	June 29 - July 2, 2020 July 2 - 5, 2020 July 9 - 12, 2020 July 16 - 19, 2020 August 6 - 9, 2020 August 13 - 16, 2020 August 27 - 30, 2020 NOTE: All trips leave on Thursday morning & return on Sunday afternoon.
Additional Information	Includes permits and backpacking meals as well as use of our tents, stoves, and water filters.
Reservations	To make reservations please call 209.372.8344

5-Day Trip - Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River

On this four-day strenuous backpacking trip through the Tuolumne River gorge, expect longer days of up to 10 miles being well rewarded. Following the first descent by John Muir in the 1800’s, this remote Yosemite location offers some of the most scenic environment in our park. We will pass numerous back country waterfalls and cascades, before the heat of high summer rolls in. With good potential for wildlife sightings, we are excited to offer this trip which includes one day of orientation, followed by four days hiking.

Pricing	$625.00 per person, with four or more in the group NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible.
Schedule	July 3 - 6, 2020 Your guide will contact you in advance. We Will meet the night before our trip for orientation.
Additional Information	Includes permits and backpacking meals, as well as use of our tents, stoves and water filters.
Reservations	To make a reservation please call 209.372.8344.

Custom Trips

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

Pricing	1 person $400.00 per day 2 people $250.00 each per day 3 people $170.00 each per day 4+ people $140.00 each per day
Additional Information	Includes permits and backpacking meals, as well as use of our tents, stoves, and water filters.
Reservations	To make reservations please call 209.372.8344

Backpacking

Pack It All In and Go

Pack It All In and Go

Guided Backpacking Trips

Equipment Rentals

Rental Rate

Guided Backpacking Trips

Reservation Information

Guided Backpacking Trips

Guided Backpacking Trips

Guided Backpacking Trips