Program Overview: Spend a long summer weekend exploring Ten Lakes and Grant Lakes, two clusters of backcountry lakes separated by a narrow ridge of alpine granite near the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. The 7-mile hike to the lakes leads through picturesque high country terrain.
The trip kicks off with a Thursday evening get-together at Tuolumne Meadows Campground, where you’ll meet your naturalist guide and fellow adventurers, and review the route, Leave No Trace ethics, and safety tips, including our COVID-19 procedures.
On Friday morning, you’ll head into the Yosemite Wilderness with your guide and fellow adventurers. Enjoy stunning scenery and opportunities to explore Sierra ecology during the hike to Grant Lake, your home for the next two nights. Spend your layover day (Saturday) in the nearby Ten Lakes basin, stretching your legs on a day hike while learning about plants, animals, geology and history. Bring your fishing pole and California fishing license if you want to cast a line! On Sunday, enjoy a leisurely hike back to the trailhead.
Know Before You Go
- When: Thursday, August 26 (orientation at 7:30 pm) to Sunday, August 29. Depart for backpacking trip on August 27 at 8 am, return August 29 at around 4 pm.
- Where: Tuolumne Meadows Campground (orientation) and Ten Lakes area (backpack).
- Registration includes: Guided backpacking trip, park entry (as needed), bear-proof canister rental, Yosemite Wilderness permit, and two nights of tent camping at a shared group site in Tuolumne Meadows Campground before and after the trip (August 26 and 29). There is no discount if you choose not to use the included gate pass or campsite.
- Lodging options: Tent camping (included). Camping dates cannot be adjusted. No additional lodging options have been arranged for this program.
- Experience level: Participants must be physically fit, have experience hiking at elevations above 10,000 feet, and be ready to hike up to 8 miles per day.
View a suggested packing list.
COVID-19: We have implemented special safety measures to keep participants and instructors safe during the ongoing pandemic. For example, participants will hike single-file and keep moving to avoid crowding the trail, and instructors will stop to offer interpretation only when there is ample space to stay at least six feet apart. Please review our COVID-19 procedures for details.
