Program Overview: On this guided overnight trip, you’ll experience a natural treasure — Yosemite’s night skies.
After meeting up with your trip leader and fellow adventurers, you’ll hike about a mile from the May Lake Trailhead to your campsite. As night falls, your naturalist will use a laser pointer to single out specific stars and constellations, and you can search the sky for distant planets — all from the comfort of your sleeping bag. The program curriculum focuses on astronomy (including, but not limited to, star science, constellations, planetary science, perception of light/how light travels, etc.), as well as story/lore/mythology rooted in cultures both locally and across the world.
Pack a tent, sleeping gear, and simple meals, such as premade sandwiches, and prepare to be dazzled by what you can see in just one night out in the mountains.
Know Before You Go:
- Program dates: Backpack trip begins Friday, July 25, at 4 pm and concludes Saturday, July 26, at 10 am.
- Program location: May Lake
- What’s included: A one-night backpack trip with instruction by a Yosemite Naturalist; a free day to explore the park on your own after the program (July 26); park entry (as needed); a wilderness permit; and shared tent camping after the trek (camping dates cannot be altered). There is no discount if you choose not to use the included gate pass or campsite.
- Camping dates: Participants have the option to camp after the backpacking trip on July 26, arriving at the campground after 12 pm and departing on July 27 by 11 am. There are two shared campsites among all the participants. We guarantee tent camping only. If you choose to bring a recreational vehicle, we cannot guarantee you will have a parking spot. Please be prepared to tent camp. A picnic table, bear locker, and firepit are provided at each site. Campsites fit six people per site.
- Campground location: Tuolumne Meadows. Please note that if the campground is not open for some reason, then camping will be provided at the best alternative location available.
- Lodging: No lodging accommodations other than camping are available.
- Experience level: All levels welcome, must be physically fit to walk at elevation with a backpack.
*This two-day program includes three nights of camping. Make the most of your trip by enjoying an extra free day, July 26, to explore on your own.
What’s not included:
- Gear or meals during your program.
- Camping gear or meals in the shared campsites.
- Transportation.
