Program Overview: On this easy guided trip, a great option for first-time backpackers, you’ll get to experience a wilderness treasure: Yosemite’s night skies. After you meet your trip leader and fellow adventurers, you’ll hike about a mile and a half from the Murphy Creek Trailhead (along Highway 120) before settling in at your campsite for the night: a specially-selected spot with open skies, at an elevation low enough to sleep outside under the stars. As night falls, your naturalist guide will point out constellations dotting the dark sky, and you’ll get to enjoy the magical sights of the Milky Way, planets, meteors and more — all from the comfort of your sleeping bag.
Pack your sleeping gear, a tent (just in case!) and simple meals (such as premade sandwiches), and prepare to be dazzled by what you can see on a night out in the mountains.
Know Before You Go
- When: Thursday, July 28 at 2 pm to Friday, July 29 at around 10 am
- Where: May Lake
- Registration includes: One-night guided backpacking trip, park entry (as needed), bear-proof canister rental, Yosemite Wilderness permit, and one night of tent camping at a shared group site at Upper Pines Campground after the trip (July 29). There is no discount if you choose not to use the included gate pass or campsite.
- Lodging: Tent camping (included) or upgrade to Curry Village or Tuolumne Meadows Lodge (available the night of July 29) for an additional fee. The upgrade option expires 30 days before the program. Lodging information will be sent immediately after registering. Camping and lodging dates cannot be adjusted.
- Experience level: No experience necessary!
View a suggested packing list.
COVID-19: We have implemented special safety measures to keep participants and instructors safe during the ongoing pandemic. Please review our COVID-19 procedures for details.
