Program Overview: Join us for an unforgettable Yosemite adventure along a classic wilderness route. This three-day, two-night guided backpacking trip features a moderate trek through the Sierra Nevada backcountry. Spend a weekend in Yosemite’s high country tackling a challenging and rewarding backpacking trip with a group of fellow adventurous women and an experienced naturalist guide.
The trip kicks off with a Friday evening get-together, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow adventurers, and review the route, Leave No Trace ethics, and safety tips.
On Saturday morning, you’ll hike south from Tioga Road for about three miles and set up camp near one of the Sunrise Lakes. This will be home for the next two nights. On Sunday, the group will head to the top of Clouds Rest. For the day hike, you’ll leave your backpack safely at camp and carry only a daypack, so you can focus on the experience without extra weight on your shoulders. You’ll arrive at the summit with plenty of time to savor the magnificent 360-degree view and marvel at the Valley from far above. After another night at camp, enjoy a leisurely Monday morning before hiking back out to Tioga Road.
This route offers ample opportunities to learn about Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada (and to capture incredible photos). Throughout the weekend, your leader will share tips for the trail, point out notable natural features, and offer insights about the park’s history, wildlife, and geology. Bring your curiosity!
Know Before You Go:
- Program dates: Recommended arrival on Thursday, August 28, to allow time to acclimate to the high elevation. Program begins Friday, August 29 with an evening meeting at 6:30–8 pm. We will start hiking Saturday, August 30, at 8 am and exit Monday, September 1, by 4 pm.
- Program location: Spend the first two nights camping at Tuolumne Meadows. The backpack begins at Tenaya Lake and camping at one of the Sunrise Lakes.
- What’s included: A three-day backpack trip with guided instruction by a Yosemite Naturalist, park entry (as needed), wilderness permit, bear canister rental (as needed), and shared tent camping before and 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 can arrive on Thursday, August 28, after 12 pm and must depart on August 30. After the backpack, participants can arrive on September 1 after 12 pm and must depart on September 2 by 11 am. There are three 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 fire pit 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: We recommend you have prior backpacking experience and be prepared for a moderately strenuous, 15-mile round-trip hike. Participants must be physically fit and prepared to carry a heavy pack at high elevation.
*This program includes camping before (August 28 and August 29) and after programming (September 1). Arrive early and make the most of your trip by enjoying a free day to acclimatize in the park on your own, August 29, before meeting in the evening.
What’s not included:
- Gear or meals during your program.
- Camping gear or meals in the shared campsites.
- Transportation.
View a suggested packing list, including gear rental options.
