Program Overview: Spend a long weekend in Yosemite’s high country on a challenging yet rewarding backpacking trip designed for adventurous women. Guided by an experienced naturalist, this three-day, two-night trek explores the stunning Sierra Nevada backcountry and the serene Young Lakes. Nestled north of Tuolumne Meadows, this chain of three alpine lakes offers sweeping views of the Cathedral Range. The trail winds through meadows and quiet forests before opening to expansive high-country scenery.
Begin your adventure with an evening program at camp covering Leave No Trace principles and trip details with your naturalist guide. The next morning, backpack 7 miles to Young Lakes and set up a base camp. The next day out, spend a full day exploring the surrounding alpine terrain on a day hike. On the final day, hike back out the way you came in.
Throughout the journey, your guide will share trail tips, point out unique natural features, and offer insights into Yosemite’s history, wildlife, and geology. Bring your curiosity — and get ready for a memorable backcountry adventure.
Know Before You Go:
- Program date: Evening meeting on Thursday, September 3, from 6:30–8 pm. Backpacking trip runs Friday, September 4, through Sunday, September 6, 8:30 am–4 pm each day
- Program location: Young Lakes
- What’s Included
- Guided instruction with a Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist Guide
- Park entry pass (valid for program dates only)
- Wilderness Permit
- Shared front-country tent camping before and after the trek (camping dates cannot be altered)
- Optional free day on Thursday, September 3, to explore on your own and get acclimated
- No discount is available if you choose not to use the gate pass or campsite.
- Camping Information: Before the backpack, participants can arrive to camp after 12 pm on Wednesday, September 2; enjoy a day on Thursday, September 3 to explore and get acclimated; and depart Friday, September 4. After the backpack, participants can arrive to camp after 12 pm on Sunday, September 6, and must depart Monday, September 7, by 11 am. Two campsites are shared between all participants, each with space for 4–5 tents and equipped with a picnic table, bear locker, and fire pit.
- Camping Location: Tuolumne Meadows
- Important Notes: Due to the shared nature of the campsites, we cannot accommodate RVs, campers, or car camping. If you would like a private campsite, have an RV/camper, or plan to sleep in your car, you’ll need to make your own reservation. Please note that camping is reserved for program participants only.
- Hiking is an integral part of this course, so good physical condition is required. Participants must be able to meet the physical demands of the trip as outlined in the itinerary. This includes carrying a backpack weighing 25–50+ pounds (or at least 25% of body weight), traveling over uneven, rocky, sandy, wet, or unstable terrain for the mileage and at the elevation listed. These requirements are in place for your safety and the safety of the group. If you have questions about whether a course is a good fit, please contact our office at 209-379-2647 — we’re happy to help.
What’s Not Included
- Gear or meals during your program
- Camping gear or meals in the shared campsites
- Transportation
Experience Level: Intermediate/Advanced
