Program Overview: Embark on a three-day guided backpacking adventure along Yosemite Creek — a historic trail once traveled by California Tribes for thousands of years, later by miners, and today by adventurers seeking the solitude and beauty of Yosemite’s wilderness.
Follow the creek beneath towering lodgepole pines as it winds toward Yosemite Falls and the breathtaking Valley rim. On day one, trek about four miles to establish your base camp beside the rushing waters of Yosemite Creek. Day two brings a scenic 4–5 mile day hike to the top of Yosemite Falls, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Valley far below. After time to explore and take in the grandeur, return to camp to relax by the pristine creek and savor the peacefulness of the high country. On the final day, hike back out along this storied route, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Yosemite’s landscapes, history, and wild beauty.
Know Before You Go:
- Program date: Evening meeting on Thursday, July 23, from 6:30–8 pm. Backpacking trip runs Friday, July 24, through Sunday, July 26, 8:30 am–4 pm each day.
- Program location: Yosemite Creek
- 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)
- No discount is available if you choose not to use the gate pass or campsite.
- Camping Information: Before the backpack trip, participants may arrive at Yosemite Creek Campground on Thursday, July 23, after 12 pm, and must depart on Friday, July 24. After the backpack trip, participants may camp again starting at 12 pm on Sunday, July 26, through Monday, July 27, at 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: Yosemite Creek Campground
- 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
