Climb beside the tallest waterfall in North America—and then camp above it! Join me for a 3-day Yosemite Falls backpacking trip that takes us to some of California’s most stunning spots. Perfect for beginners and anyone eager to explore Yosemite’s backcountry with expert guidance, we’ll carry what we need, sleep under the stars, and take in the full 2,425-foot (740-m) drop of Yosemite Falls.
Join us for a Yosemite Falls guided hike where we’ll climb right beside North America’s tallest waterfall—and camp above it! Over three days, we’ll follow the classic Yosemite Falls Trail, soaking up amazing valley views and learning backcountry skills along the way. Perfect for first-time backpackers, this trip includes all the essentials—meals, gear, permits, and planning—so you can just show up, hike, and enjoy the adventure.
Our adventure begins in Curry Village, where we’ll meet the guide and fellow travelers for introductions and a gear check before setting out on the Yosemite Falls Trail. The hike covers 3.26 mi (5.25 km) with a steady ascent of +2,991 ft (+912 m), rewarding us with sweeping views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding granite cliffs. Along the way, we’ll stop at the aptly named Oh My Gosh Point and learn about the park’s fascinating natural and cultural history while practicing essential backcountry skills like map and compass navigation. By late afternoon, we’ll set up camp, relax beneath the towering pines, and enjoy a hearty, well-earned dinner under a sky full of stars.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: 3.26 mi (5.25 km)
Elevation: +2,991 ft (+912 m)
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
We start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading out for an incredible hike to Eagle Peak, where sweeping vistas showcase Yosemite’s breathtaking beauty. From there, we continue to Yosemite Falls for some great photo opportunities and stories about the park’s history before trekking onward to North Dome. We’ll stop for lunch beneath towering ponderosa pines, enjoying one of the most stunning views of Half Dome. Afterward, choose to relax at camp or take a short detour to the striking Indian Rock Arch, a perfect spot to catch the afternoon light. We’ll settle in for the night at the top of Snow Creek, where the sound of rushing water and the glow of the campfire set the scene for a peaceful evening in the backcountry.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 10.7 mi (17.2 km)
Elevation: +2,618 ft (+798 m), -2,686 ft (-819 m)
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
We wake to the soothing sounds of Snow Creek and enjoy a warm breakfast before packing up camp for our final day on the trail. Today’s hike descends the Snow Creek Trail, offering sweeping views of Tenaya Canyon and the High Sierra. Along the way, we’ll pause to admire small waterfalls, capture a few last photos, and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared. As we reach the valley floor and return to Curry Village, we’ll celebrate our accomplishments, newfound backcountry skills, and the memories made in the heart of Yosemite.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hiking: 4.5 mi (7.2 km)
Elevation: -2,856 ft (-871 m)
Backpacking with James was an excellent experience! I’ve done some backpacking myself, and already knew the basics, but James brought it to another level. Never before had I even considered eating pizza 3 days into a backpacking trip, but James made it happen! He planned every part of our trip but made sure I was informed every step of the way. It made it possible to fit this trip into an already busy schedule and to not worry about a thing. But my favorite part of all is that he let me bring my dog! Overall I’d highly recommend James to anyone who wants to do a backpacking trip, but might need a little extra help to make it happen. You’ll be in good hands!
James is a great, personable guide who’s enthusiastic and patient. Really appreciated his balance of adventure with safety and willingness to share his knowledge. Would definitely climb with him again and again!
James is an outstanding guide and really knows his stuff! I hired his services to try climbing outside for the first time. He made me feel very safe and taught me so much. He is also a great listener and has a positive energy that carried throughout the day. He made the experience super fun, and thanks to him I feel confident enough to go back and climb outside again. I strongly recommend him for any outdoors adventures. He rocks! (no pun intended)
Included:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout)
Not included:
In order to join this Yosemite Falls guided hike, a good fitness level is required. You need to be able to cover 18.5 miles (30 km) over 5 days. The most you’ll cover within a day is 10.7 mi (17.2 km) and gain up to 2,991 ft (912 m) in elevation. Check out the itinerary for day-by-day distances and elevation changes.
Keep in mind that this is a backpacking trip, meaning that you’ll have to carry your belongings with you.
Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Yosemite hiking tours here!
Clothing & footwear
Gear & equipment
Sleeping gear
Cooking & eating
Health & hygiene
Extras for comfort & fun (optional)
What’s provided by your guide
Group sizes and pricing
Yosemite Falls guided hikes can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Yosemite Falls guided hike is Curry village in Yosemite valley. To get there, most people fly into Fresno Yosemite Airport (FAT). From there, you can take a shuttle service or rent a car to reach Curry village.
You will meet your guide in the morning of Day 1 in Curry village.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Backpacking with James was an excellent experience! I’ve done some backpacking myself, and already knew the basics, but James brought it to another level. Never before had I even considered eating pizza 3 days into a backpacking trip, but James made it happen! He planned every part of our trip but made sure I was informed every step of the way. It made it possible to fit this trip into an already busy schedule and to not worry about a thing. But my favorite part of all is that he let me bring my dog! Overall I’d highly recommend James to anyone who wants to do a backpacking trip, but might need a little extra help to make it happen. You’ll be in good hands!