Included:

• • Experienced, Yosemite hiking/backpacking guide(s) with extensive knowledge of the area
  • A 5-day or 6-day Yosemite hiking & camping tours (depending on your chosen itinerary)
  • Backpacking permits
  • Required Park Reservations
  • Meals during the adventure (as indicated in the itinerary)
  • Personal backpacking equipment — backpacks, single-person tents, sleeping bags, pads, trekking poles, eating utensils (upon request)
  • Group camping equipment
  • Overnights at camping sites
  • All transit during the adventure

Not included:

• • Transportation to and from the meeting point
  • Accommodation before and after the adventure — if applicable
  • Park entry fee
  • Personal expenses before heading into the backcountry
  • Guide gratuities — optional
  • Insurance — recommended, available at checkout

These Yosemite hiking tours require strong hiking experience and, preferably, some backpacking experience as well. These tours are open for people who hike regularly and are generally physically active.

• • The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne itinerary includes daily hiking covering between 5.5 and 9.5  miles (8.9-15.3 km)—with an elevation gain of up to 2,250 feet (685 m).
  • Similar in difficulty is the Hidden Yosemite itinerary, with daily hiking between 4.5 and 8.4 miles (7.2-13.5 km), and an elevation gain of up to 2,200 ft (670 m).

During both adventures, all participants should be able to carry a 30-50lb backpack. Temperatures can get very high in the summer nights and it can also get pretty cold during the nights (due to high elevations). Your guides will always be by your side during hikes and will notice if it gets too strenuous for anyone in the group, making frequent breaks. They will also teach you all the necessary skills you need for backpacking.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  • Camp sandals/shoes
  • Underwear/undergarments (synthetic preferred for hiking) and long underwear
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Light waterproof rain jacket, fleece/warm wool jacket, and warm synthetic jacket for mornings and evenings
  • 1-2 Pairs of lightweight hiking pants and shorts
  • Sunhat, beanie, bandanas/buffs, mosquito head net
  • Swimwear, camp pillow and towel
  • Personal medication
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)
  • Cards, small games, book and other things for entertainment at the camp — optional 

Backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, trekking poles, camp pillows, bowls, mugs and sporks are all included in the price of the trip. However, feel free to bring any of these items if you have your own. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. Make sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast and adjust your packing list accordingly. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans. A comprehensive equipment list will be made available upon booking.

All dates listed for these itineraries remain tentative until your guides confirm trailhead permits, usually 22-23 weeks in advance. Although their success rate is high, should they not gain the exact dates through permitting, you will be contacted and offered choices including new dates and/or different itineraries. Should no alternative work, a full cancellation/refund will be granted.

Please refrain from making travel arrangements (that are unchangeable) until dates/permits are confirmed.

You can expect excellent backcountry cuisine throughout your guided Yosemite backpacking tour! Typical breakfasts might include burritos, oatmeals, pancakes, dried fruit, bagels, etc. For dinner, your guides will prepare a variety of pastas, risottos, beans, couscous, meats, vegetables, etc. Lunch will consist of trail food with fruits, vegetables, pita, bagels, salami, cheeses, hummus, trail mix, energy bars, etc. All special dietary requests (vegan, keto, gluten-free, vegetarian—you name it) can be easily accommodated, just let your guides know in advance!

Group sizes and prices:

• • For these group adventures, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1.
  • The number of participants in a group is usually between 4 and 8.

Yosemite hiking & camping tours can be arranged for larger or for private groups (with a custom date). Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 are permitted to join, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. Both adventures are family-friendly! 

If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to Yosemite, most people fly into Sacramento International Airport which is around three hours away from the park or the Fresno/Yosemite International Airport which is also three hours away. Another option is flying into the San Francisco International Airport, just over four hours away from the park. From here, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service.

You will meet your guide at the White Wolf Campground for the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne itinerary at 4pm on Day 1 and at the Tuolumne Wilderness Center for the Hidden Yosemite itinerary at 12pm on Day 1. If arriving the day before, we suggest finding accommodation in Curry Village, Yosemite Village, Foresta, or El Portal.

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.