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Trail Running in Yosemite National Park, USA: Campfire Retreat

In Yosemite, trails aren’t just paths—they’re invitations to adventure. We’ll start with the Merced River whispering its secrets as we run beside it. Then, we’ll take on climbs that reward with vistas so vivid we’ll wonder if someone adjusted nature’s saturation settings. We’ll feel the sun on our skin, the grit of dirt underfoot, and the soothing aroma of sunbaked pine needles as Sentinel Dome and El Capitan come into view. Evenings? Campfires crackling, hearty meals fueling our next adventure, and stars shining so brightly they’ll make us forget our smartphones. Step into Yosemite’s story, stride by stride.

Adventure highlights

  • Granite giants

    Take in Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan up close

  • Stellar nights

    Unwind under Yosemite’s night sky, a celestial wonderland

  • Fireside feasts

    Enjoy hearty meals made with fresh, local ingredients in the basecamp

Itinerary

Discover Yosemite’s legendary trails on this multi-day trail running adventure. From the gentle Merced River to the thrilling heights of the North Rim, each day offers unforgettable routes and views. Starting with a relaxed riverside jog, we’ll explore iconic landmarks like Sentinel Dome, Tunnel View, and El Capitan. With fully supported routes, options for every level, and all meals included, this trip blends adventure and comfort under Yosemite’s starlit skies.

  • We’ll gather at our Yosemite campsite around 1pm to kick things off. After a brief orientation, we’ll head out for a laid-back shakeout run along the Merced River. Back at camp, we’ll enjoy a hearty dinner to fuel up for the days of adventure ahead.

    Meals: Dinner
    Running: 4 mi / 6.4 km
    Accommodation: Campsite in Yosemite

    Warmup run
  • For our first day of running, participants have two route options. The first starts at Tunnel View, climbs up to Taft Point and Sentinel Dome, then descends via the Four Mile Trail, covering 20 miles / 32 kilometers. The second option is a bit shorter, starting from McGurk Meadow, joining the main route at Taft Point, continuing to Sentinel Dome, and descending the Four Mile Trail for a 13.5-mile / 21.7-kilometer journey.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Running: 20 mi / 32 km or 13.5 mi / 21.7 km
    Elevation: +5,300 ft / +1,615 m or +2,300 ft / +701 m
    Accommodation: Campsite in Yosemite

    Tunnel View, Yosemite
  • On Day 3, runners can once again choose between two distinct routes. The first option takes on the challenge of traversing the North Rim of the Valley, opposite to the previous day’s path. This route includes summits of Eagle Peak and El Capitan before a descent back down to the valley floor on the Yosemite Falls Trail. The other route follows a scenic section of the Valley Loop Trail, leading to El Capitan Meadow, where runners can unwind and cool off with a refreshing dip in the Merced River.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Running: 20 mi / 32.1 km or 7-10 mi / 11.2-16 km
    Elevation: +4,200 ft / +1,280 m
    Accommodation: Campsite in Yosemite

    El Capitan, Yosemite
  • After enjoying coffee and breakfast, we’ll pack up camp and shuttle runners back to their accommodations for the evening. We’ll share a few last stories from the trail, celebrate the week’s accomplishments, and then say our farewells.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Yosemite departure
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Meet your guide

Western Sierra Adventures
5.00
Western Sierra Adventures
Western Sierra Adventures is the result of two people, Sam and Wyatt, who share a deep passion for getting people outdoors. Their vision took shape while climbing at a local crag, where they realized their drive to build something of their own and share the wilderness with others. As part of their long-term mission, Western Sierra Adventures is deeply committed to giving back to Yosemite’s Gateway communities and protecting the wilderness that makes these adventures possible. Supporting the people and places surrounding Yosemite is just as important to Western Sierra Adventures as exploring the park itself.

Food

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, local trail running and hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 4-day Yosemite trail running adventure
      • Transportation between guest accommodations and Yosemite, pre-trip and post-trip
      • All meals: from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4
      • Accommodation: Campsites in Yosemite National Park for 3 nights
      • Park entry reservations
      • All basecamp gear (stoves, first aid, etc.)
      • Personal camping gear, if requested: tent, sleeping bag, and pad

    Not included:

      • Flight tickets
      • Pre-trip or post-trip accommodation
      • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Travel and medical insurance — optional
      • Personal camping gear, if not requested
  • Trail running adventures should be more accessible and less intimidating for all runners, whether someone’s new to the sport or experienced. That said, this itinerary is still quite challenging, and proper training is highly recommended.

    At a minimum, you should be comfortable hiking up to 15 miles / 24 kilometers in a day at a reasonable pace to attempt the full routes each day. There are always shorter, less strenuous options for those with very little experience but are up for a challenge.

    For more tours in Yosemite, click here!

  • You don’t! These retreats are open to all levels, whether you’re new to trail running or have years of experience. Each day offers route options with varying distances, so you can choose what feels right for you.

  • Definitely not! Hiking and walking are both parts of running in mountainous terrain, and many participants choose to hike sections, especially on steeper or more technical trails. It’s entirely possible to hike large portions of each day and still complete the routes in the given time frame.

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

      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
      • Personal camping gear, if not requested
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • Lightweight running shoes
      • Comfortable running clothes
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Sunhat
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Headlamp or flashlight
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this trail running Yosemite adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
      • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.

    Trail running in Yosemite can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors from 12 to 18 may be permitted to join the trail running Yosemite adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

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

  • The starting point of your trail running Yosemite adventure is Yosemite National Park. To get there, most people fly into Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT). From there, you can use public transport or rent a car to reach Yosemite.

    Once you’re there, you will meet your guide around 1pm in the Yosemite area. Your guide will provide more information before the trip starts.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their 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.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Deposits

    You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

    Basic

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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