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While millions of people visit Yosemite every year, only a fraction of them stay overnight. And let’s be real, merely snapping a selfie with Half Dome doesn’t quite cut it. Due to quotas, logistics, and a complicated trail system (800 miles in total!), backpacking there is definitely not a walk in the park. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back (and your backpack for that matter)—just choose one of the two carefully crafted all-inclusive itineraries. We’ll visit awe-inspiring canyons, marvel at cascading waterfalls, and hike beside shimmering lakes. And after a day of epic hiking, we’ll gather around the campfire beneath the star-studded sky, swapping stories and feasting on amazing al fresco meals. Let’s discover Yosemite together!

Adventure highlights

  • Total immersion

    Don’t just visit Yosemite—spend 4 or 5 days fully immersed in its breathtaking wilderness

  • Stunning nature

    Let Yosemite surprise you at every turn as you hike in bucket-list locations like May Lake, Mount Hoffman, or Tuolumne Meadows

  • All-inclusive experience

    Don’t worry about the equipment, permits, or meals and just concentrate on hiking, skill-building, and making memories

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Available itineraries

Amazing Yosemite Sunsets Backpacking Adventure

Get to know what it’s like to live in the intact wilderness of Yosemite! Apart from hiking in magnificent landscapes of Mount Hoffman, May Lake, Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, and countless waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes, this tour is made special for superb sunsets and being suitable for absolute backpacking beginners and those with very little hiking experience. Learn the basics of backpacking in a great company with superb guides who will take care of all the logistics.

  • All dates remain tentative until your guides confirm trailhead permits, usually 22-23 weeks in advance. Please refrain from making travel arrangements (that are unchangeable) until dates/permits are confirmed. Read more in our FAQ.

  • Meet your guide in Curry Village at 4:00 pm. Meet your group and do an extensive gear check. If time allows before dinner, you’ll be able to walk to some of Yosemite Valley’s iconic sightseeing spots. Get to know your group and your guides a bit better over dinner, before pitching a tent at Yosemite Valley Backpacker’s Camp.

    Meals: /

    Curry Village
  • After eating a quick breakfast at camp, relocate vehicles or use the park’s shuttle service to the trailhead near Tenaya Lake. Before hitting the trail, you’ll get a chance to soak in the alpine views at Tenaya Lake (8,150 ft / 2,484 m) before hiking approximately 3 moderate miles (4.8 km) up to May Lake. After setting up camp, you can opt for a four-mile hike to the summit of Mount Hoffman—the geographical center of Yosemite National Park and John Muir’s favorite summit view. After dinner, scramble up onto the secret bluff to witness the first amazing sunset of the adventure.

    Meals: Lunch and dinner
    Hiking: 2.7 miles + optional 4 miles (4.3 km + 4.8 km)
    Elevation: +500 ft (152 m) and +1,650 ft (500 m) if hiking Mount Hoffman

    Sapphire Tenaya lake surrounded by peaks and conifers as seen during a backpacking tour in the Yosemite National Park.
  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast and proceed with hiking for about 7.5 miles (12 km). It’ll be a moderate downhill to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, where you’ll be rewarded by views of a spectacular waterfall and a swimming hole, where you’ll be able to get refreshed. After dinner, take a short stroll to a bluff overlooking the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne to enjoy another Yosemite sunset.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Hiking: 7.5 miles (12 km)
    Elevation: +450 ft; -1,380 ft (+137 m; -420 m)

    Two hikers walking along a forest trail beside a granite wall in the Yosemite National Park.
  • After a filling breakfast, hike with daypacks for 3.3 miles (5.3 km)—down to the Tuolumne River gorge and finally to Waterwheel Falls, passing California Falls and LeConte Falls along the way. Enjoy lunch within the spectacular Tuolumne River Gorge, before returning back to the Glen Aulin to camp. After dinner, take a short hike to a secret bluff behind and above Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp and enjoy the final (and typically the most amazing!) Yosemite sunset.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Hiking: 6.6 miles (10.6 km)
    Elevation: +1,720 ft; -1,720 ft (+525 m; -525 m)

  • After breakfast, hike out 4.5 miles (7.2 km) along the meandering Tuolumne River until you reach Tuolumne Meadows. You’re expected to arrive there between 11 am and 1 pm—at the perfect time to enjoy a burger from the Tuolumne Grill and celebrate your achievements with fellow backpackers! Relocation to your vehicles and to the Curry Village will be coordinated and provided by your guides. Say goodbye to Yosemite or continue touring on your own!

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch
    Hiking: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
    Elevation: +700 ft (+213 m)

    Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite with marsh-like landscapes, tall grass, conifers and mountains in the distance.
May Lake to Snow Creek Yosemite Backpacking Adventure

Explore Yosemite's breathtaking beauty on this backpacking adventure from May Lake to Snow Creek. Led by experienced guides, hike (mostly downhill!) through stunning landscapes, including May Lake, with optional Mount Hoffman ascent. Camp across from Half Dome for iconic views before descending to Yosemite Valley and enjoying Snow Creek views. All meals, permits, equipment, and camping included for a hassle-free experience. Perfect for families seeking unforgettable Yosemite vistas.

  • All dates remain tentative until your guides confirm trailhead permits, usually 22-23 weeks in advance. Please refrain from making travel arrangements (that are unchangeable) until dates/permits are confirmed. Read more in our FAQ.

  • Meet your guide in Curry Village at 4:00 pm. Meet your group and do an extensive gear check. If time allows before dinner, you’ll be able to walk to some of Yosemite Valley’s iconic sightseeing spots. Get to know your group and your guides a bit better over dinner, before pitching a tent at Yosemite Valley Backpacker’s Camp.

    Meals: Dinner

    Curry Village
  • After eating a quick breakfast at camp, catch the morning shuttle to the trailhead near Tuolumne Meadows. Enjoy rugged wilderness vistas at Tenaya Lake (8,150 ft / 2,484 m) before hiking up a total of 3.2 moderate miles to May Lake at 9,329 ft (2,843 m). After setting up camp along the shore of the alpine lake, opt for a four mile round-trip hike to the top of Mount Hoffmann (10,850′). Mount Hoffmann is the geographical center of Yosemite National Park and was John Muir’s favorite summit view.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Hiking: 3.2 miles (5.1 km) + optional 4 miles (6.4 km)
    Elevation: +1,250 ft and +1,650 ft (500 m) if hiking Mount Hoffman

    Crystal-clear May Lake, in Yosemite.
  • After a hearty breakfast and breaking down your camp, you will hike south and mainly downhill a total of 7.5 miles (12 km) to the top of Snow Creek Falls (6,720 ft / 2,048 m). Here we will camp alongside a creek and directly across from the sheer face of Half Dome. This site provides for some amazing views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Hiking: 7.5 miles (12 km)
    Elevation: -2,600 ft (-792 m)

    Half Dome seen from a trail in Yosemite.
  • Today, your group will return to the Valley itself by hiking down the Snow Creek trail, which descends 2,600 feet (792 m) into the Valley below. Once on the Valley floor, you will hike out besides Mirror Lake (at the base of Half Dome) for another 2 miles. Ending time is usually between 11 am and 1 pm back in Curry Village. Say goodbye to your guide, fellow backpackers and to Yosemite—or continue touring on your own!

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch
    Hiking: 4.8 miles (7.7 km)
    Elevation: -2,750 ft (838 m)

    Granite walls in Yosemite.
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Meet your guides

Scott Gehrman
5.00
Scott Gehrman
Scott is the Founder and Executive Director for Lasting Adventures, Inc. and has been guiding in Yosemite since 1995, in which he has personally logged over 8,000 miles. Scott is a recognized expert on the Yosemite backcountry and is often sought out and/or referred to by the park service to offer input and advice to other visitors and/or for park planning purposes. He holds certification in Basic Backpacking Awareness, is certified as a Wilderness First Responder by the Wilderness Medicine Institute of the National Outdoor Leadership School, and is trained as an Outdoor Emergency Care professional. In addition to actively facilitating the Lasting Adventures program in Yosemite, Scott has also expanded the program to other National Parks, including Olympic, Lassen/Volcanic, Joshua Tree, and Sequoia-Kings National Parks. When not on the trails or in the Lasting Adventures office, you might be able to catch Scott on the slopes snowboarding in Tahoe, or scuba diving at some remote destination.
Lasting Adventures
5.00
Lasting Adventures
Hiking & Backpacking Guides
Operating since 1997, the non-profit Lasting Adventures, Inc. is the #1 backcountry outfitter in Yosemite National Park. Their small group backpacking trips are all-inclusive as they provide free use of quality gear provided to them by corporate partners such as Gregory, Big Agnes, and Leki. In addition to supporting you along the trail and while in camp, their professional guides take care of making high-quality and delicious meals and other camp chores. Their guides and outdoor educators are the key ingredients to our success at Lasting Adventures. While they all come from different backgrounds, they also all share a passion for adventure, fun, American National Parks, and sharing outdoor experiences with others to create memories that last a lifetime.
5.00 (6 reviews)
Sherry Clouser

The guides were so attentive and very concerned about safety and making sure everyone had a great time.

Truly a Lasting Adventure!
Karen DeWitt (source: TripAdvisor)

From registration to trip completion Lasting Adventures provided excellent service and truly a once in a lifetime experience. Thanks to our guide Trey for his professionalism, vast knowledge, hiking and cooking skills, flexibility, and adaptability. Trey’s back country experience allowed the group to experience and truly enjoy places and things we could not do on our own. Lasting Adventures did not cut any corners, the equipment and food were excellent! I highly recommend this guide service, they secured all the permits and communication was excellent. I can’t wait to go again!

Amazing backpacking adventure in Yosemite!
Andrea K (source: TripAdvisor)

My family of 4 just returned from the Amazing Sunsets backpacking trip with Lasting Adventures (5 days, 4 nights) . It was truly amazing! How soon can we go back?! From the time we booked the trip, the communication was helpful and clear. Meeting our guides in Curry Village was easy and they had everything organized for us to quickly begin our adventure. Our guides were Bella and Kanyon and they were FANTASTIC! They were knowledgeable about the area and routes, geology of the park, and plants and animals we saw along the way. The food they prepared exceeded our expectations! Bella and Kanyon were quick to share stories, offer guidance when needed, and were patient with all of us and our varying paces while hiking. Their energy and enthusiasm was contagious…they kept things fun! Experiencing the backcountry of Yosemite was such a gift. I appreciated having the opportunity to do optional day trips to explore other areas. We were able to swim by a waterfall which is something we all looked forward to doing. My family wanted to be challenged, work together, and explore this beautiful area. The trip did not disappoint! We will gladly book another trip with Lasting Adventures in the future (and hope Bella and Kanyon will be our guides again!).

Great adventure with Lasting Adventures!
oregj (source: TripAdvisor)

Booked a last minute vacation for my family with Lasting Adventures and could not be happier. We did the Amazing Sunsets Backpacking trip and had an amazing time. Our guide August took care of us, cooked wonderful meals and made sure we were comfortable and safe at all times. The highlight for us was summiting Cloud’s Rest at sunrise where August prepared coffee, hot chocolate and a eggs and cheesy hash browns breakfast. If you love the outdoors, this is the adventure for you!

May Lake to Snow Creek
Maggie M (source: TripAdvisor)

Great gear, great food and the views were awesome. Huge thank you to Aida and Cairan for being the best guides! They went above and beyond for the group

Amazing trip, highly recommend it!
Gil B (source: TripAdvisor)

I had a great 5 days backpacking trip with lasting adventures with my son and Trey as our guide at Yosemite NP. It wasn’t physically easy but so beautiful, exciting and amazing bounding trip with my son. Trey is an amazing guide he cooked, play, took photos, and explained everything to us. I highly recommend this trip to anyone that would like to recharge his batteries. We did many of the sights including El Capitán, North Dome, Yosemite Falls, Eagle Peak among others. I would strongly recommend everyone to experience this trip!!!

Things to know

  • What you get on this adventure:

      • An experienced, Yosemite hiking/backpacking guide(s) with extensive knowledge of the area
      • A 4-day or 5-day Yosemite backpacking adventure (depending on your chosen itinerary)
      • Backpacking permits
      • Required Park Reservations
      • All meals during the adventure
      • 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

    What’s not included:

      • Transportation to and from the meeting point
      • Accommodation before and after the adventure — if applicable
      • Travel/medical insurance — recommended
      • Park entry fee
      • Personal expenses before heading into the backcountry
      • Guide gratuities
  • The best thing about these Yosemite guided backpacking trips is that they are open for beginner backpackers! However, even though no prior backpacking experience is necessary, you should be someone who regularly hikes (preferably engaging in shorter hikes a few times a month) and generally be a physically active person. The Amazing Sunsets itinerary includes daily hiking covering between 2.7 and 7.5 miles (4.3-12 km)—with an elevation gain of up to 1,650 feet (500 m) while climbing Mount Hoffman (which is optional). Similar in difficulty is the May Lake to Snow Creek itinerary, with daily hiking between 3 and 7.5 miles (4.8-12 km), again with an elevation gain of up to 1,650 feet (500 m) while climbing Mount Hoffman (optional).

    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 maximum client-to-guide ratio is 5:1. The number of participants in a group is usually between 4 and 8.
      • The cost does not decrease as the group grows

    Backpacking in the Yosemite National Park 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 in Curry Village at 4pm on Day 1, which means you can travel to the park on the same day. 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 both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency in the wilderness, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

    Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

    We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.

    If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, 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 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-89 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 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 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 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 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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