All-Inclusive Backpacking Adventures in Yosemite National Park

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local hiking/backpacking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • A 4-day or a 5-day Yosemite backpacking adventure depending on your chosen itinerary
    • Backpacking permits
    • All food once you head into the backcountry — as indicated in the itineraries
    • 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
    • Food before heading into the backcountry
    • Travel insurance — recommended
    • Park entry fee
    • Personal expenses before heading into the backcountry
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  The best thing about these Yosemite guided backpacking trips is that they are beginner-friendly!
  However, even though no prior backpacking experience is necessary, you should have some hiking experience and be a physically active person. That said, the three itineraries offered vary in difficulty. The Yosemite sunsets itinerary is suitable for people with very little hiking experience who can walk between 3 and 7.5 miles a day (4.8-12 km), with an elevation gain no greater than 1,720 feet. Somewhat more strenuous is the Glacier Point to Half Dome itinerary, with daily hiking covering between 3.5 and 7 miles (5.6-11.3 km)—with an elevation gain of up to 2,700 feet (823 m) while climbing Half Dome. The most strenuous is the Cathedral Lakes, Clouds Rest & Half Dome itinerary, with hiking between 3 and 10 miles (4.8-16 km), again with an elevation gain of up to 2,700 feet (823 m) while climbing Half Dome.

  During all three 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.

  If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging, check out another multi-day Yosemite hiking tour we have on offer.

• What do I need to bring?

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

  • • Day pack large enough to carry all the items you might need in a day (around a 65L bag)
    • 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.

• What’s the food like?

  You can expect excellent food throughout the guided Yellowstone 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 age requirements

  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 8.
    • The cost does not decrease as the group grows

  Backpacking in 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.

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

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  A 50% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 1 month (30 days) prior to departure. If booking 45 or less days before departure, full amount is required upon booking. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

  • • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to ninety (90) days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund.
    • For cancellations sixty-one (61) to ninety (90) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a full refund minus the 50$ per-person processing fee
    • For cancellations forty-six (46) to sixty (60) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund lessened by twenty-five percent (25%) of total trip cost. Alternatively, Client may also take a non-refundable credit of the full value paid.
    • For cancellations thirty-one (31) to forty-six (46) days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund lessened by 50 percent (50%) of total trip cost.
    • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.
• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Yosemite, most people fly into Sacramento International Airport (SMF) which is around three hours away from the park. Another option is flying into the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), 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 4 pm 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.

• Covid measures in Yosemite National Park

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Yosemite, CA, please refer to the Government of California website.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!