Did you know that Yosemite boasts one of the World’s Top 15 Trails, according to National Geographic? Yosemite Grand Traverse has reached an almost mythical status ever since SYMG—the very guides who will be leading you—put it together back in 2009. On this thrilling 8-day adventure tailored for nature enthusiasts, we’ll visit iconic sites such as Isberg Pass, Clouds Rest, and Cathedral Lake, and uncover hidden treasures along the way. With just one trip, you’ll be able to cross Yosemite off your bucket list, witnessing its most famous landmarks, and completing one of the World’s Top 15 Trails! Don’t miss out on this epic journey.
Isberg Pass, the Merced River, Echo Valley, a section of John Muir Trail—all of that in just a week
Challenge yourself and scale the Clouds Rest summit at almost 10,000 feet / 3,050 meters
Swim in the Cathedral Lake, marvel at the jaggy Cathedral Peak above you, and sleep under starry skies
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
The Yosemite Grand Traverse is tailored for hikers with excellent fitness levels. You will be hiking through varied terrain, covering an average of 8 miles / 13 kilometers each day, encountering significant changes in elevation along the way. Check out the itinerary for detailed info on distances and elevation changes day-by-day.
It is strongly encouraged that hikers have recent backpacking experience or adequate practice before tackling the Yosemite Grand Traverse. Those who have done a backpacking trip carrying a fully weighted pack (30-40 lbs / 13.5-18 kg) for 3-5 days usually handle the Yosemite Grand Traverse better. If you haven’t had this experience, it is highly recommended to ensure you’re at the similar fitness level and commit to a detailed training plan.
To ensure an enjoyable and successful experience on the trail, it is suggested that you follow a rigorous training regimen leading up to your guided Yosemite tour. This should focus on:
If you’re new to hiking and/or backpacking, check out this beginner-friendly tour in Ansel Adams Wilderness, Sierra Nevada.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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.
During this Yosemite Grand Traverse backpacking adventure, your guide will take care of all meal preparation, from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 8. Get ready to taste some of the finest backpacking meals in the biz! Special dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free can be accommodated—just let us know upon booking.
While your guides handle all menu planning and shopping, including snacks, feel free to bring along some extra snacks if you know yourself to be a hearty eater/snacker. Still, remember that space is limited in the provided bear-proof containers. Your guides are also open to specific snack requests when you book your trip.
During your Yosemite Grand Traverse adventure, you’ll spend the majority of your nights camping by picturesque lakes, with just the initial night spent at the hotel.
Lodgings at the Fairfield Inn & Suites are double occupancy rooms, meaning you’ll share a room with another hiker on the first night. If you’re traveling solo and there’s no one you could share the room with, a forced single supplement fee of $55 will be applied. Alternatively, you can pay for a single supplement upfront at the checkout to ensure you have the room to yourself.
While on trail, you will be sleeping in a tent. Your guides can provide a tent at no additional cost, but you’ll have to let us know upon booking. For solo travelers, single tents are available, while groups can choose between two-person or three-person tents based on their preference.
Group sizes and pricing
Yosemite Grand Traverse backpacking tours can be arranged for larger or private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to the starting point of your Yosemite Grand Traverse, you first have to reach Fresno. Most people fly into Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), which is conveniently located just opposite your hotel.
You’ll be staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Fresno, CA. Airport provides a complimentary shuttle to the hotel if needed. Make sure to arrive in Fresno before 6 pm, so you can meet your guides and your group for trip orientation.
If you are driving to Fresno, you are welcome to leave your vehicle parked at the hotel during your trip for no additional fee. Any additional luggage you have can be stored at the secure facility during your trip.
At the end of the trip, a private shuttle will pick up the group in Yosemite Valley and will drop off at the Fresno Airport or at the Fairfield Inn. If flying out on the last day, your guides recommend booking flights no earlier than 6pm.
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 on or off the mountain, 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!
A non-refundable deposit of $400 is due upon booking to secure your place. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
