Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 4-day Yosemite guided backpacking trip Front & backcountry accommodations (first night in Yosemite backpackers campground, 2 in wilderness) All meals from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4 All snacks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and snacks Transportation between parking/backpackers campground and the trailhead Group camping gear Water filters Stoves, pots, and pans Bear canisters and food sacks (everyone carries one, save room in your pack) Emergency GPS device First aid kit Maps Wilderness permit Group shelter (for afternoon showers) Individual tents Personal trail journal, card games Not included: Transportation to Yosemite Personal clothing Personal gear (backpack, rain cover, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camping pillow, trekking poles, headlamp, batteries, mug, bowl, utensils) — available to rent Meals Entry tickets/parking Guide gratuities — optional, 10-20% recommended Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be?

This Yosemite guided backpacking trip is welcoming to first-time backpackers and people who already like hiking, but are looking to level up their adventure game, learn new skills, and get further into the backcountry. As long as you’re fit enough to cover daily distances in the itinerary as well as handle mentioned elevation gains, you’re good to go! This is a moderately paced trip that almost anyone can do, especially with training. The guide will also take extra time to the group backpacking skills like wilderness navigation, fire making, shelter building, and backcountry cooking. This itinerary is planned in a way that it leaves enough time for resting, swimming, mindful breaks, games, wildlife viewing, and more! If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging in Yosemite, check out this Half Dome adventure.

What’s the food like?

All your meals are included in this tour, from first day’s dinner to last day’s lunch. You will enjoy delicious meals like basil and parmesan polenta, pad Thai, tropical breakfast couscous, pizza, chicken with fig gravy and mashed potatoes… Deserts will also be served! After a good meal, you’ll get to enjoy chocolate lava cake, cookies, and chocolate crepes. Nutritious daily snacks will also be provided! Let us know if you have any specific dietary requirements or food allergies.

What do I need to bring?

Backpacking gear Backpack (70L) — available to rent Backpack rain cover — available to rent Sleeping bag (rated 20-30°, must compress into your backpack) — available to rent Sleeping pad — available to rent Waterproof stuff sack for sleeping bag Waterproof stuff sack for clothing Trekking poles — available to rent Headlamp — available to rent Water bottle or hydration bladder (3L total) Small microfiber towel Clothing Trail running shoes or breathable boots, already broken in Rain coat Rain pants — optional, check weather forecast Hiking socks Underwear Running shorts Hiking pants — optional, check forecast Hiking shirt (synthetic, lightweight) Mid-layer shirt (or fleece, optional if you have a warm jacket) Packable puffy jacket (down preferred) Sun hat Sunglasses Swimsuit Water shoes — tight-fitting sandals for wading Warm pajamas (wool or synthetic fabric only, no cotton, check forecast to decide what you need) Long underwear pants (light/mid weight) Long underwear top (light/mid weight) Warm wool socks Warm knit cap Buff/gaiter Miscellaneous Cup or mug — available to rent Bowl — available to rent Spoon — fork optional, available to rent Toiletries — keep kit as small as possible, must fit into an already-packed bear canister Bathroom kit — must have Toilet paper in a ziploc Hand sanitizer Lightweight trowel (cheap metal “snow stake” works) Sunscreen SPF chapstick Toothbrush & toothpaste Floss Bug spray Mosquito head net Glasses/contacts Blister protection Bags (one garbage bag and a few ziplock bags) Optional items: Ear plugs Phone battery Mini inflatable pillow Air mattress repair kit Lighter Small pocket knife Trail running gaiters Warm gloves Cash Backpacking hammock (only if very lightweight!)

Can I rent equipment?

You sure can! What’s special about this trip is that you’re encouraged to join even if you don’t have any equipment lying around at home. That way, anyone and everyone can join. Other than a tent (which is already included in the price), your guides offer a gear rental package containing absolutely everything you’ll need from gear on this trip: This includes: Backpack Rain cover Sleeping bag Sleeping pad Camping pillow Trekking poles Headlamp Batteries Mug, bowl, & utensils You can add this package to your booking upon checkout—price is $245 per trip, per person.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Yosemite guided backpacking trip, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 7:1. That’s also the maximum group size. It takes a minimum of 3 people for this tour to operate. Minimum number of people for the tour to run is so low that your guides have never needed to cancel a trip. Due to frequent last minute sign-ups, a trip will not be canceled until 30 days before departure. Yosemite guided backpacking trips 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 younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Yosemite guided backpacking trip on a case-by-case basis, 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.

Permits and regulations

Yosemite only authorizes permit dates 6 months in advance. If you book this trip more than 6 months in advance, keep in mind that the official dates may shift a little bit once Yosemite gives out the permits. Please do not book flights or make hotel reservations until the permit is confirmed. Due to this process, your guide will make an exception to their terms and conditions in case there is any problem with permits. If the dates change, and you can’t make it, your security deposit and trip fees will be completely reimbursed. There will also be an option of switching to another date.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to your Yosemite guided backpacking trip, the nearest airport is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) . If you’re visiting the California Coast, you can also fly into San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) , San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK) . Once there, we recommend you rent or drive your own car to the group meeting point in Yosemite, the backpackers campground. It might be practical to stay near Yosemite the night before and after your trip. This ensures you get to the meeting point on time and that you don’t miss a flight on the way out.

Safety measures and insurance

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!

YOSEMITE | CALIFORNIA

Beginners Backpacking Trip in Yosemite: The Ten Lakes Basin

5.00 ()

Season

June through October

Duration

4 days

Accommodation

Tents

Difficulty

Guides

Jesse Dunlap, The Lamplighters Adventuring Society

Book a call

From $1,705 () / 4 days

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

For a total mind-and-body reset, look no further than this Yosemite guided backpacking trip. Think of it as a portal to Yosemite’s vast wilderness, where you’ll discover remote valleys, unnamed lakes, and secret 4,000- foot tall viewpoints. Perfect for first-time backpackers, and all those looking for a tranquil escape into the wilderness, this 4-day adventure of the Ten Lakes Basin will leave you feeling relaxed and restored. We’ll swim whenever we want to, swing in hammocks, walk at our own pace, and completely tailor the trip to your liking! There will be an expert guide by your side, not only to create a supportive and welcoming environment, but also to cook some delicious meals and take you to Yosemite’s best hidden gems.

Adventure highlights

Remote Ten Lakes Basin

Escape the crowds by joining this 4-day trip and explore unnamed lakes & secret viewpoints
Lakeside camps under the stars

We’ll pitch our tents on the shore of a lake, swing in hammocks, and enjoy delicious food prepared by our guide
Ideal for beginners

There’s hardly a better trip for first-time backpackers than Yosemite’s wilderness and this trail

Download itinerary

Itinerary

This guided backpacking trip in Yosemite is the perfect escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. Lush conifer woodlands, sparkly mountain lakes, spectacular viewpoints, swims in the afternoon sun—these are just some of the things you can start looking forward to. This 4-day tour of the Ten Lakes Basin is set in a remote area, but a super experienced guide will navigate us to the area’s best hidden gems and secret spots. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned backpackers alike, Yosemite never disappoints. And it gets even better when you know that all the logistics are taken care of—there’s even a complete gear package that you can rent! So if you’ve been thinking of finally giving backpacking a shot, this is your cue.

Meet your guide and fellow adventurers in the early evening at the backpackers campground. We’ll go over your gear, teach you how to pitch a tent, and set up camp together.

Then, you’ll learn the art of building the perfect campfire before enjoying a delicious dinner and making s’mores. As the night falls, listen to stories of Yosemite’s rich history, then fall asleep in your cozy tent under the stars.

Meals: Dinner
Hiking: 0.5 miles / 0.8 km
We’ll hike through lush forests and ascend the stunning Ten Lakes Pass. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire valley, dotted with glittering alpine lakes. Along the way, you’ll also learn how to navigate using a map and compass.

After reaching our basecamp, nestled beside a pristine lake, you’ll have time for a refreshing swim and to master new skills like shelter building and knot tying. As the sun sets, we’ll enjoy a lakeside dinner while the sky reflects shades of pink on the water. For dessert, you’ll learn how to prepare a special recipe—a sweet treat to end the day!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 6.5 miles / 10.5 km
Elevation: +2,100 ft (+640) m | -700 ft (-214 m)
We’ll leave camp in place today and go exploring. Put your navigation skills to the test as we head off-trail on a quest to find a mysterious lake, tucked away in the woods—just for us to enjoy! Along the way, we’ll also discover a breathtaking 4,000-foot cliff with sweeping views of Yosemite’s Grand Canyon. We’ll definitely stop to take in the view.

Back at camp, cool off with a swim, learn to identify common trees, and enjoy some fun games. Tonight, you’ll help prepare dinner and master another delicious backcountry recipe!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 3-5 miles / 5-8 km
Elevation: +/-500 ft (+/-152 m)
After breakfast, we’ll pack up camp and take a short stroll to a nearby lake where we’ll practice nature photography. Maybe we’ll even take a refreshing dip! Next, we’ll tackle the final climb to the top of Ten Lakes Pass. From the summit, we’ll pause to admire the breathtaking views and reflect on our journey and the friendships we’ve built along the way.

On the hike back, you’ll feel rejuvenated and proud, equipped with new skills and the confidence to plan your next backpacking adventure—perhaps this time with some new friends by your side!

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 6.5 miles / 10.5 km
Elevation: +700 ft (+213 ft), -2,150 ft (655 m)

Beginners Backpacking Trip in Yosemite: The Ten Lakes Basin

Adventure Brochure

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Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guides

5.00

Jesse Dunlap

With a dad in the Marines, Jesse was born ready to move around the world and discover all its secrets. Having worked as a walking history tour guide all around NYC, he soon started sharing his outdoor passion by guiding hikes in Upstate New York. He also worked as a sea kayaking guide in Prince William Sound, a fly-in backpacking guide in the Alaskan backcountry, and he led therapeutic wilderness programs in the desert of Utah. One of Jesse’s favorite memories was backpacking the full Pacific Crest Trail. Jesse is a friendly, knowledgeable guide who will make you feel right at home in the wild. Talk to him about Russian novels, his love of scary movies, or ask him to entertain you with his storytelling skills!

5.00

The Lamplighters Adventuring Society specializes in all-inclusive hiking trips in Yosemite and Yellowstone. With small groups and a supportive guide, they focus on a more personal approach, which is achieved through, among other things, wild game nights and coming together in heartfelt campfire chats. Their top priority is the client’s safety—your guide has extensive knowledge of wilderness routes and natural history, and is certified as a WFR and in CPR. Another thing that sets them apart from the crowd is their emphasis on delicious food. Being in the wild won’t stop your guide from providing you with the most high quality food available.

5.00 (5 reviews)

emeraldaly (source: Trip Advisor)

Jesse was a great guide on Adventure of Ten Lakes!! The trip was a refreshing disconnect! Jesse provided packing tips, prepared delicious meals, and knew so many great spots and views.

Corey Q (source: Trip Advisor)

I have backpacked before on my own before, and thought a guide was an unnecessary luxury. Boy, was a I wrong. Jesse was so fantastic at handling all the behind-the-scenes work (such as getting permits and shopping, etc), that all I had to do was show up, lace up my shoes, and have a breathtaking experience. Due to snow, the hike we planned had to be abandoned, but he did a spectacular job of preparing for alternatives and giving us options. I rented gear from him and was very pleased with the quality (and the fact that I didn’t have to schlep my gear through the airport). And his meals were out of this world. So good and varied and filling. Dishes? Done. Always upbeat and unflappable. Really, Yosemite is lovely, and I was able to engage with nature without having to worry about incidentals. You won’t be disappointed.

Roger T (source: Trip Advisor)

So many good things to say! Jesse is an amazing guide! I had never been to Yosemite and wanted to do it the right way by staying a few nights. From start to finish everything was planned out thoroughly. Jesse felt like a long time friend even though we just met and going solo that really was comforting. Hike was a great challenge, meals were delicious and overall the views were breathtaking. As soon as I can I really am hoping to sign up for another adventure!

Paul W (source: Trip Advisor)

What a great trip! Jesse is a skilled and knowledgable guide. His enthusiasm carried us through the challenges of the trail, and his flexibility and confidence ensured us a truly unforgettable experience. Oh, and the food was delicious! Next time I feel like a walk in the park, I’ll book it with Jesse!

Allen A (source: Trip Advisor)

My experience with Jesse and Lamplighters in Yosemite in July ’23 was EPIC. Jesse goes above and beyond to insure his guests have an excellent experience. The meals were delicious and balanced. The equipment was excellent. Jesse made sure to have preparations for all extenuating circumstances to make our trip outstanding, even though the road was not open to go on the original itinerary for our trip. The trip was EPIC!

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 4-day Yosemite guided backpacking trip
  - Front & backcountry accommodations (first night in Yosemite backpackers campground, 2 in wilderness)
  - All meals from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4
  - All snacks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and snacks
  - Transportation between parking/backpackers campground and the trailhead
  - Group camping gear
    
    Water filters
    
    Stoves, pots, and pans
    
    Bear canisters and food sacks (everyone carries one, save room in your pack)
    
    Emergency GPS device
    
    First aid kit
    
    Maps
    
    Wilderness permit
    
    Group shelter (for afternoon showers)
  - Individual tents
  - Personal trail journal, card games
Not included:
- - Transportation to Yosemite
  - Personal clothing
  - Personal gear (backpack, rain cover, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camping pillow, trekking poles, headlamp, batteries, mug, bowl, utensils) — available to rent
  - Meals
  - Entry tickets/parking
  - Guide gratuities — optional, 10-20% recommended
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
This Yosemite guided backpacking trip is welcoming to first-time backpackers and people who already like hiking, but are looking to level up their adventure game, learn new skills, and get further into the backcountry.

As long as you’re fit enough to cover daily distances in the itinerary as well as handle mentioned elevation gains, you’re good to go! This is a moderately paced trip that almost anyone can do, especially with training. The guide will also take extra time to the group backpacking skills like wilderness navigation, fire making, shelter building, and backcountry cooking.

This itinerary is planned in a way that it leaves enough time for resting, swimming, mindful breaks, games, wildlife viewing, and more! If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging in Yosemite, check out this Half Dome adventure.
All your meals are included in this tour, from first day’s dinner to last day’s lunch. You will enjoy delicious meals like basil and parmesan polenta, pad Thai, tropical breakfast couscous, pizza, chicken with fig gravy and mashed potatoes… Deserts will also be served! After a good meal, you’ll get to enjoy chocolate lava cake, cookies, and chocolate crepes. Nutritious daily snacks will also be provided!

Let us know if you have any specific dietary requirements or food allergies.
Backpacking gear
- - Backpack (70L) — available to rent
  - Backpack rain cover — available to rent
  - Sleeping bag (rated 20-30°, must compress into your backpack) — available to rent
  - Sleeping pad — available to rent
  - Waterproof stuff sack for sleeping bag
  - Waterproof stuff sack for clothing
  - Trekking poles — available to rent
  - Headlamp — available to rent
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (3L total)
  - Small microfiber towel
Clothing
- - Trail running shoes or breathable boots, already broken in
  - Rain coat
  - Rain pants — optional, check weather forecast
  - Hiking socks
  - Underwear
  - Running shorts
  - Hiking pants — optional, check forecast
  - Hiking shirt (synthetic, lightweight)
  - Mid-layer shirt (or fleece, optional if you have a warm jacket)
  - Packable puffy jacket (down preferred)
  - Sun hat
  - Sunglasses
  - Swimsuit
  - Water shoes — tight-fitting sandals for wading
  - Warm pajamas (wool or synthetic fabric only, no cotton, check forecast to decide what you need)
    
    Long underwear pants (light/mid weight)
    
    Long underwear top (light/mid weight)
    
    Warm wool socks
    
    Warm knit cap
    
    Buff/gaiter
Miscellaneous
- - Cup or mug — available to rent
  - Bowl — available to rent
  - Spoon — fork optional, available to rent
  - Toiletries — keep kit as small as possible, must fit into an already-packed bear canister
    
    Bathroom kit — must have
    
    Toilet paper in a ziploc
    
    Hand sanitizer
    
    Lightweight trowel (cheap metal “snow stake” works)
    
    Sunscreen
    
    SPF chapstick
    
    Toothbrush & toothpaste
    
    Floss
    
    Bug spray
    
    Mosquito head net
    
    Glasses/contacts
    
    Blister protection
    
    Bags (one garbage bag and a few ziplock bags)
Optional items:
- - Ear plugs
  - Phone battery
  - Mini inflatable pillow
  - Air mattress repair kit
  - Lighter
  - Small pocket knife
  - Trail running gaiters
  - Warm gloves
  - Cash
  - Backpacking hammock (only if very lightweight!)
You sure can! What’s special about this trip is that you’re encouraged to join even if you don’t have any equipment lying around at home. That way, anyone and everyone can join. Other than a tent (which is already included in the price), your guides offer a gear rental package containing absolutely everything you’ll need from gear on this trip: This includes:
- - Backpack
  - Rain cover
  - Sleeping bag
  - Sleeping pad
  - Camping pillow
  - Trekking poles
  - Headlamp
  - Batteries
  - Mug, bowl, & utensils
You can add this package to your booking upon checkout—price is $245 per trip, per person.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Yosemite guided backpacking trip, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 7:1. That’s also the maximum group size.
  - It takes a minimum of 3 people for this tour to operate.
  - Minimum number of people for the tour to run is so low that your guides have never needed to cancel a trip. Due to frequent last minute sign-ups, a trip will not be canceled until 30 days before departure.
Yosemite guided backpacking trips 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 younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Yosemite guided backpacking trip on a case-by-case basis, 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.
Yosemite only authorizes permit dates 6 months in advance. If you book this trip more than 6 months in advance, keep in mind that the official dates may shift a little bit once Yosemite gives out the permits.

Please do not book flights or make hotel reservations until the permit is confirmed.

Due to this process, your guide will make an exception to their terms and conditions in case there is any problem with permits. If the dates change, and you can’t make it, your security deposit and trip fees will be completely reimbursed. There will also be an option of switching to another date.
To get to your Yosemite guided backpacking trip, the nearest airport is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT). If you’re visiting the California Coast, you can also fly into San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK).

Once there, we recommend you rent or drive your own car to the group meeting point in Yosemite, the backpackers campground.

It might be practical to stay near Yosemite the night before and after your trip. This ensures you get to the meeting point on time and that you don’t miss a flight on the way out.
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.

Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!
- - Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
  - Once the dates are set, you can confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total amount.
  - The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
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.

Park closures, natural disasters, and weather:
- - Despite thoughtful planning, nature can sometimes create unsafe weather or trail conditions at any time of the year. Though very uncommon, your trip might need to be re-routed or postponed due to dangerous trails, high snow levels, impassable roads, forest fires, disease outbreaks and park closures. If a trip is unable to operate, or if your guides deem a trip unsafe due to circumstances out of our control, there will be no refund given.
  - Instead of issuing a refund, your guides will devise an alternative itinerary as close as possible to the original trip planned. Although your guides will try hard to create an alternative trip similar to the original, it may be possible that very little, or none, of your original trip will be accessible when using our alternative itinerary. Sometimes an alternative itinerary may require driving further, with no public transportation, to reach the starting point.
  - Although it has never come to this, if your guides are unable to offer an alternative trip of any kind, instead of a refund, you will be issued a full credit for use on a future trip.
Evacuation:
- - Whether voluntarily, or due to emergency or safety concerns, it is possible that a client may need to leave the trip before the planned finish date.
  - Your guides will help you arrange your evacuation and see to your safety and comfort. Shuttles, lodges, helicopter and medical transportation, medical care, meals, shipping and many other factors can all play a role in getting you out safely and expeditiously. There will be costs associated with your evacuation, and all costs will be solely your responsibility.
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.