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.
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)
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.
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!
Included:
Not included:
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
Clothing
Miscellaneous
Optional items:
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:
You can add this package to your booking upon checkout—price is $245 per trip, per person.
Group sizes and pricing
Yosemite guided backpacking trips can be arranged for larger 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.
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!
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
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:
Evacuation:
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.