Pack It All In and Go
Yosemite National Park has some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, and superb weather most of the year. With over 800 miles of trails, it’s no wonder that the park has become a must-visit destination for backpackers from all over the world. The Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service makes it easy and safe to explore Yosemite’s seemingly endless trails. Daily scheduled group trips and custom designed backpacking expeditions are available and can be tailored to your group’s unique interests and abilities.
Our highly experienced guides will take care of everything — from obtaining the required permits to ensuring you’re well equipped with the appropriate tents, food supplies, water and clothing. Each trip is more than just a journey from Point A to Point B: it’s also an opportunity to learn lifelong skills like map and compass usage, food storage techniques, wilderness safety and stream crossing.
Please Note: Our minimum age for our group backpacking trips is 14 years old.
Guided Backpacking Trips
The Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service offers a limited supply of backpacking and camping gear, which can be rented by the day. No reservations are accepted for gear, so we strongly recommend bringing your own. Please call 209.372.8344 for more information.
Equipment Rentals |
Rental Rate |
| Sleeping Bag (Limited availability in winter) | $25.00 per day |
| Sleeping Pad | $8.00 per day |
| Overnight Pack | $20.00 per day |
| Day Pack | $5.00 per day |
Guided Backpacking Trips
We require reservations and advanced deposits for all Yosemite backpacking trips.
Reservation Information
| Reservations & Deposit | If you have questions, or are ready to make a reservation, you can reach us at 209-372-8344 or email us at yms@aramark.com. Deposit payment is due over the phone at the time your reservation is made. |
| Trip Size & Age Requirements | Backpacking trips are limited to a maximum of seven people aged 14 and older. |
| Private Trips | Private backpacking expeditions are open to all ages and abilities. |
| After Making Your Phone Reservation |
After you've made your trip reservation please fill out our Trip Registration & Medical Questionnaire. Each participant is required to fill out a form. |
| Mailing Address | Yosemite Mountaineering School PO Box 306 Yosemite, CA 95389 |
Guided Backpacking Trips
Below is a list of items you will need to bring with you for your backpacking trip. Please gather your equipment early so you don’t forget anything.
Cotton clothing should be avoided! Choose wool or synthetic materials like polyester, polypropylene, Capilene, and nylon.
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You can bring any of the items you want but remember that you have to carry them yourself. You’ll also need room in your pack for some of the group gear (Mountain Hardwear tent, 9” x 12” bear can, fuel, stove, etc...) so don’t overdo it. Optional items include: backpack rain cover, swimsuit, lighter or matches, small towel, Camp Suds-type biodegradable soap, mosquito head net, lightweight daypack (for trips with layover days), first aid kit, GPS, compass, map, guidebook, camera and film, hiking poles, gaiters, binoculars, fishing tackle and current license, small pocket knife, paper and pen, art supplies, reading material, special food and drink.
For your convenience, the Mountaineering School rents Mountain Hardwear sleeping bags and pads and backpacks that are perfect for your trip. Let us know in advance what you need. If you rent gear from other sources please be sure it is adequate for your trip and in good working order. Call us if you have any questions.
Guided Backpacking Trips
A full payment (100%) deposit is required to book a reservation, except big wall climbs where a 50% deposit is required. If reservation is cancelled at least 14 days or more in advance of the scheduled activity, the full deposit will be refunded. For a cancellation of less than 14 days notice, deposit will be forfeited. For a no-show with no warning, the full deposit will be forfeited.
Activities cancelled by YMS will be fully refunded. There will be no refunds due to weather or snow conditions. Once a climbing outing has started, the maximum refund is one half of that day’s fees. YMS will not accept reservations earlier than one year and one day before any YMS outing.
Guided Backpacking Trips
Join us for a spectacular trip into the Cathedral Range in the high country of Yosemite. We’ll trek along the John Muir Trail before setting up base camp near a pristine alpine lake, and below Cathedral Peak. Exploring the Cathedral range area will reveal hidden landscapes that only backcountry travelers are able to enjoy. A great trip for first time backpackers!
| Pricing |
$300 per person, with four or more in the group. NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible. |
| Schedule |
June 26 – 27, 2024 (Wednesday through Thursday) |
| Additional Information |
Includes permits, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, overnight backpack, camp stove, bear canister, tent. Does not include food or water filter. Guide will be in contact with you two weeks prior to trip. |
Itinerary
Day 0: Meet guide at Yosemite Mountaineering School located in Curry Village for a pack check. (If not possible meet by trailhead Day 1 for pack check.)
Day 1: Hike into Upper Cathedral Lake from trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows.
Distance- Approximately 5 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 1,426 ft.
Descent- Approximately 434 ft.
Elevation Profile- 8,605 to 9,630 ft above sea level.
Day 2: Hike out of the backcountry toward trailhead.
Distance- Approximately 5 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 436 ft.
Descent- Approximately 1,426 ft.
Elevation Profile- 9,630 to 8,600 ft above sea level.
This trip includes a beautiful hike along the cascading Tuolumne River to the High Sierra Camp, Glen Aulin. This a great trip for exploring one of Yosemite’s glacially carved watersheds.
| Pricing |
$300 per person with four or more in group NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible. |
| Schedule |
June 15 - 16, 2024 (Saturday through Sunday) |
| Additional Information | Includes permits, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, overnight backpack, camp stove, bear canister, tent. Does not include food or water filter. Guide will be in contact with you two weeks prior to trip. |
Itinerary:
Day 0: Meet guide at Yosemite Mountaineering School located in Curry Village for a pack check. (If not possible meet by trailhead Day 1 for pack check.)
Day 1: Hike into Glen Aulin from trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows.
Distance- Approximately 6 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 570 ft.
Descent- Approximately 1,200 ft.
Elevation Profile- 8,700 to 7,800 ft above sea level.
Day 2: Hike out of the backcountry toward trailhead.
Distance- Approximately 6 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 1,200 ft.
Descent- Approximately 570 ft.
Elevation Profile- 7,800 to 8,700 ft above sea level.
A great trip for beginner backpackers. This trip heads into the high country and arrives at May Lake, situated at the base of Mt. Hoffman (the geographical center of the park!). These are two low-mileage leisurely days, so we've added on an option to summit Mt. Hoffman where you get an incredible 360-degree view of Yosemite National Park.
| Pricing |
$300 per person with four or more in group NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible. |
| Schedule |
June 18 - 19, 2024 (Tuesday through Wednesday) |
| Additional Information | Includes permits, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, overnight backpack, camp stove, bear canister, tent. Does not include food or water filter. Guide will be in contact with you two weeks prior to trip. |
Itinerary
Day 0: Meet guide at Yosemite Mountaineering School located in Curry Village for a pack check. (If not possible meet by trailhead Day 1 for pack check.)
Day 1*: Hike into May Lake from trailhead (about 5 miles west of Tenaya Lake off Tioga Road).
Distance- Approximately 1.5 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 492 ft.
Descent- Approximately 57 ft.
Elevation Profile- 8,885 to 9,367 ft above sea level.
Day 2: A few options to explore the area.
Mt. Hoffman
Distance- Approximately 3 miles round trip.
Ascent- Approximately 1,540 ft.
Descent- Approximately 1,540 ft.
Elevation Profile- 9,367 to 10,758 ft. above sea level.
Tuolumne Peak
Distance- Approximately 7.5 miles round trip.
Ascent- Approximately 1,500 ft.
Descent- Approximately 1,500 ft.
Elevation Profile- 9,367 to 10,856 ft above sea level.
The Bowmaiden
Distance- Approximately 5 miles round trip.
Ascent- Approximately 1,200 ft.
Descent- Approximately 1,200 ft.
Elevation Profile- 9,367 to 10,585 ft above sea level.
Day 3: Hike out of the backcountry toward trailhead.
Distance- Approximately 1.5 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 57 ft.
Descent- Approximately 492 ft.
Elevation Profile- 9,367 to 8,885 ft above sea level.
Our Alder Creek backpacking trip is one of our new group Learn to Backpack trips, and therefore is an excellent trip for brand new backpackers. This is a great trip for the budding naturalist as Alder Creek is a wooded area and is home to various plant, wildflower, and bird species. Enjoy a scenic view at Alder Creek Falls toward the end of the trail as well.
NOTE: Children must still be at least 14 years of age for our group Learn to Backpack trips.
| Pricing |
$300 per person with four or more in group NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible. |
| Schedule |
June 5 – 6, 2024 (Wednesday through Thursday) |
| Additional Information |
Includes permits, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, overnight backpack, camp stove, bear canister, tent. Does not include food or water filter. Guide will be in contact with you two weeks prior to trip. |
Itinerary:
Day 0: Meet guide at Yosemite Mountaineering School located in Curry Village for a pack check. (If not possible meet by trailhead Day 1 for pack check.)
Day 1: Hike into Alder Creek from trailhead off of Highway 41.
Distance- Approximately 4-6 miles depending on where you camp.
Ascent- Approximately 1,468 ft.
Descent- Approximately 451 ft.
Elevation Profile- 4,845 to 5,904 ft above sea level.
Day 2: Hike out of the backcountry toward trailhead.
Distance- Approximately 4-6 miles depending on where you camp.
Ascent- Approximately 451 ft.
Descent- Approximately 1,468 ft.
Elevation Profile- 5,904 to 4,845 ft above sea level.
Join one of our friendly and experienced Yosemite Mountaineering School guides on this wonderful new Learn to Backpack trip to Chilnualna Falls. This trip explores and highlights a different area of the park, Wawona. Enjoy beautiful views of the cascading waterfalls on this trail. As a Learn to Backpack trip, it is a great choice for beginner backpackers, although it is more strenuous than our Alder Creek and May Lake trips due to elevation gain.
NOTE: Children must still be at least 14 years of age for our group Learn to Backpack trips.
| Pricing |
$300 per person with four or more in group NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible. |
| Schedule |
May 25 - 26, 2024 (Saturday through Sunday) May 30 – 31, 2024 (Thursday through Friday) |
| Additional Information |
Includes permits, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, overnight backpack, camp stove, bear canister, tent. Does not include food or water filter. Guide will be in contact with you two weeks prior to trip. |
Itinerary:
Day 0: Meet guide at Yosemite Mountaineering School located in Curry Village for a pack check. (If not possible meet by trailhead Day 1 for pack check.)
Day 1: Hike into Chilnualna Falls from trailhead in Wawona.
Distance- Approximately 4 miles depending on where you camp.
Ascent- Approximately 2,502 ft.
Descent- Approximately 644 ft.
Elevation Profile- 4,244 to 6,267 ft above sea level.
Day 2: Hike out of the backcountry toward trailhead.
Distance- Approximately 4 miles depending on where you camp.
Ascent- Approximately 644 ft.
Descent- Approximately 2,502 ft.
Elevation Profile- 6,267 to 4,244 ft above sea level.
Explore the area of Yosemite’s highest in altitude High Sierra Camp, Vogelsang. Vogelsang is a locals’ favorite with views of high alpine lakes and rugged peaks. The trip typically finishes through Lyell Canyon and has
options to make the experience easier or more difficult depending on the group’s ability.
| Pricing |
$450 per person with four or more in group NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible. |
| Schedule |
August 31 – September 2, 2024 |
| Additional Information | Includes permits, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, overnight backpack, camp stove, bear canister, tent. Does not include food or water filter. Guide will be in contact with you two weeks prior to trip. |
Itinerary
Day 0: Meet guide at Yosemite Mountaineering School located in Curry Village for a pack check. (If not possible meet by trailhead Day 1 for pack check.)
Day 1: Hike into Vogelsang from trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows.
Distance- Approximately 7.4 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 1,688 ft.
Descent- Approximately 235 ft.
Elevation Profile- 8,675 to 10,189 ft above sea level.
Day 2: A few different options to explore the area.
Vogelsang Peak
Distance- Approximately 4.5 miles round trip.
Ascent- Approximately 1,460 ft.
Descent- Approximately 1,460 ft.
Elevation Profile- 10,140 to 11,470 ft. above sea level.
Lyell Canyon
Distance- Approximately 6.5 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 780 ft.
Descent- Approximately 1,890 ft.
Elevation Profile- 10,610 to 8,900 ft above sea level.
Hanging Basket Lake
Distance- Approximately 3 miles round trip.
Ascent- Approximately 600 ft.
Descent- Approximately 600 ft.
Elevation Profile- 10,170 to 10,713 ft above sea level.
Day 3: A couple of options out depending on your ending point on Day 2.
From Vogelsang
Distance- Approximately 7.4 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 235 ft.
Descent- Approximately 1,688 ft.
Elevation Profile- 10,189 to 8,675 ft above sea level.
From Lyell Canyon
Distance- Approximately 5.7 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 269 ft.
Descent- Approximately 479 ft.
Elevation Profile- 8,933 to 8,675 ft above sea level.
Catch a unique perspective on Yosemite Valley in this North Rim adventure. Start up the Yosemite Falls trail and head east on the rim toward North Dome, catching great views of the Valley along the way. This trip is only offered at the start of the season due to heat and shortage of water later in the summer.
| Pricing |
$450 per person, with for or more in the group. NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible. |
| Schedule |
May 17 – 19, 2024 (Friday through Sunday) May 25 – 27, 2024 (Saturday through Monday) May 31 – June 2, 2024 (Friday through Sunday) |
| Additional Information |
Includes permits, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, overnight backpack, camp stove, bear canister, tent. Does not include food or water filter. Guide will be in contact with you two weeks prior to trip. |
Itinerary
Day 0: Meet guide at Yosemite Mountaineering School located in Curry Village for a pack check. (If not possible meet by trailhead Day 1 for pack check.)
Day 1: Hike up to Castle Cliffs by Yosemite Point.
Distance- Approximately 4 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 4,600 ft.
Descent- Approximately 1,300 ft.
Elevation Profile- 4,000 to 7,400 ft above sea level.
Day 2: Hike east to North Dome, set up camp, then hike up to Indian Rock.
Distance- Approximately 5 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 1,700 ft.
Descent- Approximately 1,600 ft.
Elevation Profile- 7,000 to 8,500 ft. above sea level.
Day 3: Hike over to Snow Creek trail head then down to Mirror Lake.
Distance- Approximately 9 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 1,300 ft.
Descent- Approximately 4,600 ft.
Elevation Profile- 8,200 to 4,000 ft above sea level.
Hit the trail with the Yosemite Mountaineering School on this outstanding trip to Ostrander Lake. Ostrander is special place nestled in the pocket of the Sierras out off Glacier Point Road. For day, two enjoy a moderate hike out to Hart Lakes or trek up to Horse Ridge to get your fill of alpine scenery. If you love Ostrander, you can also ski out to it in the winter from Badger Pass Ski Area (if you’re ready for some black diamond backcountry skiing)!
| Pricing |
$450 per person with four or more in group NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible. |
| Schedule |
September 3 - 5, 2024 (Tuesday through Thursday) |
| Additional Information | Includes permits, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, overnight backpack, camp stove, bear canister, tent. Does not include food or water filter. Guide will be in contact with you two weeks prior to trip. |
Itinerary
Day 0: Meet guide at Yosemite Mountaineering School located in Curry Village for a pack check. (If not possible meet by trailhead Day 1 for pack check.)
Day 1: Hike into Ostrander Lake area from trailhead off of Glacier Point Road.
Distance- Approximately 6 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 1,692 ft.
Descent- Approximately 120 ft.
Elevation Profile- 7,037 to 8,615 ft above sea level.
Day 2: A couple different options to explore the area.
Horse Ridge
Distance- Approximately 4 miles round trip.
Ascent- Approximately 1,050 ft.
Descent- Approximately 1,050 ft.
Elevation Profile- 8,615 to 9,484 ft. above sea level.
Hart Lakes
Distance- Approximately 3 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 800 ft.
Descent- Approximately 800 ft.
Elevation Profile- 8,615 to 8,936 ft. above sea level.
Day 3: Hike back toward Glacier Point Road via Pohono Meadow.
Distance- Approximately 5-6 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 2,047 ft.
Descent- Approximately 425 ft.
Elevation Profile- 7,038 to 8,662 ft above sea level.
Get to the top of two of the most popular summits in Yosemite, Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome, in this wonderfully strenuous trip. It begins in a beautiful part of Yosemite’s high country, Sunrise Lakes. From there, we summit Cloud’s Rest, standing proud at 9,926 ft in elevation then head over to the iconic Half Dome standing at 8,839 ft. in elevation. Eventually we make our way down to Yosemite Valley where we end our trip.
*This trip is for experienced backpackers/hikers only.
**The entry trailhead and exit trailhead are in different areas of the park.
***Half Dome summits and permits are not a guarantee. Acquiring the
permits is likely, but in the instance, we do not get Half Dome permits we will
spend a night at beautiful Merced Lake instead.
Transportation is not included in our services. You will need to either book the Tuolumne Hiker’s Shuttle to get to the trailhead for Day 1 or after the trip to retrieve your vehicle.
| Pricing |
$600 per person with four or more in group NOTE: We will combine individuals to form groups when possible. |
| Schedule |
June 10 - 13, 2024 (Monday through Thursday) June 28 – July 1, 2024 (Friday through Monday) September 6 – 9, 2024 (Friday through Monday) |
| Additional Information | Includes permits, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, overnight backpack, camp stove, bear canister, tent. Does not include food or water filter. Guide will be in contact with you two weeks prior to trip. |
Itinerary
Day 0: Meet guide at Yosemite Mountaineering School located in Curry Village for a pack check. (If not possible meet by trailhead Day 1 for pack check.)
Day 1: Hike into Sunrise Lakes from the trailhead at Tenaya Lake.
Distance- Approximately 3.5 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 1,400 ft.
Descent- Approximately 220 ft.
Elevation Profile- Approximately 8,200 to 9,350 ft above sea level.
Day 2: Summit Cloud’s Rest then hike down to JMT junction.
Distance- Approximately 7.5 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 1,250 ft.
Descent- Approximately 3,150 ft.
Elevation Profile- Approximately 7,300 to 9,900 ft. above sea level.
Day 3: Summit Half Dome then hike down to Little Yosemite Valley.
Distance- Approximately 6 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 1,600 ft.
Descent- Approximately 2,600 ft.
Elevation Profile- Approximately 6,200 to 8,500 ft above sea level.
Day 4: Hike down into Yosemite Valley to complete trip.
Distance- Approximately 6 miles.
Ascent- Approximately 1,000 ft.
Descent- Approximately 3,500 ft.
Elevation Profile- Approximately 4,000 to 6,200 ft. above sea level.
With a guided backpacking trip, you'll enjoy seeing the best of Yosemite National Park with the comfort and safety of an experienced guide. While most of the hiking trips are moderately difficult, there are some that are quite physically challenging and recommended only for the most experienced backpackers. Designed around your schedule, interests, and level of expertise, we can create a backpacking vacation of a lifetime.
Call us for more information, ideas, and suggested itineraries at 209.372.8344
| Pricing |
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| Additional Information |
Includes permits. |
| Reservations | To make reservations please call 209.372.8344 |
