Yosemite Backpacking

Yosemite Backpacking
Yosemite Backpacking

Trip Reviews

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Highlights

Trip Dates:

2012

Hetch Hetchy —
  • May 10–13
  • May 17–20
  • May 24–27
Yosemite Valley —
  • Jun 7–10
  • Jun 14–17
  • Jun 21–24
  • Jun 28 – Jul 1
The High Country —
  • Jul 5–8
  • Jul 12–15
  • Jul 19–22
  • Jul 26–29
  • Aug 9–12
  • Aug 16–19
  • Aug 23–26
  • Aug 30 – Sep 2
  • Sep 6–9
  • Sep 13–16

Dates subject to change pending permit availability.


Or, book a
private departure.

Price:

2012

REI Member: $750

Non-member: $850

Total Days: 4
Group Size: 4-12
Activity Level: 3-4

Activities:

  • Backpacking

Accommodations:

Backpackers campground, 1 night; Backcountry camping, 2 nights

Yosemite Backpacking

Learn the basics of backpacking in this introductory course while enjoying the beauty of the Yosemite backcountry. Yosemite features a variety of routes, each with its own distinct and ideal season and conditions for exploration.  Our guides will take you into the backcountry and show you the park’s wonders while teaching route finding using a map and compass, how to establish a camp with minimum environmental impact, the basics of packing light, outdoor cookery and menu planning, natural history and personal care. In addition to acquiring basic backcountry skills, you’ll enjoy a weekend in the sublime beauty of one of the world’s most revered wilderness areas, Yosemite National Park. Be aware that this is a backpacking course, and participants will be required to carry their personal gear (weighing about 20-25 lbs) and a portion of their tent, food, and group gear (weighing about 10-15 lbs) for the duration of the trip.

+ Show Details

Yosemite Backpacking: Hetch Hetchy Itinerary:

  • Day 1 Meet and Greet, Hetch Hetchy
  • Day 2 Tueeulala and Wapama Waterfalls
  • Day 3 Rancheria Falls to Tiltill Valley Meadow
  • Day 4 Retrace through the wildflower meadows
+ Show Details

Yosemite Backpacking: Yosemite Valley Itinerary:

  • Day 1 Meet and Greet, North Pines
  • Day 2 Yosemite Creek to Blue Jay Creek
  • Day 3 Hike the Rim over Yosemite Valley
  • Day 4 Yosemite Creek and Complete
+ Show Details

Yosemite Backpacking: The High Country Itinerary:

  • Day 1 Meet and Greet, Tuolumne Meadows
  • Day 2 John Muir Trail to Cathedral Lakes
  • Day 3 John Muir Trail to Upper Sunrise Lake
  • Day 4 Upper Sunrise to Tenaya Lake
Note on Itinerary

Although we do our very best to adhere to one of the schedules listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.  There are numerous beautiful and suitable routes available to our guides, and these routes may be utilized instead of those published in this itinerary when circumstances or conditions warrant. This trip is operated rain or shine.

Important Information about Air Travel

Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Price Includes

Professional instruction and guiding; meals as noted on the daily itinerary; 2-person tents; group cooking gear; group first aid kit, water filter; campsite and permit fees; shuttle between trailheads.

Not Included

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees where required, insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.

Closest Airport(s)

Merced, CA: 80 miles, 2 hours
Fresno, CA: 100 miles, 4 hours
Oakland, CA: 180 miles, 5.5 hours
Reno, NV: 180 miles, 5.5 hours

Transfers

REI Adventures recommends one of the following ways to make your rendezvous: either rent a car and drive to the designated location or fly into Merced, CA (with connections from Las Vegas) and use YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation Service) to travel the rest of the way.  YARTS can be contacted at 1-877-98-YARTS.

Please note that you may not be able to connect with YARTS service out of the park until after 5:00 p.m. on the last day of our itinerary on most departures, and this may impact your air travel plans.

Weather

Daytime temperatures usually range between 60-80 degrees F, with evening temperatures dropping to the 40s or 50s. You may encounter freezing temperatures at some of the higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are a distinct possibility so adequate raingear is important.

General Information

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Yosemite Backpacking

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Daytime temperatures usually range between 60º and 80º F, with evening temperatures dropping to the 40s or 50s. You may encounter freezing temperatures at some of the higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are a distinct possibility so adequate raingear is important.

Gear Checklist

Provided Gear
  • Tents (3-season, 2-person)
  • Cooking gear
  • Stoves and fuel
  • Water filter
  • Group first-aid kit
  • Bear canister
Backpacking Gear
  • Backpack: large internal frame or external frame (4000-6000 cu”)
  • Pack cover - waterproof
  • Sleeping bag (rated at 20º-25º F)
  • Sleeping pad
  • Small lightweight day pack
Outerwear
  • Rain jacket and pants, lightweight waterproof and breathable
Clothing
  • Midweight fleece jacket or wool sweater
  • Midweight thermal top and bottom made of synthetic or wool
  • Hiking pants, quick-drying, lightweight (zip-off legs are great). No jeans!
  • Hiking shorts, quick-drying, lightweight
  • 1 T-shirt, synthetic
  • 2 changes of underwear
  • Hiking socks, 2 pairs of wool or synthetic
  • Sock liners, 2 pairs of synthetic liners (optional)
Clothing accessories
  • Sun hat with brim
  • Wool or fleece hat
  • Bandana
  • Lightweight wool or fleece gloves
Footwear
  • Hiking boots: heavy duty, waterproof, and well broken-in, should rise above ankle
Travel Accessories
  • One 1-quart water bottle, Nalgene-type, even if you have a hydration system
  • Headlamp with spare batteries and bulb
  • Plastic bowl, spoon, fork, 16 oz. mug with lid
  • Sunglasses and retainer strap
  • Sunblock, small amount not the whole bottle, min SPF 25
  • Lip balm (unscented)
  • Insect repellent (small)
  • Head net for mosquitoes, especially in July
  • Toothbrush & trial-sized paste
  • Pack towel and/or washcloth
  • Personal first aid kit, small and light with personal medications
  • Bic lighter
  • TP System: In a gallon Ziploc Bag store these items from the packlist above: Toilet paper (not a full roll) & 1 ziploc quart baggie, orange plastic trowel, WetOnes, Feminine Wipes, Pantiliners for women
  • 1 large plastic garbage bag
  • Trekking poles
Optional Field Gear… think weight!
  • Down vest or jacket (highly recommended)
  • Swimsuit (for bathing and swimming)
  • Compass - the guide teaches with a Sunto M-2
  • Ear plugs
  • Lightweight camp shoes/sandals
  • Journal and pen
  • Pocket knife or multi-tool (small & lightweight)
  • Camera and spare batteries
  • Hydration system (bring at least one Nalgene-type bottle, even if you do bring a hydration system)

Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out www.rei.com/learn. The Expert Advice section on our "Learn" page has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
REI Adventures Yosemite Backpacking
 
4.9

(based on 32 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Guides (30)
  • Well organized itinerary (29)
  • Group camaraderie (27)
  • Activity level (26)
  • Food (24)

Cons

    Best Uses

        • Reviewer Profile:
        • Casual adventurer (19), Casual/ recreational (7), Avid adventurer (5)
        • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
        • Destination (26), Active adventures (25), I liked the itinerary (21), Travel with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts (19), Good value (17)

      REVIEWS

      Reviewed by 32 customers

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      Displaying reviews 1-10

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      5.0

      Great Adventure

      By Mike Gershberg

      from Chicago

      About Me First-Time Adventurer

      Pros

      • Activity Level
      • Food
      • Guides
      • Well Organized Itinerary

      Cons

        Best Uses

          Comments about REI Adventures Yosemite Backpacking:

          This trip was a perfect blend of stunningly beautiful nature, knowledgeable and fun guides, and physically challenging activity. Stick to the supply list closely, and make you sure to get consistent cardiovascular training before the trip. The hike through Yosemite will leave you with a life time of wonderful memories, and a lifetime of skills to continue on confidently with similar adventures.

          • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
          • Active Adventures, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
           
          5.0

          Worth the Effort

          By sootie

          from Houston, TX

          About Me First-Time Adventurer

          Pros

          • Accommodations
          • Activity Level
          • Food
          • Group Camaraderie
          • Guides
          • Once in a Lifetime Experience
          • Quality Equipment Provided
          • Well Organized Itinerary

          Cons

            Best Uses

              Comments about REI Adventures Yosemite Backpacking:

              The food was great but sometimes there wasn't quite enough of the main course, such as the pancakes and 'fajitas'. The guides were very knowledgeable and personable; they could elaborate on the history of the park and enforced the rules without being wet blankets.

              • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
              • Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
              • Why did you choose this trip?:
              • I wanted to learn the basics of backpacking.
              • What was the highlight of your trip?:
              • Staying at Cathedral Lake was the highlight for me. The views were spectacular. On one end of the lake there were peaks and the other looked out over a valley. The sunrise and sunset were gorgeous.
              • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
              • Take a decent camera, but not one that is too bulky. Also, make you have enough warm clothes/sleeping bag. Pay attention to the organizer's cpacking list, not REI's.

              (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              Can't wait to go back!!!

              By Sierra Woman

              from Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

              About Me Casual Adventurer, Love the Sierra's

              Pros

              • Activity Level
              • Beautiful country
              • Exceeded Expectations
              • Food
              • Group Camaraderie
              • Guides
              • Once in a Lifetime Experience
              • Well Organized Itinerary

              Cons

              • It was too short

              Best Uses

                Comments about REI Adventures Yosemite Backpacking:

                This trip gave me the confidence to go on future backpacking trips. I now know I can do it and I'm not too old after all!

                • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                • All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Couldn't do it alone, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
                • Why did you choose this trip?:
                • I wanted to backpack in the Sierra's again after many years away from it. Couldn't find friends to go with and need a refresher in backpacking. I love the area we went to and backpacking is the only good way to see it!
                • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                • So many wonderful highlights! I loved the scenery, and waking up after sleeping out doors. The people were awesome and the leaders obviously love what they are doing. It was a perfect trip!
                • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                • Closely read all the directions and follow them to a "T". The leaders know what you need, so bring it, and nothing extra. Take good care of your feet from day one. Make sure your pack fits well and condition with it for a good month before you go. It makes the trip so much more enjoyable when you're used to your pack and its weight.
                 
                5.0

                Once in a Lifetime

                By CSmith

                from Berkeley, CA

                About Me Casual Adventurer

                Site Member

                Pros

                • Accommodations
                • Activity Level
                • Exceeded Expectations
                • Food
                • Group Camaraderie
                • Guides
                • Once in a Lifetime Experience
                • Quality Equipment Provided
                • Well Organized Itinerary

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                    Comments about REI Adventures Yosemite Backpacking:

                    Karen and Mike are the best guides ever.

                    • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                    • Active Adventures, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
                    • Why did you choose this trip?:
                    • I'm moving from the Bay Area to the Middle East this fall and I wanted an opportunity to see the more remote parts of Yosemite before I left California forever.
                    • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                    • Since the trail was snowed in we decided to camp two nights at Lower Cathedral Lake. After our first night we day-hiked off trail all day and saw some absolutely incredible views.
                    • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                    • The Sierras will probably never get as much snow again as we had so you'll love the trip, but you probably won't see nearly as much snow as we did.
                     
                    5.0

                    Great trip

                    By snmoore84

                    from Wake Forest, NC

                    About Me Casual Adventurer

                    Site Member

                    Pros

                    • Activity Level
                    • Exceeded Expectations
                    • Food
                    • Group Camaraderie
                    • Guides
                    • Well Organized Itinerary

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                        Comments about REI Adventures Yosemite Backpacking:

                        All aspects of this trip were well planned. The food was very good for a backpacking trip. Spaghetti and Fajitas are not meals I expected on a backpacking trip. The hikes were about what I was looking for in difficulty. The second day we did day hikes and were given several options. I opted for a more difficult hike that gave a great view of the Northern portion of the park. If you want to visit Yosemite and do a backpacking trip, this is a great way to do it.

                        • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                        • Active Adventures, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary
                        • Why did you choose this trip?:
                        • I took this trip because I wanted to take a backpacking trip in Yosemite and plans with friends fell through.
                        • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                        • The day hikes we did on day two of the trip gave some great views of the Northern part of Yosemite.
                        • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                        • If you are not familiar with the area around Yosemite ( I wasn't. ), pay attention to the time that is mentioned to get to the meeting location. Yes, it is only 110 miles from Fresno, but it is still going to take the 4 hours they list to reach the meeting location. I gave myself extra time to get there and was glad I did.
                         
                        5.0

                        Great Weekend Adventure

                        By OutdoorJim

                        from Arlington, VA

                        About Me Casual Adventurer

                        Site Member

                        Pros

                        • Activity Level
                        • Food
                        • Group Camaraderie
                        • Guides
                        • Well Organized Itinerary

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                            Comments about REI Adventures Yosemite Backpacking:

                            Very organized trip. Hiking was strenuous enough to get a good workout, but not so bad that the group couldn't stay together. Also liked that groups of us would form to try out routes. Everyone seemed to be able to find a group that fit their desire for adventure. Was amazed at how much camaraderie there was in the group after only a couple of days. Definitely recommend this trip if you want to learn more about backpacking or want to enjoy the majesty and beauty of Yosemite.

                            • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                            • Active Adventures, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary
                            • Why did you choose this trip?:
                            • I chose this trip because I wanted to extend my backpacking experience beyond several day hikes and single night camping trips into multi-day trips into the back country. The Rocky Mountain trip seemed a little too hard and this seemed like the perfect trip for someone looking to grow their skills. Several people in the group were day hikers/ car campers and wanted to do the same thing.
                            • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                            • The very best part of this trip was the day hike we took from our base camp at the lower Grant Lake up to a 10,000 ft ridge overlooking the 10 lakes area. We had lunch on the ridge and just sat there taking in the gorgeous scenery for several minutes.
                            • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                            • Really pay attention to the gear list and be very systematic about it. I used everything on the list and other things would have been dead weight. Definitely get in cardio several weeks/months before you trip if you don't exercise much. You'll need it for the hill climbs and some of the longer stretches. A down sweater/jacket is ideal for keeping warm over fleece.
                             
                            5.0

                            Outstanding Adventure!

                            By Hutto Hiker

                            from Hutto, TX (Austin Metro

                            About Me Beginner Backpacker, Experienced Dayhiker

                            Site Member

                            Pros

                            • Well Organized Itinerary

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                                Comments about REI Adventures Yosemite Backpacking:

                                This was a fantastic trip! Our destination ended up changing several times because of the high snow levels. The guides did a terrific job leading and locating routes off trail when the snow blocked our way. Our base camp ended up at Lower Grant's Lake - simply stunning! From the route finding, to the food, to the stories, to the comaraderie, our guides (Karen, Val, and Carolyn) couldn't have done a better job.
                                Highly recommended!

                                • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                                • Active Adventures, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
                                • Why did you choose this trip?:
                                • As an experienced dayhiker, I wanted an introduction into multi-day backpacking. Yosemite was the perfect destination since it offers plenty of trail options.
                                • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                                • The mountains, the snow, the camping, the new friends, the stars...... everything!
                                • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                                • Practice carrying a full backpack and make sure that it fits right! Hiking in the mountains is a day long workout.
                                 
                                5.0

                                Truly AWESOME!

                                By Jason Ritter

                                from Valencia, CA

                                About Me Casual Adventurer

                                Pros

                                • Accommodations
                                • Activity Level
                                • Exceeded Expectations
                                • Food
                                • Group Camaraderie
                                • Guides
                                • Well Organized Itinerary

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                    Comments about REI Adventures Yosemite Backpacking:

                                    Our guides Karen, Virginia, and Diego were the best. They were so accommodating and knowledgeable. I would definitely do other trips with these guides.

                                    • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                                    • All the Details Planned for Me
                                    • Why did you choose this trip?:
                                    • I wanted an introductory class that would teach me the right way to backpack so I could take my family out later.
                                    • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                                    • Going to Cathedral Lake. I love the fact that we were the only group camping at this location.
                                    • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                                    • Only buy what is on the list. You will not need anything more. Do not short change yourself by buying cheap equipment as it will only hurt you in the long run.

                                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    Best. Vacation. EVER!!!

                                    By Mtn Bike Chick

                                    from Michigan

                                    About Me Avid Adventurer

                                    Pros

                                    • Exceeded Expectations
                                    • Food
                                    • Group Camaraderie
                                    • Guides
                                    • Once in a Lifetime Experience
                                    • Well Organized Itinerary

                                    Cons

                                      Best Uses

                                        Comments about REI Adventures Yosemite Backpacking:

                                        It was one of the most beautiful places I've even seen. The guides were personable, knowledgeable, and fun and we were lucky to be paired with a group of fellow travelers that were all a joy to be with. It was a wonderful experience that we will never forget. The food was great (seriously!) and the views were unforgettable. Karen and her gang really know what they're doing and they make the trip safe as well as enjoyable.

                                        • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                                        • Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
                                        • Why did you choose this trip?:
                                        • We wanted to learn how to backpack and couldn't think of a more beautiful place than Yosemite.
                                        • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                                        • It's hard to pick one highlight. This trip was filled with so many, we can't narrow one down. The marmot sightings were especially delightful.
                                        • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                                        • It gets COLD at night at elevation. Trust us. We're from Michigan. We know cold. Pack nice warm layers for when the sun goes down. Listen to the guide and pack the recommended gear. Trekking poles were particularly useful on the descent with the full packs. Be sure you spend time getting conditioned for the trip. It's a lot of climbing with a heavy pack.

                                        (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                                         
                                        5.0

                                        Yosemite Backpacking

                                        By Rama G

                                        from Dallas, TX

                                        About Me Casual Adventurer

                                        Site Member

                                        Pros

                                        • Accommodations
                                        • Activity Level
                                        • Exceeded Expectations
                                        • Food
                                        • Group Camaraderie
                                        • Guides

                                        Cons

                                          Best Uses

                                            Comments about REI Adventures Yosemite Backpacking:

                                            Its awesome and a well planned trip. Guide (karen, michael and Joe) know everything about yosemite and are well organized. If you want to go on an REI yosemite trip, i would say one thing...as long as karen (with micheal and joe) are your guides, you will have a great time there and of course the group. I was lucky to be part of an energetic and enthusiastic group

                                            • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                                            • Active Adventures, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
                                            • Why did you choose this trip?:
                                            • Wanted to do backpacking, but had no experience. Trip itenary looked like a good fit for me
                                            • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                                            • Guides experience and knowledge, luck to travel with an enthusiastic group, taking dip in freezing cold water and day hike
                                            • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                                            • Pack light, do not pack more than whats on the list. make sure to buy pack and shoes in a store so you can try them. Also make sure to carry a down jacket as it gets cold at night

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