Yosemite Hiking & Camping
A Beloved Destination
-
- Activity Level: 3
- Days: 6
- Group Size: 4-12
- Member price: from $2,999
- Non-member price: from $3,299
Overview
Of all the magnificent wild spaces in the American West, few hold a more exalted place in the minds of outdoor-lovers and adventure-seekers than Yosemite National Park. Invigorating trails and inspiring landscapes have cemented Yosemite’s status as mecca for active travelers the world over. Our itinerary takes us deep into the heart of the national park’s best spots.
Each day’s hike brings new adventures. From Yosemite Valley’s iconic granite peaks to the wildflower-carpeted meadows of the High Country, our trip showcases many of the park’s awe-inspiring scenic highlights. Pass tall sequoias, alpine lakes tucked high in the Sierra, thundering waterfalls and soaring cliffs. Although our hikes will be challenging, the reward lies within the journey. Each evening, we arrive to our signature camping experience, where we enjoy good conversation over hearty meals. If Yosemite is mecca for active explorers, this trip is the perfect way to revel in nature’s epic landscapes.
Traveling with kids under age 18? Check out our Yosemite Family Adventure.
Trip highlights
- Enjoy daily hikes on some of Yosemite’s most spectacular and scenic trails
- Hike the Mist Trail past Vernal and Nevada Falls
- Hike to an alpine lake in Yosemite's magnificent high country
- Relish breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows
- Experience REI Signature Camping! Spacious tents, deluxe comfort, amazing meals and more!
Activities
- Hiking
- Camping
Accommodations
Signature Camping, 5 nights.
Itinerary
Our trip begins in Oakland, California. We rendezvous with our guides at our host hotel at 7:45am and, following a brief orientation, set off for the soaring granite peaks, cascading waterfalls and giant sequoia groves of Yosemite National Park. Reaching Yosemite in early afternoon, we stop for a picnic lunch before continuing on to Tunnel View and beginning a three-mile warmup hike to Artist Point, gaining our first views of El Capitan and Yosemite Valley.
While we enjoy our time on trail, our camp host is busy setting up our Signature Camp at Yosemite's Hodgdon Campground in preparation for our arrival. Once at camp, we can relax in our comfortable outdoor lounge area and sleep in spacious tents fully outfitted with cots, sleeping pads, floor coverings, lighting, and an assortment of REI camp furniture. Lunch and dinner included.
Hiking: 3 miles with 500' elevation gain/loss; Terrain: Dirt and stone trails. Drive time: 5 hours.
One of the park's most awe-inspiring day hikes, today's route rewards ambitious hikers with a seemingly endless display of breathtaking Sierra scenery. After breakfast, we transfer to, and begin our hike from Half Dome Village. We hike up granite staircases, built right alongside thundering Vernal and Nevada Falls to the top of Nevada Falls itself. For the descent, we follow in the footsteps of John Muir, along his namesake trail, back to the bottom of the Valley. Along the way, we catch views of Half Dome, Mount Broderick and Liberty Cap, as well as wide views of the falls that we hiked next to this morning. At trail's end, our vehicle awaits to transport us back to our familiar camp for some relaxation time and a well-earned dinner. All meals included.
Hiking: 9 miles with 2,200' of elevation gain/loss; Terrain: Dirt and stone trails including many stone steps. Drive time: 2 hours.
Our hike today showcases the most dramatic views from Yosemite Valley's South Rim. From the trailhead, we begin our climb towards Sentinel Dome (8,123'), a granite dome offering a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the surrounding Sierra landscape. After getting our fill of postcard-worthy scenery, we continue on to Taft Point, a rocky promontory offering sweeping views of western Yosemite Valley and the fissures—immense vertical cracks in the valley wall. We return to camp this afternoon with a newfound appreciation for the majestic natural beauty that has drawn explorers, hikers and photographers to this park during the past century. All meals included.
Hiking: 5 miles with 600' of elevation gain/loss; Terrain: Dirt and stone trails. Drive time: 2.5 hours.
We begin the day with an early cup of coffee or tea and a hearty breakfast before setting out to explore Yosemite's magnificent high country. Our guides lead us on a hike through wildflower-dotted meadows to one of the high country's sparkling alpine lakes, tucked in among the surrounding granite peaks. Taking in the quintessential High Sierra scenery, we eat a lakeside lunch and perhaps go for an invigorating swim before starting our walk back to the trailhead. This evening, our day in Yosemite concludes with a delicious guide-prepared meal, a warm campfire and spectacular stargazing. All meals included.
Hiking: 7-9 miles with approx.1,500' of elevation gain/loss; Terrain: dirt and stone trails. Drive time: 2 hours.
Today's rewarding hike leads us to the smooth granite summit of North Dome, perched near the rim of Yosemite Valley. Starting at the Porcupine Creek Trailhead, we hike through forest and meadow along a rolling trail that leads to jaw-dropping views of imposing Half Dome and Clouds Rest. Our final specially prepared celebration dinner tonight offers a wonderful opportunity to relive the day's adventure with newfound friends and recap our week in one of America's most beloved national parks. All meals included.
Hiking: 9 miles with 1,000' of elevation gain/loss; Terrain: dirt and stone trails. Drive time: 1.5 hours.
We leave our camp for the final time this morning and, prior to beginning our return trip to the Bay Area, stop to spend time in the Tuolumne Grove of giant sequoia. We hike through the grove as our guides teach us about the lifecycle of these ancient, massive trees that make the park their home. Stopping for lunch en route, we continue our drive to Oakland, arriving by 7pm. Please do not schedule a departing flight from Oakland until after 9pm tonight. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 4 miles with up to 500' of elevation gain/loss. Drive time: 5 hours.
Note on Itinerary
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
What's included
Call 1-800-622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone
Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time
Price Includes
Five nights camping in our REI Signature Camp; guide leadership; round trip van transportation from/to Oakland, CA; all meals beginning with lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 6; beverages including coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate; all group camping equipment; park fees and local taxes.
Not Included
Flights to/from Oakland, California; airport transfers; alcoholic beverages; sleeping bag; optional guide gratuities.
Consider as you sign up
Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Please contact us or see details.
REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.
REI Co-op World Mastercard® - Earn 5% back on REI Adventures trips and all REI net purchases. Learn more.
Additional Information
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
A refundable deposit of $400 is required at time of booking to secure space. Full payment is required 60 days before departure date.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:
91+ days prior to departure = $0
61 to 90 days = $400
31 to 60 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
0 to 30 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
If you instead transfer to another trip, the following fees are due at the time of the request:
61+ days prior to departure = $0
31 to 60 days = $400
0 to 30 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
Weather
During summer, daytime temperatures in Yosemite are typically in the 70s and 80s depending on location within the park and elevation. Evening temperatures generally fall into the 50s and occasionally 40s. September departures can experience freezing temperatures at night with the possibility of snow at higher elevations. Occasional rainfall and afternoon thunderstorms are a distinct possibility, so appropriate raingear is essential (see Gear List below).
Single Travelers
Tent accommodations are shared and solo travelers will be paired with a same gender tent-mate. If you request single accommodations, REI will provide you with your own tent at no additional charge if a single tent is available. Please be advised that there are a limited number of tents and single tents are assigned first-come, first-served basis. For more details about traveling solo, see our Solo Travelers page.
General Information
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Additional trip information will be provided 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.
Meet your guides
Gary E.
Gary never tires of sitting on top of Half Dome or swimming in a Yosemite lake. He guides in order to share his passion for the outdoors with others. An REI guide since 2003, he is certified as a Wilderness First Responder and in Leave No Trace principles.
Meet your guides
Tyler G.
This wilderness- and mountain-lover lives to share the magic with others. He was an instructor with REI Outdoor School and has been an REI guide since 2014. Tyler is a Wilderness First Responder and is certified in Leave No Trace principles.
Adventure Expert
Andy
It was exciting to create an itinerary showcasing some of Yosemite's most dramatic hikes and scenery blended with the comfort of our Signature Camps. If I had a friend new to camping, this is the Yosemite trip I would recommend!
Departure dates
Departure dates available soon.
Let us know if you want to be contacted when dates become available.
Notify meQuestions?
You can reach us by phone at 1-800-622-2236
Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time.
Gear list
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. This gear list has been created to help you choose the proper equipment. Try to bring only what is necessary; this will help you and the field staff.
Provided by REI
- All Group Cooking Gear
- Camp Furniture
- Cots and Sleeping Pads
- Group First Aid Kit
- Tent(s)
Required
- Camp Towel
- Day Pack (21L-35L)
- Flashlight or Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
- Hiking Pants (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Hiking Shoes
- Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
- Insulated Jacket and/or Vest
- Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
- Prescription Medications
- Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Sleeping Bag (40°+ Most Trips/15°-29° in Colder Travel Periods)
- Tee Shirts (Cotton and Synthetic)
- Water Bottles (Two 1-Quart) or Hydration System Plus One 1-Quart Water Bottle
- Water Shoes (No Flip-Flops)
Recommended
- Bandana
- Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Lightweight, Synthetic or Wool)
- Casual Shoes for Camp
- Day Pack Rain Cover
- Duffel Bag or Soft-Sided Suitcase
- Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Insect Repellant
- Large Plastic Garbage Bags
- Luggage Tags and Locks
- Sun Block and Lip Balm
- Sun Hat
- Sunglasses and Accessories
- Toiletries
- Travel Pillow
- Trekking Poles
- Underwear
Optional
- Camera and Accessories
- Ear Plugs
- Fleece/Wool Gloves
- Fleece/Wool Hat
- Liner Socks (Synthetic)
- Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner
- Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)
- Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Reading and Writing Materials
- Small Binoculars
- Swimwear
Travel Documents
- Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)
Contact Us
Feel free to give us a call at 1-800-622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (1-800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice, which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
.Itinerary
Print Itinerary Collapse all days
Our trip begins in Oakland, California. We rendezvous with our guides at our host hotel at 7:45am and, following a brief orientation, set off for the soaring granite peaks, cascading waterfalls and giant sequoia groves of Yosemite National Park. Reaching Yosemite in early afternoon, we stop for a picnic lunch before continuing on to Tunnel View and beginning a three-mile warmup hike to Artist Point, gaining our first views of El Capitan and Yosemite Valley.
While we enjoy our time on trail, our camp host is busy setting up our Signature Camp at Yosemite's Hodgdon Campground in preparation for our arrival. Once at camp, we can relax in our comfortable outdoor lounge area and sleep in spacious tents fully outfitted with cots, sleeping pads, floor coverings, lighting, and an assortment of REI camp furniture. Lunch and dinner included.
Hiking: 3 miles with 500' elevation gain/loss; Terrain: Dirt and stone trails. Drive time: 5 hours.
One of the park's most awe-inspiring day hikes, today's route rewards ambitious hikers with a seemingly endless display of breathtaking Sierra scenery. After breakfast, we transfer to, and begin our hike from Half Dome Village. We hike up granite staircases, built right alongside thundering Vernal and Nevada Falls to the top of Nevada Falls itself. For the descent, we follow in the footsteps of John Muir, along his namesake trail, back to the bottom of the Valley. Along the way, we catch views of Half Dome, Mount Broderick and Liberty Cap, as well as wide views of the falls that we hiked next to this morning. At trail's end, our vehicle awaits to transport us back to our familiar camp for some relaxation time and a well-earned dinner. All meals included.
Hiking: 9 miles with 2,200' of elevation gain/loss; Terrain: Dirt and stone trails including many stone steps. Drive time: 2 hours.
Our hike today showcases the most dramatic views from Yosemite Valley's South Rim. From the trailhead, we begin our climb towards Sentinel Dome (8,123'), a granite dome offering a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the surrounding Sierra landscape. After getting our fill of postcard-worthy scenery, we continue on to Taft Point, a rocky promontory offering sweeping views of western Yosemite Valley and the fissures—immense vertical cracks in the valley wall. We return to camp this afternoon with a newfound appreciation for the majestic natural beauty that has drawn explorers, hikers and photographers to this park during the past century. All meals included.
Hiking: 5 miles with 600' of elevation gain/loss; Terrain: Dirt and stone trails. Drive time: 2.5 hours.
We begin the day with an early cup of coffee or tea and a hearty breakfast before setting out to explore Yosemite's magnificent high country. Our guides lead us on a hike through wildflower-dotted meadows to one of the high country's sparkling alpine lakes, tucked in among the surrounding granite peaks. Taking in the quintessential High Sierra scenery, we eat a lakeside lunch and perhaps go for an invigorating swim before starting our walk back to the trailhead. This evening, our day in Yosemite concludes with a delicious guide-prepared meal, a warm campfire and spectacular stargazing. All meals included.
Hiking: 7-9 miles with approx.1,500' of elevation gain/loss; Terrain: dirt and stone trails. Drive time: 2 hours.
Today's rewarding hike leads us to the smooth granite summit of North Dome, perched near the rim of Yosemite Valley. Starting at the Porcupine Creek Trailhead, we hike through forest and meadow along a rolling trail that leads to jaw-dropping views of imposing Half Dome and Clouds Rest. Our final specially prepared celebration dinner tonight offers a wonderful opportunity to relive the day's adventure with newfound friends and recap our week in one of America's most beloved national parks. All meals included.
Hiking: 9 miles with 1,000' of elevation gain/loss; Terrain: dirt and stone trails. Drive time: 1.5 hours.
We leave our camp for the final time this morning and, prior to beginning our return trip to the Bay Area, stop to spend time in the Tuolumne Grove of giant sequoia. We hike through the grove as our guides teach us about the lifecycle of these ancient, massive trees that make the park their home. Stopping for lunch en route, we continue our drive to Oakland, arriving by 7pm. Please do not schedule a departing flight from Oakland until after 9pm tonight. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 4 miles with up to 500' of elevation gain/loss. Drive time: 5 hours.
Note on Itinerary
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
What's included
Call 1-800-622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone
Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time
Price Includes
Five nights camping in our REI Signature Camp; guide leadership; round trip van transportation from/to Oakland, CA; all meals beginning with lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 6; beverages including coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate; all group camping equipment; park fees and local taxes.
Not Included
Flights to/from Oakland, California; airport transfers; alcoholic beverages; sleeping bag; optional guide gratuities.
Consider as you sign up
Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Please contact us or see details.
REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.
REI Co-op World Mastercard® - Earn 5% back on REI Adventures trips and all REI net purchases. Learn more.
Additional Information
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
A refundable deposit of $400 is required at time of booking to secure space. Full payment is required 60 days before departure date.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:
91+ days prior to departure = $0
61 to 90 days = $400
31 to 60 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
0 to 30 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
If you instead transfer to another trip, the following fees are due at the time of the request:
61+ days prior to departure = $0
31 to 60 days = $400
0 to 30 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
Weather
During summer, daytime temperatures in Yosemite are typically in the 70s and 80s depending on location within the park and elevation. Evening temperatures generally fall into the 50s and occasionally 40s. September departures can experience freezing temperatures at night with the possibility of snow at higher elevations. Occasional rainfall and afternoon thunderstorms are a distinct possibility, so appropriate raingear is essential (see Gear List below).
Single Travelers
Tent accommodations are shared and solo travelers will be paired with a same gender tent-mate. If you request single accommodations, REI will provide you with your own tent at no additional charge if a single tent is available. Please be advised that there are a limited number of tents and single tents are assigned first-come, first-served basis. For more details about traveling solo, see our Solo Travelers page.
General Information
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Additional trip information will be provided 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.
Meet your guides
Gary E.
Gary never tires of sitting on top of Half Dome or swimming in a Yosemite lake. He guides in order to share his passion for the outdoors with others. An REI guide since 2003, he is certified as a Wilderness First Responder and in Leave No Trace principles.
Meet your guides
Tyler G.
This wilderness- and mountain-lover lives to share the magic with others. He was an instructor with REI Outdoor School and has been an REI guide since 2014. Tyler is a Wilderness First Responder and is certified in Leave No Trace principles.
Adventure Expert
Andy
It was exciting to create an itinerary showcasing some of Yosemite's most dramatic hikes and scenery blended with the comfort of our Signature Camps. If I had a friend new to camping, this is the Yosemite trip I would recommend!