Overview
Yosemite National Park, set amongst California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is one of America’s most beautiful gems. Hiking the High Sierra is an experience unlike any other, and the views that await us are nothing short of amazing. With each bend in the trail, enjoy yet another quintessential high country vantage point.
While our routes vary according to season, permits and trail conditions, our exceptional guides will lead us on a journey that is thrilling and memorable for both avid backpackers and those just starting out. Learn how to set up camp with minimal environmental impact, brush up on the basics of packing light, and hone your backpacking skills. We each carry 30-35 pounds of individual and group gear while walking between 2-9 miles daily. This trip is an unforgettable opportunity to relish jaw-dropping views of towering alpine peaks and spectacular granite domes and revel in the extraordinary beauty of Yosemite.
Looking for more ways to get away from the crowds and explore Yosemite’s backcountry? See another side of the park with our Hetch Hetchy backpacking trip or set yourself up for some stunning views on our Yosemite Classic backpacking adventure.
Trip highlights
- Backpack Yosemite National Park's dramatic high alpine wilderness
- Follow expert guides to classic vistas and hidden wonders
- Learn vital backpacking skills
- Hike past sparkling lakes and granite domes in the magnificent High Sierra
Activities
- Backpacking
Accommodations
Backpackers campground, 1 night; Backcountry camping, 2 nights
Itinerary
This trip begins in Yosemite National Park, California. Today you will meet your guides and the other group members at the Tuolumne Meadows Backpackers' Camp just uphill from the Dana Campfire Circle in the middle of the Tuolumne Meadows Campground. Group members must arrive at camp by 4:30pm for a trip orientation, gear check and dinner. Please allow yourself plenty of time as it takes some time to get up to Tuolumne Meadows. Dinner included.
We enjoy breakfast in our camp before packing up and caravanning a half hour’s drive west to the Ten Lakes Trailhead (7,500’). Before leaving we’ll distribute group gear and food, as well as reviewing techniques for correctly packing & fitting a backpack. Here we begin our 6.4 mile hike to Ten Lakes Pass (about 9,660’) and down to our remote campsite close to Lower Grant Lake (9,258') that will be out home for the next two nights. We will stop for lunch and photo opportunities, and work on skills development along the way. Once at our campsite, we will relax at camp or opt for a swim in the alpine waters. Following dinner, look forward to an inspirational evening campfire program as we watch for shooting stars overhead. All meals and snacks provided.
Backpacking: 6.5 miles; elevation gain: 2,100'.
Another glorious day in the mountains awaits us as we don our packs and hit the trail. After breakfast, we’ll leave our camp and take only daypacks as we embark on a 4 to 5 mile exploration of the Ten Lakes Basin. We’ll adventure from lake to lake with many optional swims, hikes and scenic rest breaks. We’ll enjoy lunch at one of the many spectacular alpine lakes in the basin before we make our way back to camp. Dinner is followed by a relaxing, reflective campfire program on our last night beneath the bright Sierra stars. All meals and snacks provided.
Hiking: 3.5 to 5.6 miles; elevation gain: 1,000' to 1,400'.
After a hearty breakfast, we pack up our gear and retrace our steps to Ten Lakes Pass and down the Ten Lakes Trail to our cars waiting at the trailhead. We plan to arrive between 4 and 5pm, but there is no guarantee as trail conditions and other factors can impact travel times. Those flying out of Fresno should plan flights after 9:30pm; those flying out of Oakland should plan flights after 10:30pm. Breakfast, snacks and lunch included.
Backpacking: 6.5; elevation loss: 2,100'.
Note on Itinerary
There are numerous beautiful and suitable routes available to our guides, and these routes may vary slightly from the suggestion above when circumstances or conditions warrant. This trip is operated rain or shine.
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
Professional instruction and guiding; meals as noted on the daily itinerary; 3-person tents for 2 guests; group cooking gear; group first aid kit, water filter; campsite and permit fees.
Not Included
Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; transfers to and from trailheads; park entrance fees where required, insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.
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 Mastercard® - Earn 5% back on REI Adventures trips and all REI net purchases. Learn more.
Additional Information
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
Full payment is due at sign up, fully refundable up to 30 days prior to departure.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:
30+ days prior to departure = $0
15 to 29 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
0 to 14 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:
15+ days prior to departure = $0
0 to 14 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
Single Accommodations
If you are traveling alone we will assign you a roommate of the same gender if possible. A limited number of single accommodations are available, and are assigned only as necessary. For more details about traveling solo, see our Solo Travelers page.
Weather
Daytime temperatures usually range between 60 to 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. 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
Yosemite's backcountry is a bounty of scenic riches. In creating this itinerary, I tried to incorporate some of the best hiking in the park, showcasing the landscapes that make Yosemite such a beloved icon of the American West.
Departure dates
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Prices are per person, double occupancy.
2018
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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. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Provided by REI
- All Group Cooking Gear
- Bear Canister
- Group First Aid Kit
- Stoves and Fuel
- Tent(s)
- Water Filter
Required
- Backpacking Pack (Extended, 70+L)
- Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Lightweight, Synthetic or Wool)
- Fleece/Wool Hat
- Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
- Hiking Boots
- Hiking Pants (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
- Insulated Jacket and/or Vest
- Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
- Pack Rain Cover
- Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner
- Prescription Medications
- Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Sleeping Bag (15°-29°, Lightweight, Compressible)
- Sleeping Pad
- Spork, Bowl and Mug
- Water Bottles (Three 1-Quart) or Hydration System Plus One 1-Quart Water Bottle
- Whistle
Recommended
- Bandana
- Day Pack (Lightweight, Compressible)
- Fleece/Wool Gloves
- Gaiters (Low)
- Head Net
- Insect Repellant
- Large Plastic Garbage Bag
- Sun Block and Lip Balm (Small)
- Sun Hat
- Sunglasses and Accessories
- Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
- Toiletries
- Trekking Poles
- Trowel
- Underwear
Optional
- Camera and Accessories
- Camp Towel
- Casual Shoes for Camp
- Compass
- Ear Plugs
- Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes
- Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Liner Socks (Synthetic)
- Maps
- Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)
- Reading and Writing Materials
- Sleeping Bag Liner
- Small Binoculars
- Small Multitool
- Swimwear
- Water Shoes (No Flip-Flops)
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 www.rei.com/learn. The Expert Advice section on our "Learn" page has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
.Itinerary
Print Itinerary Expand all days
This trip begins in Yosemite National Park, California. Today you will meet your guides and the other group members at the Tuolumne Meadows Backpackers' Camp just uphill from the Dana Campfire Circle in the middle of the Tuolumne Meadows Campground. Group members must arrive at camp by 4:30pm for a trip orientation, gear check and dinner. Please allow yourself plenty of time as it takes some time to get up to Tuolumne Meadows. Dinner included.
We enjoy breakfast in our camp before packing up and caravanning a half hour’s drive west to the Ten Lakes Trailhead (7,500’). Before leaving we’ll distribute group gear and food, as well as reviewing techniques for correctly packing & fitting a backpack. Here we begin our 6.4 mile hike to Ten Lakes Pass (about 9,660’) and down to our remote campsite close to Lower Grant Lake (9,258') that will be out home for the next two nights. We will stop for lunch and photo opportunities, and work on skills development along the way. Once at our campsite, we will relax at camp or opt for a swim in the alpine waters. Following dinner, look forward to an inspirational evening campfire program as we watch for shooting stars overhead. All meals and snacks provided.
Backpacking: 6.5 miles; elevation gain: 2,100'.
Another glorious day in the mountains awaits us as we don our packs and hit the trail. After breakfast, we’ll leave our camp and take only daypacks as we embark on a 4 to 5 mile exploration of the Ten Lakes Basin. We’ll adventure from lake to lake with many optional swims, hikes and scenic rest breaks. We’ll enjoy lunch at one of the many spectacular alpine lakes in the basin before we make our way back to camp. Dinner is followed by a relaxing, reflective campfire program on our last night beneath the bright Sierra stars. All meals and snacks provided.
Hiking: 3.5 to 5.6 miles; elevation gain: 1,000' to 1,400'.
After a hearty breakfast, we pack up our gear and retrace our steps to Ten Lakes Pass and down the Ten Lakes Trail to our cars waiting at the trailhead. We plan to arrive between 4 and 5pm, but there is no guarantee as trail conditions and other factors can impact travel times. Those flying out of Fresno should plan flights after 9:30pm; those flying out of Oakland should plan flights after 10:30pm. Breakfast, snacks and lunch included.
Backpacking: 6.5; elevation loss: 2,100'.
Note on Itinerary
There are numerous beautiful and suitable routes available to our guides, and these routes may vary slightly from the suggestion above when circumstances or conditions warrant. This trip is operated rain or shine.
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
Professional instruction and guiding; meals as noted on the daily itinerary; 3-person tents for 2 guests; group cooking gear; group first aid kit, water filter; campsite and permit fees.
Not Included
Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; transfers to and from trailheads; park entrance fees where required, insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.
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 Mastercard® - Earn 5% back on REI Adventures trips and all REI net purchases. Learn more.
Additional Information
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
Full payment is due at sign up, fully refundable up to 30 days prior to departure.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:
30+ days prior to departure = $0
15 to 29 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
0 to 14 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:
15+ days prior to departure = $0
0 to 14 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
Single Accommodations
If you are traveling alone we will assign you a roommate of the same gender if possible. A limited number of single accommodations are available, and are assigned only as necessary. For more details about traveling solo, see our Solo Travelers page.
Weather
Daytime temperatures usually range between 60 to 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. 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
Yosemite's backcountry is a bounty of scenic riches. In creating this itinerary, I tried to incorporate some of the best hiking in the park, showcasing the landscapes that make Yosemite such a beloved icon of the American West.