Yosemite Backpacking Trips

Backpacking - Yosemite Falls-Snow Creek Loop - Itinerary

  • ABOUT THE TRIP:
    We'll spend 3 days backpacking up the Yosemite Falls trail and doing a loop back to Yosemite Valley. This is a wonderful early season trip (ideal for May departures). The days are moderate-strenuous and the highlights include some of the best views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome in the entire Park. Our professional guides have spent years perfecting their skills in and around Yosemite and not only look forward to showing you the mountains, but getting to know you as well.

    GROUP SIZE:
    3-13 participants with 2 guides

    GRADE:
    Moderate Backpacking
    5-9 miles/day

    EQUIPMENT:
    All gear is provided if reserved in advance on the registration form: sleeping bags, backpacks, tents, pads. All you need to bring is your clothes and personal items. A detailed list of what to bring and directions will be sent along with your confirmation once registered.

    MEALS:
    Your meals will include lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 3.

    COST OF THE TRIP:
    $475.00 per person (4-13 people group size)
    $665.00 per person (2-3 people group size)

    YOUR COST INCLUDES:
    Personal and group camping gear, meals as noted above, guides, and permits.

    NOT INCLUDED:
    Personal gear, alcoholic beverages, tips for guides (10-20% of trip fee).

    PREPARATION:
    Hiking in your local open space with a comfortable pack prior to the trip will help in your enjoyment as well as a gym program.

  • Day 0:
    We recommend staying at Curry Village for night prior to your trip. The rooms are simple tent cabins but reasonable and easy to book. Call 1 801-559-4884 to reserve on your own. You could also stay at Yosemite Lodge or Ahwahnee in Yosemite Valley, Wawona Hotel or Tenaya Lodge at the South Gate or Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal or Evergreen Lodge in Groveland. Call our office for help in reserving your lodging.

    Day 1:
    Will meet after breakfast at the Curry Village Mountain Shop at 9am. We will leave our cars here in the backpacker parking lot and take the free shuttle to the trailhead. Our hike begins with a backpack up the Yosemite Falls trailhead for 3.5 miles, taking us to the top of Yosemite Falls. After we enjoy the spectacular falls lookout point, we'll travel another .5 mile or so to camp. Although short mileage this first day, there is a steady steep climb most of the day and elevation gain is nearly 3,000'. In camp we'll enjoy a gourmet backcountry dinner. Lunch will be served on the trail.

    Day 2:
    After crossing the mighty Yosemite Creek in the morning (there is a bridge!) we'll hike to the rim of the Yosemite Valley stopping at the lookout atop Yosemite Point. Our route continues along the Lehamite Creek trail with moderate up and down throughout the day before dropping down to our camp at Snow Creek promontory. Here we are surrounded with spectacular views of Mt Watkins and Half Dome. This campsite offers an abundance of open skis so plan on enjoying a night of stargazing following dinner. The day's mileage is about 9 miles with ups of 1800' and downs of 1200'.

    Day 3:
    After breakfast, we'll head down the Snow Creek Falls trail to Mirror Lake and Yosemite Valley (5 miles and a 2700' down). Here we can continue the additional mile back to Curry Village in beautiful Yosemite Valley or we can grab the free shuttle if we feel like it. Lunch will be served on the trail.

     

  • Please call the SYMG office with any questions ~ 800 231-4575

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