best 3 day backpacking trips in yosemite

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10 Killer Backpacking Trails in Yosemite National Park

Posted by Emily Pennington September 16, 2019 Updated September 04, 2023

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With over 700,000 acres of panoramic wilderness and 800 miles of developed trails, Yosemite is perhaps the most iconic national park in the entire country — and for good reason.

I couldn’t help but gasp the moment I pulled my car around the bend to catch my first glimpse of the famed Tunnel View . My friend in the passenger seat started singing the Jurassic Park theme song, and I felt instantly transported to a bygone era.

Giant domes of glacially carved granite rose up from the earth like the shells of massive petrified tortoises. Waterfalls cascaded down thousands of feet from the cliffs above, and a dense green forest carpeted the valley below as far as my eyes could see.

Everything felt impossibly huge. It was, quite literally, breathtaking.

Related Read: 7 Best Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals Near Yosemite National Park

Backpacking In Yosemite

If you’ve got more than 24 hours to visit this majestic landscape in person, planning a multi-day backpacking trip is a fantastic way to get up close and personal with some of the top attractions at Yosemite National Park . It’s also the best way to escape the crowds, as most visitors don’t make it into the backcountry.

There’s something for everyone at Yosemite, from the valley-addicted photographer to the high-altitude hermit seeking solitude. Here’s a list of the best overnight backpacking trips to get you started.

Related read : 9 Super Scenic Hikes in Yosemite National Park, California

1. Gla cier Point Loop

Why you should go: A two-day trek that delivers a highlight reel of the best natural attractions at Yosemite National Park.

• Distance: 18.25 miles
• Elevation Gain: 5,214 feet (total)
• Difficulty: Challenging

If you’re an avid hiker looking to cram as much as possible into a two-day trip, this is the loop for you.

Grab a permit from Glacier Point or Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley, lace up your shoes, and get ready to rack up some vertical gain. The Glacier Point Loop starts at the historic Glacier Point Trailhead, with sweeping panoramic views of the Yosemite Valley surrounding you for nearly the entirety of the hike.

“Beautiful trail, completely worth the journey,” says visitor Briana Cruz on AllTrails .

If you hike clockwise (recommended), you’ll descend the many switchbacks of the Four Mile Trail , meander through the most populated area of the valley, hop onto the John Muir Trail at Happy Isles, climb up to a roaring Nevada Falls, and camp at Little Yosemite Valley. It’s a brisk 11 miles with 2,628 feet of gain.

After a grueling day one, the second day offers a more leisurely seven-mile jaunt with 2,586 feet of gain past Half Dome, around Liberty Cap, and back over Nevada Falls before hikers are spit out onto the aptly named Panorama Trail . Get your cameras ready, folks, because the most iconic views of Half Dome are all over this trail.

After catching a side-peek of the powerful rush of Illilouette Falls, it’s time to chug water and climb the remaining few sunny switchbacks towards the car. Buy yourself an ice cream bar at the Glacier Point store and soak in the view — you’ve earned it.

Related Read:   9 Adventurous Things to Do in Yosemite National Park, California

2. Ten Lakes Loop

Why you should go: This 2-3 day high-altitude romp is heaven for alpine lake lovers.

• Distance: 20 miles
• Elevation Gain: 4,922 feet (total)
• Difficulty: Moderate (three days), Challenging (two days)

The trail up to Ten Lakes is always a fan-favorite for beginner backpackers and crusty old veterans alike.

Beginning near Porcupine Flat on Tioga Road, the trailhead climbs through dense, fragrant pine forest for two miles before passing through the lush, green corn lilies of Half Moon Meadow. The path quickly turns alpine as it ascends to a high pass at 9,671 feet above sea level, giving lucky hikers a stunning view of the Ten Lakes Valley below. There’s no shortage of great campsites here, and venturing a bit off-trail to a more secluded lake is a real treat.

From here, hikers can turn back the way they came for an easy day two, or they can tackle the absolutely gorgeous and crowd-free final 13.5 miles to make a loop.

The trail passes by a phenomenal view of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne before it climbs up and over a high pass near Tuolumne Peak. If your legs are killing you at mile 11, solitude and excellent camping can be found at Polly Dome Lakes. But, if you’re up for it, the remaining 3 miles to Tioga Road are a cinch if you’re dying to get back to the car.

When you’re done, stick your thumb into the air and catch a ride back to the trailhead — hitchhiking is legal in most national parks!

Pro tip: If you’ve got extra time on your hands, a side trek up to May Lake is well worth the effort.

Related Read:   8 Epic Backpacking Trips in Sequoia National Park & Kings Canyon

3. Cathedral and Sunrise Lakes Loop

Why you should go: Catch a glimpse of Cathedral Peak’s craggy summit and camp at a pristine, alpine lake on this two-day weekend trek.

• Distance: 19.5 miles (without Clouds Rest)
• Elevation Gain: 3,675 feet (total)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Hop onto the John Muir Trail heading southbound from Tuolumne Meadows and wave at sweaty, happy thruhikers as they pass you by on your climb towards Cathedral Lakes .

The views of Tuolumne’s many famous domes are fantastic the higher you ascend. Cathedral Peak’s rocky summit spire makes for an excellent beacon as hikers huff and puff their way towards it, gaining 1,000 feet in just 2.5 miles.

After edging around Columbia Finger, hikers will descend to a grassy, picturesque meadow before climbing up through Sunrise High Sierra Camp. You can choose to camp here, but for a little extra solitude, continue for a little over a mile to Sunrise Lake 3.

Great news — campfires are allowed below 9,600 feet in Yosemite National Park, so walk around and grab a gorgeous spot with a lakeside view and an existing fire ring.

From here, adventurous hikers can tack on Clouds Rest before heading down to Tioga Road and taking the shuttle, hitchhiking, or walking along the adjacent trail back to your car stashed at Tuolumne Meadows.

Related Read:   11 Epic Winter Camping Spots in California

4. High Sierra Camps Loop

Why you should go: A stunning six-day loop through Yosemite’s high country with meal and tent cabin options for the sophisticated hiker.

• Distance: 49 miles
• Elevation Gain: 6,100 feet (cumulative)

The Yosemite High Sierra Camps were developed between 1916 and the early 1960s, providing visitors with a luxurious backcountry experience that’s rich with history. The High Sierra Camps Loop is an excellent thru-hike option for visitors who have some cash to spend and don’t want to lug a heavy pack around the high country.

Most visitors opt to book “glamping” tent cabins and meals at each camp so that they hike in a 49-mile loop, going from Tuolumne Meadows Lodge to Glen Aulin, to May Lake, to Sunrise Camp, to Merced Lake, to Vogelsang, and finally back to Tuolumne Meadows.

The days on trail range from 6.8 – 9.5 miles , climbing up and over 10,000-foot mountain passes, through prehistorically green alpine meadows, and past the deep blue sapphire of many, many alpine lakes. This six-day trek is a bucket-list item not to be missed.

Related Read:   An Epic Guide to California’s 14ers: Hiking & Climbing the High Peaks

5. Hetch Hetchy Loop

Why you should go: Solitude. In the words of John Muir, “Hetch Hetchy is a grand landscape garden, one of nature’s rarest and most precious mountain temples.”

• Distance: 29 miles
• Elevation Gain: 7,759 feet (cumulative)
• Difficulty: Moderate (four days), Challenging (three days)

Before Hetch Hetchy was dammed in 1923, it was a favorite Yosemite landmark for naturalist John Muir. He even went so far as to call it as beautiful as the more famous Yosemite Valley to the south.

Since then, the O’Shaughnessy Dam has turned the fabled area into a major water source for San Francisco, but that doesn’t mean that the area isn’t worth a visit. In fact, it’s the best place in the entire park to get away from the throngs of tourists populating the crowded valley.

This loop can be done in 3-4 days, depending on how burly you’re feeling. It starts at the O’Shaughnessy Dam and circles Hetch Hetchy in a clockwise direction. Since the first day out features a staggering 3,527 feet of elevation gain, we recommend starting early to beat the heat and camping at Laurel Lake.

From there, continue on to Lake Vernon (great camping for night two), circumnavigate the ever-looming Mount Gibson, and zigzag down the switchbacks towards Rancheria Falls before returning back along the reservoir towards the dam.

This trek is a haven for backpackers and waterfall-lovers looking for something less crowded and off the beaten path in Yosemite National Park.

Related Read:   7 Gorgeous Spots to See Fall Colors in California

6. Pohono Trail To Glacier Point

Why you should go: Nab exquisite views of Yosemite Valley and escape the crowds on this overnight adventure.

• Distance: 14 miles
• Elevation Gain: 5,622 feet (total)

Park in the lot to the right of the infamous Tunnel View, lace up your boots, and get ready to climb. The Pohono Trail wastes no time before throwing hikers right into the belly of a set of dappled, forest switchbacks. In no time, you’ll likely have the place all to yourself, escaping the mayhem of photographers down below, all vying for that perfect shot.

The panoramic views of the valley and Bridalveil Falls are the real star of this trail, so be on the lookout for turnoffs towards Old Inspiration Point, Stanford Point, Crocker Point, and Dewey Point as you hike. About 7.5 miles in, you’ll cross an adorable bridge over Bridalveil Creek, and we recommend pitching your tent here.

Day two is a collage of epic views of Taft Point, Yosemite Falls and, you guessed it, Half Dome. Finish your quest at Glacier Point and consider buying yourself a popsicle and enjoying the splendid view before heading back.

Logistics on this hike can be tricky, so ask the rangers about current water conditions and camping restrictions. Since the trail ends on the opposite end of the valley as it begins, you’ll have a “choose your own adventure” moment at the end of the journey. Shuttle two cars, utilize the bus from Yosemite Lodge, or hitch a ride back down to Tunnel View!

Related Read:   14 Wow-Worthy Hikes at Mount Shasta, California

7. Young Lakes Loop

Why you should go: This high altitude trek traverses alpine lakes, wildflowers, and campsites under the bohemoth summits of Ragged Peak and Mt. Conness.

• Distance: 16 miles
• Elevation Gain: 3,136 feet (total)

The hike up to Young Lakes is perhaps the best glimpse of untouched, alpine landscapes that Yosemite has to offer.

Head north on the trail towards Dog Lake, opting for a side jaunt up to the amazing views on the mini-summit of Lembert Dome. When you’ve had enough of the killer views of Tuolumne, mosey down the granite slabs to Dog Lake and cool off in the crisp, fresh snow melt.

From here, the trail winds through a meadow strewn with yellow monkeyflower, crimson paintbrush, and airy purple lupine. You’ll continue up and over a ridge extending from Ragged Peak before crossing a grove of whitebark pine trees. Nab a campsite at the first lake or continue on to lakes two and three if you’re seeking solitude.

When you begin your return to civilization, be sure to stay right at the junction to create a loop. Amble downhill through boulder-laden alpine meadows, hop onto the Pacific Crest Trail for a short while, and pass by the quaintly gurgling Soda Springs before returning to your vehicle.

Related Read:   10 Best Glamping Spots Near Joshua Tree National Park, California

8. Cathedral Lakes

Why you should go: A short out-and-back hike up to a pair of stunning glacial lakes, nestled under the towering shadow of Cathedral Peak.

• Distance: 9 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,738 feet (total)
• Difficulty: Easy (but high altitude)

If you’re new to backpacking but want to soak up all the majesty of the Yosemite high country, Cathedral Lakes is the trail for you. It’s one of the shortest treks you can obtain a backcountry permit for, and the views along the way are second to none.

Take the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead and hike south. The looming dome of Cathedral Peak’s north side will come into view early on in the hike as you ascend up, up, up, through a thick, verdant forest.

Before you know it, you’ll be thrust into a lush, alpine meadow. Keep an eye out for the sign marking the junction towards lower Cathedral Lake. If you’re jonesing to camp with a fire, you’ll want to turn off here and select a site with a pre-existing fire ring. Or, simply tack on this extra mile hike to catch a glimpse of both lakes while you’re out.

If you’d like a little more solitude and an even more epic look at Cathedral Peak, continue south on the JMT until the small, aquamarine tarn of Upper Cathderal Lake comes into view. Scramble up a few boulders and gaze out across the electric sky for the best sunset view in the joint.

When you’re ready to head home, simply turn around and hike back the way you came.

Related Read:   18 Stunningly Secluded Cabin Rentals in California

9. Big Oak Flat Road To Yosemite Falls

Why you should go: Escape the crowds, camp on top of El Capitan, and get a bird’s-eye view of Yosemite Valley on this two-day mini thru-hike.

• Distance: 18 miles
• Elevation Gain: 6,247 feet (total)

Loved the movie Free Solo ? This hike circumnavigates the star of the film. No, not Alex Honnold – El Capitan.

The trek starts off at the Old Big Oak Flat Road Trailhead and immediately starts climbing through a verdant pine forest. Soon, the shouts and selfie sticks of Yosemite Valley will all fade away, and you’ll be left with solitude and quiet as your boots crunch along the steady uphill of the trail.

Be mindful of your water level as you hike – creeks here can dry up in late summer months!

Camp at Ribbon Meadow, adjacent to the summit of El Capitan itself and make a point to wake up extra early to watch the magical glow of sunrise stretch its way slowly across the valley as you drink your morning coffee.

Tack on an optional summit of the breathtaking Eagle Peak before a long descent on the Falls Trail. Grab a ride or take the shuttle back to the base of El Cap to get your car when you’re done.

Related Read:   The Most Scenic Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip Itinerary

10. Grand Canyon Of The Tuolumne Loop

Why you should go: Cascading waterfalls, alpine lakes, towers of granite, and the roaring Tuolumne River offer the best of Yosemite’s high country on this longer 4-6 day loop.

• Distance: 47 – 55 miles (starting at White Wolf or Tuolumne)
• Elevation Gain: 9,631 feet (cumulative)

“Holy Granite!” You’ll be pinching yourself for the majority of this trail to make sure you aren’t dreaming. This multi-day loop can be hiked from either White Wolf or Tuolumne Meadows, so pick your poison and reserve a permit early.

If you begin the journey at Tuolumne Meadows, you’ll hike a moderately graded dirt path for five miles to Glen Aulin. There’s a High Sierra Camp here if you prefer to camp near a pit toilet, but we recommend you continue on a few miles and grab a more secluded tent site near the river. Check fire restrictions before you head out — they may be in place late season for lower elevations.

Hang a left and head towards Pate Valley, following the swift, blue line of the Tuolumne River for the next 16 miles. You’ll stroll past massive granite rock faces and cross under several imposing waterfalls like California, LeConte, and Waterwheel. Eat lunch in the shade near one of the many swimming holes and take a dip in the frigid water to cool off.

Most hikers will hit a gnarly, 3,500-foot ascent on day three (if hiking out of Tuolumne), which can easily be broken up by planning to camp near Morrison Creek. If you’re lucky, you might even nab a spot with an epic view of Hetch Hetchy!

From here, you could end the trek early at White Wolf or loop through a shady, wooded area and begin the ascent towards Ten Lakes. It’s a bit of a bear, but the 12-mile hike from Morrison Creek to the first of the lakes is well worth it, and you’ll catch a stellar sunset from this incredible alpine basin.

For the final leg, the trail meanders through wildflower-strewn meadows, up and around Tuolumne Peak, and across a lovely forested area before returning to Glen Aulin. If you’re looking to cut the mileage, Polly Dome Lakes has several choice campsites and is only a half-mile off the route.

Return back the way you came, heading down the storied Pacific Crest Trail towards Tuolumne.

Related Read:   14 Epic Campgrounds Near Los Angeles, California

A Word On Wilderness Permits

Because of its beauty and recent Instagram fame, Yosemite’s wilderness permits can be tricky to score. The best way to ensure you nab your top trail pick is to plan your trip a few months in advance, so there’s ample time to get the right permit.

Permits are available via an online lottery system 168 days in advance of the hiking start date. They’re are required year-round, though reservations are only needed from April to November.

Planning a last-minute excursion to John Muir’s favorite valley? 40 percent of all trailhead permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis no earlier than 11am the day before your hike begins.

Weekdays are best for snagging a coveted permit for a popular trailhead, making this an excellent option if you’re feeling lucky and have some extra time.

Related Read:   11 Stunning Glamping Spots Near Yosemite National Park, California

Don’t Forget Your Bear Canister

C ritters are practically everywhere you turn in Yosemite. That’s great for photos, but unfortunately, many of the animals are accustomed to the presence of humans.

In an effort to keep wildlife wild, bear canisters are required (and available for rent) for all overnight travel within Yosemite National Park. You’ll need to store all excess food, trash, and smellables inside the canister before you go to bed, and hide it at least 100 feet from camp.

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Seen in: Backpacking , Backpacking in California , California , National Parks , Southwest , Yosemite

Posted by Emily Pennington

Emily Pennington is a national parks and travel columnist at Outside. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, Adventure Journal, REI Journal, and Backpacker, to name a few.

Her memoir about visiting every national park, Feral , launched in February 2023, and now that it’s finished, you can find her backpacking in the Sierras and drooling over Colorado real estate.

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Home » North America » Yosemite

INSIDER YOSEMITE ITINERARY for 2024

Famed for its ancient sequoia trees and incredible vistas, Yosemite is an American paradise! The National Park is ideal for adventurers, offering so many exciting Yosemite activities with some of the best views you can find.

Our Yosemite Itinerary is filled with days of beauty and adventure. It’s perfect for all kinds of travelers and can be adapted to any trip, whether you’re spending 2 days in Yosemite and want to tick everything off, or weeks deep-diving into the spirit of the destination!

Climb El Capitan, feel the spray of Yosemite Falls, and visit some of Yosemite’s most ephemeral views and attractions on this Yosemite Itinerary

A Little Bit About This 3-Day Yosemite Itinerary

Where to stay in yosemite in 3 days, yosemite itinerary day 1: induction & the highlights, yosemite itinerary day 2: half dome, museums & spa,  yosemite itinerary day 3: views, adrenaline & vino, what to do with more than 3 days in yosemite, best time to visit yosemite, how to get around yosemite, what to prepare before visiting yosemite, faq on yosemite itinerary, final thoughts.

We have set out this 3-day Yosemite itinerary to try and cover all the headline attractions that the wonderful park has to offer. There is a lot of hiking to do here and you may not have the energy to do it all. In that case, simply head back to your campsite or hit the bar and kick back!

Our itinerary for Yosemite includes all the best of where to go, and what to do, when you travel to Yosemite! Explore the National Park and the famous valley, and enjoy a perfectly rounded 3 days in Yosemite. 

On your first day of a 2-day itinerary in Yosemite, you’ll see some of the park’s best attractions, and enjoy a few adventure activities! We’ve picked stops that can be curated to all types of travelers and fitness levels. 

If you only have one day in Yosemite, stick to day 1 on our Yosemite itinerary!

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3 Day Yosemite Itinerary Overview

Day 1 in Yosemite: Hike into the park | Yosemite Falls | Campfire Dinner

Day 2 in Yosemite: Half Dome |  Ansel Adams Gallery | Yosemite Museum | Relax at Ascent Spa

Day 3 in Yosemite : Yosemite Tunnel View | River Rafting | Wine tasting  |  Sunset & Stargazing at Glacier Point Overlook

When you’re spending about 3 days in Yosemite, you need to decide between lodgings in the Yosemite National Park itself, and accommodation nearby. Choosing where to stay in Yosemite is important to making the most of your time.

The best option is finding a hotel inside Yosemite Park itself. You have easy access to all the Yosemite attractions, like the iconic El Capitan and Yosemite Falls! The location is ideal, and often hotels inside the park offer guided hikes as well as discounts on tours and activities.

Accommodation ranges from self-catered cabins and budget B&B’s in Yosemite , to first-class hotels. This means you really don’t have to go beyond the park when looking for a place to stay!

However, accommodation in the park is more costly than further away, and depending on when you’re planning a trip to Yosemite, it may all be booked out. If so, you can find a great place in Yosemite Valley! There you can find some of the best Yosemite Airbnbs which offer just as much value as a place inside the National Park.

A 30-minute drive from the National Park, the village is tranquil and lovely. Hangout with the locals at one of the bars, shop easily at the village stores, and use it as a base for your Yosemite itinerary adventures!

There are also some camp sites. These are by far the most economic options. Or, if you have a bit extra in your budget there is a huge selection of VRBOs in Yosemite .

Best Hostel in Yosemite – Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort

The best hostel in Yosemite , this charming resort is a short drive from the National Park. It’s a great place to meet adventurous people and relax after a long day of exploring. Located on a forested hillside, the resort has a great kitchen, a restaurant, and even a health spa!

Best Budget Hotel in Yosemite – Reverse Creek Lodge

Book a cottage at this family-friendly lodge! It’s a fantastic budget option, with fully equipped kitchens in each cottage, a patio with barbeque facilities, and gas fireplaces. It’s a 25-minute drive from the national park, with hiking trails and the Mercer river a short walk away! It’s the Best place to stay in Yosemite.

Best Luxury Hotel in Yosemite –  Snowcreek Resort

For a luxurious vacation in Yosemite, stay at Snowcreek Resort! The units are all gorgeous and comfortable, with everything you need, including a balcony with picturesque views. The Snowcreek Athletic Club features swimming pools, a gym, and a steam room! For a romantic stay or getaway, it’s the perfect accommodation.

Day 1 includes entering into the park (an experience in itself) a demanding but worthwhile hike and then some evening chill & kum-bya time!

10:00 AM – Arrival into The Park

Yosemite is massive and some of California’s best hikes are inside its boundaries! It has over a hundred lakes, immensely tall waterfalls and trees, and a landmass that surpasses numerous European countries. A Yosemite walking tour would take weeks!

However, you can stroll into the park from one of the five entrances, and get a good feel for the place. This is often better than just driving in! There’s so much to see and be amazed by, you want to give yourself some time to enjoy it all.

We suggest you come through the Arch Rock Entrance! This route is a stop of its own, and you’ll want to get a photo or two with the radically impressive rock you pass under! This is also the fastest route from San Francisco, making it ideal for that great Californian road trip.

If you are camping in Yosemite, then use this time to get your tent pitched up to.

• Cost –  $15 ($35 if you come by car)
• How Long Should I Stay Here? – 90 minutes to 3 hours
• Getting There   –  You can get dropped of by the Yarts bus by the entrance

 1:00 PM – Yosemite Falls

The highest waterfall in the park, and one of the highest in North America, Yosemite Falls is a top Yosemite attraction! It’s a steep but short hike to get there, and you’re well rewarded.

The waterfall has three separate cascades. In spring these will be massive with snow runoff, making it the best season to see it! It’s a short walk from the little Yosemite Village where you can buy any necessary supplies for your Yosemite vacation.

If you want to hike up to the top of the falls it will take you 8 hours! With only a 3 day itinerary in Yosemite, it’s best to hike to one viewpoint and move on to the next Yosemite point of interest.

• Cost –  Free with entrance
• How Long Should I Spend Here?  – Allow 3-4 hours for the climb and descent
• How To Get There –  Walk from the valley floor

5:00 PM – Dinner and a Campfire!

Yosemite is all about the little joys, about lighting a camp fire, cooking up some food and simply enjoying being in nature. You can buy wood in the store (don’t forage for wild wood as this is not permitted). The stores in Yosemite can be pricey so its best if you bring some tins and pasta into the park with you but I suggest picking up a few bottles of Sierra Madres California ale to drink by the fire side.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

The bulk of Day 2 in Yosemite is going to be taken up by the Half Dome Hike. In order to climb Half Dome you will need a permit as daily visitor numbers are limited and access is carefully regulated. You would be wise to apply for your permit as far in advance as you possibly can.

8:00 AM – Half Dome

This granite cliff is smooth and round on three sides, and looks like it was cut in half! You can see it from miles away, but we recommend you hike to the east side of Yosemite National Park and get a good look at it!

The base of Half Dome is the perfect place to enjoy a midday picnic. With the spray of the waterfall on the breeze and greenery all around, it’s a wonder. 

The best hike in Yosemite is the hike all the way to Half Dome’s summit. You have incredible views over the valley, and the hike itself includes some very interesting areas!.

However, it’s a very strenuous hike and will take up to a day to complete. You also  need a special permit  to complete the hike. This does need sorting well in advance but this is such a classic Yosemite experience that it cannot be missed.

• Cost –  No cost but make sure you get your permit and bring a packed lunch
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –  Set aside a full 6 hours – they can be a queue to summit
• Getting There  – Walk from the valley floor

3:00 PM –  Ansel Adams Gallery

While you’re in Yosemite Valley, be sure to stop at the Ansel Adams Gallery ! This charming little gallery sells and showcases photography by the celebrated landscape artist. His work is so beautiful and perfectly reflects the surrounding landscape. 

Many can’t think of Yosemite without thinking of Ansel Adams – the 20th-century black-and-white photographs are iconic.

You may want to bring some of his work back home to remember Yosemite by (prints are available), but you can also just enjoy some window shopping, and appreciate the artistry!

• Cost –  Free entrance
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –  30 – 60 minutes
• Getting There –  Walk or get the Yosemite bus

4:00 PM –  Yosemite Museum

This fantastic little museum focuses on the history of the people who once lived in Yosemite Valley – the Ahwahnechee people!

Here you’ll learn about the valley’s human history – including the culture of the indigenous people, and the valley’s ‘discovery’ by European explorers. You’ll also find gorgeous landscape paintings of the area!

Exhibits include a really impressive Native basket display and examples of authentic structures found in Native American villages like the one historically situated here.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn a bit more about the incredible place surrounding you, and dive deeper into its native history. It’s also a chance to head inside and stroll about after a long day of adventure!

• Cost –  Free
• How Long Should I Spend Here? 30 – 60 minutes
• Getting There  – Walk or take the Yosemite bus

5:00 PM – Relax at Tenya Lodge Spa

The perfect way to relax after such a full day of exploring and adventuring! The Spa has beautiful views from many of its rooms. Watch the sunset over Yosemite as you get a massage. 

The Spa caters to hikers who have spent all day carrying packs, so they know just how to get out all those aches and pains. They even have a 60-minute massage called Hiker’s Trek! 

You can have a neck and scalp massage to work on those knots. Or try something different and get a hot stone massage or Quartz aromatherapy! You’ll stroll out of here feeling strong and capable of anything, ready to day 2 of your 3-day itinerary in Yosemite!

• Cost –  Prices range from $60 to $175 USD

On day 3 of your Yosemite trip itinerary, you’ll enjoy a day even more packed with Yosemite landmarks and fun activities. You’ll spend the first half of the day with your heart beating fast, while the second half is dedicated to calm enjoyment!

9:00 AM – Yosemite Tunnel View

This is Yosemite’s most iconic vista! From this viewpoint, you’ll enjoy a panorama of Yosemite’s most famous attractions. Look out at Yosemite Valley, with beautiful cascading waterfalls and monoliths framing the scene.

The whole view looks magical – you won’t believe you’re on the same planet.

Since this is your first stop, we suggest you wake up early and get here as soon as you can! You’ll have the view all to yourself, and you can spend some time exploring the area. It’s so beautiful, you won’t want to leave!

• How Long Should I Spend Here?  1 or 2 hours to walk, take the view and enjoy life

11:00 AM – River Rafting

When touring Yosemite one of the most fun activities is a little white river rafting ! Yosemite is so full of rivers and rapids, it’s the perfect place for it.

You can find Zephyr Whitewater just outside of the National Park, and embark on a half-day trip from there! Watch the gorgeous Yosemite landscape pass you by as you navigate the rapids with your guide leading.

Alternatively (if you’d prefer not to wake up early enough to fit a half-day tour into your Yosemite itinerary), you can rent inflatable rafts! Float along the Merced River on a blissful trip downstream.

This is gonna take much off the day so eat a good, hearty breakfast before you jump in a dinghy!

• Cost – $92 – $117 USD depending on age, solo or group, and season
• How Long Should I Spend Here?  A few hours
• Getting There  – Walk or take the Yosemite bus.

4:00 PM – Wine Tasting

While you’re on the outskirts of Yosemite National Park, take a trip to one of the fantastic nearby wine farms! You’ll be able to taste a number of wines, and if you like them, take a few bottles home with you to remember this exquisite place by!

Most of the wine farms are open to tastings by booking, or over the weekend – some, however, are closed in winter. We suggest you visit Yosemite Cellars if you’re spending a weekend in Yosemite. The location is fantastic, and their tastings of four to five wines are complimentary!

• Cost:  Varies
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  – 60 – 90 minutes
• Getting There –  We’re going outside the park so either drive or find a ride

6:00 PM – Sunset and Stargazing at Glacier Point Overlook

The best way to end off a perfect day is certainly watching the sunset from this picturesque location! Be sure to get here before the sun is actually setting, so that you can enjoy the scenery all three ways – in the light, as the sun sets, and under a blanket of stars.

The sky here is so clear that you can perfectly see the Milky Way. You’ll also have a perfect panorama of the park, making the sunset one of the best you’ll ever see! Especially if there are a few clouds dotting the sky. 

You can simply drive up to Glacier Point Overlook, making it an easy trip. You won’t have to walk a far distance in the dark! There may be a few people sharing the view with you, but there certainly won’t be the kind of crowd you’ll find in the middle of the day.

Watching the various waterfalls grow golden in the sunset, and Half Dome glowing pink, is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of view. Don’t miss it!

• How Long Should I Stay Here?  – An hour or two
• Getting There –  Walk and take the night air

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Yosemite

Yosemite Valley

Winding through the heart of Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Valley is a must for anyone visiting the region – whether you choose to stay there or not! If you do end up staying there, you’ll find some incredible adventure activities and truly rural accommodation experiences.

• The natural attractions of Yosemite Valley are why the National Park is so famous – you can’t miss out on Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Tunnel View.
• Wawona is a short drive away but a must-visit for history buffs thanks to the collection of historic buildings and pioneer exhibitions.
• Ahwahnee Dining Room is a little bit upscale, but certainly a welcome reprieve from the non-stop adventure of Yosemite National Park.

If you’re lucky enough to have more time in Yosemite, there’s still so much to do! Both in Yosemite National Park and beyond it. Strap on your hiking boots and pack in that camera!

1. Climb El Capitan

One of the most famous and most popular mountains for climbing in the world! El Capitan is an incredible stop in Yosemite! Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a total newbie, it’s worthwhile. 

El Capitan, fondly known as El Cap, was made famous by the current world’s best climber, Alex Honnold! He climbed the monolith with no ropes – something you certainly should not try to repeat yourself!

You can find a guide and a few great climbs set up for beginners. They have harnesses and helmets at the ready so that you can enjoy an easy climb with spectacular views! The guides also help you so that you know what you’re doing, making it a great activity for both adults and kids.

If you want to do the whole thing, you will need your own gear including lines and rope protectors.

If you already know how to climb and belay, and perhaps even how to lead climb, things get a bit more exciting! You can get a booklet on all the climbing routes on El Cap, and set out to find some of your favorites.

You can never climb alone, so be sure to bring a trusted belay partner, as well as all the required gear. Yosemite National Park has equipment available, but it can get pretty pricey.

There are, fortunately, no extra fees or permits required to climb here! Once you’ve paid the park’s entrance fee, you can climb wherever you want!

 2. Go Gold Panning in Mariposa

Wondering what to do in Yosemite without hiking? Gold panning is the perfect alternative, keeping you out in the sunshine!

For decades people have been obsessed with finding gold in the Merced riverbed! Once there was so much to be found, and the gold rush fueled the American economy. Feel the excitement of that Gold Fever on this fun activity!

While you can’t pan for gold in Yosemite itself, there are a number of places in Mariposa where you can give it a go! Maybe you’ll ‘strike it rich’ and find that bright golden nugget that has influenced society for millennia!

It’s called ‘prospecting’, and it’s a great activity for solo travelers, couples and families. You’ll have all the equipment provided for you in a lesson. They will also show you how to read the land for signs of gold in this historically gold-rich area!

Join a 1-hour panning lesson for $50 USD, or set out on a 2-hour excursion for $75 USD. It’s all child-friendly and lots of fun.

Or, of course, you can simply wade through the Mercer river and keep an eye out on shiny things while the rest of your crew laze on lilos in the river! It may not be as legit, but it sure sounds great!

3. Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is another important stop on your Yosemite itinerary! One of the park’s most accessible stops, this is a perfect place to visit with anyone with physical constraints or handicaps.

You can enjoy the views with a picnic lunch, or stroll around the area for an hour or two and take in the incredible nature. You will definitely get wet if you’re standing anywhere near the falls! If the sun is shining, you’ll even see a bright rainbow lending the scene a little extra magic.

When the wind blows, this fall truly does look like the veil of a bride. This makes it a perfect place to stop and get some pictures, especially for those traveling here on their honeymoon! In fact, this whole Yosemite itinerary can be extremely romantic if you’re traveling in pairs.

The walk to Bridal Veil is short and easy, but if you want to get close to the water you’ll have to clamber over some rocks. If you do, be careful – the rocks can get slippery when wet! It’s also best to make the trip early, or in the late afternoon. Due to its accessibility, it can get relatively crowded!

4. Hike the Mist Trail

With more than a 2-day itinerary in Yosemite, a hike along the Mist Trail is a must! This short hike got its name from the frequently present layer of mist that stretches along it, as it nears the banks of Vernal Falls.

The trail winds its way between the tumultuous river and the granite monoliths beside it. You’ll pass boulders the size of a house, and see so much natural beauty! You may even see the incredibly rare complete circular rainbow!

You can choose to continue your hike past Vernal Falls and onto the twice as tall Nevada Falls.  Brilliant views can be found all along the hike, so if you can continue, we suggest you do!

The hike is rather strenuous and steep, so if you have zero fitness or strength, you may have to omit it from your Yosemite itinerary (3 days). However, it is only 3 – 7 miles long and can be tackled at your own pace. Bring along a picnic to enjoy at the top while you’re sunning yourself dry!

You can make the Mist Trail just the start of your adventure and continue onto Half Dome or the John Muir Trail. Just keep in mind that a permit is required for overnighting on the trail, and another one for hiking up Half Dome!

5. Sentinel Dome

No Yosemite itinerary is complete without our last stop, Sentinel Dome ! The rocky monolith provides for an interesting hike, high above sea level. You may even feel the effects of the elevation!

It’s not a difficult hike. Only the final stretch up the granite dome is steep, but it’s short and sweet! The rest of the hike is relatively mild. You can only reach Sentinel Dome when the Glacier Point Road is open, so watch the weather! 

This hike is Yosemite’s easiest way to enjoy views of those vast undulating mountains everywhere you turn. This makes it so worthwhile! As long as you can hike, you should. Depending on the time of year you’re traveling, there may be a bit of a crowd. But it never gets too busy!

From the top of Sentinel, you should be able to see almost all of the stops on your Yosemite itinerary! It’s the perfect place to end off your Yosemite trip.

Be sure to bring a camera! You do not want to miss out on taking a few shots of these views. Not to mention yourself, with this epic backdrop! It’s really one of the best places to visit in Yosemite.

The USA is  blisteringly beautiful. It’s also blisteringly expensive! Visiting two national parks in day can run you $70+ in entry fees.

Orrrr… you kick those entry fees to the curb, buy an annual ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for $79.99,  and get unlimited access to ALL 2000+ federally managed sites in the States totally FREE!

You do the math. 😉

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Yosemite is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year. And because of its massive size, you’ll never have too much trouble with crowds, no matter where you stay in Yosemite! When to visit the National Park is determined by how you want to experience it!

We suggest you go in spring (March – May) when the sun is bright and warm, and relativiely few people are roaming the park. The daylight hours are temperate and ideal, but the nights get chilly, so pack some warm clothes. 

Summer (June – August) is also a wonderful time to go – the park really comes alive in the warmer months! The mountains are covered in flowers, waterfalls are roaring, and animals can often be spotted.

In winter (December – February) many of the hiking trails are closed off in the cold months due to snow. The area gets really cold, putting off some backpackers! However, this opens up Yosemite’s ski season! That’s a whole other ball of fun, and while skiing is not included in our itinerary, it’s a fantastic activity to enjoy if you happen to be here at that time. 

I visited in November. It was generally cool in the days and got seriously cold in the early hours of the morning – bring a good sleeping bag or else thermals and full winter gear.

The best way to get around Yosemite is by car. You may need to rent a car to do the trip, but it is often worth it to have full freedom in your Yosemite itinerary. With only three/two days in Yosemite, you won’t waste any time waiting for a bus, and you won’t have to rush to catch one!  A car will enable you to get around Yosemite and then take a California road trip afterwards!

Still, Yosemite does have its own public transport. A shuttle system runs through the park and stops at most Yosemite points of interest. You can also find a bus from most major cities nearby so that you don’t have to rent a car to get here. If you are happy to stick to the “main parts” of the park then the bus is as good an option as any.

The Yosemite Valley Shuttle operates throughout the year, from 7 am to 10 pm. This is a valuable service! While it may take longer than by car, you’ll get everywhere you need to be. If you’re backpacking in California and don’t have a car, you won’t be left behind! 

Note that you can get to Yosemite on

the YARTS bus from Merced train station. Merced is quite a sorry town and caution is advised.

There are few safety concerns in Yosemite National Park! As long as you pack strong walking shoes, water, and sunscreen, you’ll easily make it through your Yosemite itinerary.  If you are camping outside of summer, then I highly recomened a  good quality sleeping bag as thge nights get painfully cold – please do not underestimate the severity of this.

Wild animals are generally skittish and do not disturb the humans passing through their habitat!

There are a few safety tips to take into account so that you can ensure a safe and happy vacation in Yosemite! The most important tip is not to leave any food in your car. This can attract animals while you are away, and this is bad, both for you, and for the animals!

You may spot a black bear, but consider this an incredible privilege rather than a safety concern. The bears are not dangerous – keep your distance and respect their habitat. If one approaches you, scare them away by raising your arms and making loud noises. And keep in mind, no one has been killed by a black bear in Yosemite!

Drive slowly and safely in the park, to avoid skidding in bad weather conditions, and to ensure that you don’t hit an animal. Keep a first-aid kit on you, because it’s always good to come prepared!

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Yosemite

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Yosemite itinerary.

How many days should you spend in Yosemite?

You need at least three days in Yosemite to cover all of the headline attractions that the wonderful park has to offer. Since there are so many incredibly hiking trails, having even more time to explore is definitely recommended.

Can Yosemite be a day trip?

If you’re okay with only seeing a very small part of the park, Yosemite can be visited within one day. However, a proper experience would need at least three full days.

What should you see in Yosemite?

Make sure to add these things to your Yosemite itinerary: – Yosemite Falls – Tenya Lodge Spa – River Rafting

What can you do in Yosemite today?

There are so many epic things to do in Yosemite that it can get quite overwhelming to choose. Check out GetYourGuide or Airbnb experiences for the best activities, tours and tickets.

There is so much life and beauty here, a weekend in Yosemite is hardly enough time. Nonetheless, with this Yosemite itinerary you’ll fit in all the best it has to offer!

This itinerary for Yosemite includes hikes, climbing, river rafting and star gazing – everything you need for the perfect solo trip, active romantic getaway, or family weekend. As long as you enjoy getting a little active! But it’s not all high-intensity fun. Massages and sightseeing will break up your activity lineup perfectly. 

If you have more time to spend, extend some of the stops – like Yosemite Falls and Half Dome – into half-day hikes! The views only get better, and it’ll certainly be a trek to remember.  

Now all that’s left to do is plan your trip to Yosemite! Incorporate it into a tour of California, or a great American road trip.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Art Patterson

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5 Beginner Backpacking Trips in Yosemite National Park

We love a day spent in the Valley, but if you're looking to escape the crowds, the backcountry is the answer.

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

If you’re just getting into backpacking or even looking for your very first experience in the backcountry, you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful place to start than Yosemite National Park . While backpacking solo is an amazing experience, for a beginner we would recommend you go with friends or team up with some of  highly experienced guides  in the park. They’ll take away some of the stress and teach you lessons that will last you a lifetime of backpacking. Either way, any of these backpacking trips are perfect for beginners and we're sure you'll be planning a return trip before you even make it back to your car. 

1. Backpack to Young Lakes

Explore the beautiful Tuolumne Meadows and catch sunrise over some of the iconic peaks in the area like Mount Conness and Ragged Peak. For the best views, push all the way to Upper Young Lake. If you want to treat yourself to a comfy room after the trip, check out the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge .

2. Backpack to Glen Aulin

Glen Aulin is a little waterfall oasis in the heart of the Sierra. There are great day trips from camp to falls and swimming holes nearby for those hot afternoons.  

3. Backpack to North Dome

Home to arguably the best view of Half Dome in the whole park, the trip to North Dome also has the park’s only natural arch formation.

4. Backpack 10 Lakes Basin

You’re going to want to wake up early and catch sunrise from 10 Lakes Basin. Scramble up one of the ridges or head up to Ten Lakes Pass - you won’t regret it!

5. Backpack to Dewey Point

If you’re a beginner backpacker, you’re probably far from rock climbing the famed El Capitan, but on this trip you get the next best thing. You’ll have front row seats to watch climbers head up the face. Keep an eye out after sunset, you can usually see at least a few headlamps making their way up.

Once you're out of the backcountry, you'll be ready for a hot meal and a drink. Check out some of the tasty dining options right in the park  - you earned it!

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Pack It All In and Go

A - Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service

Yosemite mountaineering school & guide service.

Learn about  Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service .

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.

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• What to Bring

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. 

We require reservations and advanced deposits for all Yosemite backpacking trips.

Reservation Information

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.

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.

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.

2-Day Trip - Cathedral Lakes

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!

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.

2-Day Trip - Glen Aulin

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.

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.

Distance- Approximately 6 miles. Ascent- Approximately 1,200 ft. Descent- Approximately 570 ft. Elevation Profile- 7,800 to 8,700 ft above sea level.

2-Day Trip - May Lake

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.

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.

2-Day Trip - Alder Creek

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.

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.

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.

2-Day Trip - Chilnualna Falls

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.

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.

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.

3-Day Trip - Vogelsang to Lyell Canyon

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.

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.

3-Day Trip - Yosemite Valley Rim

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.

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.

3-Day Trip - Ostrander Lake

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)!

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.

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.

4-Day Trip - Cloud’s Rest to Half Dome

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.

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.

Custom Trips

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

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Three Best Yosemite Backpacking Trips | Multi-Day

When we venture out of our normal Four Corners region to escape the summer heat of the desert Southwest, we love to head to the Sierra Nevada mountains of central California. Yosemite National Park is an incredible summer hiking destination. What better place to escape the heat than to explore the numerous waterfalls, high alpine lakes, meadows, giant sequoias, and mountain peaks of one of America’s premier National Parks.

Explore the beautiful National Park of Yosemite

The Sierra Nevada mountains receive over 95% of their precipitation in snowfall between the months of October to May. This means that the summer months of June through September are typically dry and sunny and provide the most stable summer mountain weather for hiking in the US. The days are normally sun-filled and the evenings clear and plastered with stars, and it’s the ideal season to enjoy the bounty of all of that winter moisture. In early summer, the rivers and streams are raging and Yosemite Valley is alive with the force of some of the world’s tallest waterfalls cascading off the towering cliffs towards the Valley floor. Later into the summer, once the snow has melted, there is a short window available to summit the park’s famous peaks or explore the solitude of the high alpine lakes scattered across the high country. We want to share our three favorite backpacking trips in this crown jewel of America’s National Park System.

Our Top 3 Yosemite Backpacking Trips:

• Clouds Rest to Half Dome This trip encompasses two iconic peaks in the park and provides some awe-inspiring views of both Yosemite Valley and the surrounding peaks of the Cathedral Range. Starting in the high country at Tenaya Lake, you ascend towards the idyllic Sunrise Lakes prior to passing up and over Clouds Rest. At this lofty summit, you will be looking down on Half Dome with a great perspective of the Cable Route that leads to its summit. From Clouds Rest, you descend to Sunrise Creek where you can make camp and layup for the Half Dome summit the following day. The Cable Route to the top is not for those with a fear of heights but the views are definitely worth the effort. After summiting Half Dome, you will begin your final descent along the edges of the iconic Vernal and Nevada Falls down to the Valley floor. This is a classic Yosemite hike and incorporates some of the park’s most well-known features.

• Red Peak Pass Loop Yosemite has one of the National Park system’s largest established trail networks, including over 800 miles of trails. The Red Peak Pass Loop will take you into some of the lesser-visited sections of the park’s alpine wilderness. This is one of Yosemite’s more challenging backpacking trips but provides some of its most stunning scenery as a reward for its difficulty. This trip will take you into the Clark Range and will cross over the highest developed trail in the park as you ascend over Red Peak Pass. From this lofty summit, you will have one of the most amazing perspectives of the park’s landscape and the Sierra Nevada Range. Over these 5 or 6 days of backpacking, you will visit clear mountain streams, meadows, and alpine lakes and enjoy the serenity of the park without the crowds. It’s a truly spectacular trip and well worth the effort to experience this undiscovered section of the park.

For more information about multi-day Yosemite backpacking trips, contact Four Season Guides at 1-877-272-5032. Four Season Guides is located in Flagstaff, Arizona and is a 20 Year Old Guide Owned Operation.

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Wild Yosemite Adventure Guide Service offers guided multi-day backpacking, day hiking, rock climbing/skills and photography education/tours for individuals and groups going into Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest. Our awe-inspiring mountain experiences are designed to expand your personal frontiers while minimizing impact on these pristine and beautiful locations. We believe that the natural world should be cared for and protected and we strive to run our business in an environmentally responsible way.

We are proud to be partnered with Leave No Trace. Leave No Trace provides research, education and initiatives so every person who ventures outside can protect and enjoy our world responsibly. By electing Wild Yosemite as your guide service you will also be supporting environmental solutions through this organization. Wild Yosemite’s base of operations is located just north of Yosemite National Park in Sonora, California. We invite you to give us a call or send us an email to inquire about a future mountain adventure.

We are a collective of geologists, wildlife biologists, naturalists, photographers and mountaineers with a passion for adventure and a desire to help others experience wild places. Our belief is that the triumphs and challenges in the wilderness provide a renewed perspective and a mental clarity that encourage us to live our best lives. We also believe that people can more fully appreciate and be inspired by a place when they have a local expert to help navigate their journey.

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Join us for a featured adventure or customize your own Guided Backpacking Trips with your family, friends, or group! Our guided multi-day trips can be tailored to your group’s experience and fitness levels, and can feature any number of icons on your bucket list. Each of the options on our featured tour menu offers an entirely unique experience in different areas of each park, but don’t worry—our staff will help you choose! With trips ranging from 2 to 5 days and easy to strenuous, there are options for every visitor. The best part? We provide top-of-the-line gear and gourmet food (did someone say backcountry breakfast burritos?)!

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“We backpacked with a group of 7 other people from ‘Backpacker’s Camp’ to Mae Lake, up to Mt Hoffman, Cloud’s Rest, and finally completed the trip with an amazing last day, summiting Half Dome at sunrise! It. Was. Incredible!! Our guides immediately made us feel comfortable and excited. Their passion for the wilderness, people, and their career as a guide is contagious. If you have the chance to go on a Lasting Adventures trip – please do it!” – TripAdvisor, Sept 2021

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Best Beginner Backpacking Trips in Yosemite

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Yosemite National Park offers some of the best backpacking in the country. Over 750 miles of established trail wind through scenery studded by granite peaks, wildflower filled meadows, rushing waterfalls, and high-elevation lakes. With so much to see and do, it can be challenging to choose a route as a beginner backpacker or first time visitor. Never fear, your antidote to choice paralysis is here. Read on for a list of our 4 favorite beginner trails, and tips to follow for a safe, successful trip in the Yosemite wilderness.

1. Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin Camp

Mileage: 12.6 miles out-and-back | Length: 2-3 days | Elevation Gain/Loss: 750 feet

This trail is named for the gorgeous fall of the Tuolumne River. The trek to Glen Aulin Camp is a great fit for beginners as it is easy to follow and features very little elevation gain. 

As of March 2023, the backcountry parking lot at the Glen Aulin trailhead is not open and Park Service recommends overnight parking in Lembert Dome lot. The Wilderness Center is also acceptable overnight parking. Please note, each of these parking lots requires an extra mile or so of additional walking to reach the trailhead. Before you go, be sure to check the park website for updates. 

This trail follows the Pacific Crest Trail the entire way to the falls. While the meadow is well-marked, there are several trails that intersect this one, including a loop around the famous Soda Springs. As it adds less than a mile to the trip, this is a fun attraction to see. Informational plaques decorate the trail throughout the meadow, enhancing trail users’ knowledge of the area’s geology, biology, and history. As the trail meanders out of the meadow, it follows the Tuolumne River through beautiful forests that open up to views of the half a dozen or so granite domes in the area. After this absolutely serene hike, you will arrive at the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. Hikers could easily stay one night and head back out the next day or extend an extra night here to take day trips to California Falls or McGee Lake, each less than three miles round trip. 

Since this trail is surrounded by water, there will be spectacular wildflowers…and mosquitos. Aim to hike this route in late July or early August to try to catch the last glimpse of flowers while seeing fewer late season bugs. 

Go with a guide: Alpine meadows and waterfalls trek 

2. Ten Lakes Trail to Tenaya Lake

Mileage: 21 miles point-to-point | Length: 3-4 days | Elevation Gain/Loss: 5,040 feet

This hike covers a lot of ground in Yosemite’s high country and travels around some of the most stunning mountain lakes. The trailhead for this hike is on Tioga Pass Road, west of Olmsted Point (which, by the way, is an amazing place to stop and take in the view!). This is a point-to-point route, which means that hikers will have to coordinate transportation from the ending point at Tenaya Lake back to their starting trailhead. The YARTS bus does stop at the White Wolf Lodge and the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, but adds an extra 11 miles to your hike. However, because this trail is so gorgeous, that might not be the worst option. 

The trail starts through high-elevation forests filled with lodgepole pines, red firs, and western white pines. The first six miles will take you through meadows and creeks and above 9,000 feet to the heavenly Ten Lake Pass. Here there is an option to head south to Grant Lake (a quieter camping option) or east across the ridge and down into Ten Lakes Basin. Take your time here in the high country to breathe in the gorgeous views before your descent. The next day treats hikers to the pure granite of the High Sierra, speckled with wildflowers and stunning views. A hike of around 7 miles will allow for the option to camp alongside a creek. The next day, choose to exit by way of Tenaya Lake, or extend your hike by detouring to spend a night at May Lake High Sierra Camp. The hike from May Lake will only add around 2.5 downhill miles, and the trek out still leads to Tenaya Lake. 

Go with a guide: ten lakes basin trip 

3. Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley

Mileage: 28 miles point-to-point | Length: 4-5 days | Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,500 feet

There is possibly no better way to see Yosemite than trekking from Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley. This hike delivers glimpses of all the sights: waterfalls, Half Dome, lakes, meadows, high elevation, granite, and rivers. There are a few different routes through this section of Yosemite’s wilderness, but a good choice for beginners is to pick up the Rafferty Trail from Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, and connect to the Valley through Vogelsang and Merced Lake. Note, this hike is a point-to-point and will require the coordination of transportation between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows – a one-hour drive or two-hour trip on YARTS public transportation. This hike is also best traveled west starting from Tuolumne Meadows – as starting in Yosemite Valley and heading east would result in roughly 4,000 feet of elevation gain in just the first couple miles. 

One recommended itinerary for this trip would be to hike ~7 miles on the first day from the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center into Vogelsang. This first day follows the beautiful Rafferty Creek through gorgeous meadows with views of the 11,110-foot Rafferty Peak. Vogelsang is a unique camping experience, as it is the highest-elevation High Sierra Camp in the park. This is a great place to take a rest day as day hikes to the nearby Fletcher Lake, Vogelsang Lake, or Ireland Lake are unbelievable. The following day, descend into Merced Lake, an 8-mile trek that follows Fletcher Creek and the Merced River. There is another High Sierra Camp at Merced Lake, awarding tired hikers a restful place to sleep among the pines. 

The final day of the trip will have more miles, but will almost exclusively be downhill. On this final leg of the trip, the trail continues to follow the Merced River into Little Yosemite Valley. This might be the most awe-inspiring section of the hike. As hikers trundle across footbridges, they will encounter multiple waterfalls ending with the majestic Nevada Falls. Take plenty of time through this valley and savor the last moments of backcountry serenity. Switchbacks send hikers to the Happy Isles trailhead near Curry Village. Pro tip: spring for the pizza in Curry Village as a much-deserved reward. 

Go with a guide: heart of yosemite backpack 

4. Yosemite Creek Trail to El Capitan

Mileage: 20 miles out-and-back | Length: 3 days | Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,200 feet

This is a spectacular trail that delivers hikers to the northern rim of Yosemite Valley and awards unbeatable views of the iconic valley and peaks. This out-and-back trail is also ideal for beginners as it is relatively flat with a short distance and requires very little coordination. 

From Tioga Pass Road, turn south onto a paved road at the McSwain Meadows for the Yosemite Creek trailhead and overnight parking lot. There is a Yosemite Creek and Ten Lakes trailhead on Tioga Pass Road, but it does not allow for overnight parking.

A recommended itinerary would be to spend two nights here to day hike and explore. To reach El Capitan, follow Yosemite Creek 5.4 miles to Eagle Peak Meadows. From here another 2 miles or so hugs the ridge and delivers you to the KP Pinnacle of El Capitan. The next day, a beautiful day hike can be had backtracking to Eagle Peak Meadow and heading east on the trail for another 4.8 miles to North Dome. Along the way, you will pass Upper Yosemite Falls. Rejoice in the views along this hike and at your campsite before turning back and heading up Yosemite Creek to the trailhead.

CONSIDERATIONS: 

Camping is not permitted at the top of Yosemite Falls, at Yosemite Point, or on the summit of North Dome. You must camp at least one-half mile from the North Rim of Yosemite Valley. 

Know Before You Go:

Permits are required for all overnight trips in the park. Yosemite makes 60% of its daily quota for permits available online through Recreation.gov starting at 7 a.m. 24 weeks in advance of a trip’s desired start day. For example, if you want to begin your backpack on July 19, you can apply for a permit starting February 1. For popular trails, these permits are usually snagged by 7:15 a.m. (or earlier) of the day your advance reservation opens. The other 40% of permits are sold day-of in-person starting at 7 a.m. Fair warning, folks line up early at the ranger stations to grab these. 

Permits are notoriously difficult to obtain for Yosemite. One huge benefit of booking a trip with a guide company is that all permits are included – no 6:00 a.m. wake-up call necessary. 

Tips to get a permit online: 

• Create a Recreation.gov account before the date you’re trying to get a permit.
• Be fully logged in with a credit card ready by 6:57 a.m. on the Yosemite Wilderness Permits page.
• Plan your trip around the day you get your permit, not the other way around. Even if you follow the steps above, permits may still become unavailable by the time you get to them and it might take a few early mornings with this routine to get a permit. 
• Plan to start your hike midweek as fewer people seek out these days. 

When to Visit: 

Over 3.3 million visitors a year flock to Yosemite National Park. The majority of these visitors enter the park June through September, though even winter months see over 100,000 visitors. During the peak visitation months, park entrance gates are congested during the day with wait times as high as two hours to enter. Avoid excessive waiting by getting to the gates before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. 

While the early spring or late fall months might mean less competition to snag an overnight permit, snow may be present during these months in higher elevations and nightly temperatures will likely be cold. Access to Tuolumne is also not available year-round. Tioga Pass Road is closed from October to May, depending on snow. 

Other Things to Note:  

• Bear canisters are required for backcountry overnights throughout the wilderness. You may NOT hang food from trees. When you pick up your permits or pass by rangers in the park, they will ask to see your canister. Rentals are available through the park if you do not already own one – information on obtaining one can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bearcanrentals.htm .
• There are four main entrances to the park. Three are on the west side, from California’s San Joaquin Valley, and they include highways 120, 140, and 41. The fourth entrance is Tioga Pass Road (120 east) on the east side of the park, accessed from Lee Vining (the closest major city being Carson City, Nevada). 
• There are various free shuttles and public transportation available throughout the park. Some point-to-point hikes may require the use of such transportation. Learn more here: ​​ https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm . 
• Please practice LNT principles and practice good wildlife safety . Regardless of where you are in the park, the 7 principles of Leave No Trace are vital to keeping Yosemite and all public lands healthy and happy.
• Thunderstorms are common in the park during the summer months, especially at higher elevations. The American Hiking Society recommends anyone caught in a storm seek shelter if possible, and otherwise distance themselves from exposed terrain, isolated trees, and metal objects. 
• Temperatures can range wildly from afternoon to night. Be prepared for daytime summer temperatures up to 90 degrees in the valley, and nighttime temperatures as low as 30 degrees at higher elevations.
• Know your limits.

Yosemite is a wild and wonderful place. If you’re not quite ready to strike out on your own yet and prefer to explore your options for a guided backpacking trip, consider Wildland Trekking . Wildland trips are led by friendly, experienced, and knowledgeable guides, to ensure you get the most out of your backcountry experience. From permits, transportation and equipment, to good food and interpretive information, your guide will take care of it all. Basecamp and lodge-based options are also available.

About Helena Guglielmino

Helena Guglielmino [pronounced in bad English as ghoul-you-meano] is a hiker, backpacker, and explorer of anywhere her 8-year-old lab mix leads her. Currently based in Reno, Nevada, she frequents stunning spots in the Sierra Nevada including Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Lake Tahoe. Catch up with her adventures at storiesbyhelena.com

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A Complete Guide to Visiting Yosemite National Park

A s America’s first swath of public land set aside for protection, Yosemite National Park is often credited as the site that birthed the entire national park idea. Home to enormous ancient sequoia groves, glacially-carved granite domes, roaring waterfalls, and over 800 miles of developed trails, Yosemite is not only one of the best national parks in California —it's the kind of place that continually amazes, whether it’s your first time visiting or your fiftieth.

The park has dark spots on its history too, from the removal of the Ahwahneechee people , to the controversial damming of  Hetch Hetchy Valley to provide drinking water to the city of San Francisco in the 1920s. Though not always a perfect model, the park continues to be a living laboratory for conservation and stewardship to this day.

Also noteworthy: In 2023, Yosemite has elected to do away with its COVID-era  vehicle permit system , meaning that day-use visitors can enter and exit the park with ease (after paying the $35 entrance fee; valid for seven days). As such, it’s sure to be an excellent season to visit this legendary park, for locals and out-of-towners alike.

Keep scrolling for our favorite hikes, sights, and stays in Yosemite National Park.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park

Like many of America’s iconic national parks, Yosemite is a land of vastly different elevations and, as a result, extremes in conditions across the park’s different zones.

The valley, home to jaw-dropping granite walls (like Half Dome and El Capitan) and sky-high waterfalls, sits at a sensible 4,000 feet. It gets hot in the summer (50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit) and sees minimal snowfall most winters. The “high country,” located off Tioga Road to the north, is a sprawling high-altitude expanse of snow-capped Sierra peaks, dense stands of conifers, and glittering alpine lakes. As such, these byways are  typically only open from late May through October, depending on the weather.

Spring is a phenomenal time to go chasing waterfalls in Yosemite Valley, while summer brings crowds down low and excellent hiking weather up high (stick a pin in Tuolumne Meadows for some of the prettiest hiking paths). In autumn, fall colors start to shift along the Merced River in the valley, waterfalls run dry, and cooler daytime temps can make for wonderful backpacking trips across the entirety of the park. Winter is Yosemite’s quiet season, though the  Curry Village ice rink and  Badger Pass Ski Area liven things up once the first snow arrives.

How to get there

There's no sugarcoating it. California is a big place, and the Sierras are a big, protected mountain range. For better or worse, the closest airport to Yosemite is the  Fresno Airport . That’s still roughly 90 minutes from the park boundary and 2 hours and 20 minutes from its fabled valley cliffs, so you’ll want to rent a car, put on your favorite playlist, and enjoy the drive. On the plus side, you’ll be able to easily access Yosemite’s best trailheads with ease.

A handful of flights touch down in the tiny  Merced Airport , which boasts year-round  YARTS public transportation into the park. Yosemite offers a  free park shuttle around its popular valley. Those taking public transit can also opt for a paid  hiker’s bus between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, if you'd like to hike the high country.

Things to do in Yosemite

Hiking and backpacking.

Hands down, the best way to get out and see Yosemite is to go for a hike, and this park is home to some of the most spectacular trails in the country. If you’re looking for quick, family-friendly options, take in the powerful spray of California’s tallest waterfall on the one-mile, wheelchair accessible   Lower Yosemite Fall Trail , then head to the  Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and go for a romp along the .3-mile Big Trees Loop or the two-mile Grizzly Giant Loop.

Yosemite is also a bastion of calf-burning all-day adventures for serious hikers. Along the road to Glacier Point, trekkers can soak up gobsmacking views of the valley on the five-mile  Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop . Or, head for the high country on a seven-mile (round trip) up to  Cathedral Lakes , two postcard-worthy sapphire tarns that sit beneath a toothy granite summit.

Want to escape the crowds? Planning an overnight backpacking trip is a surefire way to experience the pristine magic of Yosemite’s wilderness, and at 747,956 acres, there’s a lot of ground to cover. Reserve a  wilderness permit for your preferred trailhead, double-check your gear, and be sure to pack (or rent) a bear canister to store your food (it’s required by law). Need some inspiration? We recommend the stunning, 6.5-mile alpine journey to  Ten Lakes or the 4.5-mile romp to  Sunrise Lakes .

Get more tips on Yosemite hikes in our complete guide.  

Scenic drives

For travelers who don’t want to dirty their loafers on a national park visit, Yosemite is full of top-notch stretches of  scenic pavement . In summer, when Tioga Road is open, visitors can motor across the “range of light,” from Lee Vining all the way to El Portal, on the western edge of the park. Along the way, enjoy purple spider lupine and brilliant pink penstemon in  Tuolumne Meadows , stopping to admire the sweeping view of Half Dome and Clouds Rest from  Olmstead Point .

If you’re dead set on exploring  Yosemite Valley by car, go early in the morning to avoid traffic jams and enjoy the peaceful light as deer graze in  Cook’s Meadow . Be sure to stop at the incomparable waterfalls (Vernal, Yosemite, and Bridalveil are our top picks), then pull over at El Capitan and try to imagine Alex Honnold scaling the 3,000-foot-tall cliff face, sans-rope.

You could go way off the beaten path and avoid crowds altogether in Yosemite’s gorgeous  Hetch Hetchy area, which sits in the park’s northwestern corner and features that aforementioned massive reservoir, punctuated by cascading waterfalls.

Cycling the Valley Loop

Yosemite’s breathtaking valley is home to one of the best (and flattest)  multi-use bike paths in the national park system. BYO-bicycle or  rent one at Curry Village, Yosemite Village, or Yosemite Valley Lodge, then wheel onto more than 12-miles of designated bike trails, which wind past Half Dome, Happy Isles, Mirror Lake, Merced River, and Lower Yosemite Fall.

Guided tours

For travelers hoping to dig a little deeper or venture a little further, there are a wealth of expert-led guided tours in Yosemite, too. Those hoping to follow in Honnold’s footsteps (roped up, of course), should check out  Yosemite Valley Mountaineering School , which has been in business since 1969 and offers courses ranging from the beginner-focused “Welcome to the Rock” to big wall seminars for experienced granite aficionados. Nearby,  Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides also offers day- and weekend-long outings for budding climbers, plus day hikes and backpacking excursions.

If you’ve only got one day inside the park, book a  Grand Tour with Aramark, the park’s licensed concessionaire, for an all-day adventure (lunch included) that takes in the majestic rock domes of Yosemite Valley, the skyscraper-sized trees of Mariposa Grove, and panoramic views at Glacier Point. Just outside the valley,  Rush Creek Lodge offers a bevy of great day trips as well, ranging from sunset happy hours to view-filled snowshoe excursions.

Don’t want to overnight alone, or just prefer to hike in a group? REI offers a pretty fantastic  lodge-based hiking tour that explores the park’s most noteworthy nooks and crannies, from Budd Lake and to Glacier Point, to the Middle Earth-esque Mist Trail. However, the best stargazing (and most pristine solitude) can only be soaked up on an overnight backpacking trip, and  Wildland Trekking can throw down with the best of ‘em. Test your nerves and attempt to summit  Half Dome’s slick spine or do a deep-dive into Yosemite’s high country on the seven-day “ Wonders of Yosemite ” journey.

Where to stay in and around Yosemite

Hoping to car camp under the stars? Sleep in a vintage Airstream? Or perhaps you’d prefer a top-notch lodge, complete with a delicious dinner menu? No matter your style, there’s sure to be something to suit even the choosiest traveler in your crew.

Yosemite is home to thirteen, yes,  thirteen   car-accessible campgrounds , all of which book up within minutes and are on a reservation system from April through October. Reserving a primo spot (especially in the coveted valley) can be a bit of a headache, as  some campgrounds become available five months in advance, some two months in advance, and others just two weeks out from a trip. Plan ahead, triple-check the park website, and book early, especially if your heart is set on pitching a tent under Half Dome–at the popular Upper, Lower, or North Pines campgrounds.

In winter, many campgrounds close, but a few (Camp 4, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow) switch over to a first-come, first-served system. Upper Pines, located in Yosemite Valley, has reservations available year-round for those who don’t mind the cold.

Read more about camping in Yosemite in our complete guide.  

Hotels, glamping, and vacation rentals

As one of the most-visited sites in the NPS system (over 3.6 million visited in 2022), Yosemite has a wealth of posh accommodations just outside the park boundary.  Rush Creek Lodge & Spa , located a mere five minutes from the Big Oak Flat Entrance, is a haven for foodie families looking for a post-hike massage and epic cocktail menu (there’s even an on-site pool and zip line for the kiddos). Discerning travelers seeking white glove service and excellent fine dining should head south for  Château du Sureau , a European-style castle with a phenomenal restaurant ( The Elderberry House ), set on nine private acres in the mountain town of Oakhurst.

As far as historic park lodges go,  The Ahwahnee , in Yosemite Valley, is considered the crown jewel of the bunch. Built to complement the park’s soaring granite walls and verdant conifers, it first opened in 1927 and is known for its stately dining room and incomparable location.

Intrepid park-goers craving the comforts of home (think hot showers, luxe linens, and private patios) in a more adventurous setting might prefer a chic Airstream stay at  AutoCamp Yosemite . Or, of course, you could always splurge on a vacation house rental inside the park, like  this breezy craftsman in Yosemite West or this plush log cabin in Wawona .

Read more on the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park.  

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The Best Headlamps to Light the Way, From Forest Trail to Mountain Peak

We hiked, ran, skied, and climbed through 21 nights to find the best head illumination of the year.

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Epic ascents. Long treks. Dawn patrols and sunset hikes. All of the most memorable trail moments have one thing in common: You need a good headlamp to make them happen. Thanks to modern tech, the current crop of lights are lighter, brighter, and better than ever before.

At a Glance

• Editors’ Choice: Silva Free Series (from $135)
• Best Everyday Headlamp: Petzl Actik Core ($85)
• Best Emergency Light: Black Diamond Flare ($30)
• Best for Runners: Silva Trail Runner Free H ($90)
• Best High-Powered: Ledlenser HF8R Signature ($170)

How to Choose a Headlamp

How we test.

• Meet Our Lead Tester

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more .

Editor’s Choice

Silva free series.

$135 at Amazon $136 at Walmart

Weight: 9.2-12.1 oz Lumens: 1,200-3,000

Pros and Cons ⊕ Bright ⊕ Modular design makes it versatile ⊗ Heavy and overpowered for hikers

From after-work mountain bike rides to early-morning trail runs to uphill laps at the ski resort, every nighttime activity requires something different out of a headlamp. That’s always meant that multisport athletes need to amass a big (and expensive) quiver of lights or make do with a headlamp that’s not quite bright enough, too heavy, or underpowered for their adventure of the day. Until now: Billing itself as the world’s first modular headlamp line, the Silva Free Series lets users mix and match batteries and headlamps to create a customized light for high-speed, high-octane nighttime activities.

Buy a starter headlamp that best matches your needs, then add on one of three lights (1200, 2000, and 3000-lumen) and one of four rechargeable battery packs with different capacities, plus a bevy of accessories including handlebar and helmet mounts. To streamline the whole getup, the battery wire is integrated into the stretchy headband. On a nighttime run on Boulder, Colorado’s Dowdy Draw Trail, our tester added an extension cable to the 1200-lumen, 3.35 Ah Free S 1200 light and stashed the battery in his pocket to reduce bounce.

To better serve trail-runners, the light uses a bevy of sensors to automatically adjust brightness and beam type as you aim it toward the ground, letting us seamlessly shift from keeping an eye on our feet during rocky descents to scoping out deer and nighthawks rustling in the brush. While the Free Series may be on the heavy side—and brighter than most everyday trail users need—we could see it finding its sweet spot with nocturnal bikers and ski-tourers thanks to its super-powered options and multiple accessories to help comfortably carry its large battery.

Best Everyday Headlamp

Petzl actik core.

$85 at REI $80 at Backcountry

Weight: 3.1 oz Lumens: 600

Pros and Cons ⊕ Lightweight ⊕ Small ⊕ Bright ⊕ Dual battery options ⊗ Bounce on high-tempo runs

If you’re looking for a pack-it-and-forget-it light that can handle anything you can, the Actik Core is a smart pick. It packs 600 lumens into a compact, multi-beam headlamp that cut through the darkness on night runs up Boulder’s Mesa Trail, providing enough power to scope out hazards in the distance. You get steady, strobe, and red light modes. The headlamp can run on either three AAAs or the Petzl Core, a removable, Micro USB-rechargeable battery that can power the Actik for up to 100 hours on low (5 lumens) or 2 hours on full blast.

“If I had to pick one headlamp for a multisport trip, it would be the Actik Core,” says Backpacker editor-in-chief, Aadam Roy. “It doesn’t take up much room, but it’s powerful enough to let me move fast.”

Best Emergency Light

Black diamond flare.

$30 at Backcountry $30 at Black Diamond

Weight: 1 oz Lumens: 40

Pros and Cons ⊕ Featherweight ⊕ Red light mode ⊗ Short battery life

Most emergency headlamps are just that—last-ditch lights for when things go wrong. With the Flare, Black Diamond designed a lamp that’s compact enough that it can slip into a breast pocket, but capable enough to provide all the light we needed on dawn patrols and short overnights.

The Flare’s dustproof, waterproof aluminum body is about the size of a thimble, and it runs off coin batteries that last for about 18 hours on low or a half-hour on high. The light twists on and off and has low and high settings, a red light, and both strobe and SOS modes.

On a camping trip to western Colorado’s Unaweep Canyon, the Flare put out a respectable 40 lumens, enough for camp chores and hiking on straightforward terrain. The Flare’s shock cord headband with a woven strap at the front sat comfortably on our foreheads and packs away small. Ding: We found we needed two hands to adjust the light, as trying to twist the dial one-handed just ended up twisting the entire assembly.

Best for Runners

Silva trail runner free h.

$81 at Amazon $90 at Silva

Weight: 3.4 oz Lumens: 400

Pros and Cons ⊕ Comfortable no-wire design ⊗ No red light mode

Pick up this headlamp, and you’ll notice right away that there’s something missing: wires. Unlike most other lights with external battery packs, the Trail Runner Free weaves its wires straight into its stretchy, knit headband, making it comfier and less prone to tangling on hair or catching on a tree branch.

The light packs a close-up flood beam and a longer-distance spot into a case about the size of the tip of your thumb (no red light). It puts out a respectable 400 lumens for up to 25 hours on its highest setting, which our tester appreciated on a cross-country winter backpacking trip in Nebraska National Forest. Nice touches include a hybrid battery case that lets it run on either three AAAs or a rechargeable, removable battery ($30 extra), as well as an extension cable so you can stash the battery pack in your jacket to prolong its life in frosty weather.

Note: There’s no lock, and the headlamp did turn on in our pack; disconnect the battery before storing it.

Best High-Powered Headlamp

Ledlenser hf8r signature.

$170 at REI $170 at Amazon

Weight: 6.8 oz. Lumens: 2,000 Waterproofing: IP68 (dustproof and fully waterproof)

Pros and Cons ⊕ Extremely bright ⊕ Automatic dimming ⊗ Heavy ⊗ Expensive

“Holy cow, this is the most powerful lamp I’ve ever seen,” our tester reported after taking this hefty headlamp hiking in Yosemite National Park and on Utah’s Mt. Timpanogos. She wasn’t kidding: With a maximum setting of 2,000 lumens—that’s about as bright as some cars’ headlights—the HF8R Signature marries an ultra-bright beam with some high-tech touches designed to let you make full use of it. On a late descent of Half Dome’s Cables, the HF8R was able to illuminate the route 720 feet ahead, lighting up the path for the tester’s entire party.

But this headlamp has more than raw power in its bag of tricks: Our tester praised the light’s automatic adaptive beam, which allowed her to use it around camp without blinding her companions thanks to a dimming sensor. (For those who prefer to be more hands-on, the Ledlenser’s connected app allows users to control the headlamp from their phone.) Three colored light modes—red, blue, and green—illuminate hikers’ surroundings without blowing out their night vision and allow hunters to track game without spooking them.

Unusual for a headlamp this powerful, Ledlenser integrated the rechargeable battery directly into the headlamp housing that sits on the forehead rather than mounting it on the back of the user’s head. Battery performance is respectable, providing 90 hours of use on its 20-lumen low setting and 3.5 hours on its highest mode.

The HF8R’s biggest downside is about what you would expect from a headlamp this powerful: At 6.8 ounces, it’s less than comfortable for long-term wear and probably overkill for hikers, climbers, or skiers who don’t need to scout trackless or technical terrain at night.

Consider what you’re going to be using your headlamp for: ultralight hikers and rock climbers will usually want to prioritize weight over brightness, while night skiers and runners need to see a little further down-trail. (Runners may want to look for a headlamp that situates the battery at the back of the head to reduce bounce.) Everyone else, including most backpackers and campers, will benefit from something in between: look for a model with an output between 300-500 lumens and a red light mode to help preserve your night vision.

While disposable battery-powered lights are still available, rechargeables have become the norm over the past few years; if you’re spending a lot of time hiking at night or taking a lightweight headlamp on a long trip, consider bringing an external battery to top it off during the day.

• Number of Testers: 4
• Number of lights tested: 8
• Testing Locations: California, Washington, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Sweden, Canada
• Time Spent Outside: 21 nights, totaling 3 Weeks
• Shortest night: 5 hours, 57 minutes in Swedish Lapland

Every year, our group of lighting testers tries out the most promising new models while backpacking, mountaineering, dayhiking, car camping, and trail running throughout the year. We test across at least five different states and often internationally. Highlights from our testing recent season: Mountaineering on Washington’s Mt. Baker, hiking Half Dome’s famous Cables Route, and spending five days backpacking across northern Sweden’s Dag Hammarskjöld Trail as part of the Fjallraven Classic.

Meet our Lead Tester

Backpacker Editor-in-Chief Adam Roy is a habitual night skier, so he appreciates a good, high-powered headlamp. He lives in Colorado’s Front Range, where he also backpacks, rock climbs, trail runs, and paddles the local reservoirs, often with his wife, small child, and smaller dog.

When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small commission. We do not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Read more about our policy.

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After five years of closure, ‘glamping’ back again in Yosemite National Park

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After five years of pandemic- and snowpack-related closures, Yosemite National Park has reopened “glamping” camps where visitors will have access to showers, gourmet meals and a view of the park’s wild backcountry.

Camping hopefuls can now enter a lottery to experience three of the five available camps at the High Sierra Camps from June to September.

The two other sites, Vogelsang and Merced Lake — respectively the highest elevation camp and the oldest and most remote camp, established in 1916 — will remain closed throughout the 2024 season. Neither park officials nor Aramark, the park’s concessioner, could be reached to explain why these two camps remain closed.

According to the camps’ website, more than 13,000 visitors stay at the High Sierra Camps each year, and another thousand backpackers passing through each year stop for food at the campsites.

“Glamping,” a more comfortable or glamorous version of camping, has grown in popularity in the past couple of decades. Visitors have the option of paying $1,403 for a guided tour of the park with a weeklong stay, or paying $172 to $185 per night to reserve a bed.

‘Bring a shovel’: Yosemite partly reopens after blizzard brings as much as 45 inches of snow

Yosemite Valley — the most popular part of Yosemite National Park — received about 25 inches of snow. Winds hit 50 to 60 miles per hour.

March 3, 2024

There’s been controversy among certain environmentalists who take a hard line against any type of development in the pristine wilderness, said Jane Simpson, chair of the leadership training program at the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club. But Simpson said she is glad to hear that the campsites are reopening to the public this year.

“The experience is phenomenal,” said Simpson, recalling her own High Sierra Camp visit in 2015. “The people are very hyper aware of their impact.”

As an avid hiker and backpacker herself, Simpson is used to having to carry all of her own supplies when visiting Yosemite National Park. But the amenities of the High Sierra Camps allow visitors to leave behind tents and cooking necessities, as they have running water and three meals a day prepared by professional chefs.

On the High Sierra Camps’ website, Aramark and the national park service express their commitment to protecting the environment: “We take our role as stewards very seriously and actively work to protect the resources for generations to come.”

Opinion: My Colorado home was once a YMCA camp. In thousands of people’s memories, it still is

Former campers keep coming back, cruising past our driveway. I relish their stories, because this land will always belong to them too.

Feb. 11, 2024

Jeff Jenkins, assistant professor of parks and protected areas at UC Merced’s Sierra Nevada Research Institute, said that the National Park Service has to strike a balance between protecting national parks and making them accessible to everyone.

“I remember we saw a woman hiking the route of these High Sierra Camps that was pushing 90,” Jenkins recalled of a time when his family stayed at the High Sierra Camps together. “She was able to get out there too.” First-time, inexperienced campers, the elderly, and families might prefer to stay at the High Sierra Camps because of the amenities.

By having designated areas where semi-permanent shelters are set up, Jenkins said, the “sacrifice zones” allow for a much larger swath of wilderness to remain untouched. “Impact has been constrained to mostly the trail corridor and these areas of the wilderness, these hotspots,” said Jenkins.

The urgency of mitigating human impact on the environment has forced the National Park Service to innovate by adding features like the bear-proof lockers that prevent bears from finding easy food sources near human dwellings, Jenkins noted.

But the debate around these High Sierra Camps isn’t anything new. Dave White, the director of global institute of sustainability and innovation at Arizona State University, describes it as the “fundamental paradox” of the national parks as they balance access and protection.

White said the social and cultural impact of visiting parks also helps to shift the conversation around sustainability and changing personal habits to preserve the environment. For visitors, “it helps them to have greater awareness and understanding about critical environmental issues that we’re facing, including things like climate change,” he said.

The wonder of Yosemite National Park never grows old for White, who has visited several times. “It is some of the most spectacular natural beauty that exists anywhere in the world,” he said. White said it’s the scale of the natural features, and the history of the Indigenous tribes who were violently forced off the lands to make Yosemite, that still humble him today.

“When you’re there, you just feel as a human, you feel insignificant in an important way,” said White.

More to Read

Yosemite closes due to monster blizzard, ‘life threatening’ conditions in California mountains

March 1, 2024

Heading to Yosemite next summer? Better get a reservation

Dec. 13, 2023

Looming government shutdown worries business owners near Yosemite, other national parks

Sept. 30, 2023

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Jireh (they/them) is the 2023-24 fellow at the Los Angeles Times and a queer Asian American writer and filmmaker born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley.

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