Explore scenic wonders spanning Yosemite National Park in three days
The Yosemite Falls Backpacking Tour may be only three days, but it packs a punch when it comes to dazzling scenery, ridiculous views, and hiking adventures. Expect to wind to North America’s highest waterfalls, the ever-so mighty: Yosemite Falls. But that’s not all! You’ll get to marvel at the imposing Mt. Watkins and Half Dome from your spectacular camping spot on Day 2.
Are you worried about hunger? Don’t worry! You’ll enjoy gourmet backpacking meals throughout the tour. But do be prepared to spend two nights in the thick of the wild, surrounded by a canopy of lush scenery.
Please check out this blog to find out more about the COVID-19 precautions during the tour.
Highlights of the Yosemite Falls Backpacking Tour
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Yosemite Falls Backpacking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Go to Yosemite National Park
Meet your guide at Curry Village Mountain Shop in Yosemite Valley at 9 am. You’ll leave your car in the backpacker parking lot and hop in a free shuttle for a ride to the trailhead. Get ready for some intense elevation in a short period, but the waterfall views will take your breath away. After soaking in the scenery, you’ll walk a short distance to your campsite, where a stunning creekside location and swimming holes await.
Overnight Location: Camping Yosemite Valley
Distance: 4 mi, 3671 ft ascent, 935 ft descent
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 Hike to the Yosemite Point lookout
Today will take you across the North Rim of the Yosemite Valley. Shortly after packing up camp, you’ll cross the mighty Yosemite Creek (via a bridge) and then continue towards the Yosemite Point lookout. Travel along the Lehamite and Indian Creek drainages before reaching the Snow Creek promontory, where you’ll drop your bags and relax for the night. Admire the incredible views of Mt. Watkins and Half Dome.
Overnight Location: Camping at Snow Creek
Distance: 8 mi, 1864 ft ascent, 1929 ft descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Hike down Snow Creek Trail
Pack up your bags and start your descent down Snow Creek Trail. Eventually, you’ll reach Mirror Lake. Shortly after, you’ll have the option of taking the free shuttle back to Curry Village or hiking an additional 1.6 km to get to your car.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 5 mi, 305 ft ascent, 3077 ft descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Yosemite Falls Backpacking Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour in the Sierra Nevada is always run as a fixed-departure tour where you would be joining a group, therefore the price is fixed and only depends on the number of people sharing the room or a tent.
The prices below are per person:
Accommodation on Yosemite Falls Backpacking Tour
This backpacking adventure will have your backcountry camping. You are responsible for packing your own gear, but it’s possible to receive backpacking gear upon request.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can choose to stay in single tent without any extra charges!
Hotels on Standard Tour
Camping in Yosemite National Park
Revel in the mountainscapes as you camp at lakefront and riverside spots below a blanket of stars.
What’s included in the Yosemite Falls Backpacking Tour?
Meals
2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, and trail snacks along the route are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 2 nights of wilderness camping. Accommodations before and after the tour are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
You are responsible for driving yourself or organizing transportation to and from Curry Village Mountain Shop. From Curry Village Mountain Shop, you will receive a free shuttle ride to the trailhead and back.
Also Included
- Guide
- Personal backpacking gear (per request), such as sleeping bags, backpack, sleeping pads, tents, trekking poles
- Group gear, such as stoves, group first aid kit, cooking items, water filters, etc.
- Hot coffee and tea in the mornings
Not included
- Flights and transportation to get to and from Curry Village Mountain Shop
- Personal clothing and shoes
- Accommodations before and after the adventure tour
- Personal expenses + gratuities (recommended 10-20% for excellent service)
- Evacuations
- Insurance
Optional Extras
- You can upgrade to a single occupancy in the hotel for an additional fee
- Extra night in Yosemite Valley before or after the tour
Frequently Asked Questions about Yosemite Falls Backpacking Tour
SYMG was started in 1991 by three friends offering hiking trips into California's mountains in hopes of more closely meshing lifestyle with work. The combination proved successful and SYMG has become a leader in the active travel and mountain guiding world, providing carefully planned and executed trips in the most spectacular wilderness areas of California and beyond. Now, 30 years later, we've shown thousands of people the beauty of Yosemite and the High Sierra and have been named one of the "Best Outfitters on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure Magazine.
Learn MoreYosemite Falls Backpacking Tour Map
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