Yosemite
"I'm going to some place that I've never been before." - Canned Heat
Best known for its towering waterfalls (Yosemite Falls is 2,425ft and one of the highest in North America) and soaring granite cliffs, Yosemite National Park is the outdoor enthusiast's nirvana.
- Hike the countless number of peaks that reach over 11,000 feet in elevation
- Explore the glacier carved meadows in Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows
- See two of the most famous rock faces in the world (El Capitan and Half Dome) and the largest living organisms of all time – Giant Sequoias
Yosemite has an amazing array of wilderness sites for anyone interested in the adventure of experiencing them first-hand.
Just Roughin It offers several backpacking trips to Yosemite National Park. Pick one of the following itineraries and dates or let us know if you would like to customize your Yosemite backpacking tour. We offer something for nearly everybody, whether you have been backpacking your entire life or you're just a beginner. Either way, this is the experience of a lifetime!
Our expert guides will help you select the right trail, taking into account your time frame, ability and travel goals. We make our treks as seamless as possible, using lightweight packs, restaurant quality food and providing all the gear you will need for your trip. We take care of planning and executing your Yosemite backpacking trip.
With 1,200 square miles of wilderness, there are numerous backpacking opportunities in Yosemite. Take the trails more traveled and backpack to Little Yosemite Valley for some exploring up Half-Dome, and to hike by Nevada and Vernal Falls. Or take a hike off the beaten path to the 11,600ft Red Peak.
Half Dome/Little Yosemite Base Camp
On this 3 day backpacking trip you'll hike to the famous and most popular location within Yosemite National Park - Little Yosemite Valley, where we set up camp for two nights. Enjoy the scenery and views of Nevada and Vernal Falls as you make your way through the valley along the Merced River.
This itinerary allows you the opportunity to hike up Half Dome as a day hike on your third day. You can take a swim in the Merced River then, relax by the campfire after a rewarding day spent in Yosemite. This is the ideal trip for a first time backpacker. Click here for an itinerary
Number of days: 3
Number of backpacking miles/km: 20.1/32.34 with Half Dome
Elevation gain/loss: 3,200ft/975m
Trip Cost/Person
| 2-4 people | 5-7 people |
| $599 | $539 |
Multi-day backpacking trips include camping accommodations at Curry Village or nearby campground for the 1st night, permits and fees, all necessary gear, certified, medically trained guide, and all meals and snacks while on the trail (starting with the 2nd day lunch). Transportation is NOT included but can be arranged with advanced notice and an additional fee. Tips for your awesome guides are NOT included in the price.
Half Dome/Little Yosemite to Merced Lake
This 4 day backpacking trip will have you hiking to the famous and most popular location within Yosemite National Park - Little Yosemite Valley; to Merced Lake, and back, where you'll camp at a different location each night. Enjoy the scenery and views of Nevada and Vernal Falls as you make your way through the valley along the Merced River to Moraine Dome and Merced Lake.
Time permitting, you can take a hike up Half Dome. You'll pass Moraine Dome, but will return to camp and explore on day 4. Take a swim in the Merced River then, relax by the campfire after a rewarding day spent in Yosemite. Click here for a printable itinerary.
Number of days: 4
Number of backpacking miles/km: 28/45- 36.8/59 with Half Dome
Elevation gain/loss: 3,200ft/975m; Half Dome is 8,847ft/2,697m above sea level
Trip Cost/Person
| 2-4 people | 5-7 people |
| $799 | $719 |
Multi-day backpacking trips include camping accommodations at Curry Village or nearby campground for the 1st night, permits and fees, all necessary Gear, certified, medically trained guide and all meals and snacks while on the trail (starting with the 2nd day lunch). Transportation is NOT included but can be arranged with advanced notice and an additional fee. Gratuity for your awesome guides is not included.
Tuolumne Meadows to Merced Lake
This 4 day backpacking trip will have you hiking to Merced Lake via Rafferty Creek Trail to the lakes around the 10,000ft Vogelsang Camp, providing fantastic views of the surrounding peaks. This loop will then take you to Merced Lake and then to the wildflower-strewn Sunrise Camp along the famous John Muir Trail.
You will hike through meadows that grant you views of several towering peaks such as Fletcher and Vogelsang. Take a swim in any of the surrounding lakes and creeks then, relax by the campfire after a rewarding day spent in Yosemite. Click here for a printable itinerary.
Number of days: 4
Number of backpacking miles/km: 33/53
Elevation gain/loss: 3,450ft/1,052m
Trip Cost/Person
| 2-4 people | 5-7 people |
| $799 | $719 |
Multi-day backpacking trips include camping accommodations at Curry Village or nearby campground, all necessary Gear, certified, medically trained guide and all meals and snacks while on the trail (starting with the 2nd day lunch). Transportation is NOT included but can be arranged with advanced notice and an additional fee. Gratuity for your awesome guides is not included.
Chilnualna Falls/Buena Vista Lake
This 5 day backpacking trip will have us hiking to Chilnualna Falls, the largest fall outside the Valley area. This loop will then take you to several glacier formed lakes in the higher country of Yosemite National Park. You will hike over a 9000ft pass before descending back down to Chilnualna Falls and Wawona. After each day of hiking, take a swim, relax by the camp fire or take some time to take in the beauty of Yosemite. Click here for a printable itinerary.
Number of days:Â 5
Number of backpacking miles/km:Â 28.5/46
Elevation gain/loss: 5,000ft/1,524m
Trip Cost/Person
| 2-4 people | 5-7 people |
| $999 | $899 |
Permits and fees. All necessary Gear. Certified, medically trained guide. All meals and snacks while on the trail.
This 6 day backpacking trip will have you gaining elevation as you make your way up to the 11,000ft Red Peak via the Merced River Canyon. This area is rarely visited due to its rugged terrain, but your efforts will be rewarded with pristine alpine lakes and above tree-line landscapes that allow for open star-gazing at night.
On the way, you will hike through Little Yosemite Valley, by Half Dome, Nevada and Vernal Falls. Camp will change every night as you move through the area via this 51 mile loop. You will camp at Moraine Dome, Washburn Lake, and Ottoway Lake, to name just a few of the many beautiful destinations.
Number of days:Â 6
Number of backpacking miles/km:Â 51/82
Elevation gain/loss: 5,230ft/1,594m
Trip Cost/Person
| 2-4 people | 5-7 people |
| $1199 | $1079 |
Multi-day backpacking trips include camping accommodations at Curry Village or nearby campground, all necessary Gear, certified, medically trained guide and all meals and snacks while on the trail (starting with the 2nd day lunch). Transportation is NOT included but can be arranged with advanced notice and an additional fee. Gratuity for your awesome guides is not included.
Custom Yosemite Backpacking Trip Itinerary
There are hundreds of miles of backpacking trails in Yosemite. Let us know your dates and what kind of hike you are looking for and we can set up something just for you and your group.
Trip Cost/Person
| 3 days | 4 days | 5 days | 6 days | 7 days | |
| 2-4 people | $599 | $799 | $999 | $1199 | $1399 |
| 5-7 people | $539 | $719 | $899 | $1079 | $1259 |
