Yosemite Falls & Snow Creek 

We will meet at the Curry Village Store in Yosemite Valley at 8am. After a detailed orientation and fitting of equipment, we’ll load up our packs and head out on the trail. The lower section of the trail is very popular but the steep climb quickly separates the casual walkers from hardy hikers like you. The switchbacks seem relentless but soon you are rewarded with stunning views as you gain elevation. Catch your breath in the shade, snap a few pictures and then it’s back at it. Up, up, up we go! It’s 3.5 miles to the top of the falls. Tonight’s camp is nearby and although we haven’t put in too many miles, the climb will leave you ready to drop the packs for the day. Explore the nearby surroundings while your guide sets up camp and prepares a delicious dinner.

Distance & Elevation: 5 miles, 3000 foot ascent

Lunch, Dinner

After a tasty breakfast, we’ll head out for a full day of exploring with day packs. Our goal is the top of El Capitan, one of the most imposing granite rock faces in the world. Enjoy endless fantastic views of the valley below as we work our way along the North Rim. We will return to camp after a great day of hiking and settle down for a delicious backcountry feast.

Distance & Elevation: ~10 miles, minimal ascent/descent

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we’ll pack up camp, cross Yosemite Creek and head on out to Yosemite Point for some breathtaking views from the rim. Then we’ll head off along the Lehamite Creek Trail towards Indian Rock and Snow Creek. The trail today is decidedly less steep than Day 1 but we’ll have a few ups and downs along the way. And away from the crowds, you’ll enjoy the peace and solitude that so enthralled John Muir. There are a few side hike opportunities today including North Dome and Indian Rock.

Distance & Elevation: 8-10 miles, 1000 foot ascent/descent

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a night under the star filled sky, we will enjoy one last breakfast in the wilderness before packing up camp. The hike back to the valley is all downhill…about 2000 feet. Once back in Yosemite Valley, we’ll hike by Mirror Lake, and then catch the shuttle back to our starting point in time for lunch.

Distance & Elevation: 5 miles, 2000 foot descent

Breakfast, Lunch

• A professional, licensed and medically trained guide
• All necessary gear: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles
• All cooking/eating gear: bowls, cups, utensils (your guide will prepare all meals)
• All meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on the last day + trail snacks
• Backcountry permits and fees
• 5% NPS Commercial Fee (a required fee that passes through to Yosemite National Park)

• Transportation to/from Yosemite National Park
• Lodging the night before/after the trip
• Clothing, raingear, and footwear
• Personal toiletries, sunscreen
• Water bottles/hydration bladder
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Guide gratuity (suggested 10-20% of trip cost)

*Upon booking you will receive a detailed trip information packet

Most trips in Yosemite will accommodate 5 people plus one guide. On occasion, a group may be as large as 12 people plus 2 guides.

Children under the age of 13 are generally not permitted on regularly scheduled trips. This restriction may be negotiable on private tours. Please contact us with any questions regarding this policy.

In order to confirm a reservation, we require an initial deposit of $250 per person, with the final balance due 90 days prior to the trip’s departure. If you book a trip within 90 days of the trip’s scheduled departure, then full payment is due at the time of booking.

Once we confirm availability, you will be provided with an online registration link. Your deposit is payable online by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or ACH transfer.

This trip will begin/end in Yosemite National Park. You will want to fly into San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Fresno, or Reno. You will need to arrange your own transportation from airports to the park. In most cases, renting a car is your easiest and best option.

We will hold a pre-trip orientation at 5:00pm the evening prior to your trip’s departure at the at a pre-arranged location inside the park. Departure times and logistics for the following morning will be discussed at the orientation. Most trips will depart between 7am and 9am.

On the first morning of your trip, you will follow your guide to the long-term parking area where you can leave your car and personal belongings for the duration of the hike. You can also check with your hotel to see if they are willing to store your luggage for you while you hike.

Most trips end at lunchtime on the last day of the trip. If you are considering flying home on the last day of the trip, you should be finished up around 2pm. Since each trip has slightly different logistics, feel free to contact us with specific questions related to the expected return time for your trip.