Yosemite Introductory Backpacking

Trip Description

Our Yosemite Introductory Backpacking Trip is a great option for novice backpackers and families looking to experience the wonders of hiking and camping in Yosemite’s breathtaking wilderness. Daily backpacking mileages are generally shorter than on other more demanding trips and there are plenty of opportunities to explore with just lightweight day packs once we are out in the backcountry. Hike along snow-fed streams and rivers up to alpine lakes, through wildflower meadows and climb to breathtaking vantage points offering unsurpassed views of the Sierra Nevada. Spend your nights camped beneath star-studded skies and sharing stories around the campfire. Our expert Yosemite hiking guides will handle all the details and ensure you of the backcountry experience of a lifetime.

Specific itineraries vary for these trips and are based on a number of factors including group interest and fitness, desired hike length (number of days), time of year and permit availability. You can book custom itineraries, working one on one with our trip specialists, or join an existing trip with available spaces.

Request A Reservation

Call or email us with any questions.
877-272-5032
or
[email protected]

Overview

Trip Details

Type: Backpacking

Days: 3 or 4 Days

Distance: 15 to 20 miles

Difficulty: Intermediate

Origin: Yosemite National Park

Cost: $1365 (3 days) / $1575 (4 days)

Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

Specific itineraries vary for these trips and are based on a number of factors including group interests and fitness, desired hike length (number of days), time of year and permit availability. Contact one of our trip specialists to discuss custom options for your group. You can also join existing trips as space allows.
For custom itineraries, we recommend booking at least 5 to 6 months in advance. However, we can often find excellent itineraries for your group on shorter notice, as well.

Call 1-877-272-5032 to speak with a trip specialist about planning your Yosemite Backpacking Adventure today!

Details

What's Included

  • 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)

What's Not Included:

  • 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

How many people are in the group?

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.

Are there age restrictions?

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.

How do I sign up?

In order to confirm a reservation, we require an initial non-refundable 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.

Your deposit is payable over the phone by Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, or Discover. You can also pay by personal check or PayPal (PayPal incurs a 1.5% surcharge). Call our office Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm Arizona time. 1-877-272-5032

Travel Logistics

Where does the trip begin/end?

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.

Where do meet our guides?

Upon booking your trip, you will receive a detailed information packet with all the necessary details specific to your trip. Most trips hold a pre-trip orientation meeting at 5pm the evening prior to your trip’s departure.

What do we do with our car and extra stuff?

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.

What time will we get back on the last day?

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.

Trip Dates

2023 Dates

August: 18-21

 

Don’t see your dates? Custom dates may be available!

Call 1-877-272-5032 or email us for details.

Guest Testimonials

Guest Testimonials

“This was our third trip with FSG. This was our first backpacking trip and doing that for the first time with FSG is the way to go! My husband and I were thrilled to get Bob as our guide again. We were lucky enough to get Bob all to ourselves- this is what those big companies won’t do without their minimum quota, people! So personalized!
Anyway, as in the past, all gear is provided if you need it. I had a backpack and sleeping pad but needed everything else, and my husband needed everything. Their gear is top notch – pack was Deuter, sleeping pads were Thermarest, sleeping bags were Kelty and Marmot, tent was MSR. Good stuff!

Bob is really good at gauging your hiking ability. He enthusiastically encouraged us with every ascent, and kept us at a pace where I was never gasping for air (that’s saying something when you’re hiking at 7,000 foot elevation!). Food was great every meal. Bob has a tremendous amount of knowledge about where we were, plant and flower names, historical information, and just flat-out enthusiasm!! Conversation flowed easily, and I feel much more confident about my ability to backpack now!
Already looking at what our next FSG adventure will be!” – Jen M.

“We had a fantastic girls backpacking trip with Matt! He was patient with us (many of us first time backpackers) and tolerated all of our girl talk! Yosemite was gorgeous and it was an all around fantastic experience. Highly recommend for experienced or first time backpackers.” – Jodi W.

“This was my first foray into backpacking and trip to Yosemite with FSG was perfect! Our guide, Matt, was patient, good humored and most importantly super experienced so we learned a lot while having a good time. I enjoyed the detail to my diet request and even learned a few new recipes! Our group is discussing a trip for next year!” Linda G.