Trip Description
Yosemite National Park is world famous for its extraordinary views, incredible waterfalls and towering granite cliffs and domes. The Yosemite Falls & Snow Creek Loop offers you the opportunity to experience all these wonders while avoiding the most popular and most crowded places in the park. You will hike up and out of Yosemite Valley, past the incredible 2400-foot Yosemite Falls, to the rim of the valley where you will bask in the glorious views and spend your first night. Then enjoy two days traveling through the high country towards North Dome, offering views of Half Dome and the Yosemite Valley, then to Indian Rock and Snow Creek before heading back down to the valley floor along the Snow Creek Trail. Enjoy the impressive views of Tenaya Canyon, Clouds Rest and Mt. Watkins as you make the steep descent, arriving back in the Valley in time for lunch. Whew! A strenuous but fantastic adventure!
Overview
Type: Backpacking
Days: 4 Days
Distance: ~25 miles
Itinerary
Day 1
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
Day 2
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
Day 3
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
Day 4
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
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 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.
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?
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.
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
Don’t see your dates? Custom dates may be available!
Call 1-928-525-1552 or email us for details.
2025 Trip Dates
2026 Trip Dates
Click on a date to request a reservation! Or contact us to request custom dates.
No dates available yet for 2026.
Guest Testimonials
List of Services
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John S.John S.
“My son and I went on the hike in early August with Bob from Four Seasons and three other hikers. Bob was excellent in building a team and instructing. I was the “old man” (58) on the trip so the first day up 3000 feet was a challenge but after making camp and relaxing by the stream we were rejuvenated. Three days in the high country were awesome with hikes to El Capitan, Yosemite Point, North Dome and others. Good meals, snacks, and attention to hydration left me stronger at the end. Having four new friends and a wonderful experience with my son left me fulfilled and in even greater awe of our world.”
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Sherrie H.Sherrie H.
“If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you. That is my motto. When I am looking for an outdoor adventure for me (normal person), I want something different and something that will make me say “Wow, I just did that!’. But at age 56, I want to be safe too, so I look to Four Season Guides to help me. This is my third trip with this company which speaks to how comfortable I am with them on these adventures. I have also included my daughter and my friends’ young adults in these trips. We have all loved them.
Yosemite is a beautiful national park with alot to offer. If you are considering at trip and want a company to help you, I have a couple of suggestions: 1) Pick a guide company with good reviews. 2) Don’t go with want everyone else does. Half Dome is an example…so many people want to score a permit to hike up it, but I am not sure why…when we were at the top of Yosemite Falls, stepped on El Capitan, North Dome, Indian Peak, and slept by Snow Creek. It was hard at times, but I trained and was ready for the adventure as advised by Dave. It was a great trip for this flat-lander from Maryland. Thank you to Jeremy (our guide) and to Dave (owner) for a great trip!”
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Nicole B.Nicole B.
“This was my third time with Four Seasons which says it all. They will tailor your experience to exactly what you are looking for, match any dietary restrictions or requests and the equipment they use is always clean. Jeremy was an amazing guide and cooked great food. Any questions we had leading up to the trip were answered quickly and very helpful. I will definitely be coming back.”
Price: 
$1,850/person
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