2 Day Young Lakes Trek- 15 miles
Visit high alpine lakes in Yosemite’s High Country. The first day’s hike is a steady climb with stunning rewards. Stop at Dog Lake and in a high alpine meadow with spectacular views including the Lyell Glacier and Tuolumne Meadows below. Camp at lakes above tree line and see all the stars. Spend the morning exploring the upper lakes and enjoy a late day stroll downhill toward Tuolumne Meadows. (Suggested start date after July 31)
Day 1 – 6.5 miles to Lower Young Lake
Day 2 – 1 mile to Upper Lakes and 6.5 mile return to Trailhead
3 Day Ten Lakes Pass Journey – 16-20 miles
High country lakes abound on this trip. After a steady climb through the forest on the first day’s hike, we cross over Ten Lakes Pass for a breathtaking view of the High Country. A quick descent takes us to the Ten Lakes Basin where we camp for the next two nights. Day two is carefree while we explore the lakes, take some time to relax, swim or fish. On day three, a small climb takes us back to the top of the pass for views of the Tuolumne River Canyon. We will visit Grant Lakes and then return to the trailhead, walking downhill most of the day. (Suggested start date after July 31)
Day 1 – 6 miles to Ten Lakes
Day 2 – 2-6 miles optional day hike
Day 3 – 8 miles to Grant Lakes and trailhead
*This is a moderate trip that begins at 7500 ft and climbs 2000 ft. Total gains and descent are 2600 ft over 3 days. Option to add days to relax at the lakes.
3 Day Polly Dome Lakes Hike Including Mt Hoffman Summit – 16 miles
This is a great trip for beginner and intermediate backpackers or families wanting to climb a mountain! The trail up Mt. Hoffman takes us into the land of marmots living on High Sierra summits. From the top at 10850 ft in the center of Yosemite, is a breathtaking panorama that includes Half Dome and views of two river canyons. Our first night is spent adjusting to the elevation at Polly Dome Lakes after a moderate and short climb in. Day two is a half day’s hike to May Lake Backpacker’s Camp (with a flushing toilet!) from where we can climb Mt Hoffman, offering views of Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon. On the last day, we return to the trailhead with a steady descent. (Suggested start date after July 31)
Day 1 – 3.5 miles to Polly Dome Lakes with time to time to explore or an optional day hike in the afternoon
Day 2 – 4.5 miles to May Lake Backpacker’s Camp
Day 3 – 8 miles to Mt Hoffman and returning to trailhead
*This is a moderate trip with 1000 ft of gain and 1500 ft. This does not include a day hike up Mt Hoffman, which adds 1250 ft gain and descent.
3 Day Chilnualna Falls Trail Exploration – 22 miles
A good early season hike in the southern end of Yosemite for when other trails are still covered in snow. The Chilnualna Falls hike climbs out of Wawona with views of the falls. After a steep hike to the top we will set up camp and enjoy the majestic forest. The second day we’ll take smaller packs and set off day hiking to Crescent and Johnson Lakes, returning to our camp at the top of Chilnualna Falls for a second night. Returning to the trailhead, the last day is downhill alongside the waterfall that’s filled our bottles for the last few days. (Suggested start date Spring & Fall)
Day 1 – 7 miles to the top of Chilnualna Falls
Day 2 – 8 miles day hiking to Crescent and Johnson Lakes, return to camp
Day 3 – 7 miles to Wawona trailhead
*This is a moderate hike that gains and descents 4000 ft (2500 ft while backpacking and 1500 ft while day hiking.) Day 2 can be shortened if you choose to include a half rest day for journaling or stretching.
3 Day Upper Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne – 23 miles
John Muir, the premier Yosemite preservationist, described this area as “a grand landscape garden, one of nature’s rarest and most precious mountain temples”. Your adventure begins as you enter the Tuolumne river valley at the precise point where it begins to carve its way through a massive complex of rolling granite mountains. The result is an unparalleled display of cascades, pools, and waterfalls. You will spend several nights camped aside a picturesque off trail lake, just a stone’s throw away from a 2,000 foot cliff and the river below. A short day hike will reward you with a 360 degree view of some of the most rugged country in the west. (Suggested start date after July 14)
Day 1 – 6.5 miles to McGee Lake (gain 500 ft/loss 700 ft)
Day 2 – 3 miles to California Falls (loss 250ft)
Day 3 – 7.5 miles return to Tuolumne Meadows (gain 1000 ft)
4 Day Yosemite Valley North Rim (From the Top) – 26.5 miles
This hike highlights the park’s majestic forests and the dramatic cliffs of the Valley, and is great for families. (Suggested start date Mid May)
Day 1 – 7.5 miles along Yosemite Creek to Rim of the Valley
Day 2 – 8 mile day hike to El Capitan, return to same camp
Day 3 – 6.5 miles to Yosemite Falls and North Dome
Day 4 – 4.5 miles to Indian Rock and to trailhead. Day 4 optional: If everyone has the energy, add a 5 mile day hike to the last day for more stunning views of Half Dome!
*This is a moderate trip that descends 1500 ft and gains 2000 ft. This trip can be shortened to a 3-day trip by skipping Day 2.
4 Day Buena Vista Peak loop -30 miles
If you wish to spend less time climbing mountains and more time swimming, this trip is for you. This relaxing trail meanders through several meadows and takes you to at least eight sub alpine lakes. A moderate climb will reward you with views of North, Basket, & Half Dome, Cloud’s Rest, and Mt. Starr King. (Suggested start date after July 31)
Day 1 – 8 miles from Bridalveil campground to Chilnualna Creek (gain 500 ft)
Day 2 – 7 miles to Royal Arch Lake (gain 1200 ft)
Day 3 – 6 miles to Edison Lake (gain 300 ft/loss 900 ft)
Day 4 – 8 miles returning to Bridalveil camp (loss 1200 ft)