Adventure, Curated
Explore 5,000+ human-powered experiences — handpicked outdoor adventures for all skill levels with max stoke, zero hassle.
Local Legends, Real Reviews
We partner with the best in the business — trusted local outfitters and guides who know the trails, tides, and terrain. Backed by 185,000+ reviews, averaging 4.8⭐
Book Direct, Best Price Guarantee
Get the best price, availability, and flexibility you need by booking directly with the outfitter or guide.
Protect What You Love
Your adventure gives back. Every booking supports conservation and keeps wild places wild.
3 Day | 2 Night: Backpacking Yosemite Valley's Southern Rim
Description
Guided Yosemite Backpacking Trip - 3 Days in Yosemite's Southern Rim
Duration
Location / Where to Meet
Ages & Requirements
- Minimum Age: 8 and older.
- Group Size: Up to 4 guests
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Fitness & Experience: No prior backpacking experience is required, but guests should be comfortable carrying a backpack and hiking up to 8.5 miles over varied terrain. Trails include moderate elevation gain and natural obstacles.
What's Included
- Private Transportation to Trailhead.
- All meals from lunch on Day 1 - Pizza on the evening of Day 3.
- Snacks, drinks, and water available throughout your excursion.
- Private naturalist guide with Wilderness First Responder Certification
- Entrance, license and permit fees, and taxes
- All camping equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, and bag liners.
- Complete camp kitchen and bear canisters.
- Water and water filtration.
- Toiletries and sanitation supplies.
- First aid and emergency equipment.
Not Included
- Pre- and post-adventure lodging – available as an add-on
- Shuttle transportation – available as an add-on for Fresno, Sacramento, or Bay Area pick-ups
- Personal snacks or beverages beyond what is provided
- Rain gear – jackets, pack covers, or umbrellas in case of rain
- Personal hiking equipment not listed as provided (e.g., trekking poles if preferred)
- Camera or binoculars – bring your own to capture the scenery
- Guide gratuities – not expected, but appreciated for guides who provide an exceptional experience
What to Bring / Wear
For this multi-day adventure, we recommend layered clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, water, and a swimsuit for swimming stops. Additional items like trekking poles, binoculars, and personal toiletries can enhance your experience. A full packing list is available in the FAQ section and will also be provided in your confirmation email to ensure you
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Echo Adventure Cooperative
FAQs
3-Day Southern Yosemite Backpacking Itinerary
Day 1 | 8.5 Miles | Moderate Elevation Gain
Meet your guide after breakfast around 8 AM at a convenient prearranged meet up location to pack gear and talk safety. We’ll immediately drive into Yosemite National Park to begin our backcountry adventure at the secluded trailhead to Deer Camp. We'll enjoy a relaxed hike through one of Yosemite most secluded wooden regions before camping near Bridalveil Creek. There we’ll enjoy a well deserved camp cookout before falling asleep under the starry Sierra sky.
Day 2 | 3.5 Miles | Moderate Elevation Gain and Loss
After coffee and breakfast, our second day is spent heading up and down in elevation, a handful of meadow and stream crossings before setting up camp early at Bridalveil Creek. From here, we'll enjoy up to 7 miles of day hikes up to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point to see geology in motion and experience the best views Yosemite has to offer! We’ll head back to camp and revel in experiencing these famous sites without the crowds as we enjoy another camp cookout!
Day 3 | 7.5 Miles | Moderate Elevation Loss
We'll wake with the sun and enjoy coffee and a hearty mountain breakfast before another incredible day filled with long breaks at Dewey, Crocker, and Stanford Points for bird’s eye views of everything Yosemite Valley is famous for, like Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, El Capitan and more… way, way more! We'll enter Yosemite Valley that afternoon where we'll enjoy a short scenic drive through Yosemite Valley to the Half Dome Pizza Deck for a well-earned dinner of Pizza and Beer before heading back to your accommodations for the evening!
What does the provided Backpacking Kit include?
Your backpacking kit comes fully equipped for comfort and convenience during your Yosemite adventure, including:
- Lowe Alpine adjustable backpack
- Crazy Creek-style camp chair
- Trekking poles
- Big Agnes UL tent (or similar)
- Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad
- Mountain Hardware 30° sleeping bag
- Sea to Summit bag liner
- Inflatable sleeping pillow
- One headlamp
Everything is provided to ensure you have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable overnight experience in the High Sierra.
Do I need backpacking experience?
No prior experience is required. This trip is designed for beginners and intermediate hikers, but you should be comfortable carrying a pack and hiking up to 8.5 miles over varied terrain.
Can I bring my own gear?
Yes, guests are welcome to bring personal backpacks, sleeping bags, or other gear. Standard provided gear is included in the tour.
What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see a variety of birds, small mammals, and possibly deer. Your guide will provide tips for safe wildlife observation and leave-no-trace practices.
Is this a good family backpacking trip in Yosemite?
Yes! This moderate backpacking trip is suitable for families with children ages 8 and older. While no prior backpacking experience is required, participants should be comfortable carrying a pack and hiking up to 8.5 miles over varied terrain. Families will enjoy shared experiences in Yosemite’s stunning backcountry, including scenic trails, wildflower meadows, and riverside campsites. Please note that this is not a private tour, so your group will be hiking alongside other guests.
Will you pick me up at my hotel?
We'll pick you up anywhere along Highway 120, between Groveland, CA and the Yosemite National Park entrance. If you are staying on Highway 140 near El Portal or Highway 41 near Oakhurst, then we'll find the most accessible place to meet you based on the adventure you choose! Don't worry; we'll work with you, and provide maps and directions!
Do you include lunch on your adventures?
All of our all inclusive packages, backpacking adventures and full day whitewater rafting trips include lunch, and we offer a low cost, customizable lunch Add-Ons for all of our day tours and adventures!
Typically, you cannot buy lunh on the tours. We encourage you to buy a Custom Hiker’s Lunch or bring a bag lunch, so we can spend as much time as possible enjoying the National Park.
Can I cancel if it's raining?
Our philosophy is there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing! That being said, we will cancel and refund tours if it is dangerous to operate - which is incredibly rare. For those fair weather hikers, we recommend the Easy Cancelation Rate! You can also double check that your travel insurance will cover guest cancelations.
Do we need a Yosemite reservation?
Nope! We will cover your reservation and entrance fee into Yosemite on the day you are with us. If you want to go in on your own, then make sure you know the rules!
Cancellation Policy
To ensure a comfortable and safe experience on your Yosemite adventure, we recommend bringing the following personal items:
- Layered clothing – moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof/windproof outer layer
- Sturdy hiking boots or shoes – broken in with good traction
- Hiking socks – warm and comfortable to prevent blisters
- Daypack – for water, snacks, and personal items during hikes
- Water bottles or hydration system – enough for a full day of hiking
- Hat and sunglasses – for sun protection
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Camera and/or binoculars – to capture the incredible scenery
- Swimsuit and towel – for swimming at lakes and rivers
- Trekking poles – optional but helpful on uneven terrain or longer hikes
- Personal toiletries – including hand sanitizer, toothbrush, etc.
- Headlamp or flashlight – for evenings at camp
- Lightweight gloves and hat – for chilly mornings/evenings
- Optional personal snacks or energy bars
Note: A full packing list is also provided in your confirmation email.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
11892 Ponderosa Lane
Groveland, CA, 95321
US
ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT
Best price guarantee - book direct with the outfitter
Trusted local outfitters, vetted for quality
Free cancellation on most adventures