5 Day | 4 Night: Backpacking Ten Lakes Basin & Mt Hoffman

If you enjoy solitude, dramatic high country vistas and pristine alpine lakes, then this is the only trail in Yosemite you should consider! This incredible adventure boasts 15 alpine lakes over 8000 feet and untold vistas and viewpoints throughout each day!

Day 1 | 7 Miles | Moderate Elevation Gain
We’ll begin our adventure with the solitude of Luken’s Lake and enjoy a relaxed 5-mile hike through old growth forests along the middle fork of the Tuolumne River. We’ll begin climbing a few hundred feet in the afternoon before coming to rest that evening in Half Moon Meadow at the base of Ten Lakes Pass where we will enjoy a gourmet dinner and an incredible sunset.

Day 2 | 6 Miles | Strenuous Elevation Gain and Loss
After a big breakfast, we’ll begin the slow and steady 1 mile, 900-foot ascent up to Ten Lakes Pass for incredible views of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Yosemite’s High Country! We’ll take a quick side trail to Grant Lakes for a relaxed lunch and swimming before continuing up and over into the Ten Lakes Basin where we will explore the many lakes before camping at Last Lake at an elevation of 9400 feet!

Day 3 | 3 Miles | Moderate Elevation Gain and Loss
We'll wake up with the sun and enjoy a leisurely breakfast, a little hiking and a lot of swimming during this day in the Ten Lakes Basin.

Day 4 | 7 Miles | Strenuous Elevation Gain and Loss
Another big breakfast, another incredible day! We’ll head on for a day of quiet solitude as the trail slowly crawls through Yosemite’s high country! Throughout the day we’ll travel over unnamed passes, along the South Fork of Cathedral Creek and past Tuolumne Peak until coming to rest for the evening at an unnamed pond in the shadow of Mt Hoffmann.

Day 5 | 7 Miles | Moderate Elevation Gain and Loss
This may arguably be the most dramatic day of your adventure as we head over to May Lake for a cross-country hike to the summit of Mt Hoffman, the geographical center of Yosemite! From the 10,854 peak, you’ll be looking down on both Clouds Rest and Half Dome and that is not even the best part... In addition to the 360-degree panoramic views, you’ll get high alpine lakes, marmots galore, wildflowers and tons of history and geology, making this a definite Guide's Choice Hike! Once back in civilization, we’ll continue our adventure to the nearest Pizzeria for a celebratory slice or 4!

What's Provided

• Private Transportation to Trailhead.
• All meals from lunch on Day 1 - lunch/dinner on the final day.
• 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.

What to Bring

A complete list provided upon request and in your confirmation email.

Duration

5 Days and 4 Nights