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Sleep under the stars and see Yosemite minus the crowds

Explore the North Rim of Yosemite Valley during an early season Yosemite hiking adventure up to the rim that overlooks one of the world’s scenic treasures. This small group backpacking trip offers a wonderful opportunity to escape the crowds and absorb some of the best views in Yosemite National Park. You will also maximise your time by starting and finishing your trip in Yosemite Valley where El Capitan and Half Dome tower over the famous meadows. Sleep under the stars, see all the best sights, take in views of the entire Yosemite Valley and the incomparable High Sierra, and more.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Yosemite National Park, United States
Finish
Yosemite National Park, United States
Destination
United States
Style
Basix
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
SKXV
Physical rating
Ages
Min 12
Group size
Min 1, Max 10

Why you'll love this trip

  • Escape the crowds, absorb some of the best views in the park, sleep under the stars, and see some of Yosemite’s most amazing waterfalls and peaks.

  • Start and finish your trip in Yosemite Valley, where the scenery is superb and El Capitan and Half Dome tower over the famous meadows.

  • See Yosemite Falls, North Dome and Indian Rock while taking in expansive views of the entire Yosemite Valley and the incomparable High Sierra.

  • Photo opportunities are plentiful as the trail reveals ever-changing views of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Tenaya Canyon, Mount Watkins, and many more scenic wonders.

  • Take in views of Yosemite’s only above water natural arch and climb to the summit of Half Dome’s smaller twin, North Dome.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is a walking trip; a good fitness level will help you enjoying all included walks and activities.

  • On this tour you will be required to carry a back pack weighting approximately 35-45 lb (15-20kg).

  • On our final day there is no accommodation included so please plan your departure accordingly, or pre-book a post-tour night.

Hiking in Yosemite NP, California, USA
Gorgeous waterfalls, Yosemite NP, California, USA
Beautiful scenery and views, Yosemite NP, California, USA
Panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, California, USA
Stunning rugged Terrain, Yosemite NP, California, USA

Itinerary
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Start your guided Yosemite hiking trip with a rendezvous in Yosemite Valley in Curry Village at 6pm on Day 1. After the Welcome Meeting, your group will settle into the Backpackers Camp which is located a stone’s throw away from Tenaya Creek and under the spectacular domes and cliffs of Yosemite Valley. Tonight, enjoy dinner either at Curry Village or in camp.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the Welcome Meeting this evening as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or Intrepid know.

Your first hike of the trip heads around the north flank of Half Dome then skirts the south side of Mirror Lake. After a quick look at Snow Creek Falls, you will tackle the climb along Snow Creek Trail slowly and steadily until you reach the black oak forest near the northern rim of the Yosemite Valley. It’s a long way to the top but awesome views of Tenaya Canyon and the north face of Half Dome will take your mind off the numerous switchbacks along the way. Tonight, make camp alongside Snow Creek and take in the pine scented air as you enjoy a delicious guide-prepared gourmet dinner.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Snow Creek Trail hike
  • Snow Creek wildcamping
  • Guided Backpacking experience - Yosemite National Park
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is approximately 8kms (5 miles) with a 950m (3118 feet) elevation gain and a 115m (374 feet) elevation loss.

Set off early for the walk to Indian Rock where photographic opportunities of Half Dome abound. After enjoying the views and a hearty lunch, it is all downhill through increasingly open country to the next highlight of the trip, the summit of North Dome. Half Dome–just 1.5 miles away, now—dominates the view south, and the rest of Yosemite Valley unfolds at your feet. After you have enjoyed the view, you will set up camp alongside a cool forested stream and look forward to enjoying one of the best night skies anywhere in the world.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Indian Rock hike
  • North Dome summit hike
  • Wildcamping experience
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is approximately 13kms (8 miles) with a 655m (2145 feet) elevation gain and a 550m (1800 feet) elevation loss.

After an incredible sunrise overlooking Yosemite Valley, descend from Yosemite’s North Rim towards your destination at historic Camp 4 in the Yosemite Valley. But, the scenic highlights aren’t over yet as your trail descends alongside Yosemite Falls, one of the top attractions in the park. At 2425 feet tall, this is the tallest waterfall in North America and the sixth highest in the world. Descend sharply to the base of the Upper Falls and enjoy the cooling mists of the spring snowmelt as the thundering water roars past the trail. The last switchbacks pass quickly as you near the trailhead, where you will enjoy a last lunch together before your trip comes to an end.
Included Activities
  • Yosemite Falls hike
  • Yosemite Valley Camp 4 visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is approximately 11kms (6.5 miles) with a 355m (1160 feet) elevation gain and a 1300m (4240 feet) elevation loss.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Backcountry camping (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Snow Creek Trail hike
  • Snow Creek wildcamping
  • Guided Backpacking experience - Yosemite National Park
  • Indian Rock hike
  • North Dome summit hike
  • Wildcamping experience
  • Yosemite Falls hike
  • Yosemite Valley Camp 4 visit

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Hiking and Backpacking Yosemite's North Rim trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A completed registration form is required to join these trips. You will not be confirmed for the trip until your form has been received and reviewed. We may ask for a medical release signed by your physician for medical conditions or circumstances which could possibly compromise your safety or the safety of others on this trip – please speak to your agent for further details.
2. Travellers on this particular trip are not required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
3. A signed disclaimer (Acknowledgement of Risks Form) is required at the time of booking for this trip – please speak to your agent for further details.
4. To help ensure this trip is right for you, this trip is subject to additional ‘Essential Eligibility Requirements’ – see the ‘Itinerary Disclaimer’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details
5.This trip is operated and run by Wildland Trekking, an Intrepid company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Wildland Trekking customers and Intrepid customers.
6. This trip starts in Yosemite Valley in the parking lot of Curry Village near the bear boxes at shuttle stop 14 at 6PM on Day 1.
7. A single tent is provided to all solo travellers at no extra cost.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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