Multi-day overnight backpacking trips offer the chance to settle into Yosemite’s wilderness, move beyond the day-use rhythms of the park, and experience the landscape over time rather than hours.
Primary CTA:
View available trips
(or “Request a trip” for planning-first trips)
How multi-day trips work
Backpacking trips are built around spending multiple days in Yosemite’s wilderness, carrying what you need, and experiencing areas beyond the reach of a typical day hike.
Trips may include:
- Establishing a base camp or moving camp nightly
- Time to explore side routes, basins, and quieter terrain
- Evenings spent cooking, resting, and watching the light change
Each trip is planned around conditions, permits, and group goals rather than fixed mileage targets.
Who this is for
This is a good fit if you:
- Want to spend multiple days in Yosemite’s wilderness
- Are comfortable carrying a pack and camping overnight
- Are prepared for backcountry travel without daily access to amenities
- Prefer a small-group or private experience over a tour-style trip
This may not be a good fit if you:
- Prefer lodging, vehicle access, or daily amenities
- Are not comfortable sleeping and living outdoors for multiple days
What’s included
- Multi-day guided backpacking trip
- Pre-trip planning conversation and route selection
- Permit coordination where applicable
- Leadership and navigation throughout the trip
- Campsite selection and on-trail decision-making
- A Wilderness First Aid–trained guide
- Group first-aid and emergency equipment
- Backcountry water treatment
What’s not included
- Park entrance fees
- Transportation to and from trailheads
- Personal backpacking gear
- Food, unless otherwise arranged
- Gratuity
What you’ll bring
You’ll need to arrive prepared for multi-day travel in Yosemite’s backcountry. Required personal gear includes:
- A properly fitted backpack suitable for overnight travel
- Shelter, sleep system, and clothing appropriate for variable mountain conditions
- Food for the full duration of the trip
- Footwear appropriate for uneven terrain and extended use
- Personal items and any required medications
A detailed, trip-specific gear list is provided during planning, and gear readiness is reviewed in advance of the trip.
Before the trip
Preparation begins well before the first step on the trail.
Several weeks before the trip start, we hold a pre-trip video call so everyone can meet, review the proposed route and plan, and align on expectations. During this call, a detailed gear list and food guidance are shared, with enough lead time to make adjustments, acquire missing items, or refine plans as needed.
The day before the trip begins, we meet onsite in Yosemite for a final gear review and readiness check. This is an opportunity to confirm equipment, address last questions, and make any last adjustments based on current conditions.
This process ensures everyone starts the trip prepared, informed, and ready for multi-day travel in Yosemite’s wilderness.
Fitness and expectations
Multi-day backpacking trips involve sustained effort over several days, including elevation changes, uneven terrain, and carrying a full pack.
Trip planning accounts for:
- Group experience and conditioning
- Seasonal conditions
- Elevation gain and loss
- Time needed for rest and recovery
To support safe and appropriate trip planning, participants complete a short pre-trip questionnaire covering:
- Prior backpacking and hiking experience
- Current fitness level
- Relevant health considerations, including medications, allergies, or other factors that may affect time in the backcountry
This information is used to shape route selection and daily plans. The goal is a trip that feels challenging but manageable, not rushed or punishing.
Permits and planning
Overnight backpacking trips in Yosemite often require wilderness permits. Permit availability, trailhead quotas, and seasonal regulations shape what trips are possible and when.
Most trips are offered in one of two ways:
Planned trips
Some trips are offered on specific dates using permits secured in advance. These trips have defined group sizes and availability and can be booked directly.
Custom trips
If you have a specific route, timeframe, or objective in mind, custom trips may be possible depending on permit availability and guide schedule. These trips require additional planning and flexibility.
Planning considerations include:
- Desired dates and trip length
- Preferred terrain or objectives
- Permit availability and seasonal conditions
Some trips require advance coordination well ahead of the start date.
Pricing
Pricing is based on:
- Trip length
- Group size
- Permit complexity
For trips offered on specific dates with permits already secured, pricing is shown at booking.
For custom trips, pricing is shared during planning once scope and permit availability are confirmed.
Trips may be offered as small-group experiences. Custom trips are often private, depending on availability and permits.
How booking works
Multi-day backpacking trips are offered in two ways.
Planned trips
Trips with permits secured in advance can be booked directly on listed dates.
Custom trips
Custom trips follow a planning-first process before dates and pricing are finalized.
Once a trip is booked or requested:
- A short pre-trip questionnaire is completed to share experience, fitness level, and relevant health considerations
- A pre-trip video call is scheduled several weeks before departure to review the plan and share gear and food guidance
- The day before the trip begins, we meet onsite in Yosemite for a final gear review and readiness check
This process ensures trips are planned realistically and that everyone starts prepared and informed.
Book a backpacking trip
Multi-day backpacking trips offer a different way of knowing Yosemite over time, beyond a single day on the trail.
View available trips
(or “Request a backpacking trip”)