This introductory Yosemite backpacking adventure takes in spectacular mountain vistas while teaching you the basics of backpacking. Perfect for those with no previous backpacking experience.

Learn from an experienced professional mountain guide all the skills you will need to know to set off on your own into the wilderness. Instruction includes proper packing, gear selection, pack fitting, hiking pace, navigation with map, compass and GPS, campsite selection, safety concerns, bear and wildlife awareness, health concerns and much more. Throughout the course we teach Leave No Trace Ethics to show one how to leave the wilderness as we found it.

Along the way we enjoy tranquil alpine lakes and whispering pine forests. We will not cover more than 4 miles a day to allow for more backpacking instruction and to allow for everyone to take in the sights. A great way to ease into backpacking in the beautiful Yosemite high country.

View the Itinerary for this trip

For Yosemite High Country travel and lodging information visit our Tuolumne Meadows Travel Page

For other Sierra Nevada backpacking and trekking trips see our main Trekking/Backpacking page.

Location: We meet at Tuolumne Meadows in the Yosemite high country, an hour from Yosemite Valley and an hour from the eastern Sierra resort of Mammoth Lakes.

Food: At California Alpine Guides we strive to provide healthy and delicious gourmet backcountry meals. Breakfast and dinner are provided by your guide / backcountry chef while in the field. Special diets can be accommodated.

Level: No previous backpacking experience is required. Previous hiking experience is highly recommended.

Dates 2008: Jul 11-13
Custom dates available from Jun through September

Cost: $425 per person

Includes: Breakfast and dinner while in the field, professional mountain guides and instruction and all group camping gear and permits.