Yosemite High Country Basecamp Tour
Camping Hiking Tours
4 Days, 3 Nights 27MI / 43KM
Trip Highlights
This all-inclusive Yosemite camping tour packs a tremendous amount of value into one action-filled four day hiking and camping package. We give you the best of both sides of Yosemite – phenomenal hikes in Yosemite Valley as well as up in the Park’s stunning Tuolumne Meadows. We spend time exploring Yosemite Valley’s world-famous granite features, like Half dome and El Capitan, as well as its amazing waterfalls and incredible glacial history. We also enjoy plenty of time in the cooler, quieter high country around Tuolumne Meadows, hiking through subalpine parklands, past beautiful clear-blue lakes and to the summits of some of the Park’s “cathedral” peaks!
We set up our base camp at higher elevations than Yosemite Valley, at a private campground just outside of Yosemite National Park boundary with great access to the Valley and the high country. Each day after a hearty breakfast we head into the park for unforgettable days of hiking on a diversity of hand-picked trails. At night we return to our camp for fantastic meals, relaxation, and showers.
-
Diverse Tour of Yosemite
-
Iconic Hikes
-
Best Waterfalls & Domes
-
BIG Alpine Views
-
Yosemite Valley and High Country
-
Camp Near Tuolumne River
-
Exceptional Outdoor Cuisine
Book This Trip
View Dates
Trip Details
-
Trip Type
Camping Hiking Tours -
Trip Length
4 Days, 3 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
4-8 miles -
Group Size
2-10 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
"*" indicates required fields
Is This Trip Right For me?
This trip follows well maintained trails. Some concerns include loose dirt, large stepping stones and tree roots. The top of Vernal/Nevada falls has exposed vertical drops with safety railings in place.
Difficulty Level
Learn More
Solitude Level
Learn More
Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
Shuttle: 3 hours
Hiking Mileage: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1270 feet
Elevation Loss: 1270 feet
Our first Yosemite hike begins at the Happy Isles trailhead with an outstanding hike to view one of Yosemite’s crown jewels, Vernal Falls, along the John Muir trail. While many of Yosemite’s hikes are centered on a final destination, this route features stunning views the whole way. We’ll enjoy a panorama that includes Upper Yosemite Falls across the Valley, to the phenomenal granite heights of Liberty Cap, Grizzly Peak, the Panorama Cliffs, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point and even Half Dome soaring above our heads.
After our waterfall hike we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and then begin the shuttle to our camp at higher elevation. At camp, we’ll get settled in and reconvene for our first delicious, guide-prepared dinner.
Day 2
Shuttle: 1.5 hours each way
Hiking Mileage: 10.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2540 feet
Elevation Loss: 2540 feet
Today we will climb one of Yosemite Valley’s iconic granite domes, Half Dome’s northerly sibling, the spectacular North Dome. Our hike starts above the Valley at a normally quiet trailhead and heads south through a pristine Lodgepole Pine forest. After only a few miles we will enjoy a rejuvenating break at Indian Arch, an arch-shaped rock that provides breathtaking views of the mountains that surround us. From Indian Arch we will descend down onto the top of North Dome where we will enjoy a picnic lunch with out-of-this-world, 360-degree views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding mountain peaks as our backdrop. After snapping lots of photos and soaking up the views, we will complete our hike back to the trailhead, then return to camp for showers, evening cuisine, and another relaxing evening.
Day 3
Shuttle: 1 hour each way
Hiking Mileage: 7.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 1900 feet
Elevation Loss: 1900 feet
Today is an unforgettable adventure as we embark on a hike to one of Yosemite’s most beautiful lakes – Cathedral Lake. Our hike begins in Tuolumne Meadows and quickly ascends into a lodgepole forest as we pass Cathedral Peak and crest a saddle before descending to Cathedral Lake. On the shores of the lake we’ll dip our feet and/or go for a chilly but refreshing swim, enjoy a wonderful picnic lunch, and relish the world-famous views of one of the most picturesque features of Yosemite’s high country: Cathedral Peak reflected in the crystal waters of Cathedral Lake. Another feast of a dinner and relaxing evening await us back at camp.
Day 4
Shuttle: 1 hour each way
Hiking Mileage: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2020 feet
Today, after a satisfying breakfast, we’ll attempt to summit a peak at the geographical center of Yosemite National Park. Our hike takes us uphill to May Lake, a charming sub-alpine lake framed by sheer granite cliffs. We’ll take a break at the lake before continuing up the flanks of Mount Hoffman. This summit involves only hiking, but is an exciting ascent up a picturesque mountain peak.
The real gem of today comes when we reach the summit of Mount Hoffman, which some people say offers the best view of any in Yosemite! From its high perch we will be looking down on Half Dome and Clouds Rest – a rare vantage point – and over to the bright granite peaks of the Cathedral Range. We’ll snap some pictures and soak up the views over a picnic lunch before heading back down to May Lake and back to the trailhead.
After our hike we’ll enjoy one last scenic drive out of the high country back to Yosemite Valley for the conclusion of our adventure.
Trip Dates
Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.
Scroll horizontally to view all dates
What's Included
-
Top-of-the-line tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and day pack
-
Use of trekking poles
-
All meals are included from breakfast on Day 1 through lunch on the last day
-
Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
-
Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
-
Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yosemite
What's Not Included
-
Clothes, raingear and footwear -
National park entrance fee
-
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
-
Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
-
Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Accommodations
PRIVATE CAMPGROUND
3 NIGHTS
This basecamp tour stays at a private campground on the Tuolumne River just outside of Yosemite National Park with fantastic access to Yosemite Valley and the high country. It features showers, flush toilets and a myriad of other amenities and activities.
FANTASTIC MEALS
11 MEALS
Basecamp trips include meals for the duration of the tours beginning with breakfast the first day through lunch the final day. Meals are prepared by your guide(s) using fresh ingredients, exclusive Wildland recipes, and we adhere to all department of health outdoor cooking codes.
COMFORTABLE CAMPING
CAMPING AMENITIES
What amenities do basecamp tours include? Cold and hot drinks, campfires (where/when allowed), camp chairs, access to showers, fresh food, roomy tents, comfortable sleeping pads, comfy sleeping bags, camp pillows and more! Camp comfortably, eat well, and hike til your heart’s content!
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
You’ll meet your hiking guide and group in Curry Village in Yosemite Valley around 8 AM the morning the trip begins. Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip and will specify the exact location of the rendezvous at that point. You can park your personal vehicle at Curry Village for the duration of the trip.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Yosemite Valley
TRAVEL TO CURRY VILLAGE IN YOSEMITE
You’ll meet your hiking guide and group in Curry Village in Yosemite Valley around 8 AM the morning the trip begins. Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip and will specify the exact location of the rendezvous at that point. You can park your personal vehicle at Curry Village for the duration of the trip.
Most of our guests drive personal or rental vehicles to Yosemite, but you can also travel to and from Yosemite National Park using train and bus options from much of California:
From Fresno: Yosemite Area Rapid Transit (YARTS) is offering 1 bus ride each direction from Fresno to Yosemite Valley.
From Other California Cities: by rail on the Amtrak San Joaquin Train to the city of Merced (serviced by most large cities in California) or by Amtrak “Thruway” Bus Service from Merced to Yosemite Valley. To book your trip, use Amtrak’s Online Reservation Service to book round-trip Amtrak travel to “YOS” (Yosemite Valley).
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s rendezvous time at the orientation meeting. Generally, you can expect it to be between 5 and 8 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will be out of the backcountry normally before 5 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time) on the final day.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Reviews
- SORT BY:
- Most recent
- LOW - HIGH
- HIGH - LOW
Shoko C
1 year agoWe couldn't have asked for a better adventure.
My husband and I joined this trip on August 20-23, which was nothing short of extraordinary. The journey was unforgettable, made by Morgan's passion for nature through every moment. Morgan's deep knowledge of the trails enriched our hikes, every feature we could not miss while hiking. She gave us the freedom to choose routes that matched our interests. As "Chef Morgan," she prepared tasty meals that perfectly matched the outdoor experience, turning each meal into a delightful pause and energy for the next. Imagine breakfast in the crisp morning air, lunch atop a breathtaking 360-degree peak, and dinner under the open sky after the hot shower, followed by a campfire, grilled marshmallows, and starlit conversations with new friends. We were fortunate to share this journey with a group of wonderful people from 4 different nationalities, adding a rich layer of connection to our experience. Every detail was perfectly done, reflecting Morgan's love for nature and dedication. We couldn't have asked for a better adventure.
Robert P
1 year agoAmazing Guide and Trip
We went on the Basecamp High Country trip to Yosemite 20-23 August 2024 and had Morgan Daniels as our guide. How lucky were we!!!! Morgan is an amazing guide: knowledgeable, energetic, kind, sweet and funny. She took care of our group in an outstanding way, by showing us the beautiful parts of the park, providing fun facts about the surroundings, feeding us delicious meals and even entertaining us with her amazing musical skills. She even sang for us during one of the fire pit evenings and was great fun from day one until the very end. Morgan is also a superlative cook - she prepared for us delicious, fresh and healthy meals, respecting our dietary requirements and tastes. We particularly admired how she engaged with the group – she was able to keep all members and their interests communicated and aligned to ensure the maximum fun for the group. Not an easy feat to do with people who are learning to like one another and who have different outlooks and capabilities. She demonstrated amazing leadership and an emotional intelligence that is far above par (and what was expected) Morgan is a real gem and we would love to join another tour with her in the future – she is a standard bearer of the dream “guide” and you should be lucky to have her in your ranks at Wildland Trekking!
Erin P
1 year agoGreat Trip
We had a fantastic trip and would highly recommend this trip to anyone visiting Yosemite. Our guide, Austin, was amazing and we would love to trek with him again.
You Might Also Like...
"*" indicates required fields
Leave a Reply