Glacier Point Trek
Guided Backpacking Trips
4 Days, 3 Nights 24MI / 39KM
Trip Highlights
Explore the Southern Rim of Yosemite Valley on this four day excursion into the Yosemite Backcountry. This trip is a great early season adventure up to the south rim that overlooks one of the world’s scenic treasures, Yosemite Valley. It offers a wonderful opportunity to escape the crowds, absorb some of the best views in the Park, sleep under the stars, and check out some of Yosemite’s most amazing waterfalls and peaks.
The trek begins and ends in Yosemite Valley, where El Capitan and Half Dome tower over the famous meadows. We’ll explore majestic Tunnel View, Dewey Point, Glacier Point and climb to the top of Sentinel Dome. We will also camp above Bridalveil Falls and trek along the famous John Muir Trail as we make our way past Vernal and Nevada falls, two of Yosemite National Park‘s most amazing waterfalls.
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New Trip Offering
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Spectacular Views
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Waterfalls
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Scenic Campsites
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Fascinating Glacial History
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Pristine Mountain Creeks
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Iconic Yosemite Domes
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View Dates
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
4 Days, 3 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
7-9 mi -
Group Size
1-10 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
This trip follows well maintained trails. Some concerns include loose dirt, large stepping stones and tree roots. The hike begins with a massive climb of +3500 ft out of Yosemite Valley on rough switchbacks, which is the most difficult part of our trip.
Difficulty Level
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Solitude Level
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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
This Yosemite backpacking trip begins with rendezvous in Yosemite Valley in the parking lot of Curry Village near the bear boxes at shuttle stop 14 at 6PM on Day 1. You will easily spot your guide waiting for you in a Wildland Trekking hat. We’ll conduct an orientation meeting, after which we’ll get settled in the Backpackers Camp a stone’s throw away from majestic Tenaya Creek and under the spectacular domes and cliffs of Yosemite Valley. We’ll enjoy dinner either at Curry Village or in camp.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 7.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 3660 feet
Elevation Loss: 1400 ft
Our day begins with a short shuttle up to the amazing Tunnel View where we will catch the sun rising over Half Dome and get our gear ready for the Trek. The hike begins with a hefty 7.1-mile climb toward Bridalveil Creek where we will camp for the night. Along the way we will stop at Old Inspiration Point and Dewey Point, each come with Panoramic Views of the Valley below and El Capitan. Once we hit the creek above Bridalveil Falls we will set up camp for the night and cook an amazing dinner under the stars.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 9.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 2200 feet
Elevation Loss: 2700 feet
After an early rise and a hearty meal cooked by your guide, we will pack up for an unforgettable day on the Pohono Trail. Ascending roughly 500ft takes us to an unparalleled view at Taft point. We will hang out for a few and then make our way toward the summit of Yosemite’s iconic Sentinel Dome. The view from here is 360 degrees all around the park, views of Mount Clark, Half Dome, and Yosemite falls dominate the landscape. Next up is a short walk to Glacier Point, a 3000 ft wall above Yosemite Valley and we will be standing right on top of it! This is a perfect place to have lunch and really enjoy views of Vernal/Nevada Falls and Mt. Starr King. From here we will descend a few miles into the Illilouette Creek drainage where we will pass a waterfall and make camp for the night.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 8.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1740 feet
Elevation Loss: 3880 feet
Today we will meet up with the John Muir Trail and pass 2 of Yosemite’s iconic waterfalls along the way. After breakfast in camp, we will pack up and backtrack a bit as we cross Illilouette Creek toward the JMT. Once we hit the trail junction we will make our way to the top of Nevada Falls. From here you can see Glacier Point and a commanding view of the Merced River below. We will take time for photos and a quick snack and continue down the John Muir Trail. Aptly named, Clark Point, named after Yosemite’s original gatekeeper, Galen Clark, quickly comes into view. From this trail junction we will catch up with the Mist trail that will take us face to face with Vernal Falls, a perfect way to end the trip, this is a must-see in Yosemite. As we make our way back down from the falls we will hit flat ground back in Yosemite Valley where we will make our way back to the cars at Curry Village. A last lunch with your guide will await you as we say our goodbyes and reflect on an amazing trip in Yosemite.
Trip Dates
Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.
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What's Included
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Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
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High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
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Use of trekking poles
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All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on the last day
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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.
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National park backcountry camping permits
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Bear cannisters for food storage
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
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Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yosemite
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear and footwear -
National park entrance fee
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Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Accommodations
BACKCOUNTRY SLEEPING
TENT CAMPING
Sleeping on backpacking trips is in premier 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.
BACKCOUNTRY CUISINE
FRESH & DELICIOUS
Meals from breakfast Day 1 through lunch the last day are fully included and prepared by your guide. We never use dehydrated backpacking meals, instead serving freshly prepared, delicious backcountry cuisine made with a variety of common and specialty ingredients that travel well in the wilderness.
AMAZING CAMPSITES
IN THE ACTION
Campsites vary by destination, trip and even by the individual day of a trip. However, you can expect to camp in beautiful areas that put you right in the action to make the most of your trekking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
This trip meets in Yosemite Valley in the parking lot of Curry Village near the bear boxes at shuttle stop 14 at 6PM on Day 1. Your guide will contact you approximately 10 days before your trip to coordinate this rendezvous and answer any last minute questions you have. Your guide will be waiting for you in a Wildland Trekking hat and shirt. This trip includes dinner and camping that night at the backpackers camp. Personal vehicles can remain parked at Curry Village during your 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 YOSEMITE VALLEY BACKPACKERS CAMP
This trip meets in Yosemite Valley in the parking lot of Curry Village near the bear boxes at shuttle stop 14 at 6PM on Day 1. Your guide will contact you approximately 10 days before your trip to coordinate this rendezvous and answer any last minute questions you have. Your guide will be waiting for you in a Wildland Trekking hat and shirt. This trip includes dinner and camping that night at the backpackers camp. Personal vehicles can remain parked at Curry Village during your trip.
Many Wildland guests rent vehicles or drive their own to Yosemite Valley. However, 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. To reach the Yosemite Valley Backpackers Camp get off at Curry Village and either walk or take a national park shuttle to North Pines Campground. Walk to the back of the campground and across the footbridge to the camp.
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)
- 10 and older to join private tours, with final approval on a case by case basis
- specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Reviews
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Gary R
6 months agoDo it!
What an experience! This was a bucket list item fulfilled! The beauty of Yosemite in a way most do not get to see her. It was one of the hardest but most rewarding things I have ever done. Our group was outstanding, led by our guide Austin. He was always there to support us when things got difficult, inform us about the wildlife and nature in the park and it felt like we knew him as a friend for years. Thank you for everything Austin! If you have the opportunity to do a trip like this, Do it!
Anne B
1 year agoIt was a great hike!!
It was my first time backpacking and I really appreciated the professionalism of the guide Carm and organisation. The hike was incredibly scenic, camps in the forest magical and the food tasty and comforting. Thanks Carm for this amazing adventure!
Michael B
1 year agoOutstanding
Everything about this adventure was outstanding. The guide, 'Morgan" was great, the trail took us everywhere we had hoped to get to and the views were amazing. Yosemite is special.
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