Yosemite Falls and North Dome Traverse
Guided Backpacking Trips
4-5 Days, 3-4 Nights 19MI / 30KM
Trip Highlights
Explore the North Rim of Yosemite Valley on this four or five day excursion into John Muir’s famous “Range of Light.” This trip is a great early season Yosemite adventure up to the 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.
This trek begins and ends in Yosemite Valley, where El Capitan and Half Dome tower over the famous meadows. We’ll explore majestic Yosemite Falls, North Dome and Indian Rock while catching expansive views of the entire Yosemite Valley far below us and the incomparable High Sierra all around us! Photo opportunities are plentiful as the trail reveals ever-changing views of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Tenaya Canyon, Mount Watkins, and many more of Yosemite’s scenic wonders.
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Early Season Trip
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Amazing Views
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Waterfalls
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Natural Arch
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Rejuvenating Solitude
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3000 Foot Ascent of Snow Creek Trail
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Summit of North Dome
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Trip Details
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Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
4-5 Days, 3-4 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
4-8 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 trek follows well maintained trails that includes a Day 2 climb up Snow Creek of roughly 1000 feet of elevation gain per mile for up to 3 miles. Day 4 descends over 4000 feet along switchbacks on the Yosemite Falls trail.
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 guided Yosemite backpacking trip begins with rendezvous in Yosemite Valley in Curry Village 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: 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 3118 feet
Elevation Loss: 374 feet
Our hike begins with a leisurely “shake-out” hike around the north flank of Half Dome in the western end of Yosemite Valley. We skirt the south side of Mirror Lake and after a couple of miles take a side trail to have a quick peek at Snow Creek Falls as it cascades down the north side of Tenaya Canyon. To the left of the falls is the next section of our trip, the daunting Snow Creek Trail! We won’t let it intimidate us as we tackle the 3000 ft climb, slowly and steadily. The awesome views of Tenaya Canyon and the north face of Half Dome will take our minds off the numerous switchbacks until the trail finally reaches the shade of a black oak forest near the northern rim of Yosemite Valley! A bit farther on, we make camp along the gentle cascades of Snow Creek and enjoy the pine scented air as our guide prepares a well-deserved gourmet dinner.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 8.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 2145 feet
Elevation Loss: 1800 feet
Today’s hiking bill of fare features pleasant forest walking, stupendous views, Yosemite’s only above water natural arch, and the summit of Half Dome’s smaller twin, North Dome! We break camp fairly early and continue north along Snow Creek through an enjoyable forest of lodgepole pines. We steadily gain elevation until we reach the literal high point of the trip at Indian Rock. Here photographic opportunities abound as the delicate arch frames Half Dome just two and a half miles across the canyon. 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 our feet. As we watch the shadows lengthening, we hurry the last two miles to set up our camp along a cool forested stream and look forward to enjoying our mountain top location to view one of the best night skies anywhere.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1160 feet
Elevation Loss: 4240 feet
After an incredible sunrise overlooking Yosemite Valley we will have a hot breakfast and breakdown our tents. Today we descend from Yosemite’s North Rim backpacking towards our destination at historic Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley. But, the scenic highlights aren’t over yet, as our trail descends alongside Yosemite Falls, one of the top attractions in the park. At 2425 feet tall, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. We 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 few switchbacks pass quickly as we near the trailhead, where we enjoy a last lunch together and reminisce over our successful attempt at backpacking Yosemite Valley’s North Rim trail!
5-day Variation
This hike is often done as a five day trip with a layover the second day at the Snow Creek campsite. That day is be spent exploring the surrounding high country with excursions to the historic Snow Creek Cabin and the summit of secluded Mount Watkins.
Important: this trip is operated as either a 4-day or 5-day itinerary, and is confirmed as such in advance. Variation of trip length does not mean guests can choose to leave a trip or early or extend it a day.
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 information 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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Megan J
5 months agoAbsolutely Amazing
The Yosemite trip was absolutely amazing. Ian was a terrific guide and helped ensure everyone enjoyed the adventure, were safe, and very well fed. We had a great group of people, which made the experience awesome. The route was beautiful with great trails, campsites, creeks, views, etc. Will be back for another trip with Wildland as soon as possible.
Patricia N
5 months agoAbsolutely Phenomenal
Absolutely phenomenal from the first phone call I made to the last step I took off the trail. The entire team was above and beyond helpful
Rick A
5 months agoLet’s Go….
This is my second trip with WildLand and once again they did not disappoint. I arrived at Curry Village very early on day one and if you want a great day hike I recommend Mist Trail to the top of Nevada Falls (recommended by Meghan). It’s a little over 8 miles and worth the effort. The itinerary was exactly how they described it. For everyone who has the privilege of climbing the Snow Creek Trail to camp on day two be prepared and do your training. It’s a real boot kicker. The views throughout the trek were amazing never losing site of Half Dome. Clearly Half Dome is the iconic picture, but the views of North Dome, Liberty, Three Sisters, El Capitan, Indian Rock, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls and all the other creeks, peaks, and rock formations should not be over shadowed. There was no shortage of wildlife during our trek. We saw rattle snakes, deer, lots of birds, a grouse, and YES a mama bear and at least one cub (it was either my Tibetan prayer flag or Aubrey’s birthday that allowed for that :-)). Meghan (our guide) was experienced, informative, and a true wildlife steward. She made sure that everyone enjoyed their adventure regardless of backcountry experience. A bonus is having a former Chef cooking your meals for you. Although a few cans of tuna and mayo would have been nice (that’s an insider joke). LOL. Last but not least…the people you meet. I am so grateful for having the pleasure of completing this trek with everyone. We had lots of laughs, I think there were some tears, but we made it. Team work makes the dream work. Let’s go….
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