Yosemite Classic Camping/Hiking

Yosemite Classic Camping

Yosemite National Park

Trip Highlights:

Yosemite Valley

Mist Trail

Authentic Backpacking Experience

Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome & Taft Point

Mt. Hoffman & May Lake

Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias

As many of our local guides will tell you, some of their first and most powerful experiences in Yosemite National Park were on classic, multi-day camping/hiking trips. The convenience of camping in a car-friendly site gives the opportunity to venture out daily to see the different landscapes, views, and vistas in every corner of this magnificent park.

Our Classic Camping/Hiking Adventure is a traditional way of visiting Yosemite without the “roughing-it” experience of a backpacking trip. We will shuttle out daily from our campsite, with daypacks and lunch in hand, to our selected hiking destinations. As the #1 guide service in Yosemite, our tours highlight a variety of iconic and popular features throughout the park as well as some of the lesser known gems. We will hike to the top of giant waterfalls, along glacially polished granite, through alpine meadows full of wildflowers, and past giant sequoia trees. We will stand atop granite domes and reach the top of a major summit. Along the way, your professional and knowledgeable guide will share the history of Yosemite as well as information about the geology, natural history, plants, and animals of the area.

Every night you will stay in a comfortable campsite. We will provide all of the luxury camping gear. You can leave the cooking to our experienced outdoor guides, known for providing tasty and satisfying meals. The night will come to an end with stories and laughter around the campfire. S’mores are on us.

This is a great Yosemite multi-day tour that caters to families and hikers of all skill levels. This is a top-choice for first-timers to Yosemite.

In addition to our published dates, you can contact us about planning other dates/packages ranging from at least three days in length.

*Classic Camping Dates remain tentative until we are able to secure campsites, which we obtain approximately 5 months in advance. We currently have confirmed campsites through September 15th, 2023. Additional months will be confirmed on a rolling basis on the 15th of every month (ex. June 15-July 14 will be confirmed on February 15th).

Mileage & Difficulty

Average 27 Miles

Varies

Length

5 Days

Price

$1,895

Per Person

Departure Info

Curry Village Parking Lot

4pm

Book Now

2024 Departure Dates by Month

All dates remain tentative until permitted 22-weeks in advance. Please remain from making travel arrangements outside of this timeline. We will contact you if we are unsuccessful in obtaining your dates. Feel free to contact us if you would like to confirm.

Day 1: Yosemite Valley

You will meet your guide at Curry Village at 4 pm. This will be followed by group orientation and introductions. After getting settled in the campsite and after dinner, the group will partake in an evening stroll of the eastern side of the Yosemite Valley. Campfire in the campsite as time allows. Total Mileage: 2-4 miles

Day 2: Mist Trail

After a hearty breakfast, we will shuttle to the Happy Isles trailhead to hike the famous Mist Trail. This hike gets you right up next to two of Yosemite’s most well-known waterfalls, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and along the eastern edge of the aptly named Panorama Cliff. You will complete your loop and return to the valley via the famous John Muir Trail, offering new perspectives of the waterfalls you just hiked beside. Following the hike we will catch the shuttle back to our campsite for dinner and relaxation. Total Mileage: 7.2 miles

Day 3: Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome & Taft Point

After an early morning breakfast, we will head to Glacier Point, where we will spend time taking in the views and history of this famous landmark. From Glacier Point we will hike to the summit of Sentinel Dome at 8,122’ for amazing 360-degree views. After descending Sentinel Dome, we will follow along the southern rim of the valley to the famous Taft Point for an amazing view into Yosemite Valley from the cliffs above. Total Mileage: 7.0 miles

Day 4: Mt. Hoffman & May Lake

After a hearty breakfast, we will shuttle to the May Lake parking lot where we will have the option to summit Mt. Hoffman at 10,850’. This is the geographical center of Yosemite as well as John Muir’s favorite view in all of Yosemite. On our way back, we will have a chance to take a dip in May Lake. As time permits we will shuttle into Tuolumne Meadows for a quick overview, and perhaps, another amazing sunset opportunity. We will share a warm cooked meal around the campfire when we return back to camp. Total Mileage: 6.0 miles

Day 5: Self-Guided Tour/Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias

During breakfast your guide will present some options for a self-guided tour on your way out of Yosemite such as further exploration within the Yosemite Valley, a visit to the Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias (Hwy 120-west), a visit to Tuolumne Meadows (Hwy 120-east), or the Pioneer Village & Wawona along Hwy 41 south. Plan to leave the campsite by 10 am. As coordinated, you can also plan for a 12:30 pm meeting at the Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias with your guide for further interpretation along this hike. Your own transportation would be needed to get to/from the Tuolumne Grove.

This is a sample itinerary only.

Although we do our best to follow this itinerary; it can and will change for matters out of our control. Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. Also, as a group you can work with your guide to develop new daily itineraries by request.

Additional Information

Camping is within Yosemite National Park in the same campsite for the 4-nights.
We include top-of-the-line tents, sleeping bags and pads, tent lighting, camp furniture, and eating gear.
There are bathrooms at every campground, but not always showers. Expect to shower every other day. Showers are not included in the price of this trip.
Transportation is provided to/from day hikes throughout the duration of the trip.
Price includes: 4 nights Custom Camping, professional guides/cooks, transportation within the park, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through b-fast and snacks on Day 5, group gear, permits and insurances.
Not included: Transportation to/from Yosemite National Park, alcoholic beverages, and guide gratuities.
Single travelers will be provided with single tents at no additional charge.
Remember, all profits from our guided trips go towards our non-profit youth summer camp program.

REQUIRED FORMS

In addition to full payment; final acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all the Required Forms. These forms are also attached to your confirmation email once you register online.

We will require an additional medical release for any guests on multi-day trips or any guest who is currently under the care of a physician for any ongoing disease, illness, or any other condition/factor that may be a concern on the trip.

DIETARY CONSTRAINTS

Although we are able to accommodate many specific dietary constraints and choices, we prepare foods in a facility with peanuts, gluten, soy, and other major allergens, and are not certified as an ‘allergen-free’ facility. We take steps to limit the risk of cross-contamination, but we cannot guarantee that foods we prepare will be fully free of major allergens.

We have experience accomodating a variety of dietary choices and concerns, including, but not limited to:

Vegan and Vegetarian
Peanut and/or Tree Nut Allergy
Lactose Intolerant
Celiac’s or Gluten Free
Kosher

If we have questions or concerns about the information on your medical form, we will call you the day before your trip to ensure we are packing foods you are able to eat without issue.

TRADITIONAL BACKPACKING

Lasting Adventures runs “traditional backpacking” trips. This is done without the use of porters, stock, or other outside assistance. You will be expected to carry all of your own personal gear and a share of the group gear and food in a backpack for the duration of this trip. The weight can be expected to be 30-50 lbs and no more than the recommended ⅓ of your body weight.

As needed, it is recommended that participants discuss their ability to conduct a backpacking trip with their doctor, including (but not limited to) the ability to carry heavy loads over long distances and strenuous and uneven terrain. Levels of difficulty listed on our website are relative and in no way an objective declaration of difficulty, and a regular physical exercise program is recommended prior to going on your adventure.

TRIP ITINERARIES

All trips are subject to itinerary changes for a wide variety of reasons including, but not limited to permitting, weather, forest fires, park or public land closures, and/or road closures. In most all situations we will offer an alternative itinerary of equal value and quality or a credit through the end of the following season. Payments are non-refundable for itinerary changes. If a trip is canceled due to circumstances beyond our control prior to its start date a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued.

STAFF SCHEDULES

Due to the nature of backpacking, our guides work long hours. In order to provide the best possible experience to our guests and our guides, we limit the number of hours that our guides work to 15 hours per day. Guides will not be required to be available from 9 pm to 6 am, unless a different time period is agreed upon by the group prior to this standard break period. This varies on our summer camps, where our outdoor educators are available as needed at all times.

During time off, our guides will be available for emergencies, but should be allowed to rest and should not be considered available for other purposes outside of working hours. Please refrain from requesting non-time-sensitive assistance from guides during this period. Our guides are also entitled to take off 10 minutes every four hours, as well as 30-minute meal breaks every 5 hours, between 6 am and 9 pm. We appreciate your cooperation with these scheduling requirements.

FIREARM POLICY

Lasting Adventures understands that firearm laws and policies vary in every area we operate in. Regardless of local laws and policies, Lasting Adventures does not allow firearms on any of our trips. Participants who bring firearms will not be allowed to participate while in possession of their firearm.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

For your protection and ours, we strongly recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance, which can provide you with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption (including COVID-19), travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, airfare, and baggage loss/delay to protect your financial investment. We do recommend those with “cancel for any reason” clauses included and see here for a review of some of the Best Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Options presented by Forbes or Squaremouth.

Travel Insurance is the easiest and best way to protect both yourself and our smaller non-profit organization against last-minute cancellations. We will happily provide timely and accurate documentation for any insurance claim related to our trips upon request. Please note that when canceling a trip, your first course of action should be to contact the company responsible for insuring your trip.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Full payment is preferred for all Backpacking Trips. During check-out, you may opt to pay a 50% deposit at the time of booking and the remaining 50% 30 days from departure. If choosing this option, you can either complete payment on your own with the self-service link in the confirmation email, or you will be billed automatically at or shortly after the 30-day interval for the remaining amount. Any new multi-day booking made at/within 45 days in advance will be required to pay in full. Feel free to contact us directly to set up any other payment plan. When registering online, expect to pay a booking fee of 3.0% (which is capped at $30) and a processing fee of 2.7% (no cap). These fees can be avoided when paying by check. For detailed information, see Payment Options.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES

Lasting Adventures reserves the right to cancel trips. If a trip is canceled due to circumstances beyond our control, a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. Lasting Adventures is not responsible for additional expenses incurred while preparing for the trip.

The following cancellation policy is only for trips booked directly through our official website, lastingadventures.com. If you have booked via a third-party website, such as The Clymb, TripAdvisor/Viator, or bookyogaretreats.com, the below policy does not apply, and you are held to the third-party’s cancellation policy.

Multi-Day Adventures/Summer Camps Cancellation Policy

More than 90 days prior to the start date, we will grant you a full refund.
Between 90 and 61 days prior to the start date, we will grant you a full refund minus a $50/person processing fee.
Between 60 and 46 days prior to the start date, we will retain 25 percent of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the full value paid.
Between 45 and 31 days prior to the start date, we will retain 50 percent of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the full value paid.
Less than 31 days prior to the start date, or once the trip has begun, there will be no refund or credit.

48-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Policy

Cancellations of any trip can be made without penalty within 48 hours of the initial booking. After 48 hours, our standard terms and conditions apply. To cancel, please email us at staff@lastingadventures.org or leave a voicemail at 800-513-8651. This policy does not apply if the booked trip occurs within 96 hours of the initial booking.

Fire/Smoke Cancellation Policy

Fire/smoke cancellations are considered circumstances beyond our control. If your chosen travel insurance does not cover fire/smoke cancellations, a credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. In this case, you will be required to submit proof of the purchase of said travel insurance. If we cancel during your adventure with us, we will refund a credit equal to the number of days not used. In both cases, these credits will be lifetime/transferable.

Other Considerations

Departing From a Trip: Once a participant has joined a trip and the trip has begun, no opportunities for refunds or credits will be possible, regardless of the reason for departure. Costs associated with assisting a participant with evacuating from the wilderness will be passed on to the participant. Travel Insurance (below) is strongly recommended.

Minimum Participants: Our Guide Service multi-day trips have a two-person minimum. (Yoga trips have a three-person minimum.) Should we fall short on these minimums, we will contact you 30 days in advance of your scheduled start date with options that may include switching to another trip/date and/or a single-participant surcharge.

Infectious Disease Policy (including COVID): Any participant, on any program/trip, with any sign/symptom of a potential illness will not be able to participate, and no refund/credits will be given. Many forms of Travel Insurance cover these circumstances. We ask that you screen yourself and/or your child prior to participation and contact us to cancel should any sign of illness be present.

Half Dome & Other Summits: Reaching the top of a summit, such as Half Dome, is a risky activity which can be made far worse by inclement weather. While we aim to get everyone to the top, summiting is not guaranteed. Lightning and rain can be deadly on exposed summits, and our experienced guides may have to call off a summit bid if weather conditions are unfavorable.

TRIP CHANGE/CREDIT POLICY

Once you book a trip with Lasting Adventures, the value you paid is valid towards switching to another trip in the current or the coming year, pending available spaces on the new trip. Changes to your booking and conversion to a credit must occur more than 30 days prior to your original start date. Changes within 30 days are subject to fees. Once changed to a lifetime credit, credits are non-refundable and are a dollar-for-dollar value.

COUPONS

See our Coupon Use Terms and Conditions

#1 Rated Guide Service in the West

"My son and I (both tax accountants) recently enjoyed a three-day private guided backpacking trip with Last Adventures. The trip met all our expectations; we had a great time! The guide’s love of her work and knowledge of Yosemite National Park made the trip a success. She planned all the details, provided excellent gear, and made sure everything worked out as planned"

"Lasting Adventures made my trip to Yosemite a dream vacation! It was stress-free because every detail was covered from food and transportation to clear meeting instructions and itinerary. Our guide took a hike that would have been fun and made it magical by explaining the history and ecology of the area we were hiking. He matched our pace and often let us lead. I can't say enough good things about Zachary and Lasting Adventures!”

“I did the Yosemite yoga 3 day backcountry camping. It was amazing! I would definitely do it again. The food was great! The scenery was superb camping in high country aside a mountain lake, and the guides and yoga instructor were fantastic!!!”

"We were a group of 7 family members (ages 22-65 years old), and for all of us it was our first hiking/backpacking/camping experience. We all had such an amazing yet challenging experience! Our guides’ spirit, cooking, and knowledge were great!”

“We backpacked with a group of 7 other people from 'Backpacker's Camp' to Mae Lake, up to Mt Hoffman, Cloud's Rest, and finally completed the trip with an amazing last day, summiting Half Dome at sunrise! It. Was. Incredible!! Our guides immediately made us feel comfortable and excited. Their passion for the wilderness, people, and their career as a guide is contagious. If you have the chance to go on a Lasting Adventures trip - please do it!”