Hidden Yosemite Backpacking Trip

Hidden Northern Yosemite Backpacking Trip

Yosemite National Park

Trip Highlights:

Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp

Pacific Crest Trail

Matterhorn Canyon

Tuolumne Meadows

Sawtooth Ridge

Upper Slide Canyon

Guide’s Top Pick!

Many believe that the northern portion of Yosemite National Park is the last true wilderness of the Sierra Nevada. On this guided Yosemite backpacking tour, we take you through this less-visited portion of the park, home to deep canyons, dense old-growth forests, and stunning alpine peaks and ridges. Follow the Pacific Crest Trail north out of Tuolumne Meadows before turning into the majestic Matterhorn Canyon, with Matterhorn Peak acting as a beacon at the end of the valley. Camp below Sawtooth Ridge and within Upper Slide Canyon before leaving Yosemite over high elevation passes, offering some of the most phenomenal viewpoints. On this adventure, you will camp beside rivers, waterfalls, and backcountry lakes, offering a dramatic landscape of northern Yosemite. This adventure is for you if you want to push yourself and have an authentic wilderness experience with fewer crowds.

Founder's Fall Adventure

See also our Founder's Fall Adventure for an additional opportunity to complete this itinerary in September with Lasting Adventure's Founder, Scott Gehrman, and Operations Director, William Heaps. Together, they have almost 45 years of guiding experience in Yosemite. Plus, all proceeds from this memorable trip benefit disadvantaged youth participation through our summer youth backpacking series.

Mileage & Difficulty

42 Miles

(Map and Elevation)

Strenuous

Length

6 Days

Price

$2,400

Per Person

Departure Info

Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center

12 p.m.

Check Availability

48-Hour Risk-Free Booking

You will receive a full refund if you cancel within 48 hours of the original booking date.

Lifetime Credit Policy

Book with confidence knowing you can cancel for any reason up to 30 days before your trip date and receive a transferable lifetime credit that is good for use on any of our programs.

Free Date Changes

Not sure if your current trip dates work? Rest assured, you can change your trip date as many times as needed, provided you do so at least 30 days before the current and new trip dates.

All dates remain tentative until confirmed 23-24 weeks in advance.

We are now fully permitted through July 15, 2026 departures.

See HERE for more info.

Yosemite 2025 Update: The National Park Service was given the green light for Yosemite to hire all needed seasonal employees for the summer 2025 season. We do expect to be able to run all our programs as planned. Should reservations be required, participation in Lasting Adventures programs, trips, and/or tours includes entry when reservations are needed

2026 Departure Dates by Month

All dates remain tentative until permitted 23-24 weeks in advance. Please refrain 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.

Guided Yosemite Backpacking Tours: Hidden Yosemite

For a detailed map with an elevation profile of the tentative itinerary, click here: Map.

Day 1

Meet your guide in the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Permit Center parking area at 12 p.m. Get acquainted with the group and your gear while eating the lunch you brought for day one. Hike six easy miles out of Tuolumne Meadows and north towards the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne—a dramatic glacier-cut river canyon. This gradual downhill hike meanders through alpine meadows, across massive granite slabs, and past both Tuolumne Falls and White Cascade. Set up camp at the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp (7,980′) next to a pristine swimming hole. The total mileage today is approximately six miles.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 5.9 mi / +320′, -973′

Day 2

We will get an early start as we continue along the Pacific Crest Trail. The start of the day will take us seven miles through Cold Canyon before we reach a fantastic vista peeking into Virginia Canyon and beyond. We will descend and find a campsite near Return Creek at 8,500′.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 8.0 mi / +1435′, -841′

Day 3

After a leisurely start with breakfast today and packing up, we will continue our trek along the PCT into Spiller Canyon and climb to Miller Lake. Today will also provide time to enjoy this high alpine lake.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 3.8 mi / +1291′, -369′

Day 4

We will rise and begin the day by ascending out of the Miller Lake basin before dropping into Matterhorn Canyon. At this point, we will leave the Pacific Crest Trail and continue deep into Matterhorn Canyon, where we will make camp amid the beauty of geological formations such as the Fingers, Matterhorn Peak, Whorl Mountain, and the famous Sawtooth Ridge.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 9 mi / +2380′, -1524′

Day 5

After a hearty breakfast, we will climb over Burro Pass at 10,600′ before descending into Slide Canyon. Exiting Yosemite, we will climb out of Slide Canyon and over Mule Pass (10,440′) while taking a break to reward ourselves with some of the most amazing and breathtaking views you may ever see. We will proceed another 1.5 miles into the Hoover Wilderness (Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest area) and alongside some extraordinary eastern Sierra pinnacles as we head to camp along the shore of Crown Lake (9,450′).

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 6 mi / +1161′, -2006′

Day 6

On our final day, we will continue our descent through the Eastern Sierras, passing many other lakes, rivers, streams, and small waterfalls as we proceed to the Annett’s Mono Village Resort on the east side of Twin Lakes at 7,092′. (Located about 12 driving miles outside and to the west of Bridgeport, California.) Reward yourself with lunch, a cold beverage, and/or an ice cream before our scheduled shuttle back to Tuolumne Meadows to retrieve vehicles. Expect to return to Tuolumne Meadows between 3-4pm.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 8.25 mi / +271′, -2636′

Our trips are all-inclusive. We provide all meals, and we can provide high-quality gear, including Gregory backpacks, Big Agnes tents, sleeping bags and pads, LEKI trekking poles, and eating gear, free of charge. Group gear, including all kitchen supplies, first aid, and water purification, is also included. See the Guide Service Backpacking Equipment List for more information.
See our Frequently Asked Questions, Yosemite Transportation Options, and/or Yosemite Lodging Options.
Parking will be available adjacent to the first day’s meeting location.
All trips include the required permits and are pending permit availability, which we gain 23-24 weeks in advance. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until we have confirmed dates. If we cannot acquire permits for this exact itinerary on your chosen dates, you will be contacted with options to choose different dates and/or cancel/refund.
Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. Lasting Adventures is recognized for its commitment to safety and risk management. In this regard, the summit of peaks will not be attempted when clouds are in close proximity.
Should reservations be necessary to enter Yosemite, your booking confirmation with us will serve as your entry reservation for the days booked with us. This should not be confused with entry fees, which still may be required.

See here for our full Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policies.

Your participation helps sustain our non-profit mission of supporting youth, families, and disadvantaged communities with positive experiences in America’s National Parks and natural spaces.

I have never backpacked before. Can I still join this trip?

Yes, our backpack trips are perfect for both those who are new to backpacking and those who have backpacked before and are looking to explore new areas.

I am booking as a solo participant. Is that okay?

Yes, overall, most of our clients travel solo, and everyone always leaves with new friends. Often these new friendships return and join us in different parks and/or on different itineraries. Solo participants will be offered single-person tents.

How big are the backpacking groups?

On backpacking trips, our average group size is 8-10 people with at least two guides, however, often groups are much smaller. We strive for a 1:5 guide to client ratio at most on all trips. We also appreciate small group sizes to maximize your experience.

Is there a Packing/Equipment List?

Yes, see here for our Guide Service Backpacking Equipment List.

How much weight will I be required to carry?

You can expect to carry anywhere from 30-50 pounds, but no more than ⅓ of your body weight. You will carry all your personal gear and, if possible, a share of the group gear. Within the group, bigger people carry more and smaller people less. For over 30 years now, this process has worked to everyone’s advantage.

Will there be parking available?

Yes, parking is always available close to our first day’s meeting point, and your vehicle can remain there throughout the trip.

Are there public transportation options available?

Although past clients have said they were glad they rented a vehicle, there are limited public transportation options for most of the trips we offer in Yosemite. See here for additional information: Yosemite Transportation Options.

Where can I leave my extra/other luggage and/or belongings I will be traveling with?

You can store your valuables and/or extra gear/luggage either locked in your vehicle or our guide’s vehicle for the duration of the trip.

Can you accommodate dietary requests?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We have a long history of meeting the needs of most all dietary restrictions and even some very complicated ones. When registering, you will complete a questionnaire to give us a brief picture of your needs. Later, you will complete a more detailed Medical Form, which you can use to include additional information. The staff guiding your trip will call you the day prior and, when packing the food/gear for the trip, will go over your needs and modifications in more detail. Although we have many options in stock, we respect it if you ultimately decide to bring your preferred substitutions.

What's your cancellation policy?

Lasting Adventures offers a very forgiving and structured Cancellation Policy, with lifetime transferable credit always an option up to 30 days prior to the trip. For a full description, visit our Terms and Conditions page.

See here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

Our trips are all-inclusive. We provide all meals, and we can provide high-quality gear, including Gregory backpacks, Big Agnes tents, sleeping bags and pads, LEKI trekking poles, and eating gear, free of charge. Group gear, including all kitchen supplies, first aid, and water purification, is also included. See the Guide Service Backpacking Equipment List for more information.
See our Frequently Asked Questions, Yosemite Transportation Options, and/or Yosemite Lodging Options.
Parking will be available adjacent to the first day’s meeting location.
All trips include the required permits and are pending permit availability, which we gain 23-24 weeks in advance. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until we have confirmed dates. If we cannot acquire permits for this exact itinerary on your chosen dates, you will be contacted with options to choose different dates and/or cancel/refund.
Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. Lasting Adventures is recognized for its commitment to safety and risk management. In this regard, the summit of peaks will not be attempted when clouds are in close proximity.
Should reservations be necessary to enter Yosemite, your booking confirmation with us will serve as your entry reservation for the days booked with us. This should not be confused with entry fees, which still may be required.

See here for our full Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policies.

Your participation helps sustain our non-profit mission of supporting youth, families, and disadvantaged communities with positive experiences in America’s National Parks and natural spaces.

What Our Clients Say

					Awesome trip! I chose the Hidden Yosemite trip and joined two other Washingtonians that I hike with regularly. What an incredible trip. First and foremost, our guides Will and Bella were awesome. They kept us well fed, educated on the history of Yosemite. Who knew that the white powder on an aspen tree could be used as sunscreen? They made the whole journey memorable. I can’t imagine a better way to experience this amazing place. A sincere thank you to Lasting Adventures and to Will and Bella!
- Read Moreread less
Mara B.
3/10/2022
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Mara B.
3/10/2022

						Awesome trip! I chose the Hidden Yosemite trip and joined two other Washingtonians that I hike with regularly. What an incredible trip. First and foremost, our guides Will and Bella were awesome. They kept us well fed, educated on the history of Yosemite. Who knew that the white powder on an aspen tree could be used as sunscreen? They made the whole journey memorable. I can’t imagine a better way to experience this amazing place. A sincere thank you to Lasting Adventures and to Will and Bella!
					
					Amazing experience hiking Yosemite with my two sons - no doubt lasting memories from this trip - Nick our guide was extremely knowledgeable and fun - meals out of this world - 10 out of 10 - highly recommend
- Read Moreread less
Reinhold K.
9/16/2021
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Reinhold K.
9/16/2021

						Amazing experience hiking Yosemite with my two sons - no doubt lasting memories from this trip - Nick our guide was extremely knowledgeable and fun - meals out of this world - 10 out of 10 - highly recommend
					
					A Hidden Yosemite Experience We Will Never Forget In August our family (includes 2 teenagers) went on a Hidden Yosemite trip with Lasting Adventures. We were joined by two others on the trip and our two Lasting Adventure Guides. This was out first trip to Yosemite and it was an amazing experience for the entire family. We departed for the back country from Tuolomne Meadows with an end point of Twin Lakes, outside the part. After the first fewmiles we saw very few other parties. The views were incredible and we had the opportunity to engage in lots of activities that suited our own interests including fishing and additional hikes and scrambling. Our guides were very knowledgeable and provided learning experiences throughout the trip related to the history of the park and the surrounding region and the biology and geology of the area. We all learned a huge amount about the area and our teenagers were enthralled by the overall experience, never even missing access to the Internet! The guides also prepared wonderful meals throughout the trip and took care of dishes and water, making it a real vacation for us. They also helped the two separate parties in our group bond and come together as a single expedition. The work of our guides meant that we could relax and watch the sun rise and set, take pictures observe wildlife and soak up the marvel that is Yosemite. In addition, we flew to California to start our trip and as a result we used Lasting's equipment rather than bringing our own. We found the equipment to be new, clean and well maintained. We did have one backpack where the backpack size did not precisely match the carriers torso length so would encourage additional homework in this area if you are going to use on of Lasting's packs. This trip was a great family vacation and experience and we are planning to go back and explore more of the Yosemite area with Lasting. I highly recommend this trip
- Read Moreread less
Craig B.
9/01/2021
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Craig B.
9/01/2021

						A Hidden Yosemite Experience We Will Never Forget In August our family (includes 2 teenagers) went on a Hidden Yosemite trip with Lasting Adventures. We were joined by two others on the trip and our two Lasting Adventure Guides. This was out first trip to Yosemite and it was an amazing experience for the entire family. We departed for the back country from Tuolomne Meadows with an end point of Twin Lakes, outside the part. After the first fewmiles we saw very few other parties. The views were incredible and we had the opportunity to engage in lots of activities that suited our own interests including fishing and additional hikes and scrambling. Our guides were very knowledgeable and provided learning experiences throughout the trip related to the history of the park and the surrounding region and the biology and geology of the area. We all learned a huge amount about the area and our teenagers were enthralled by the overall experience, never even missing access to the Internet! The guides also prepared wonderful meals throughout the trip and took care of dishes and water, making it a real vacation for us. They also helped the two separate parties in our group bond and come together as a single expedition. The work of our guides meant that we could relax and watch the sun rise and set, take pictures observe wildlife and soak up the marvel that is Yosemite. In addition, we flew to California to start our trip and as a result we used Lasting's equipment rather than bringing our own. We found the equipment to be new, clean and well maintained. We did have one backpack where the backpack size did not precisely match the carriers torso length so would encourage additional homework in this area if you are going to use on of Lasting's packs. This trip was a great family vacation and experience and we are planning to go back and explore more of the Yosemite area with Lasting. I highly recommend this trip
					
					Lasting Adventures' Hidden Yosemite was my first experience with this company. From the onset of meeting our two guides, Will and Bella, I was greeted with warmth, knowledge and and a sense of adventure. Bella spent one-on-one time with each of us as Will shuttled others to our trail end. Bella ensured we had what we needed as she seamlessly went about welcoming us to Yosemite. Will and Bella are outstanding guides, and I assume Lasting Adventures looks for their skillful, caring and passionate qualities in the guides they hire. In my opinion, this makes Lasting Adventures outstanding.
- Read Moreread less
Lisa V.
7/29/2021
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Lisa V.
7/29/2021

						Lasting Adventures' Hidden Yosemite was my first experience with this company. From the onset of meeting our two guides, Will and Bella, I was greeted with warmth, knowledge and and a sense of adventure. Bella spent one-on-one time with each of us as Will shuttled others to our trail end. Bella ensured we had what we needed as she seamlessly went about welcoming us to Yosemite. Will and Bella are outstanding guides, and I assume Lasting Adventures looks for their skillful, caring and passionate qualities in the guides they hire. In my opinion, this makes Lasting Adventures outstanding.
					
					Best backpacking experience The recent HIdden Yosemite backpack trip was my first Lasting Adventures experience and first time in Yosemite National Park. I couldn't ask for a better initial immersion into place, with two outstanding guides, Bella and Will.The route they chose offered daily wonders that kept my soul and spirit in awe. Bella and Will generously offer playful, positive energy, species and ecology information that heightened my reception of the Yosemite wonders, fresh cooked meals (unbelievable), and an ease of time together on the trail. If you're looking for an outstanding experience in Yosemite, I strongly recommend you connect with Lasting Adventures.
- Read Moreread less
Lisa
7/29/2021
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Lisa
7/29/2021

						Best backpacking experience The recent HIdden Yosemite backpack trip was my first Lasting Adventures experience and first time in Yosemite National Park. I couldn't ask for a better initial immersion into place, with two outstanding guides, Bella and Will.The route they chose offered daily wonders that kept my soul and spirit in awe. Bella and Will generously offer playful, positive energy, species and ecology information that heightened my reception of the Yosemite wonders, fresh cooked meals (unbelievable), and an ease of time together on the trail. If you're looking for an outstanding experience in Yosemite, I strongly recommend you connect with Lasting Adventures.
					
					I recently went on a six day backpacking trip with Lasting Adventures to the Hidden Northern Yosemite. It was the most amazing and beautiful backpack I have ever done. Our two quides, Will and Bella were fantastic and very experienced. They cooked great meals for us and entertained us. I highly recommend Lasting Adventures.
- Read Moreread less
Shelly D.
7/27/2021
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Shelly D.
7/27/2021

						I recently went on a six day backpacking trip with Lasting Adventures to the Hidden Northern Yosemite. It was the most amazing and beautiful backpack I have ever done. Our two quides, Will and Bella were fantastic and very experienced. They cooked great meals for us and entertained us. I highly recommend Lasting Adventures.
					
					Amazing Adventure with Lasting Adventures I just got back from one of the best adventures of my life thanks to Lasting Adventures. I don't usually write reviews but, in this case, I feel it's warranted. Lasting Adventures exceeded my expectations, from start to finish. Scott was very responsive to all my emails, and our guides for the trip, Will and Curtis, were amazing! They went above and beyond repeatedly to make sure that everything was perfect, including offering me their sleeping bag and pad when mine didn't cut it. I had expected dehydrated backpacker meals but instead we were treated to fresh fruit and vegetables each day including fresh carrots from Will's garden. The food was varied, delicious and plentiful, another way in which my expectation were exceeded.As a first time backpacker I benefited greatly from Will and Curtis experience and all their tips and tricks have given me needed skills for my next trip. Lasting Adventures also provides all the equipment which is great if you're not sure you'll get into backpacking. I used their tent, backpack and mat and all the equipment was first rate and light (though the mat didn't work for me). Did I mention that Will and Curtis are both great guides and really fun people to spend 6 days with? Will was incredibly knowledgeable about the whole area we hiked through. Lastly I'd like to commend Lasting Adventures on an amazing itinerary. I chose the "Hidden Yosemite" itinerary because I was looking for an adventure away from the crowds. It was strenuous but very doable, and well worth the effort. The scenery was absolutely spectacular! Each day was better than the last. Camping just below Burrow pass with the Matterhorn on one side and the Finger peaks on the other will be hard to match on future trips.I'm looking forward to joining Lasting Adventures on more trips in the future.
- Read Moreread less
VanessaMcD
8/07/2019
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VanessaMcD
8/07/2019

						Amazing Adventure with Lasting Adventures I just got back from one of the best adventures of my life thanks to Lasting Adventures. I don't usually write reviews but, in this case, I feel it's warranted. Lasting Adventures exceeded my expectations, from start to finish. Scott was very responsive to all my emails, and our guides for the trip, Will and Curtis, were amazing! They went above and beyond repeatedly to make sure that everything was perfect, including offering me their sleeping bag and pad when mine didn't cut it. I had expected dehydrated backpacker meals but instead we were treated to fresh fruit and vegetables each day including fresh carrots from Will's garden. The food was varied, delicious and plentiful, another way in which my expectation were exceeded.As a first time backpacker I benefited greatly from Will and Curtis experience and all their tips and tricks have given me needed skills for my next trip. Lasting Adventures also provides all the equipment which is great if you're not sure you'll get into backpacking. I used their tent, backpack and mat and all the equipment was first rate and light (though the mat didn't work for me). Did I mention that Will and Curtis are both great guides and really fun people to spend 6 days with? Will was incredibly knowledgeable about the whole area we hiked through. Lastly I'd like to commend Lasting Adventures on an amazing itinerary. I chose the "Hidden Yosemite" itinerary because I was looking for an adventure away from the crowds. It was strenuous but very doable, and well worth the effort. The scenery was absolutely spectacular! Each day was better than the last. Camping just below Burrow pass with the Matterhorn on one side and the Finger peaks on the other will be hard to match on future trips.I'm looking forward to joining Lasting Adventures on more trips in the future.
					

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