6-Day Yosemite High Country Adventure

Yosemite Summer Camp: 6-Day High Country Adventure

Yosemite National Park

Trip Highlights:

Real Adventure Camp

Yosemite High Country

Waterfalls, Rivers, Alpine Lakes

Summit Hikes

Ages 13-15 & 15-18

CO-ED

Yosemite National Park offers one of the most dramatic landscapes for our flagship summer backpacking program, the Yosemite High Country Adventure. This California Adventure Camp is designed for youth ages 13-18 (broken into groups of those recently completing the 7th- 9th grades and the 10th- 12th grades). Our team has the most experience in the Yosemite wilderness, and we design unparalleled itineraries for these 6-day adventures. Over the 6-days, participants will explore and camp by towering waterfalls, streams, rivers, and high alpine meadows and lakes. Most itienraries also have an opportunity to summit a prominent peak and/or partake in some incredible sunsets among other amazing geological formations. Daily, participants will engage in games, initiatives, and shared leadership roles within the group. Our Outdoor Educators will also share environmental and historical highlights of the region in a fun and exciting way. Whether joining us for a first-time backpacking experience or having had backpacked before, participants should have a passion for the outdoors, roughing it, getting dirty, and creating friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Age Range

13-15 & 15-18

Price

$1,990

Length

6 Days

Length

6 Days

Mileage & Difficulty

25-35 Miles

Moderate-Strenuous

Mileage & Difficulty

25-35 Miles

Moderate-Strenuous

Departure

Tioga Road

1 pm

Pickup

Yosemite Falls Parking

12pm

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.

YOUTH PROGRAM ADVENTURE SHUTTLE

Lasting Adventures will be providing transportation from near the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and the greater Bay Area to our Youth Backpacking programs in Yosemite National Park. Skip the long drive and traffic while helping save the environment.

Click Here to Learn More

2026 Departure Dates by Month

Summer Camps in Yosemite: 6-Day High Country Adventure

This is a Sample Itinerary only. Itineraries differ weekly based on trailhead permits.

Day 1: Meet your Counselors/Outdoor Educators. Get acquainted with the group and with gear, then have a group orientation and pack out. Hike 5.5 flat miles into Lyell Canyon and locate a campsite along the Tuolumne River. Evening games followed by campfire to strengthen bonds while goal setting and an introduction to the Yosemite wilderness and history through storytelling.

Day 2: After morning meeting (stretches, map review, goal setting, etc.), we will embark on one of our more strenuous days of uphill as we travel from 8,900′ on the Tuolumne River to 10,130′ at the Vogelsang High Sierra Camp. Although a strenuous day, our trail breaks today reward us with stunning views of the Eastern Sierra vistas as we relax besides mountain creeks, wildflowers, and high alpine lakes. After traveling a total of 6.3 miles, we will set up camp in the Backpackers ‘ area near Vogelsang High Sierra Camp. Participants will enjoy the rewards at this ever-popular location within the Yosemite backcountry.

Day 3: The trail now meanders downhill 2.2 miles alongside Fletcher Creek before crossing the creek in a spectacular meadow where we will break for some group games. Another 2.3 miles and another creek crossing will get us to Babcock Lake at 8,885′. Babcock Lake sits between 2 granite walls and offers a chance for fishing, swading, and exploring. Afternoon activities, followed by fresh fish tacos if we are lucky!

Day 4: Today, we will get an early start for a long day on the trail. As we drop to Merced Lake at 7,212′, we will gradually descend through the Yosemite backcountry. Along the way, there will be more spectacular views, and after traveling approximately 4 miles, we will take a lunch and a water break at the creek junction with Merced Lake. After lunch, we will travel another 4.6 miles, mainly flat and gradually downhill, along the Merced River to a spot at Twin Bridges. Participants are rewarded with swading in a beautiful pool of water after this long trail day totaling nearly 9 miles.

Day 5: Today, we will hike approximately 4 miles to Little Yosemite Valley at 6,140′, where we will establish camp. The afternoon will be spent wading in the river and enjoying the great outdoors.

Day 6: On our final day, we will descend to the Yosemite Valley at 4,000′ via the famous Mist trail, passing directly by both Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall for a total of 4 miles. We will then head to the Curry Village parking lot to unpack and celebrate with a fresh lunch.

Other: On all of our summer youth programs, we have a daily morning meeting where youth engage in group games, share highlights, offer praise to each other, stretch, review maps and day itineraries, and set individual and group goals for the day. Also, whether breaking on the trail in the afternoon or evening at the campsite, our Outdoor Educators also facilitate additional opportunities for youth to develop a personal connection with nature. Problem-solving and initiative games are common, as are smiles. Additional outdoor skills are gained as we practice Leave No Trace principles and promote environmental stewardship throughout the length of the program.

Scholarship Application – Every youth deserves this opportunity!

Our trips are all-inclusive. We provide all meals, and we can provide, free of charge, high-quality gear, including Gregory backpacks and Big Agnes sleeping bags & pads. Group gear including tarps (or tents if necessary), all kitchen supplies, first aid, and water purification is also included. See the Youth Summer Camp Equipment List for more information.
As needed, see our Frequently Asked Questions, Yosemite Adventure Shuttle info, and/or Yosemite Lodging Options.
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.
Scholarship Application – Every youth deserves this opportunity!

See here for Frequently Asked Questions.

Our trips are all-inclusive. We provide all meals, and we can provide, free of charge, high-quality gear, including Gregory backpacks and Big Agnes sleeping bags & pads. Group gear including tarps (or tents if necessary), all kitchen supplies, first aid, and water purification is also included. See the Youth Summer Camp Equipment List for more information.
As needed, see our Frequently Asked Questions, Yosemite Adventure Shuttle info, and/or Yosemite Lodging Options.
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.
Scholarship Application – Every youth deserves this opportunity!

What Our Clients Say

					Second year in a row doing a trip with Lasting Adventures. It was fantastic, even better then last year, and last year was pretty amazing. The guides were great, and we were lucky enough to have Dyson AGAIN, as our guide this year. Love how much I learned, how fun it was and overall, gave me some amazing time in nature.
- Read Moreread less
Dawesome
7/09/2022
×
Dawesome
7/09/2022

						Second year in a row doing a trip with Lasting Adventures. It was fantastic, even better then last year, and last year was pretty amazing. The guides were great, and we were lucky enough to have Dyson AGAIN, as our guide this year. Love how much I learned, how fun it was and overall, gave me some amazing time in nature.
					
					My 12 year old son just got back from the 6 day young adventurers program in Yosemite and his experience exceeded my expectations! He was incredibly nervous to go, but when we picked him up, he couldn’t stop telling us all the amazing things he did. The view at Glacier Point - Amazing! The stars at night - amazing! The food - amazing! His counselors - amazing! Seriously, he loved every part of it. When I asked him the best and worst parts of his trip he struggled with both: he couldn’t choose a best part - too many - and he didn’t have a worst part! When I asked if he wanted to go again next summer, he said definitely!
- Read Moreread less
Amber Wells
8/06/2021
×
Amber Wells
8/06/2021

						My 12 year old son just got back from the 6 day young adventurers program in Yosemite and his experience exceeded my expectations! He was incredibly nervous to go, but when we picked him up, he couldn’t stop telling us all the amazing things he did. The view at Glacier Point - Amazing! The stars at night - amazing! The food - amazing! His counselors - amazing! Seriously, he loved every part of it. When I asked him the best and worst parts of his trip he struggled with both: he couldn’t choose a best part - too many - and he didn’t have a worst part! When I asked if he wanted to go again next summer, he said definitely!
					
					6-Day High Country Adventure My son just got back from the the most awesome 6 day backpacking trip with Lasting Adventures. 6 boys (ages 13 to 16) hiked from Mount Hoffman to Half Dome Village via Cloud's Rest sleeping at May Lake, Sunrise Lakes, Sunrise Creek and Little Yosemite Valley.He loved the trip. The other kids were great and the guides (Meegan and Quinn) were phenomenal. He can't wait to go back next year.
- Read Moreread less
Ross D
7/28/2017
×
Ross D
7/28/2017

						6-Day High Country Adventure My son just got back from the the most awesome 6 day backpacking trip with Lasting Adventures. 6 boys (ages 13 to 16) hiked from Mount Hoffman to Half Dome Village via Cloud's Rest sleeping at May Lake, Sunrise Lakes, Sunrise Creek and Little Yosemite Valley.He loved the trip. The other kids were great and the guides (Meegan and Quinn) were phenomenal. He can't wait to go back next year.
					
					fun summer backpacking/hiking camp for teenagers My 15 year old son went on the 6 day high country adventure with a good friend of his. The staff was very responsive with questions via email. His guides Katie and Graham were great. I think it helps if your child is used to hiking or athletically inclined as they do hike/walk a lot each day. They bring freeze dried food for the kids - my son loved the chili mac but everybody reported not liking the alfredo. He was in a group of 9 kids. I think what would have been helpful for the parents dropping off/picking up the kids to know is that you do need to pay for the entrance fee of $30 to get into the Yosemite National Park which is good for a week. Weekends can be crazy with the delay of getting inside the park as well as getting to the dropoff/pickup location - parking was especially difficult for pickup this Saturday, so it really helps if there were two people dropping or picking up in case you can't find parking and can't stop. Having the equipment list is very helpful but it's a lot to buy and get ready for if you don't frequently go camping. It's great that they allow rental of backpack/sleeping bag and sleeping pad if needed, although we opted to purchase the sleeping bag and backpack and only borrowed the sleeping pad. It's interesting concept that they sleep out in the open and not in tents (less carrying of tents), but for those who tend to get cold easily despite wearing layers, it may not be as comfortable. We bought a 20 degree sleeping bag on sale at LL Bean and my son felt warm enough in it since he also wore a jacket too and slept with mosquito net on his head. They came home still bug bitten. The camp is reasonably priced in comparison to many other similar camps (although not at Yosemite). I'm sure it would be even more popular if transportation getting to Yosemite was more easily arranged, thus we ended up doing the drive ourselves. The kids play card games or other games when not hiking. I don't think they got to swim in any lakes as I have seen videos of other kids' videos of their Lasting Adventures trip. Overall I think it's a great opportunity for a small group ot teenagers to experience the beautiful Yosemite in an outdoor experience with no phone/media for 6 days. They come home tired and dirty with stinky clothes to wash.
- Read Moreread less
WendyWN
7/15/2017
×
WendyWN
7/15/2017

						fun summer backpacking/hiking camp for teenagers My 15 year old son went on the 6 day high country adventure with a good friend of his. The staff was very responsive with questions via email. His guides Katie and Graham were great. I think it helps if your child is used to hiking or athletically inclined as they do hike/walk a lot each day. They bring freeze dried food for the kids - my son loved the chili mac but everybody reported not liking the alfredo. He was in a group of 9 kids. I think what would have been helpful for the parents dropping off/picking up the kids to know is that you do need to pay for the entrance fee of $30 to get into the Yosemite National Park which is good for a week. Weekends can be crazy with the delay of getting inside the park as well as getting to the dropoff/pickup location - parking was especially difficult for pickup this Saturday, so it really helps if there were two people dropping or picking up in case you can't find parking and can't stop. Having the equipment list is very helpful but it's a lot to buy and get ready for if you don't frequently go camping. It's great that they allow rental of backpack/sleeping bag and sleeping pad if needed, although we opted to purchase the sleeping bag and backpack and only borrowed the sleeping pad. It's interesting concept that they sleep out in the open and not in tents (less carrying of tents), but for those who tend to get cold easily despite wearing layers, it may not be as comfortable. We bought a 20 degree sleeping bag on sale at LL Bean and my son felt warm enough in it since he also wore a jacket too and slept with mosquito net on his head. They came home still bug bitten. The camp is reasonably priced in comparison to many other similar camps (although not at Yosemite). I'm sure it would be even more popular if transportation getting to Yosemite was more easily arranged, thus we ended up doing the drive ourselves. The kids play card games or other games when not hiking. I don't think they got to swim in any lakes as I have seen videos of other kids' videos of their Lasting Adventures trip. Overall I think it's a great opportunity for a small group ot teenagers to experience the beautiful Yosemite in an outdoor experience with no phone/media for 6 days. They come home tired and dirty with stinky clothes to wash.
					