6 & 13-Day Yosemite Young Women’s Programs

Yosemite Young Women's Adventure

Yosemite National Park

Trip Highlights:

Yosemite Wilderness

Female Empowerment

Leadership Development

Yosemite Wilderness

Female Empowerment

Confidence Building

Leadership Development

Outdoor Skills

Confidence Building

Outdoor Skills

6 or 13 days

Our all-female Young Women’s Backpacking Summer Camp Adventure Program is designed to instill confidence and leadership skills in the next generation of female adventurers! With options for either a 6-day or 13-day session, this unique girls' summer camp for ages 13-18 (divided into groups for 7th-9th and 10th-12th graders) is led by our top female guides and focuses on showing young women their true potential in both an outdoor setting and in their day-to-day lives, while teaching the practical skills of backpacking and outdoor safety.

Through our adventure-based programming, campers will be challenged to turn their goals into action daily, using perseverance and determination to summit mountains and accomplish feats they never imagined. While trekking the glorious Sierra Nevada mountain range, these young explorers will also get a crash course on influential female adventurers in Yosemite’s history and issues related to women’s roles in the outdoors and society.

With knowledge of the great legacy of women who came before them, this Yosemite backpacking trip traverses high-altitude mountains, lakes, and meadows, giving young women a sense of self-empowerment and confidence they can apply in every facet of their lives.

Join us for a Summer Camp Virtual Open House and a chance to win a 10-Day Teen Adventure Camp Giveaway.
Click Here For More Information

Check Availability (13-Day)

Check Availability (6-Day)

Age Range

13-15 & 15-18

Price

$1,990-$3,890

Length

6 Days

Length

6 Days

Mileage & Difficulty

35-75 Miles

Moderate-Strenuous

Mileage & Difficulty

35-75 Miles

Moderate-Strenuous

Departure

Tioga Road

1 pm

Pickup

Yosemite Falls Parking

12 pm

Check Availability (6-Day)

Check Availability (13-Day)

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

6-Day Adventure Dates

13-Day Adventure Dates

Girls Summer Camp: 6-Day or 13-Day Young Women’s Program

This is a sample 13-day itinerary only. Actual itineraries may differ based on trailhead permitting. For a sample 6-day itinerary, see our 6-Day Yosemite High Country Adventure.

Day 1: Meet your Counselors/Outdoor Educators. Get acquainted with the group and with gear. Group orientation and relocation to the Tuolumne Meadows Backpackers Campsite for the evening. Tuolumne Meadows tour, including geological and natural highlights. Evening activities and campfire to strengthen bonds while goal setting and an introduction to the Yosemite wilderness and history through storytelling.

Day 2: After packing up and stretching, we will head out on the trail through Tuolumne Meadows, following the river downstream for 6 miles to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp at 7,840′. Participants will enjoy the natural water features and exploring this area.

Day 3: After morning circle time (stretches, map review, goal setting, etc.), we will continue weaving our way down the Tuolumne River gorge while appreciating the natural art that the glaciers left behind. We will hike about 7 miles today to a site along the Tuolumne River and across from the Cathedral Creek cascad,e which joins the Tuolumne River in this location at approximately 5,600′.

Day 4: Today, we will awake to granite walls all around us as we prepare with morning stretches and circle time. Today’s hike will continue for another 7 miles to Pate Valley at 4,380′, which is the west end of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. This valley is a meadow area that may have been along an old Native American trading route.

Day 5: Day 5 will also begin early. Today, we have a more strenuous day of uphill trail as we leave the Tuolumne River Gorge and head to White Wolf. This almost 10-mile uphill hike will ascend nearly 3,500′ to White Wolf at 7,875′. Once here, we will celebrate our achievement with ice cream, real toilets, and a resupply of food and clean clothes.

Day 6: After a much-needed rest and relaxation, we will head back east for 5.5 miles along a more moderate trail before a lunch break at the Ten Lakes trail junction at 8,240′. After lunch, we will begin our uphill segment of the day, climbing nearly 1,400′ over the next 2.8 miles to the Ten Lakes Pass at 9,620′. After taking in the view, we will drop down approximately 600 feet over the next mile to camp along one of the lakes in the Ten Lakes Basin.

Day 7: We will wind our way out of the Ten Lakes basin dropping into the South Fork of the Tuolumne at nearly 8,800′. Total hiking will be approximately 6 miles.

Day 8: Today, after waking in a very remote site, we will head approximately 8.5 miles to May Lake at 9,329′, passing and rounding Tuolumne Peak and many spectacular high-country views along the way.

Day 9: Today is our much needed “Zero” day with packs. This means no mileage with packs on today. Instead, we will partake in a morning scramble to the top of Mount Hoffman at 10,850′. This is approximately a 4-mile round-trip from May Lake. Mount Hoffman is the geographical center of Yosemite and offers one of the best views of the entire park. This afternoon, participants can swade, fish, and relax on May Lake before afternoon activities and dinner. An awesome sunset experience will be had on the bluff above our campsite.

Day 10: Today, we will leave May Lake and follow Snow Creek to the rim of the Yosemite Valley. We will travel a total of 8 miles to a campsite at 6,720′ directly across the valley from Half Dome. This is another spectacular sunset location for our last night together in the wilderness.

Day 11: We will hike a moderate 10-mile round-trip to enjoy the view and the accomplishment of reaching the top of North Dome at 7,542′. North Dome looks over Yosemite Valley. We will return to our campsite by Snow Creek.

Day 12: On our last day, we will descend to Yosemite Valley via the Snow Creek Trail. We will drop from nearly 2,600′ in 2.6 miles. We will then hike past Mirror Lake (now Mirror Meadow) on level ground for our last 2.5 miles before we head to the Backpackers Camp for our last night together.

Day 13: After packing up camp, we will do a final bonding activity together as we explore the secret Native American Caves. We will then return to Curry Village. Here we will unpack and celebrate with pizza and beverages before we say our goodbyes.

Note: Remember, this is only a sample itinerary. We can accommodate late arrivals on this first day, as communicated in advance. All 13-day trips will have a re-supply halfway through the trip. Participants are encouraged to pack an extra duffle bag with clean socks, shirts, underwear, etc.

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. hi scott

See here for our full Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policies.
Scholarship Application – Every youth deserves this opportunity!

My child has never backpacked before, is that ok?

Yes, our trips are perfect for first-time backpackers and those with prior backpacking experience. Our professional, caring, and fun Outdoor Educators design innovative, engaging ways to teach and orient all participants to backpacking during the first days of a trip, and by the end, they come home feeling quite accomplished backpackers. Additionally, often, those with backpacking experience are past participants returning for different itineraries, more exploration, and additional lasting memories.

Which youth backpacking camp is best for my child?

For ages 11-13, we recommend our 6-Day Young Adventurers program. For more mature/physically developed 13-year-olds and older youth, they can consider our 6-, 10-, 13-, and/or 20-day programs. It’s really up to your child and how much fun and memorable outdoor explorations they are after.

What if my child is attending alone, without friends?

Over 50% of our participants come without friends, though this can vary by trip. From day one and throughout the program, our Outdoor Educators facilitate activities and games to help all youth bond. It is almost too common for youth who come with friends to leave with new, stronger friendships. It’s just the nature of how we have run our programs for the past thirty years: to be all-inclusive and fun for every attendee.

How can I check what other ages/sexes are enrolled?

Historically, we experience increasing bookings from December through June, with almost 50% of bookings occurring in the late spring. You are welcome to book early and check back periodically to monitor group composition, while knowing we allow date changes as often as you like. Also, during our booking period, we continuously monitor group composition to ensure similar age and gender distributions across groups.

Is there a Packing/Equipment List?

Yes, for a detailed packing list, see the Sierra (CA) Youth Summer Camp Packing and Equipment List.

Do you supply the backpacking gear?

Yes, thanks to our partnerships with leading gear companies, we can provide backpacks, sleeping bags, pads, trekking poles, and tents (as needed). There will be a field to indicate what you would like to borrow when you complete the required forms after registering.

How much weight can the youth expect to carry?

Youth should be able to carry a backpack of 25-45lb, and not to exceed ⅓ of their body weight. The weight is a combination of their personal gear and part of the group gear. Always bigger youth carry more, and smaller youth carry less.

Can you tell me about the staff?

Our Outdoor Educators are among the best professionals in the field, sharing a passion for the outdoors and for sharing it with others in a fun and caring manner. All staff undergo a rigorous application process and background check, during which they must demonstrate experience in outdoor recreation, backpacking, working with youth, risk management, and customer service. All staff must possess a Wilderness First Responder certification and also pass a Department of Justice fingerprint background check. Our staff are trained yearly by us, and they are consistently supervised throughout the season with required pre- and post-trip meetings/reviews.

What is the staff to camper ratio?

We always have at least two staff members for each youth group that doesn’t exceed 10 youth.

What kind of food is supplied on these trips?

We eat good food!

Breakfasts and dinners are prepared and eaten together.
- Typical breakfasts might include breakfast burritos, oatmeal, eggs & breakfast meats, dried fruit, bagels, etc.
- Dinner examples include a variety of pastas (Mac & Cheese and others), burritos, stews, veggies, etc.
Lunches consist of trail food, fruits, and veggies. Examples include pita, bagels, salami, cheeses, hummus, fresh veggies, dried fruits, peanut butter, trail mix, and energy bars. Lunches are carried in a shared bear can or stuff sack that the participants can pull from as needed.

What about special diets and/or dietary restrictions?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We have a long history of meeting the needs of almost all dietary restrictions, including some very complex ones. When registering, you will complete a questionnaire to provide a brief overview of your needs. Later, you will complete a more detailed Medical form to provide additional information. The staff guiding your trip will call you the day prior and, when they are 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.

Will bathrooms and/or showers be available?

We operate traditional wilderness backpacking trips, and participants should prepare themselves for not having access to bathrooms/showers. Participants will be instructed on how to conduct their business in the wilderness while following the Leave No Trace Principles. There will also be time to rinse off, as we camp near rivers, streams, and/or lakes daily. Less often, we may stay in campgrounds with toilets or outhouses.

What about the wildlife?

The wildlife in the parks we operate in is not really a significant threat. Black bears are naturally afraid of people and are easily scared away. In addition to the bears, we encounter many other animals and critters, including deer, squirrels, marmots, birds, and even rattlesnakes and scorpions. We work with participants to teach them to respect animals and wildlife, so we do not encounter any issues.

Will we receive updates during the summer camp session?

Unfortunately, no. We go by the principle that no news is good news. Because these groups backpack in wilderness areas, there is little to no cell service, and communication is limited. However, group leaders use satellite technology to stay in contact with our office and send the required nightly “All-ok” check-ins, including their GPS location, which aligns with their intended itinerary on file with our office and in each park’s systems. They can also send custom messages for any other emergencies or issues requiring support. As always, if there is ever any emergency or concern involving your child, you will be one of the first to be notified.

If you need to reach us, please note that both our 1-800-513-8651 voicemail and Staff@LastingAdventures.org email are actively monitored by multiple members of our on-call Admin team. Your contact will be responded to as soon as possible.

About one-two weeks after the camp has concluded, you will receive an email that includes a daily journal, trip highlights, and a link to pictures from the trip.

How much experience does Lasting Adventures have in operating youth wilderness trips?

Lasting Adventures has been operating youth wilderness backpacking trips since 1997. We are highly experienced in the industry and know the parks we operate in better than many others. Additionally, the park staff knows us and respects our experience.

What if there is an emergency or a child gets sick or injured?

With over 30 years of experience operating youth wilderness camps, Lasting Adventures has faced a wide range of issues, including bug bites, twisted ankles, illnesses, and wildfires. If there is an emergency with your child or their group, you will be notified as soon as possible. Our highly trained staff also has direct contact with our on-call admin team and with the dispatch for Ranger and Search and Rescue (with helicopter support) in the parks, as needed. Fortunately, because we focus on managing risks and educating youth on safety protocols from day one, our evacuation needs have been minimal.

As far as wildfire concerns go, we are fortunate to operate in alpine areas (or beach areas in Olympic) where the risk of rapid wildfire growth is minimal. (Simply put, our normal hiking speed is typically faster than a wildfire can spread in these areas.) However, if a wildfire erupts, park personnel are dispatched promptly and will support an evacuation if necessary. The bigger threat is unhealthy smoke levels coming from wildfires many miles away. When a distant wildfire erupts, we use an established evacuation criterion based on smoke levels and wind patterns, which we monitor consistently while in contact with field groups.

Is there transportation provided?

Yes, we operate a shuttle from San Francisco International Airport with additional stops in the Bay before heading to Yosemite National Park. See here for more information: Yosemite Adventure Shuttle.

Are there scholarships available?

Yes, Lasting Adventures is a nonprofit with the mission to foster environmental stewardship, teach responsible recreation, and provide opportunities for personal growth by facilitating impactful wilderness experiences. You can see here to Apply For a Scholarship.

What is your cancellation policy?

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

Do you have a parent referral list of past participants parents I can contact to hear first hand about their experiences?

Yes, see here for our Parent Reference List.

Also, feel free to search our Google and TripAdvisor reviews, which feature hundreds of testimonials from past summer camp participants and parents.

See here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

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.
					