6 & 13-Day Yosemite Young Women’s Programs

Yosemite Young Women's Adventure

Yosemite National Park

Trip Highlights:

Yosemite Wilderness

All Girls Summer Camp

Waterfalls, Rivers, Alpine Lakes

Yosemite Wilderness

All Girls Summer Camp

6 or 13 days

Waterfalls, Rivers, Alpine Lakes

Leadership & Confidence Skills

6 or 13 days

Leadership & Confidence Skills

Ages 13-18

Our all-female Young Women’s Backpacking Summer Camp Adventure Program is aimed at instilling 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 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. (Note: youth will be grouped with like ages and between a younger and older group pending actual registrations.)

Through our adventure-based programming, campers will be challenged to turn their goals into action on a daily basis by utilizing 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 the knowledge of the great legacy of women who came before them, this Yosemite backpacking trip voyages along high-altitude mountains, lakes and meadows, giving young women a sense of self-empowerment and confidence that they can to apply in every facet of their lives.

Check Availability (13-Day)

Check Availability (6-Day)

Age Range

13-18

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

12pm

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.

Scholarship Application – Every youth deserves this opportunity!

REQUIRED FORMS

In addition to full payment, the final acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all Required Forms. For overnight adventures, you will find these forms attached to your confirmation email once you register online, and must be filled out by each member of your party as soon as possible.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

For your protection and ours, we strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance, which can provide coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, airfare, and baggage loss/delay to protect your financial investment. We recommend those with “cancel for any reason” clauses included. See reviews of some of the best Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Options presented by Forbes or Squaremouth. Other good student options include InsureMyTrip and Allianz Travel Insurance for Students.

Travel Insurance is the easiest and best way to protect yourself and our smaller non-profit organization against last-minute cancellations. We are happy to provide timely and accurate documentation for any insurance claim related to our trips when requested. Please keep in mind that when canceling a reservation, you must first contact the company that made your reservation with us.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Full payment is preferred for all youth programs/summer camps. During check-out, you may pay a 50% deposit at the time of booking and the remaining 50% at least 30 days from departure. If you choose this option, you can either complete payment on your own using 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 within 45 days of the start date must be paid 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% (capped at $30) and a processing fee of 2.7% (no cap). These fees can be avoided when paying by check and are non-refundable. For detailed information, see our Payment Options page.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES

Lasting Adventures reserves the right to cancel trips. If a trip is canceled due to circumstances beyond our control, a credit equal to the total 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 TripAdvisor/Viator, BookYogaRetreats.com, or 57Hours), the policy below does not apply, and you are held to the third-party’s cancellation policy.

Summer Camps/Youth Adventures Cancellation Policy

More than 90 days before the start date, we will grant a full refund minus a 2.7% processing fee for credit card transactions.
Between 90 and 61 days before the start date, we will grant a full refund minus $50/person and a 2.7% processing fee for credit card transactions.
Between 60 and 46 days before the start date, we will retain 25% of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the total value paid.
Between 45 and 31 days before the start date, we will retain 50% of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the total value paid.
Less than 31 days before the start date, or once the trip has begun, no refunds or credits will be issued.

48-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Policy

Any reservation can be canceled within 48 hours of the initial booking, and we will issue a full refund, minus a 2.7% processing fee for credit card transactions. 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 trip is booked 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 total amount paid will be issued. If we cancel during your adventure with us, we will issue a non-refundable credit equal to the amount for the days not used. In both cases, these credits will be lifetime/transferable but non-refundable.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Departing from a Trip: Once a participant has joined a trip and the trip has begun, no refunds or credits will be issued, 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 is strongly recommended.

Minimum Participants: Our Youth Programs require a minimum of four participants.

Our 20-Day Teen Leadership Expedition requires a minimum of six participants. If, for any reason, we fall short of our 6-person minimum on this trip, the confirmed youth will be scheduled together on a 13-day program followed by a consecutive 6-day program in Yosemite, with a layover at a front-country campsite.

If we fall short on these minimums, we will reach out to you 30 days before your scheduled start date with options that may include switching to another trip/date and/or a surcharge.

Infectious Illness Policy: Any participant on any program/trip who exhibits any signs or symptoms of a potential infectious illness will not be allowed to participate, and no refund or credits will be given. Many forms of Travel Insurance cover these circumstances. We ask that you screen yourself and/or your child before participating and contact us to cancel if you or your child shows any signs of illness. Health screenings can be expected in all youth programs.

Half Dome & Other Summits: Reaching the top of a summit, such as Half Dome, is risky and can be made even more dangerous 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 the weather is unfavorable. You will not be allowed to summit with a Lasting Adventures permit if the experienced guide decides the conditions are not favorable.

Booking a trip before permits have been confirmed: All Lasting Adventures trips require permits and/or campsites obtained in advance at specific intervals, depending on the particular park. If you book a trip before these permits and/or campsites are obtained, and for any reason we are unable to gain the necessary permits and/or campsites, we will then work with you to select alternative dates or trips. A cancellation and full refund will always be the final option.

TRIP CHANGE/CREDIT POLICY

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

RECREATIONAL SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM

Our summer camp programs are purely recreational and should not be confused with a wilderness therapy program. Our staff are trained as summer camp counselors, outdoor educators, and guides, and are not required or expected to have training/experience in therapeutic programs. Your child should individually have the desire to participate in this program and should not be sent against their will. Additionally, all participants should have experience at sleepaway camps and/or being away from their parents/guardians for multiple nights. No refunds or credits will be issued for evacuations due to social, emotional, and/or behavioral reasons. In addition, due to said concerns, there will be a minimum fee of $500 for any field evacuation.

TRADITIONAL BACKPACKING

Lasting Adventures runs “traditional backpacking” trips. This is done without using porters, stock, or other outside assistance. For this trip, you will be expected to carry your personal gear, a share of the group gear, and food in a backpack. The weight is expected to be 30-50 lb., no more than ⅓ of your body weight.

As needed, participants should talk about their ability to fully participate in a backpacking trip with their doctor, including (but not limited to) carrying heavy loads over long distances and on strenuous, uneven terrain. The levels of difficulty listed on our website are relative and in no way constitute an objective declaration of difficulty. A regular physical exercise program is recommended before going on your adventure.

TRIP ITINERARIES

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

COUPONS

See our Coupon Use Terms and Conditions.

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
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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
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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.
					