10 Incredible Backpacking Trips in Yosemite National Park

Don't get us a wrong, a day hanging in Yosemite Valley, cruising Tioga Road, or going on any of the amazing day hikes throughout the park is a day well spent. Sometimes, though, putting in the extra effort of getting wilderness permits, loading up a 40lb pack, and hiking into the wilderness pays off tenfold. You'll find idyllic campsites at all these spots, whether it's a quick 4 mile hike in or you plan to spend several days covering 20+ miles. Whatever you're feeling for your backpacking adventure in Yosemite, you really can't go wrong. Check out 10 of our favorite backpacking trips in the park and prepare for a night (or two or three) in the wild. 

1. Backpack Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest

Distance: 15.5 miles | Elevation gain: 1775 feet | Learn more.

Photo: Nathaniel Polta

2. Backpack 10 Lakes Basin

Distance: 13.8 miles | Elevation gain: 2200 feet | Learn more.

3. Backpack the Snow Creek Trail

Distance: 7.2 miles | Elevation gain: 2700 feet | Learn more.

4. Backpack to Little Yosemite Valley Campsite and Hike Half Dome

Distance: 15 miles | Elevation gain: 4800 feet | Learn more.

Photo: Eddie Jo

5. Backpack Cathedral Lakes

Distance: 8 miles | Elevation gain: 1100 feet | Learn more.

6. Backpack Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley

Distance: 33 miles | Elevation gain: 4800 feet | Learn more.

7. Backpack to Young Lakes

Distance: 12 miles | Elevation gain: 1700 feet | Learn more.

Photo: Kyle Frost

8. Backpack to Clouds Rest from Glacier Point

Distance: 24 miles | Elevation gain: 6000 feet | Learn more.

9. Backpack to Boothe Lake

Distance: 16.6 miles | Elevation gain: 1400 feet | Learn more.

10. Backpack to Dewey Point

Distance: 8 miles | Elevation gain: 300 feet | Learn more.

Photo: Miranda LeConte

Cover photo: Addison Klinke