Regarding COVID-19: Please recreate responsibly and practice social distancing. Closures and travel restrictions are changing rapidly, always check and respect local regulations.
10 Incredible Backpacking Trips in Yosemite National Park
Find a piece of the park to call your own for the night.
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
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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