Beginner Backpacking
Course
in Yosemite National Park
starting from $495
Beginner Backpacking Course
in Yosemite National Park
Your first overnight backpacking trip made simple.
No experience necessary.
No gear? No problem.
Starting at $495
What to Expect
This beginner-friendly weekend is designed for women who want to learn backpacking the right way in one of the most iconic places on earth.
2-night progression (campground → wilderness)
Small group + expert guides
Meals included (dinner + breakfast)
Optional gear kit add-on available
This is for you if…
You’ve always wanted to backpack, but don’t know where to start
You’re nervous about gear, safety, bears, or “doing it wrong”
You want a supportive, women-forward group
You want real skills + real Yosemite magic, not a stressful suffer-fest
What You’ll Do
A 2-night learning experience
(training wheels included)
We built this course to feel approachable and real.
01 / Pre-Trip Online Course Packet
Our events prioritize comfort, safety, and respect—so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process.
02 / First Night at Backpackers Campground
You’ll learn the fundamentals in a lower-pressure setting:
pack fitting + how to pack your backpack correctly
camp setup, assembling a tent + systems that make everything easier
Food safety, bear cans, stove basics + cooking in the wilderness
Leave No Trace + Yosemite-specific safety
03 / Second Night Into the Wilderness
Then we take it into the real thing guided, supported, and confidence-building:
hiking as a group at a manageable pace
navigation basics + trail strategy
water filtration, bathroom systems, and female comfort tips (yes, we cover it)
campsite selection
a real backcountry night under the stars 🌙
You don’t need to be “outdoorsy enough.”
You just need to be curious, open, and ready to learn.
Our guides are here to teach you the skills, keep things safe, and help you feel proud of what you can do.
We make backpacking feel doable.
What’s Included
Professional guide instruction & leadership
Yosemite planning support & logistics
Beginner backpacking online course to help prepare for your field trip - instant access!
Dinner & breakfast
7:1 client to guide ratio with a max group size of 10 clients, 2 guides
Permit fees & park entrance reservation
5% back to the park
Special discount to shop at Alpinistas store
Option to have tent, mattress, backpack, trekking poles, bear can and stove provided.
BONUS - altitude prep handout for the Sierra Nevada.
Not Included
Lunches & trail snacks
All backpacking gear including pack, sleeping bag, and other essential items. There is an option to upgrade and have us provide you with a tent, mattress, trekking poles, stove, backpack and bear can.
Park entrance fees where required
Guide gratuities
Personal apparel, footwear and items
To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we encourage you to participate in a training program before the trip. We recommend that your program includes training by hiking with a weighted pack.
Overall fitness is important to your enjoyment of the trip.
The only thing taking your breath away should be the views!
Pricing
Standard Course
$495
Perfect if you already have gear or want to borrow from a friend!
Optional Gear Kit Add On
$175
Borrow a backpack, mattress, tent, trekking poles, stove & bear can from us.
Bonus: $50 Alpinistas Store Credit
Everyone who books the Gear Kit Add-On receives a $50 store credit toward backpacking essentials after the course. (Valid for 30 days from trip date.)
A payment plan is available at checkout to help make your trip affordable.
The sooner you book, the smaller your monthly payments are. Interest free!
Dates and Locations
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Rancheria Falls
May 22 - 24, 2026
Physical Fitness Required: Beginner - Intermediate
Overall Trip Stats: 12.8 miles, 1,000’ elevation gain round trip
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Ostrander Lake
June 5 - 7, 2026
Physical Fitness Required: Beginner-Intermediate.
Overall Trip Stats: 12 miles, 1800’ elevation gain round trip
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Dewey Point
2026 Mid-Summer Dates Coming Soon
Physical Fitness Required: Intermediate
Overall Trip Stats: 7.7 miles, 1348’ elevation gain round trip
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May Lake High Sierra Camp
2026 Late Summer Dates Coming Soon
Physical Fitness Required: Beginner +
Overall Trip Stats: 4 miles, 500’ elevation gain round trip
Don’t see the dates you are looking for?
Sign up to be notified when new dates are released or book a private guide to get the trip of your dreams.
Backpacking is for YOU!
Between learning about all the gear, how to plan your route, how to prepare your meals and find water, navigation, emergency preparedness, and first aid, there is a lot to learn to make sure that you’re prepared!
In this beginner-friendly course, we’ll turn you into a safe and confident backpacker!
Plus, you’ll be surrounded by other like-minded supportive women to help get you ready for the trail.
Let’s hit the trail!
No experience necessary
This is not a “keep up or get left behind” trip.
This is a supportive backpacking course where you’ll learn:
how to pack + organize your gear
how to stay warm + comfortable at camp
how to eat well (without complicated cooking)
what to do about water, bears, and bathrooms
how to backpack safely in Yosemite
You’ll leave knowing you can do it again.
This program is for you if you answer YES to any of the following:
You’re a hiker who wishes that you had the skills to be able to travel deeper into the wilderness
You’ve been picking out backcountry “dream destinations” but don’t know how to get to them
You are feeling intimidated by all of the gear and knowledge required to get started and are looking for a support network
You wish that you spent more time outdoors but aren’t sure how to make the leap to do so
You just don’t have time to spend months learning how to do this and want to get started NOW
You want to learn how to backpack while having the support of other women with similar goals
Gear List
Layering is the key to staying comfortable while being active outdoors. The secret to achieving maximum comfort with minimum weight is to bring versatile layers that can be mixed and matched to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation, and weather protection.
When packing, try to bring only what you need. This not only makes your load lighter but also helps our amazing field staff.
If you've already booked your trip, don't worry! You’ll be getting emails with a detailed list of what you'll need to bring (plus tons of other helpful information).
Are you looking to reduce your carbon footprint or save some money? Check out our rental page for great gear to borrow for your trip or shop at Alpinistas Re-Cover department for gently used gear online.
Get ready to conquer the outdoors, Alpinistas! We can't wait to see you on the trail.
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Group First Aid Kit
Water Filter
Dinners & Breakfasts
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Tent, mattress, trekking poles, bear can, backpack and stove are available for rent at checkout. If you do not rent, you will have to supply them on your own.
Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Lightweight, Synthetic or Wool)
Fleece/Wool Gloves
Fleece/Wool Hat
Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
Hiking Boots
Hiking Pants (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
Insulated Jacket and/or Vest
Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
Pack Rain Cover
Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner
Prescription Medications
Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
Sleeping Bag (15°-29°, Lightweight, Compressible)
Spork, Bowl and Mug
Sunblock and Lip Balm
Water Bottles (Three 1-Liter) or Hydration System Plus One 1-Liter Water Bottle
Whistle
Bear Canister for Food Storage
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Bandana or Buff for Sun Protection
Day Pack (Lightweight, Compressible)
Face Mask
Hand Sanitizer
Head Net
Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
Insect Repellent
Large Plastic Garbage Bag
Sun Hat
Sunglasses and Accessories
Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
Toiletries
Trowel
Underwear
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Camera and Accessories
Camp Towel
Ear Plugs
Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes
Gaiters (Low)
Lightweight Backpacking Chair
Liner Socks (Synthetic)
Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)
Reading and Writing Materials
Sleeping Bag Liner
Small Binoculars
Small Multitool
Swimwear
Water Shoes (Full Foot Protection)
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Don’t want to make the investment in a tent, mattress or stove? We’ll provide those for you. Just select that option when checking out.
Have questions about the gear list?
Give us a call at (855) 622-4951 or send us a chat or email.
Helpful for booking
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After you book your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email and immediate access to your online course material. You will also be given a date for your group call to help prepare for your weekend out.
As you start to get closer to your event date, you will receive additional emails confirming access to your client portfolio that includes itinerary details and other important or helpful supplemental information such as start time and driving directions.
The week of the event, you should be ready to go and you will receive a final email introducing your guides, providing you with their contact information and other last minute notes.
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The closest airport to Yosemite National Park is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), located about 65 miles (105 km) away. Another option is the Merced Regional Airport (MCE), located about 80 miles (129 km) away.
Public transportation is available from Fresno Airport to various locations in Yosemite via the Yosemite Area Regional Transit System. There is also public transportation available within the park. Please review their schedule for the latest dates and times.
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Sierra daytime temperatures at this time of year can range between 70s - 80s degrees F, with overnight lows dropping to the 40s - 50s.
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This trip is for women only. While our company is proudly female-forward and specializes in creating empowering experiences for women, we sometimes offer co-ed options and our custom, private trips are open to everyone. Send us a message to find the dates that work for you.
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Travel Insurance: We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your trip in the event unforeseeable circumstances or illness comes up that interferes with your ability to join the trip.
Why Choose Us?
🌲 Authentic Yosemite Experience – We run tours all season in Yosemite from deep wilderness to Yosemite Valley sights.
🏔 Local, Expert Guides – Passionate outdoor professionals with deep knowledge of the area.
⏳ Flexible Scheduling – Private and small group tours tailored to your experience level.
🎒 Hassle-Free Booking – We provide everything you need for an unforgettable experience.
“Dear women adventurers of all skill levels, you need to take a trip with Alpinistas! I just returned from the Cold Weather Skills workshop in Yosemite and I've learned more in three days than I have in all my years of hiking and camping. It's so rare to find guiding experiences that are fun, connect you with likeminded folks, AND equip you with a ton of new skills.”
— Ashley
“I had the absolute best experience on a rock climbing trip with Joanne’s team! Every part of the weekend was fantastic - the camping experience was wonderful, the guides were knowledgeable and kept everyone safe, and the climbing was so much fun! I'm looking forward to future trips with Alpinistas, and love the work they are doing in making outdoor education more accessible to women!”
- Rebecca
What People Are Saying about Alpinistas Adventures
“The women I met that weekend were so amazing for their love of the outdoors, their curiosity, and their tenacious spirits. I learned so much from our skilled guides who made us feel safe to ask any and all questions regardless of how silly they might be. Thank you Alpinistas for a truly amazing weekend! I can’t wait for the next adventure 🏕️”
— Katarina
“I joined a Cold Weather course and winter camping weekend with them in Yosemite and absolutely love it! The guides are passionate about what they are teaching us, they are so supportive, and the event was organized so well.”
- Ashley-Marie