Declaration of Independence Backpack

Glacier Point to Illilouette Backpacking Adventure

Starry Skies, S’mores, and Sisterhood

July 5 - 6, 2025

$595

Trade fireworks for waterfalls this 4th of July weekend.

Join us for a women’s-only guided overnight backpacking trip from Glacier Point to Illilouette in Yosemite National Park.

This scenic route is perfect for beginner to intermediate hikers looking to escape the crowds and tap into their adventurous side with epic views of Yosemite Valley.

Highlights

✔️ Short mileage, maximum views
✔️ Connect with like-minded women, celebrate independence
✔️ Ditch the campground chaos
✔️ Sleep under the stars and wake to the sound of waterfalls

✔️ Optional red, white & blue hike flair!

Dates & Mileage

July 5 - 6, 2025

Day 1 - Distance: 4.61mi, Elevation gain/loss: +879ft -1,651ft

Day 2 - Distance: 5.58mi, Elevation gain/loss: +1,894ft -1,106ft

$595 / person

What’s Included

  • Professional guides

  • 5:1 client to guide ratio with a max group size of 5 clients, 1 guide

  • Dinner & Breakfast

  • Group first aid kit

  • Water filtration

  • Permit fees

  • 5% back to the park

  • Special discount to shop at Alpinistas store

Activity, Fitness & Skills

  • This trip is rated Beginner + and requires some general level of physical fitness. The first day is all downhill but the second day is back up hill.

  • 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 this trip. The only thing taking your breath away should be the views!

Accommodations

Backcountry camping, 1 night

Camping gear is available for rent.

Not Included

  • Park entrance fees where required

  • Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks

  • Guide gratuities

  • Personal items

Helpful for booking

  • After you book your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email with some action items. (Please check promotions and spam folder if you don’t receive a confirmation immediately.)

    As you start to get closer to your event date, you will receive additional emails confirming access to your client portal that includes itinerary details and other important or helpful supplemental information such as start time and driving directions. You will also have someone from our office reach out to discuss any questions that you might have.

    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.

  • 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.

  • Sierra daytime temperatures at this time of year can range between 60s - 70s degrees F, with overnight lows dropping to the 30s - 40s.

  • This trip is for women only. While our company is proudly female-forward and specializes in creating empowering experiences for women, our custom, private trips are open to everyone. Send us a message to find the dates that work for you.

  • Cancellation & Refund Policy

    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.