HETCH HETCHY LOOP

Women’s Yosemite Backpacking Adventure

Trip Length: 3 Days/2 Nights

Group Size: 4-7

May 10 - 12, 2024 - $697

May 31 - June 2, 2024 - $697

Trip Summary

Early Season in Hetch Hetchy! Whether you need a shake-down hike or just want to get your summer season kicked off.

Embark on an unforgettable backpacking adventure to Hetch Hetchy, where nature's wonders unfold at every step.

Our journey takes us to the picturesque Rancheria Falls and the serene Lake Vernon, offering an immersive experience in the heart of Yosemite's beauty.

With each stride, discover the pristine landscapes and tranquil waters that make Hetch Hetchy a hidden gem within the iconic Yosemite National Park.

Join us for an exploration that blends the thrill of backpacking with the tranquility of nature, creating lasting memories against the backdrop of breathtaking waterfalls and alpine lakes.

Highlights

  • Guided tour to the quieter side of the park

  • Waterfalls and wildflowers galore.

  • Supportive and empowering environment to connect with other like-minded women

  • Experienced guides to provide expert instruction on backpacking and wilderness skills.

What’s Included

  • Professional guides

  • 6:1 client to guide ratio or less, with a max group size of 7 clients

  • Group first aid kit

  • Water filtration

  • Permit fees

  • 5% back to the park

  • Special discount to shop at Alpinistas store

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.

Hetch Hetchy Loop Sample Itinerary

  • Day 1

    5-9 miles, up to 3,300 ’ elevation gain

    You will meet your guide around 9AM at the O'Shaughnessy Dam.

    We’ll do a welcome circle, gear check and then we'll head off on the trail. Along the way, our knowledgeable guides will take breaks to provide you ample photo ops from this spectacular part of Yosemite.

    We’ll set up camp creekside, get a swim and relax for the night.

  • Day 2

    9.5 miles, up to 3,000’ elevation gain

    After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll depart camp for the next destination of our loop. Revel in the early season wildflower bloom!

    As we make our way to the next campsite, expect a relaxing time before a session of stargazing, making your night under the Yosemite skies truly spectacular.

  • Day 3

    6-9 miles, up to 800’ elevation gain

    Leisurely Exit to the Trailhead

    We’ll have a slow morning wakeup, enjoying the serenity of the alpine Yosemite wilderness. Your guides will lead you down the trail back to O'Shaughnessy Dam. From there you will say your farewells and depart.

Activity, Fitness & Skills

  • This trip is rated Intermediate plus. Our hardest day of backpacking will be a little over nine miles with 3300’ of elevation gain. Participants will be carrying their own backpacks weighing 35-40 pounds.

  • 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.

  • If you are coming from sea level, we recommend that you spend a night in the park at altitude before the trip. Staying well hydrated before the trip can also assist in mitigating altitude sickness.

  • Overall fitness is important to your enjoyment of the trip. The only thing taking your breath away should be the views!

  • This trip may run towards Rancheria Falls the first night and around to Lake Vernon or the opposite direction. Expect overall 24-27 miles and 5,500’ elevation gain for this trip. Due to early season conditions, the exact route may be adjusted and end up being less miles and elevation overall.

Accommodations

Backcountry camping, 2 nights

Backpacking gear is available with an upgrade at checkout.

*Optional extra night camping at Hetch Hetchy backpacker's campground available at no extra charge.

Not Included

  • Park entrance fees where required

  • Meals, alcoholic beverages or soft drinks

  • Guide gratuities

  • Personal items such as toiletries, clothing, accessories, sleeping bag.

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.

  • Group First Aid Kit

    Water Filter

  • Backpacking Pack (Extended, 45-55L) - need room for bear canister

    Bear Canister - required in Yosemite

    Meals & Cooking Equipment

    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)

    Sunblock and Lip Balm

    Water Bottles (Three 1-Liter) or Hydration System Plus One 1-Liter Water Bottle

  • Bandana or Buff for Sun Protection

    Day Pack (Lightweight, Compressible)

    Face Mask

    Hand Sanitizer

    Head Net

    Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)

    Insect Repellent

    Garbage Bag for Personal Trash

    Sun Hat

    Sunglasses and Accessories

    Tee Shirts (Synthetic)

    Toiletries

    Trowel

    Underwear

  • Camera and Accessories

    Camp Towel

    Casual Shoes for Camp

    Ear Plugs

    Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes

    Lightweight Backpacking Chair

    Liner Socks (Synthetic)

    Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)

    Reading and Writing Materials

    Sleeping Bag Liner

    Small Binoculars

    Small Multitool

Have questions about the gear list?

Give us a call at 775-230-7125 or send us a chat or email.

Helpful for booking

What to expect after you book your reservation

After you book your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email. Over the following weeks as you start to get closer to your event date, you will receive additional emails confirming packing lists, itinerary details and other important or helpful supplemental information. 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.

What is the closest airport?

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.

Booking airfare?

If you are flying in for this trip, please contact us before booking airfare to make sure that your trip is confirmed. We require a minimum number of participants to operate.

General weather expectations

Sierra daytime temperatures can range between 60 to 80 degrees F, with overnight lows dropping to the 40s or 50s. You may encounter freezing temperatures at some of the higher elevations. Please view our Yosemite Weather page for additional information. This is shoulder season so expect warm, sunny days and chilly nights. Weather updates to be made as we near the start of this trip.

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.

Cancellation & Refund Policy