YOSEMITE FALLS LOOP

BACKPACKING THE NORTH RIM OF YOSEMITE VALLEY

Memorial Day Weekend 2024!

Trip Length: 3 Days/2 Nights

Group Size: 4-7

May 24 - 26, 2024 - $895

Trip Summary

Memorial Day Weekend backpacking around the valley!

Experience breathtaking scenery with our Yosemite Falls Loop backpacking hike, a three-day adventure that immerses you in the stunning landscapes of Yosemite Valley's North Rim.

This captivating journey promises moderate days filled with highlights such as trekking alongside the majestic Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America at 2,425 feet.

Revel in unparalleled views of Yosemite Valley and the iconic Half Dome, making this expedition an unforgettable exploration of Yosemite National Park. Plus, extend your adventure with an extra stay at the Yosemite Valley campground, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your Yosemite experience.

Join us on this extraordinary trip and discover the beauty of Yosemite from a unique perspective.

Highlights

  • Access the Valley on Memorial Day weekend!

  • North Rim view of the Yosemite.

  • Close up to Yosemite Falls & spectacular views of Half Dome.

  • 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 10 clients

  • Meals as indicated on the daily itinerary

  • Group first aid kit

  • Water filtration

  • Group cooking gear

  • Permit fees

  • 5% back to the park

  • Special discount to shop at Alpinistas store

    *Optional extra night camping in Yosemite Valley available.

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Yosemite Falls Loop Itinerary

  • Day 1

    4 miles, 3,670’ elevation gain

    Curry Village - Yosemite Falls

    You will meet your guide around 9AM in Curry Village. We’ll do a welcome circle, gear check and then we'll shuttle together to the Yosemite Falls Trailhead. We’ll take off to get to the top of the north rim of Yosemite Valley and the top of Yosemite Falls. Along the way, our knowledgeable guides will take breaks to provide you ample photo ops from this epic trail.

    We’ll set up camp creekside, get a swim and eat a fulfilling dinner prepared by your guide.

    Meals provided: dinner, hot drinks

  • Day 2

    8 miles, 1,864’ elevation gain

    Traverse the North Rim of Yosemite Valley

    After a delicious breakfast, we’ll dally along Yosemite Creek towards Yosemite Point lookout. We then traverse the enchanting landscapes of Lehamite and Indian Creek drainages, guiding you to our camp nestled at the breathtaking Snow Creek promontory.

    From this vantage point, relish up-close views of the iconic Mt. Watkins and the majestic Half Dome. As the day concludes, anticipate a delightful evening of dinner followed by an extraordinary session of stargazing, making your night under the Yosemite skies truly spectacular.

    Meals provided: Breakfast, dinner, hot drinks

  • Day 3

    5 miles, 300’ elevation gain

    Leisurely Exit to the Trailhead

    We’ll have a slow morning wakeup, enjoying the serenity of the high alpine Yosemite wilderness. Your guides will lead you down the Snow Creek Falls trail back to Mirror Lake. From there you will walk or catch a shuttle back to your cars.

    Meals Provided: Breakfast, hot drinks

Activity, Fitness & Skills

  • This trip is rated Intermediate. Our hardest day of backpacking is the first day with a little over 4 miles but a whopping 3,600’ feet of elevation gain. The days get easier after that! 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!

Accommodations

Backcountry camping, 2 nights

Backpacking gear is available with an upgrade at checkout.

*Optional extra night camping in Yosemite Valley available at no extra charge.

Not Included

  • Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point in Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park.

  • Park entrance fees where required

  • Lunches & snacks - some light snacks provided.

  • 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.

  • All Group Cooking Gear

    Meals as indicated on the daily itinerary: Breakfasts, dinner, hot beverages

    Group First Aid Kit

    Stoves and Fuel

    Water Filter

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

    Bear Canister - required in Yosemite

    Lunches and snacks

    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

  • 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 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 is in Fresno, CA (FAT).

  • Sierra daytime temperatures at this time of year can range between 70s - 80s degrees F, with overnight lows dropping to the 40s - 50s.

  • This is a women’s only event.

    While our company is proudly female-forward and specializes in creating empowering experiences for women, we do offer custom and, private trips that are open to everyone.

    Please inquire if you have a plus 1 that you’d love to bring and we can do our best to accommodate you!

  • See our Cancellation & Refund Policy here.

    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.