Yosemite High Country

Backpacking Yosemite: Ten Lakes

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trip dates
To Be Determined
Trip Dates

Select your dates during checkout.

trip difficulty
3 Days
trip difficulty
Difficult
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Participants will be carrying their own gear as well as group gear (35 - 45 lbs total), roughly 6 miles each day over moderate to strenuous terrain with elevation drops and gains of up to 2,000 ft in a day at an altitude as high as 9,000 ft. While the route is not particularly difficult, the high altitude can make this trip extra challenging without proper conditioning. We recommend doing numerous day hikes and training with a 35 - 45 lb pack prior to your trip. Individuals should be in good physical condition. Participants under the age of 18 can currently not join this trip.
trip difficulty
6-15 people

Description

Join us on this moderate but breathtaking route to the spectacular Ten Lakes basin in Yosemite's high country - a perfect introduction for bold first time backpackers or intermediates. This route is perfect for those looking to discover the solitude of the Yosemite backcountry by getting away from the Valley crowds. Highlights include swimming in pristine alpine lakes, flower-filled meadows, and stunning views from exposed ridgelines.

Please note that minors under 18 need prior approval to join this trip. We are happy to answer any questions through email or phone listed below.

Have a question about this trip? Email us at sboutdoors@sportsbasement.com.
Sports Basement has partnered with the Outdoor Adventure Club for this trip.
You may find our cancellation policy at the bottom of this page.
"The location, guides, food, and scenery were all magnificent!" - Logan C.

Itinerary

Although we'll always do our best to adhere to this schedule, it is often dictated by factors outside of our control and is therefore subject to change. We will run this trip rain or shine as long as it is safe to do so.

DAY 1
  • Meet at the Yosemite Creek Trailhead Parking Lot at 9 am
  • Trip orientation and gear discussion
  • Hike 6 miles on gradual, but sometimes strenuous uphill terrain, then descend to one of the amazing Ten Lakes
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Make camp
  • Enjoy spectacular views of majestic high-country lakes
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot dinner along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
DAY 2
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot breakfast along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
  • Rest day if desired (napping, sunbathing, and relaxing)
  • Optional day hikes to nearby peaks and lakes (1 to 9 mile options)
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Enjoy spectacular views of majestic high-country lakes
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot dinner along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
DAY 3
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot breakfast along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
  • Break camp
  • Hike 6 miles on predominately downhill terrain after one short, steep ascent
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Return to the Yosemite Creek Trailhead Parking Lot
  • Congratulations! You just backpacked/hiked 12-21 miles with 3-5k elevation gain over 3 days!

Packing List

Included:
  • Experienced guides, certified as Wilderness First Responders
  • All necessary permits for backpacking in Yosemite
  • Yosemite entrance permit (not the entrance fee, but the permit needed to enter Yosemite, if required)
  • Meals: Day 1: lunch and dinner, Day 2 breakfast, lunch and dinner, Day 3 breakfast and light lunch
  • Group cooking gear (stoves, pots, water filters)
  • Bear Canisters
  • Group first aid supplies
  • Dinners, Breakfasts and Hot Beverages
  • An Amazing Wilderness Experience
Not Included:
  • Transportation to and from Yosemite
  • Personal Backpacking Gear (see Gear List below; rentals available)
  • Trail Snacks
  • Park Entrance Fees
  • Insurance of any kind
  • Guide Gratuities
  • Soap
  • Full Wallet and Set of Keys
  • Full sized Toothpaste, Deodorant, Sunscreen, etc. (Please only bring small packages of these things or re-package them yourself.)

Reviews

Interested in a private trip? Click here for info.
Sports Basement Outdoors Cancellation Policy

We look forward to sharing an amazing adventure together. While we make every effort to run our scheduled trips, our current climate reality means that some trips may not be safe to run due to circumstances beyond our control. In these instances, a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. If participants are unable to reschedule to another date, a full refund will be provided.

Cancellations for the Tahoe Ski Bus must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled departure time in order to receive a refund of 97%. After that, refunds will not be given, but we will accommodate rescheduling of reservations up until noon the day before the trip.

For all overnight trips or multiple day courses, client cancellations outside of 30 days receive full refunds. Within 30 days, you may only reschedule to another date. If the reschedule is requested within 7 days of the trip, each participant is subject to an additional change fee that is equal to 50% of the original trip cost (i.e. if your trip is $795, the fee would be $397.50 to reschedule). With guides in the field prior to trips and often poor connectivity, we may not be able to accommodate client reschedules or cancellations within 24 hours of the starting time. Gift certificates are non-refundable but may be used towards any trip offering.