Yosemite High Country

Backpacking Yosemite: Glen Aulin

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trip dates
Jul-Sep
Trip Dates
Jul 26-28
Aug 15-17
Sep 19-21

Select your dates during checkout.

trip difficulty
3 Days
trip difficulty
Moderate
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Participants will be carrying their own gear as well as group gear (35 - 45 lbs total), for roughly 5.5 - 7 miles each day over easy to moderate terrain with minimal elevation drops and gains. We recommend doing numerous day hikes and training with a 35 - 45 lb pack prior to your trip. Individuals should be in decent physical condition. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian participating on the trip and are subject to manager approval.
trip difficulty
6-15 PEOPLE

Description

Experience the spectacular beauty of the Yosemite backcountry on our most beginner friendly route from Tuolumne Meadows to Waterwheel Falls. We will stay at the beautiful Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp for two nights, allowing participants plenty of time for rest and relaxation among high mountain waterfalls and rivers. Trails on this route are well maintained with minimal elevation gain and loss, perfect for those new to backpacking.

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 Cub for this trip.

You may find our cancellation policy at the bottom of this page.

"The coordination, food, and scenery were all top notch." - S A

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 Lembert Dome Picnic Area in Tuolumne Meadows at 9 am
  • Trip orientation and gear discussion
  • Hike 5.5 miles on rolling to downhill terrain
  • Enjoy spectacular views of Tuolumne Meadows
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Make camp at the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp
  • 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)
  • Optional day hike: Hike 3.5 miles predominately downhill along the Tuolumne River to Waterwheel Falls with a lightweight day pack
  • Enjoy spectacular views of the Tuolumne River
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Hike 3.5 miles predominately uphill back to the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp with a lightweight day pack
  • 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 5.5 miles on moderate uphill terrain
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Enjoy spectacular views of Tuolumne Meadows
  • Return to the Lembert Dome Picnic Area
  • Congratulations! You just backpacked/hiked 17 miles with 2.2k 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 Lockers at Campground (Bear Canisters are not required for this trip)
  • 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 travel size packages of these things or re-package them yourself.)

Reviews

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

For our Ski Bus trips:

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:

If we cancel a trip:
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. At our sole discretion, we may choose to postpone, reschedule or cancel these trips. If we decide to cancel,  postpone or reschedule a trip,, 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.
Please note: Rain, snow, nearby fires or smoke are not necessarily reasons we will cancel a trip. 

If you cancel a trip:
For all overnight trips or multiple-day courses, you can cancel more than 30 days before the start of the trip/course and receive a full refund.  Between 30 and 14 days before the start of the trip, you can reschedule your trip for a future date, but no refunds are given. If you cancel within 14 days of the start of the trip,, there are no refunds, cancellations or rescheduling. **
**Exceptions may be available for severe illnesses, injuries, or a death in the immediate family. A medical note from a licensed physician or death certificate will be required. If an exception is made, a fee of  50% of the total trip cost will be charged .