Yosemite High Country

Backpacking Yosemite: Ten Lakes

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trip dates
Jul-Sep
Trip Dates
Jul 04-06
Sep 12-14
Aug 23-25
Sep 06-08

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: dinner, Day 2 breakfast and dinner, Day 3 breakfast.
  • 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 and Lunch
  • 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

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 .