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 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian participating on the trip and are subject to manager approval.
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.

Have a question about this trip? Email us at sboutdoors@sportsbasement.com.
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:
  • Day-Use Entry Exemption to Yosemite (given to participants in the week leading up to trip)
  • Two Expert, Medically Trained Guides
  • Group First Aid Kit
  • All Wilderness Permits and Camping Fees
  • Bear Canisters
  • Group Cooking Gear (including stoves and fuel)
  • Water Filtration
  • Dinners, Breakfasts, Hot Beverages, and Trail Snacks
  • Pre-Trip Phone Briefing Approximately Two Weeks Prior to Trip
  • An Amazing Wilderness Experience
Not Included:
  • Transportation to and from Yosemite
  • Personal Backpacking Gear (see Gear List below; rentals available)
  • Lunches (although a Trail Snack Bag is provided)
  • 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.)

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