4-Day Backpacking Trip

Backpacking Yosemite: Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River

$945 per person
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trip dates
Aug-Aug
Trip Dates
Aug 09-12

Select your dates during checkout.

trip difficulty
4 Days
trip difficulty
Advanced
Difficulty Level: Advanced
This trip is rated Advanced. Participants will be carrying backpacks of 30-45lbs over steep and rocky terrain for up to 11 miles per day. Participants should be prepared to hike over steep, rocky and sometimes exposed terrain, with constant and dramatic elevation gains and/or losses of up to 3,700'-5,000' per day on most days. Sections of the trail will be exposed and pass near cliff edges. This trip is not recommended for those with vertigo or an extreme fear of heights. We strongly recommend practicing with 30-45lbs in the pack you intend to use for the trip and making sure your hiking boots are broken in before departure. This is not a beginning backpacking trip. Previous experience is highly recommended and we ask you to review your personal health and preparation plan with your medical physician prior to traveling.
trip difficulty
4-9 PEOPLE

Description

Traversing through Yosemite's Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is the perfect adventure to push you out of your comfort zone and show you what backpacking is all about. Experience some of the most beautiful ascents, waterfalls, and swimming holes that Yosemite has to offer on this advanced backpacking trip. Strenuous, yet highly rewarding, this route is one of the least traveled in Yosemite meaning that you get to enjoy it all in backcountry solitude. A five day loop option is also available for those looking to be challenged even further. 

Please read our updated COVID-19 trip safety precautions. 
You may find our cancellation policy at the bottom of this page.
Have a question about this trip? Email us at sboutdoors@sportsbasement.com.

 

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 Murphy Creek Trailhead at 8 am

Trip orientation and gear discussion

Shuttle to the White Wolf Trailhead

Hike 10-11 miles on flat and downhill terrain, including a major descent into Pate Valley

Enjoy a trailside lunch

Make camp at Pate Valley along the Tuolumne River

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)

Break camp

Hike 6-7.5 miles on varied terrain

Enjoy a trailside lunch

Enjoy picturesque swimming holes along the river and at camp

Make camp along the Tuolumne River

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 6.5-8 miles on gradual, but sometimes strenuous uphill terrain

Enjoy a trailside lunch

Take photos of Waterwheel Falls, Le Conte Falls, and California Falls

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 4

Enjoy a delicious, hot breakfast along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)

Break camp

Hike 7-8 miles on moderate terrain

Enjoy the serenity of one or two backcountry lakes

Enjoy a trailside lunch

Return to the Murphy Creek Trailhead and shuttle back to cars

Congratulations! You just backpacked 31 miles with 6k elevation gain over 4 days!

Packing List

Included:
  • Experienced guides, certified as Wilderness First Responders
  • All necessary permits for backpacking in the Grand Canyon
  • Tents and ground cloths
  • Trekking poles
  • Three breakfasts and three dinners
  • Cooking equipment
Not Included:
  • Transportation to and from Grand Canyon National Park
  • Personal backpacking gear (see gear list below; rentals available)
  • Trail snacks
  • Insurance of any kind
  • Guide gratuities
  • Backpack
  • 4-5 liters water capacity
  • Headlamp (no spare batteries)
  • Bowl/cup
  • Eating utensil (only one)
  • Clothing (no more than 2 of anything)
  • Sunscreen (travel size)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Lunch food & snacks
  • Electrolytes (minimum mix to make 4 liters)
  • Toilet paper/wet wipes (bring only what you’ll use; must pack out used tp)
  • Personal items (meds/vitamins/etc - quantity for 4 days)
  • Zip locks for toilet paper and personal trash

A complete, detailed gear list will be sent after registration.

  • Tent
  • Sleeping pad
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Lip balm
  • Personal hand sanitizer
  • Bandana
  • Hiking poles
  • Camp shoes/sandals
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste (travel size or share)
  • 1 luxury item (book, cards, journal, pillow)
  • Soap
  • Rain pants
  • Compass
  • Knife
  • Lighter
  • 1st aid kit
  • Towel
  • Bathing suit
  • Wallet (just bring ID, insurance, credit card)
  • Full set keys (just take car key)
  • Bug spray
  • Cosmetics
  • Deodorant
  • Trowel
  • Extra warm layers or accessories (fleece, hats, gloves)
  • Anything else
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 .