Backpacking Yosemite: Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River
5 Day Loop

TRIP DATES

Trip Overview

Traversing through Yosemite National Park'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 our most 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 shorter, four day one-way route is also available. 

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.


SEE 4 DAY TRIP OPTION!
Difficulty Rating: Advanced
DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Participants will be carrying their own gear as well as group gear (35 - 45 lbs total), 9 to 12 miles each day over moderate to strenuous terrain with elevation gains and losses of up to 4,000 ft in a day. We recommend doing numerous day hikes and training with a 35 - 45 lb pack prior to your trip. Individuals should be in superior physical condition (See our Training Recommendations). 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 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 White Wolf Trailhead at 8 am

Trip orientation and gear discussion

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 9-10 miles on varied, but predominately uphill 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 9-10 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 by the Poly Dome Lakes

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 11-12 miles on gradual, but sometimes strenuous uphill terrain

Enjoy a trailside lunch

Enjoy the serenity of several backcountry lakes

Make camp at Ten Lakes

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

Day 5

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

Break camp

Hike 9 miles on moderate terrain

Enjoy a trailside lunch

Return to the White Wolf Trailhead and to cars

Congratulations! You just backpacked 50 miles with 10k elevation gain over 5 days!

Packing List

Required:

Face Mask and Hand Sanitizer

Lightweight 2 Person, 3-Season Tent (rentals available)

Backpacking Pack - minimum 60L (rentals available)

Lightweight, Compressible Sleeping Bag rated 15 to 25 degrees (rentals available)

Lightweight Sleeping Pad, inflatable recommended (rentals available)

Headlamp with fresh batteries (rentals available)

Mess Kit (bowl, insulated cup, and spork)

Sturdy Hiking Boots that are broken in

2-3L Water Bladder and 1L Bottle

Sunscreen, Sun Hat, Sunglasses

Hiking Pants/Shorts (lightweight, quick dry)

Wool or Synthetic Hiking Tops (quick dry)

Wool or Synthetic Hiking Socks, Liner Socks

Seasonal Layers: Baselayers, Fleece/Down Jacket, Winter Hat, Lightweight Gloves

Waterproof Rain Jacket and Pack Cover (Poncho at minimum)

Optional (but recommended):

Trekking Poles (rentals available)

Lightweight Camp Shoes/Water Shoes

Insect Repellant

Small Pack Towel

Camera/Phone

Ear Plugs

Camp Pillow

Luxury Item (small book/kindle, deck of cards, etc.)

Guide Gratuities (optional)

Do NOT bring:

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.)

$845 per person

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