YOSEMITE FALLS TO SNOW CREEK TRAIL TOUR
Adventure Details
This Discovery Treks backpacking tour is a great alternative to the ever popular, and crowded, Half Dome 4 day trip. While also starting from Yosemite Valley, the Yosemite Falls/Snow Creek tour will have you leaving the day hiking crowds behind after a few miles as you ascend on the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. You will hike up the tallest fall in the park, as well as the lower 48 states, hike to the top of El Capitan (and wonder why all these people are climbing it when you can just hike to the top), see Half Dome from across the Valley from the less populated North Dome, and then make your way back to the Valley, finishing the loop via the Snow Creek trail.
The Yosemite Falls/Snow Creek hike is the perfect trip for anyone looking for a challenge (beware; this is the mother of all Stairmaster workouts), and is already visiting the Valley but want to stay away from the Half Dome craziness. With views into the valley for most of your hike is worth the heavy breathing and bouts of exposure here and there.
A 4 day trip is also available covering the same route but with less time for side hikes and exploration. A 5 day will give you an extra day camping at Snow Creek for some time to explore more of the North Rim of Yosemite Valley!
*Route Variation - Our specific hiking route and campsites on each departure are dependent upon permit availability.
Adventure Itinerary
Day 1
Meet in the park at 5pm to connect up with your guide and the rest of the members of your group. On night 1 of the tour, your guide will go through an orientation with the group to go over final details, give out and size everyones backpacking equipment, do a packing demonstration and generally confirm that all hikers are prepared for the hike. Following orientation, we will have dinner and our first night of front country camping in the backpackers campground in Yosemite Valley.
Day 2
After we meet the group, we start our ascent up the tallest waterfall in the lower 48 states and into the backcountry of Yosemite National Park. Views, and the climb, all the way to the top are breathtaking! After about 5 miles (8 km) of hiking, and a 3,200-foot (975 m) gain in elevation, we reach our campsite just past Yosemite Point. This is our home for the next 2 nights (only one night if a 4 day trip).Day 3
We set out to the east for a day hike to the top of El Capitan and beyond. Our path today will cross the scenic Eagle Creek Meadows on the way to Eagle Peak and El Capitan for more spectacular views of the Yosemite Valley. We shed the weight of the full backpack today for just a daypack with our essentials for the day. The total hiking distance is 11 miles (17.7 km) with some slight ups and downs as we hike along the north rim of the Yosemite Valley.Day 4
We pack up and hike toward Indian Rock and North Dome. We will take a couple side hikes in order to ascend the 8,522-foot (2,597 m) Indian Rock and the 7,542-foot (2,298 m) North Dome. From North Dome, we will have outstanding views of Half Dome and Clouds Rest. Our goal is to camp along Snow Creek this evening, at an elevation of about 7,000 feet (2,134 m). Today's hike will be about 8 miles (12.9 km).Day 5
The group packs up camp and we finish our loop by descending the Yosemite Snow Creek Trail. This is a steep 2,500-foot (762 m) decent over 2 miles (3.2 km) before we hit the floor of Yosemite Valley. We once again have great scenery along the trail and the group is usually back to the Yosemite Valley just in time for a hearty lunch if you so choose. The total mileage hiked this day is from 4 to 6 miles (6.4 to 9.7 km).What's included?
- 5pm orientation the afternoon prior to your hike at Yosemite Valley at the backpacker's camp.
- Backpacking permits.
- Tent camping each night on the trail plus the night of orientation at the backpacker's camp*.
- All food while on the trail prepared by your guide - from dinner at orientation through breakfast on the last day*.
- Double occupancy tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, trekking poles. A single tent is available for an additional $50.
- A certified, medically trained guide that will lead you safely on your journey.
- An unforgettable experience!
Pickup Locations
This trip meets in Yosemite Valley at 5pm. You will follow your guide to the Backpackers camp following meet up for our first night of camping.
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Cost:
$1297 – $1497
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Type:
Backpacking
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Length:
5-6 days
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Difficulty:
Moderate/Advanced
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Mileage:
20-30 miles
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Season:
May – September
*IMPORTANT* – Due to the overwhelming popularity in Yosemite, this tour should be booked 6 months out to obtain permits. We accept and encourage bookings less than six months out but permit availability may be limited.
Accepted Credit Cards
What to Bring
Our camping and hiking trips include round trip transportation, all pro-quality gear and meals required for your adventure. This includes tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking supplies, trekking poles, and daypacks and/or backpacks. We are happy to accommodate food allergies and most dietary restrictions. Please include your preferences in your Registration Form so that we can prepare accordingly.
Gear Included
Discovery Treks tours are all inclusive tours which include:
- All meals from lunch day 1 through lunch day 6
- An experienced Wilderness First Responder Certified Yosemite Backpacking Guide
- Necessary pro-quality backpacking gear including 65 - 75L Osprey backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, double occupancy tent, bear cannister (Single tent upgrade available for $50)
- All permits and fees
-
Cost:
$1297 – $1497
-
Type:
Backpacking
-
Length:
5-6 days
-
Difficulty:
Moderate/Advanced
-
Mileage:
20-30 miles
-
Season:
May – September
*IMPORTANT* – Due to the overwhelming popularity in Yosemite, this tour should be booked 6 months out to obtain permits. We accept and encourage bookings less than six months out but permit availability may be limited.
Accepted Credit Cards
Questions? Inquire Below!
-
Cost:
$1297 – $1497
-
Type:
Backpacking
-
Length:
5-6 days
-
Difficulty:
Moderate/Advanced
-
Mileage:
20-30 miles
-
Season:
May – September