Yosemite Falls to Snow Creek
Yosemite Backpacking Tour
Backpacking Gear Included
|Fresh Meals Prepared Daily
|Professional Wilderness Guides
Yosemite Falls to Snow Creek
Yosemite Backpacking Tour
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Cost:
$1497 (5 Day)
$1697 (6 Day) -
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.
Adventure Details
Yosemite Falls to Snow Creek: The Grand Yosemite Loop
Experience Yosemite’s most dramatic vertical world on this exhilarating 5-day guided backpacking loop that combines heart-pounding exposure, thundering waterfalls, and serene high-country solitude. Begin with a sunrise ascent alongside North America’s tallest waterfall – the 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls – climbing the legendary switchbacks to the rim for a dizzying overlook from the brink of the Upper Fall. Traverse the quiet north rim past hidden vistas, then descend the rarely traveled Snow Creek trail, where sweeping panoramas of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and the entire Yosemite Valley unfold beneath your boots with every step. This is the classic “anti-Mist Trail” descent: fewer crowds, bigger views, and a front-row seat to the Valley’s granite giants from an angle few ever see. A perfect blend of raw power and peaceful wilderness.
Tour Highlights
- Stand at the roaring edge of Yosemite Falls – the tallest waterfall in North America
- Epic rim-top views from Yosemite Point and the rarely visited Eagle Peak summit (optional side trip)
- Dramatic, exposed descent of the Snow Creek Trail with nonstop Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon vistas
- Crystal-clear swimming holes and wildflower meadows along the north rim
- Small-group adventure with expert guides, all permits, gourmet backcountry meals, and bear canisters included
- 20–23 miles with ~5,500 ft elevation gain and a thrilling 4,000+ ft descent
- Four nights camping under the stars at stunning rim-side and creek-side sites
Fewer people, more jaw-dropping moments. This is Yosemite’s grandest loop, reimagined from the quiet side. Limited departures each summer – claim your place on the rim.
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 6pm. You will follow your guide to the Backpackers camp following meet up for our first night of camping.
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
June
July
Don't see a tour date that works for you?
We may still be able to schedule additional tour dates that fall within your travel window.
Please call our office to inquire at 480-247-9266.