Yosemite Ten Lakes Backpacking Trip | 4-Day Guided Adventure

Your adventure begins with traveling to Yosemite National Park to meet your guide at the trailhead to receive your wilderness permit from the guide.  By early afternoon, our guides arrive at the trailhead to set up a comfortable staging area, preparing gear, organizing group equipment, and getting dinner started in anticipation of your arrival.

Guests arrive mid-afternoon and are welcomed with introductions, followed by an orientation covering trail safety, backcountry etiquette, and what to expect over the coming days. A hands-on pack demo ensures everyone is properly fitted and efficiently packed, including shared group gear. This is a key moment to build confidence before heading into the backcountry.

Before hitting the trail, we enjoy an early dinner together at the trailhead, fueling up for the short but important first hike. From there, we begin a 1.3-mile trek into the wilderness, gaining elevation as we ease into the rhythm of backpacking. While the distance is relatively short, the combination of altitude and newly loaded packs can make this stretch feel more challenging—your guides will set a comfortable pace and provide support along the way.

By early evening, we arrive at our first backcountry camp. After setting up tents and filtering water, there’s time to relax and settle into the experience of being in Yosemite’s high country. Surrounded by quiet forest and alpine air, it’s the perfect first night to begin your Ten Lakes Basin adventure.

Hiking: 1.3 Miles +500ft elevation

The day begins with a breakfast and hot drinks prepared by your guides as the morning light filters through the trees. After breaking down camp, we set out on the trail toward Grant Lakes, entering deeper into Yosemite’s high country.

Today’s hike covers approximately 6 miles with a steady climb, making it one of the more physically engaging days of the trip. As we ascend toward Ten Lakes Pass, the trail rewards us with expanding alpine views and a true sense of wilderness. Our pace is intentionally flexible, allowing for rest breaks, hydration, and time to take in the surroundings. Lunch is typically enjoyed along the trail, be sure to take in the views at Ten Lakes Pass and Half Moon Meadows.

By mid to late afternoon, we arrive at our basecamp near Grant Lakes—our home for the next two nights. After setting up camp and filtering water, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Take a refreshing swim, relax by the lakeshore, or simply unwind and soak in the quiet beauty of the High Sierra.

In the evening, we gather for a hearty dinner in camp, followed by a campfire if conditions allow.

Hiking: 6 Miles +1700ft/-350ft elevation 

Your final morning in the backcountry begins with hot drinks and breakfast in camp as you take in the last moments of Yosemite’s quiet high country. After packing up and breaking down camp, we begin the hike back to Ten Lakes Trailhead.

The return journey covers approximately 7 miles, starting with a gradual climb out of camp before transitioning into a long descent toward the trailhead. With full packs once again, the initial uphill section can feel more challenging, but your guides will set a steady, manageable pace with plenty of opportunities to rest and hydrate.

As we descend, enjoy the changing scenery and reflect on the journey—moving from remote alpine lakes back toward the forested trailhead where it all began. By early to mid-afternoon, we arrive back at Ten Lakes Trailhead.

Once back, we’ll gather group gear, ensure nothing is left behind (including items stored in bear boxes), and take time for final goodbyes. You’ll leave with a strong sense of accomplishment and lasting memories from your guided Ten Lakes backpacking adventure.

Hiking: 7 Miles +350ft/-2200ft elevation