Yosemite Ten Lakes Backpacking Trip | 4-Day Guided Adventure
Tour Dates: June 23 & June 30
Explore Yosemite’s Ten Lakes on a 4-day guided backpacking trip that immerses you in the breathtaking beauty of the High Sierra. Beginning along the scenic Tioga Road, this adventure takes you deep into a quieter side of Yosemite, where granite peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and expansive wilderness define the experience. With a thoughtfully designed itinerary that includes two nights at a comfortable basecamp near Grant Lakes, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation.
Hike through forested trails and open alpine terrain, take in sweeping mountain views, and spend a full day discovering the stunning Ten Lakes Basin—one of Yosemite’s most scenic and less-traveled destinations. Along the way, expert guides provide support, backcountry knowledge, and a seamless experience so you can focus on the journey. Whether you’re looking to step into backpacking for the first time or experience a rewarding High Sierra adventure, this trip delivers unforgettable landscapes, meaningful challenge, and true wilderness immersion.
Trip Highlights
- 4-day guided backpacking adventure in Yosemite National Park
- Basecamp experience at scenic Bluejay Creek (2 nights)
- Summit hike to Eagle Peak with panoramic Yosemite Valley views
- Springtime offers abundant waterfalls, and fall provides golden foliage
- Balanced itinerary with both backpacking and day hiking
Gear We Provide
- Trekking Poles
- Emergency Communication Device(s)
- Company-issued first-aid Kit
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Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from the SWAT base to Yosemite’s Ten Lakes Trailhead, with a stop along the way to secure your wilderness permit. 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. Depending on the season, water sources may be limited in this area, so your guides will plan accordingly to ensure enough water is available for the evening and morning ahead. Surrounded by quiet forest and alpine air, it’s the perfect first night to begin your Ten Lakes adventure.
Hiking: 1.3 Miles +500ft elevation
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The day begins with a warm 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 near the top of the pass after the main climb, though alternate spots like Half Moon Meadows provide a great option for groups moving at a slower pace.
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. For those with extra energy, an optional hike to Upper Grant Lake offers incredible sunset views and a chance to explore even more of this stunning alpine basin.
Hiking: 6 Miles +1700ft/-350ft elevation
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Today is all about exploring one of Yosemite’s most beautiful and lesser-traveled alpine regions—Ten Lakes Basin. After a relaxed morning with breakfast and hot drinks in camp, we set out on a lighter day hike, leaving our main gear behind for a more comfortable and flexible experience.
The hike into Ten Lakes Basin covers approximately 3 miles, gradually descending into a stunning landscape of interconnected alpine lakes surrounded by granite peaks and open sky. With minimal elevation gain, this portion of the day allows you to move at an easy pace and fully take in the scenery.
Once in the basin, we enjoy a picnic lunch beside one of the lakes, with plenty of time to swim, explore, or simply relax along the shoreline. This is a highlight of the trip—a chance to experience Yosemite’s high country without the weight of a full pack and to truly immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings.
In the afternoon, we retrace our steps back to Grant Lakes, climbing gently back to camp over the same scenic route. After returning, the evening is yours to unwind before gathering for dinner in camp. If conditions allow, we’ll enjoy a campfire, or guests can opt for an additional short hike to catch sunset views from higher vantage points nearby.
Hiking: 3 Miles +350ft/-650ft elevation
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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
