5-Day Yosemite Backpacking - Amazing Sunsets

5.0 (13 reviews) Yosemite National Park, USA
Duration5 days
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 10 travelers

Overview

If you’re looking for an incredible backcountry adventure that isn’t too strenuous, look no further! During this five-day trip you’ll experience some of Yosemite’s pristine wilderness locations. Camp at the base of Mount Hoffman (10,850′) along the shore of May Lake. Swim, relax, or opt for a four-mile roundtrip hike to the summit of Mount Hoffman. Trek through high alpine meadows as you make your way to Polly Dome Lake—a hidden location surrounded partially by granite. Camp at Glen Aulin, nestled at the mouth of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. Amazing sunsets are a specialty along this route! This trip is perfect for a family backpacking adventure, or those wanting something less strenuous.

As the calendar is confusing:

2026 Dates are:
8/4-8/8
8/14-8/15
8/25-8/26
8/30-8/31

What's included

  • Use of Backpacking Gear as requested
  • Experienced Guides
  • Lunch
  • Memories to Last a Lifetime!
  • Dinner
  • Souvenir T-Shirt
  • Breakfast
  • Permits
  • Entrance to Yosemite National Park
  • Guide Gratuities
  • Additional National Park Entrance Fee (Non-U.S. Residents Only) USD 100.00 per person

What to expect

Day 1: Meeting
  1. Tuolumne Meadows
    9h · Admission ticket not included
    Meet your guide in front of the Tuolumne Meadows Store at 3:00 PM. Get acquainted with the group and with gear. If time allows before dinner, explore some of Tuolumne’s hidden gems. Grab dinner at the Tuolumne Grill before settling in for the night at the Tuolumne Meadows Backpacker’s Camp. (Note: food in the front-country is not included.)
Day 2: May Lake & Mount Hoffman
  1. Mt. Hoffmann
    1 day · Admission ticket included
    After grabbing breakfast at the Grill, take the shuttle to the May Lake trailhead. Before hitting the trail, soak in the alpine views at Tenaya Lake (8,150′) before hiking approximately 3 moderate miles up to May Lake. After setting up camp, opt for a four mile roundtrip hike to the summit of Mount Hoffman. Mount Hoffman is the geographical center of Yosemite National Park and was John Muir’s favorite summit view. After dinner, scramble up onto the secret bluff to witness the first amazing sunset.
Day 3: Polly Dome Lake
  1. May Lake Trail
    1 day · Admission ticket included
    Hike 4.5 miles to Polly Dome Lake. Relax and swim in the pristine alpine lake as your guide prepares you a hearty dinner. Explore up one of the granite walls around the lake for another amazing sunset!
Day 4: Glen Aulin
  1. Tuolumne River
    1 day · Admission ticket included
    Hike 4.5 miles to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. Spectacular waterfall and swimming hole here. After dinner take a short stroll to a bluff overlooking the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne for the final (and typically the most incredible!) Yosemite sunset.
Day 5: Return
  1. Tuolumne Meadows
    1 day · Admission ticket included
    Hike out 6 miles along the meandering Tuolumne River to Tuolumne Meadows. Typically we arrive back in Tuolumne Meadows between 11am-1pm; perfect time for a burger from the Tuolumne Grill!

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Curry Village Main Parking Lot near Shuttle Stop #14

End point

Curry Village Main Parking Lot near Shuttle Stop #14

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • 2026 Dates: 8/4-8/8, 8/14-8/15, 8/25-8/26, 8/30-8/31
  • Please Note: National Park fees may apply for international visitors. If applicable, this fee is collected in-destination and not at the time of booking.

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

5.0 (13)
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