FOODIES IN YOSEMITE

WOMEN’S BACKPACKING ADVENTURE TO THE GRAND CANYON OF YOSEMITE - WATERWHEEL FALLS

Trip Length: 3 Days/2 Nights

Group Size: 4-12

October 6-8, 2023 - $497

Trip Summary

Ditch the Pouch, We’re Eating Well!

Are you a foodie looking for a unique adventure?

Look no further than our women's backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon of Yosemite! This trip is centered around backcountry cooking and meals, giving you the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature while indulging in delicious, gourmet food.

Our experienced guides will lead you on a journey through stunning landscapes, while teaching you how to prepare mouth-watering meals using only the ingredients you can carry on your back. Not only that, we’ll have several clinics throughout the trip to cover nutrition for wilderness performance, food safety, packing strategies and tips-n-tricks for cooking equipment.

Imagine enjoying a warm, hearty meal under the stars, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite. This trip is perfect for women who love food and want to experience the great outdoors in a whole new way. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a newfound love for backcountry cooking!

Highlights

  • Travel through beautiful Glen Aulin to Waterwheel Falls in the Yosemite wilderness.

  • Clinics to cover:

    • Gear selection for backcountry cooking: Get tips on selecting the right gear for cooking in the backcountry, including stoves, cookware, and utensils.

    • Meal planning and preparation: Discover how to plan and prepare meals for a multi-day backpacking trip.

    • Food safety in the backcountry: Learn how to properly store and handle food to prevent contamination and spoilage.

    • Dehydrating food for backpacking: Explore the benefits of dehydrating food for backpacking and learn how to do it yourself.

    • Backcountry cooking techniques: Learn how to cook delicious meals using only a camp stove and basic ingredients.

    • Wilderness nutrition: Discover how to maintain a healthy diet while backpacking in the wilderness.

    • Leave No Trace principles: Learn how to minimize your impact on the environment while camping and hiking.

  • Supportive and empowering environment to connect with other like-minded women

  • Opportunity to experience the transformative power of outdoor adventure in a beautiful and inspiring setting

  • Experienced guides to provide expert instruction on backpacking and wilderness skills

What’s Included

  • Professional guides

  • 6:1 client to guide ratio or less, with a max group size of 10 clients

  • Meals as indicated on the daily itinerary

  • Group first aid kit

  • Water filtration

  • Group cooking gear

  • Permit fees

  • 5% back to the park

  • Special discount to shop at Alpinistas store

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Foodies in Yosemite

  • Day 1

    6.3 miles, 213’ elevation gain

    Tuolumne Meadows - Glen Aulin

    You will meet your guide around 11AM in the iconic Tuolumne Meadows in the morning. Our trek begins in a tranquil oasis nestled amidst the grandeur of the Sierra Nevada. We’ll do a welcome circle, gear check and then we'll set off on a scenic trail, immersing ourselves in the tranquil beauty of the Pacific Crest Trail. Along the way, our knowledgeable guides will take breaks to provide you with foodie related curriculum.

    We’ll set up camp in Glen Aulin and get down to business with our first amazing meal of the trip.

    Meals provided: snacks, dinner, hot drinks

  • Day 2

    5 miles, 1,056’ elevation gain

    Down into the Grand Canyon of Yosemite!

    We’ll be descending down into the canyon, passing endless waterfalls cascading over the smooth granite, like California Falls. This is a relaxing and peaceful day as we make our way down to the Waterwheel Falls viewpoint. Here, time slows down, allowing us to fully appreciate the serenity and sheer magnificence of our surroundings. Our expert guides will share more curriculum during breaks.

    Meals provided: Breakfast, dinner, hot drinks

  • Day 3

    6.2 miles, 1,004’ elevation gain

    Leisurely Exit to the Trailhead

    We’ll have a slow morning wakeup, enjoying the serenity of the high alpine Yosemite wilderness. Your guides will cover more curriculum before packing up and heading back to the real world.

    Meals Provided: Breakfast, hot drinks, snacks

Activity, Fitness & Skills

  • This trip is rated Intermediate. Our longest day of backpacking is the last day with a little over 6 miles and a 1,000’ feet of elevation gain. Participants will be carrying their own backpacks weighing 35-40 pounds.

  • To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we encourage you to participate in a training program before the trip. We recommend that your program includes training by hiking with a weighted pack.

  • This trip begins at an elevation of 8600 feet. Our maximum elevation during the trip is around 8700’, however, we do lose a bit of elevation when heading down to Waterwheel Falls. Though our first day is not particularly strenuous, if you are coming from sea level, we recommend that you spend a night in the park at altitude before the trip. Staying well hydrated before the trip can also assist in mitigating altitude sickness.

  • Overall fitness is important to your enjoyment of the trip. The only thing taking your breath away should be the views!

Accommodations

Backcountry camping, 2 nights

Backpacking gear is available with an upgrade at checkout.

The Yosemite Valley Backpackers Campground can be available to stay the night before and night after this itinerary, ask us for details after you book if interested.

Not Included

  • Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point in Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park.

  • Park entrance fees where required

  • Trip insurance

  • Lunches & snacks - some light snacks provided.

  • Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks

  • Guide gratuities

  • Personal items such as toiletries, clothing, accessories, sleeping bag.

Gear List

Layering is the key to staying comfortable while being active outdoors. The secret to achieving maximum comfort with minimum weight is to bring versatile layers that can be mixed and matched to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation, and weather protection.

When packing, try to bring only what you need. This not only makes your load lighter but also helps our amazing field staff.

If you've already booked your trip, don't worry! You’ll be getting emails with a detailed list of what you'll need to bring (plus tons of other helpful information).

Are you looking to reduce your carbon footprint or save some money? Check out our rental page for great gear to borrow for your trip or shop at Alpinistas Re-Cover department for gently used gear online.

Get ready to conquer the outdoors, Alpinistas! We can't wait to see you on the trail.

  • All Group Cooking Gear

    Meals as indicated on the daily itinerary: Breakfasts, lunch, light snacks, hot beverages

    Group First Aid Kit

    Stoves and Fuel

    Water Filter

  • Backpacking Pack (Extended, 45-55L) - need room for bear canister

    Bear Canister - required in Yosemite

    Lunches and snacks

    Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Lightweight, Synthetic or Wool)

    Fleece/Wool Gloves

    Fleece/Wool Hat

    Headlamp with Fresh Batteries

    Hiking Boots

    Hiking Pants (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)

    Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)

    Insulated Jacket and/or Vest

    Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)

    Pack Rain Cover

    Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner

    Prescription Medications

    Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)

    Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)

    Sleeping Bag (15°-29°, Lightweight, Compressible)

    Sunblock and Lip Balm

    Water Bottles (Three 1-Liter) or Hydration System Plus One 1-Liter Water Bottle

  • Bandana or Buff for Sun Protection

    Day Pack (Lightweight, Compressible)

    Face Mask

    Hand Sanitizer

    Head Net

    Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)

    Insect Repellent

    Garbage Bag for Personal Trash

    Sun Hat

    Sunglasses and Accessories

    Tee Shirts (Synthetic)

    Toiletries

    Trowel

    Underwear

  • Camera and Accessories

    Camp Towel

    Casual Shoes for Camp

    Ear Plugs

    Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes

    Lightweight Backpacking Chair

    Liner Socks (Synthetic)

    Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)

    Reading and Writing Materials

    Sleeping Bag Liner

    Small Binoculars

    Small Multitool

Have questions about the gear list?

Give us a call at 775-230-7125 or send us a chat or email.

Helpful for booking

What to expect after you book your reservation

After you book your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email. Over the following weeks as you start to get closer to your event date, you will receive additional emails confirming packing lists, itinerary details and other important or helpful supplemental information. The week of the event, you should be ready to go and you will receive a final email introducing your guides, providing you with their contact information and other last minute notes.

What is the closest airport?

The closest airport to Yosemite National Park is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), located about 65 miles (105 km) away. Another option is the Merced Regional Airport (MCE), located about 80 miles (129 km) away.

Public transportation is available from Fresno Airport to various locations in Yosemite via the Yosemite Area Regional Transit System. There is also public transportation available within the park. Please review their schedule for the latest dates and times.

Booking airfare?

If you are flying in for this trip, please contact us before booking airfare to make sure that your trip is confirmed. We require a minimum number of participants to operate.

General weather expectations

Sierra daytime temperatures can range between 60 to 80 degrees F, with overnight lows dropping to the 40s or 50s. You may encounter freezing temperatures at some of the higher elevations. Please view our Yosemite Weather page for additional information. This is shoulder season so expect warm, sunny days and chilly nights. Weather updates to be made as we near the start of this trip.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your trip in the event unforeseeable circumstances or illness comes up that interferes with your ability to join the trip.

Cancellation & Refund Policy