GRAND CANYON OF YOSEMITE

& WATERWHEEL FALLS

Women’s Backpacking Adventure

Fourth of July Weekend 2024!!

July 5 - 7, 2024

$997

Trip Length: 3 Days/2 Nights

Group Size: 4-8

Trip Summary

Celebrate Fourth of July Weekend off the beaten path!

Need a Fourth of July weekend plan this summer? Look no further than our women's backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon of Yosemite! Our experienced guides will lead you on a journey through stunning landscapes, waterfalls and High Sierra vistas.

Imagine enjoying a warm, hearty meal cooked for you under the stars, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite. This trip is perfect for women who want to get away and explore the hidden reaches of Yosemite National Park.

Highlights

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

  • 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 & Yosemite National Park entrance reservation

  • 5% back to the park

  • Special discount to shop at Alpinistas store

Don’t see the dates you are looking for?

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Grand Canyon of Yosemite

  • Day 1

    8 miles, 213’ elevation gain

    Tuolumne Meadows - Glen Aulin - Waterwheel Falls

    You will meet your guide around 10AM 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.

    We’ll set up camp past Glen Aulin in the canyon and relax until your guide prepares dinner.

    Meals provided: snacks, dinner, hot drinks

  • Day 2

    5 miles, 1,056’ elevation gain

    Explore 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 further viewpoints. Here, time slows down, allowing us to fully appreciate the serenity and sheer magnificence of our surroundings.

    Meals provided: Breakfast, dinner, hot drinks

  • Day 3

    8 miles, 1,500’ 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 prepare breakfast before setting off back to the trailhead.

    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 8 miles and a 1,500’ 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, dinners light snacks, hot beverages

    Group First Aid Kit

    Stoves and Fuel

    Water Filter

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

    Tent

    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.

Want to take the load off your back?

Porter service is available for selected itineraries. Porters will carry up to 40 lbs into and out of camp.

Upgrade at checkout and select Porter to add to your reservation.

Helpful for booking

  • After you book your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email with some action items. (Please check promotions and spam folder if you don’t receive a confirmation immediately.)

    As you start to get closer to your event date, you will receive additional emails confirming access to your client portal that includes itinerary details and other important or helpful supplemental information such as start time and driving directions. You will also have someone from our office reach out to discuss any questions that you might have.

    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.

  • 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.

  • Sierra daytime temperatures at this time of year can range between 70s - 80s degrees F, with overnight lows dropping to the 40s - 50s.

  • This trip is for women only. While our company is proudly female-forward and specializes in creating empowering experiences for women, our custom, private trips are open to everyone. Send us a message to find the dates that work for you.

  • Cancellation & Refund Policy

    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.

Save Up to 10% On This Trip

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