Trip Length

2, 3 or 4 day trips available

Backpacking Trip

Group Size

3-6

Pre-Booking 2025 Dates

Trip Summary

Are you a woman over 50 who's been dreaming about backpacking in Yosemite and is looking for some like-minded ladies to explore with? Don't let age be a barrier to your outdoor adventures! At Alpinistas, we understand that finding ladies to backpack with can be daunting, especially for those who feel like spending time within their own age group.

That's why we've created a female-led backpacking trip in Yosemite specifically for women over 50! Our experienced guides will provide all the necessary encouragement and patience, so you can focus on the stunning scenery and the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a backpacking trip.

Join us on a journey of self-discovery and adventure in the great outdoors!

Our experienced instructors are here to support and encourage you every step of the way, ensuring that you feel confident and comfortable throughout the trip. This event is the perfect way to challenge yourself, make new friends, and experience the joy of backpacking in Yosemite.

So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore and have some fun!

2025 Dates

2025 permits will begin to be released in Spring 2025. You may pre-book your spot now and save. Your pre-booking will allow you to choose the preferred month of travel but you will also have the option to choose another month. Once the permits are issued by Yosemite National Park, we’ll confirm your travel dates.

Pre-booking must be paid in full and standard refund policy applies.

Highlights

  • Explore beautiful Yosemite with a mild-paced, like minded group of women.

  • Learn valuable backcountry skills with a group of adventurous women.

  • Build confidence in your ability to tackle longer, more challenging backpacking trips in the future.

Don’t see the dates you are looking for?

Sign up to be notified when new dates are released or book a private guide to get the trip of your dreams.

Dates and Locations

  • June 2025

    May Lake High Sierra Camp - 2 Nights

    $697

    Physical Fitness Required: Beginner +

    Trail Profile: 3 miles, 500’ elevation gain round trip

    Book Now

  • July 2025

    Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp

    $697

    Physical Fitness Required: Beginner +

    Trail Profile: 11.4 miles, 1148’ elevation gain round trip

    Book Now

  • August 2025

    Young Lakes, Tuloumne Meadows

    $797

    Physical Fitness Required: Intermediate

    Trail Profile: 14.3 miles, 2500’ Elevation Gain, round trip

    Book Now

  • September 2025

    May Lake High Sierra Camp

    $797

    Physical Fitness Required: Beginner +

    Trail Profile: 3 miles, 500’ elevation gain round trip

    Book Now

What’s Included

  • Altitude preparation handout

  • 3 Day/2 Night Backpacking

    • A professional female guide

    • Dinner & breakfast, hot beverage

    • 6:1 client to guide ratio, clients attest to being at least 50 years old

    • Backcountry permit fees

    • Yosemite National Park wilderness permit

    • Yosemite National Park entrance reservation

    • 5% back to the park

  • Special discount to shop at Alpinistas store

Activity, Fitness & Skills

  • These trips rate Beginner + - Intermediate and require some prior backpacking experience and a general level of physical fitness. If you have never backpacked before, we recommend checking out our Backpacking 101, where you learn the skills to backpack.

  • 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.

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

Accommodations

Backcountry camping, 2 nights.

Accommodations before and after the trip are not included. We recommend staying in the nearby towns of Lee Vining, June Lake, or Mammoth. There are also many Forest Service campgrounds on Tioga Road to the east of Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows entrance gate.

You may also camp at the Yosemite backpackers campgrounds the night before/after your trip. Inquire for details on how to reserve.

Not Included

  • Lunch, snacks (dinner & breakfast is provided)

  • Personal backpacking equipment (a detailed packing list will be provided) with option to upgrade gear

  • Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point

  • Transfers to and from trailheads

  • Park entrance fees where required

  • Travel insurance

  • Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks

  • Guide gratuities

  • Personal items

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.

  • Group First Aid Kit

    Water Filters

  • Backpacking Pack (Extended, 55-65L)

    Tent

    Bear Canister

    Compass

    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)

    Sleeping Pad

    Spork, Bowl and Mug

    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. (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 itinerary details and other important or helpful supplemental information such as start time and driving directions.

    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.

  • This trip begins and ends in Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park.

    The adventure generally starts around 8AM on Day 1 and ends by 4PM on the last day.

  • 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. Afternoon thunderstorms are a distinct possibility so adequate raingear is important.

    Please view our Yosemite Weather page for additional information.

  • This trip is for women.

    While our company is proudly female-forward and specializes in creating empowering experiences for women, we do offer custom, private trips are open to everyone. On those trips, we welcome all individuals, regardless of gender, who share a passion for outdoor adventures and respect the ethos of inclusivity and support that we foster.

    Our focus remains on ensuring a safe, welcoming, and unforgettable adventure for all our guests.

  • Cancellation & Refund Policy