Home Activities USA Yosemite National Park 5-Day Yosemite Backpacking - Amazing Sunsets

Activity Yosemite National Park, USA

5-Day Yosemite Backpacking - Amazing Sunsets

5.0 (13 reviews) 5 days

out of 5

13 reviews

5.0

5-Day Yosemite Backpacking - Amazing Sunsets — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

5-Day Yosemite Backpacking - Amazing Sunsets, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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

Hiking Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Multi-day Tours Private and Luxury Likely to Sell Out Small Group Adventure Tours Likely To Sell Out

At a glance

Duration: 5 days
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 10 people
People per booking: 1–5
Guide: English
Operated by: Lasting Adventures

Ages: Adults (8–70 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Use of Backpacking Gear as requested
Included: Experienced Guides
Included: Lunch
Included: Memories to Last a Lifetime!
Included: Dinner
Included: Souvenir T-Shirt
Included: Breakfast
Included: Permits

Not included

Not included: Entrance to Yosemite National Park
Not included: Guide Gratuities
Not included: Government fees: Additional National Park Entrance Fee (Non-U.S. Residents Only) USD 100.00 per person

Itinerary

Day 1 · Meeting

Tuolumne Meadows

9 hours Admission 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.)

Tuolumne Meadows Backpacker's Camp

Day 2 · May Lake & Mount Hoffman

Mt. Hoffmann

one day Admission 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.

May Lake Backcountry Campground

Day 3 · Polly Dome Lake

May Lake Trail

one day Admission 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!

Backcountry camping at Polly Dome Lake

Day 4 · Glen Aulin

Tuolumne River

one day Admission 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.

Backcountry Camping at Glen Aulin

Day 5 · Return

Tuolumne Meadows

one day Admission 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!

Optional. Many customers choose to purchase their own lunch after arriving back in the valley.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Curry Village Main Parking Lot near Shuttle Stop #14

End point

Curry Village Main Parking Lot near Shuttle Stop #14

Using your ticket

Lasting Adventures reserves the right to cancel trips. If this is the case a full refund of the amount paid will be returned. Lasting Adventures is not responsible for additional expenses incurred while preparing for or traveling to the reserved experience. To contact Lasting Adventures prior to your trip, please email [email protected] or call 209-962-6251.

Meeting Location: https://goo.gl/maps/e9FdeM2XXCuUToMp9

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

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

If you cancel	You get back
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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.