Guided Yosemite Backpacking Trips

Somewhere beyond the trailhead crowds, past the shuttle stops and the day hikers and the noise — Yosemite gets quiet.

Backcountry lakes with no one else on the shore. Campsites where the only sounds are wind and water. Mornings where the light hits granite walls and there's nowhere else on earth you'd rather be.

That's where multi-day backpacking takes you.

Getting there requires preparation, the right gear decisions, and wilderness knowledge that takes years to build: water treatment, navigation, understanding the terrain and the wildlife, knowing what to carry and what to leave behind.

I bring the experience and judgment. You bring commitment and gear — and I'll make sure you know exactly what that means before we ever hit the trail.

Trips range from $950 to $2,100 per person depending on route and duration. View the full 2026 trip roster for dates, details, and pricing.

[View available trips]

Have questions before booking? Contact me →

How multi-day trips work

Every trip I run is built around a wilderness permit I’ve already secured — you’re not booking a maybe.

No two trips are identical—routes, pacing, and objectives adjust to the group, the season, and the conditions.

Trips are capped at small groups, so you’re part of a team — not a tour bus.

Your guide is Wilderness First Aid certified, CPR certified, and Leave No Trace trained, and carries satellite communication for emergencies.

Most trips involve moving camp each day, with the option to establish a short-term basecamp when it makes sense for summits or side basins.

Each afternoon and evening we’ll review the next day’s target start time, mileage, and likely camp options, adjusting to group pace and weather as we go.

Who this is for

This is for the person who watched a sunset from a Yosemite viewpoint and thought — I want to be out there when that happens, not driving back to a hotel.

It's for solo travelers who want experienced company in the backcountry, first-timers who want to do this right, and experienced hikers ready to go deeper than a day allows.

You don't need to be an elite athlete or a seasoned backpacker. You do need to be comfortable carrying a pack, sleeping outdoors, and spending multiple days without the amenities of the front country.

If that sounds like you — this is for you.

If Half Dome is your primary objective, see the dedicated guided Half Dome backpacking trips page — every trip includes the Half Dome permit.

What’s included

• Wilderness First Aid–trained guide
• Wilderness permit
• Lightweight 2-person tent for each client
• All meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (you bring your own flavored beverages)
• Cooking equipment (stoves, pots, utensils, fuel)
• Bear canister for food storage (BearVault BV500)
• Backcountry water treatment
• Group first-aid and emergency equipment
• Pre-trip video calls covering route, gear, food, conditions, and group introductions

What’s not included

• Park entrance fees
• Transportation to and from trailheads
• Personal backpacking gear—backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothing, etc.
• Rental gear (I can recommend rental sources but don't maintain a rental fleet)
• Flavored beverages (coffee, tea, drink mixes, etc.)
• Guide gratuity — appreciated but never expected

What you’ll bring

I'll make sure you know exactly what to bring — and why — well before we hit the trail. You’ll get a trip-specific gear list, and we’ll review everything in advance so nothing gets left to chance.

Required personal gear includes a properly fitted backpack, sleeping bag and pad, clothing for variable mountain conditions, footwear for uneven terrain, and any personal items or medications.

You carry your own gear and food, which keeps groups small, routes flexible, and the experience closer to real backcountry travel.

The full gear list — including what I provide and how to think about pack weight — is here: Backpacking Gear List →

Before the trip

Preparation begins the moment you book.

Shortly after booking you'll receive a link to schedule a private video call with me. We'll talk through your experience, fitness, gear, and any health considerations — early enough that if anything needs to be addressed, there's plenty of time to do it. This is also where we start building the relationship that makes the trip work.

For group trips, we'll also hold a group video call in the weeks before departure — so everyone can meet, align on the route and expectations, and arrive at the trailhead already knowing each other.

The day before we start, we meet in person in Yosemite for a final gear check and readiness review. Current conditions, last questions, any final adjustments. Nothing gets left to the morning of.

By the time we hit the trail, nothing should be a surprise — gear, route, weather, or group dynamics.

Fitness and expectations

Multi-day backpacking trips involve sustained effort over several days — elevation changes, uneven terrain, and carrying a full pack for hours at a time.

You don't need to be an athlete. You do need to be honest about your current fitness level and comfortable with the physical demands of backcountry travel.

Trip planning accounts for group experience and conditioning, seasonal conditions, elevation gain and loss, and time needed for rest and recovery. The goal is a trip that feels challenging but manageable — not rushed or punishing.

Your fitness level and experience are discussed during your initial planning call so routes can be shaped around the actual group, not a generic template.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included in a guided backpacking trip? The wilderness permit, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), a lightweight 2-person tent, bear canister, cooking equipment, backcountry water treatment, first aid and emergency gear, and pre-trip video calls. Park entrance fees, transportation to trailheads, and personal backpacking gear are not included.

Do I need my own backpacking gear? Yes — you'll need your own pack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and clothing. Yosemite Life provides a lightweight 2-person tent, bear canister, all meals, cooking equipment, and backcountry water treatment. What's yours is the personal kit you wear and sleep in. Yosemite Life doesn't maintain a rental fleet but can point you to rental sources nearby. The trip-specific gear list is reviewed during your planning call. View the full Backpacking Gear List

How physically demanding are the trips? Trip difficulty ranges from moderate multi-day hikes on established trails to more demanding routes at elevation with off-trail travel. Each trip listing includes the recommended experience level and daily mileage range. Your fitness and experience are discussed during your planning call so routes match the actual group — not a generic template.

Do I need prior backpacking experience? Not necessarily. Some trips are designed for strong hikers stepping into multi-day travel for the first time, while others require prior backpacking experience. Each trip listing notes the recommended experience level. If you're unsure, a free planning call is the place to figure that out.

What trips are available in 2026? All available dates, routes, pricing, and capacity are listed on the 2026 Backpacking Trips page. Every trip is built around a wilderness permit already secured — dates are fixed, not tentative. Additional dates may be added as Yosemite releases more permits.

Is the guide permitted to lead trips in Yosemite? Yes. Yosemite Life operates under a National Park Service Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) for guided day hiking and overnight backpacking in Yosemite National Park. Eric Kufrin is Wilderness First Aid certified, CPR certified, and Leave No Trace certified.

What happens before the trip starts? Shortly after booking, you'll schedule a private video call to discuss experience, fitness, gear, and health considerations. Group trips include a second call so everyone meets beforehand. The day before departure, we meet in person in Yosemite for a final gear check and conditions briefing. By the time we hit the trail, nothing should be a surprise.

Have more questions? See the full FAQ page — covering fitness, gear, cancellations, safety, wildlife, and logistics.

Ready to Book a Trip?

[View available trips]

Not sure what to expect? Read the FAQ →

Have questions before booking? Contact me →