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High Passes Backpacking Trip in Yosemite

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High Passes Backpacking Trip in Yosemite
From $2,495USDBook Now
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8 days from $2,495USD
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High Passes Backpacking Trip in Yosemite
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Escape to the wild and embark on the unforgettable guided High Passes Backpacking Trip in Yosemite National Park. This impressive route has you traversing 80 km and crossing 4 high elevation passes in 8 days. You’ll spend each night camping in the thick of the wild, alongside scenic lakes with elaborate mountain backdrops, such as Upper Merced Pass Lake and Lake 10K.

You will be responsible for carrying your backpack as you travel on foot between camp spots! So, it’s essential to condition yourself before meandering deep into southern Yosemite’s backyard.

United States, North America
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High Passes Backpacking Trip in Yosemite

Discover hidden natural wonders of Yosemite and the Ansel Adams Wilderness on foot
4.70
(46 reviews)
8 days from $2,495USD
Easy quote
Duration
8 days
Season
Jul-Aug
Activity
Walking
Type
Guided, Scheduled
Accommodation
Hotels and wild camping
Difficulty
Very Hard (5/5)
From $2,495USD (see prices for this tour)
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High Passes Backpacking Trip in Yosemite
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Escape to the wild and embark on the unforgettable guided High Passes Backpacking Trip in Yosemite National Park. This impressive route has you traversing 80 km and crossing 4 high elevation passes in 8 days. You’ll spend each night camping in the thick of the wild, alongside scenic lakes with elaborate mountain backdrops, such as Upper Merced Pass Lake and Lake 10K.

You will be responsible for carrying your backpack as you travel on foot between camp spots! So, it’s essential to condition yourself before meandering deep into southern Yosemite’s backyard.

rating
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Traverse 4 high elevation passes, including the mighty Red Peak Pass, the tallest trail pass in Yosemite National Park.

Spend 5 nights wild camping in remote, lakefront areas nestled below staggering mountains, such as Lake 10K and Upper Merced Pass Lake.

Discover a reel of incredible scenery as you meander through Yosemite National Park for 80 km on foot.

Enjoy delicious and fulfilling backpacking meals and snacks throughout your backpacking adventure.

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We know Adventure
10Adventures only does Hiking, Cycling and Adventure Holidays. Its our mission to help you explore the world!

Trip map

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Head to Bass Lake, California
Your first night will have you checking into your hotel in Bass Lake sometime after 4 pm. At 6 pm, you’ll meet your guide and the rest of the group for a short orientation. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the restaurants dotting this charming area.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Bass Lake
Included Meals None
Day 2
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Trek to Lillian Lake
After an early breakfast on your own (there is a nice bakery in the Pines village), we’ll meet you at 8 am to drive to the nearby trailhead (7,600’). The drive, which takes about an hour, is your responsibility to and from the trailhead. The hike to our camp at Lillian Lake (8,875’) will be roughly 6 miles. That evening there may be time to swim while your guide prepares an incredible dinner beneath the high peaks. The day ends with stargazing and storytelling.
Distance 6 mi, 1938 ft ascent, 602 ft descent
Overnight Location Camping at Lillian
Included Meals Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
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Conquer Fernandez Pass to Breeze Lake
After a good night’s rest you will enjoy a fine breakfast before breaking camp and warming up your legs over a few miles of easy trail before tackling the first of the four passes on our itinerary: Fernandez Pass (10,200’), which brings us into Yosemite NP. There should be time for a refreshing dip in Breeze Lake before dinner and a mellow evening basking in the alpenglow.
Distance 7.5 mi, 2150 ft ascent, 1385 ft descent
Overnight Location Camping at Breeze Lake
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
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Climb Merced Pass
Today we hike up and over Merced Pass (9,600’), which offers a glimpse of distant Half Dome. This is the lowest of the 4 passes we’ll conquer on this trip, giving you a chance to hit your stride. That day’s final destination is Upper Merced Pass Lake (8,950’).
Distance 7.5 mi, 850 ft ascent, 1539 ft descent
Overnight Location Camping at Upper Merced Pass Lake
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
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Tackle Red Peak Pass
Get ready to hike up the tallest trail pass in Yosemite: Red Peak Pass. Admire the panoramic views from 11,180 feet before continuing towards the incredible Red Devil Lakes Basin. You’ll also hike by the mesmerizing Ottaway Lakes today.
Distance 8 mi, 2976 ft ascent, 2047 ft descent
Overnight Location Camping at Red Devil Lakes Basin
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
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Hike to Lake 10K
Enjoy a fulfilling backcountry breakfast before twisting by creek drainages and wildflower-laden meadows as you make your way towards Yosemite’s border. Cross the Triple Fork before ascending to your stunning campsite at Lake 10K. Marvel at the sunset painting the sky during the evening!
Distance 7 mi, 1414 ft ascent, 1316 ft descent
Overnight Location Camping at Lake 10K
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
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Ascend Post Peak Pass
Lace up your boots and prepare to hike your final pass of this backpacking adventure. Admire the glaciated views blanketing the Ritter Range as you walk along the boundary ridgeline. Finish today’s hike with a descent to the Staniford Lakes Basin, where you’ll spend your last night amid the wild.
Distance 10 mi, 1713 ft ascent, 2851 ft descent
Overnight Location Camping at Staniford Lakes Basin
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
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Go back to Bass Lake
Consume breakfast before packing up at camp and heading back to where you started 7 days ago.
Distance 6 mi, 571 ft ascent, 1916 ft descent
Overnight Location None
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch

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Dates and prices

This guided tour in the Yosemite Valley is always run as a fixed-departure tour where you would be joining a group, therefore the price is fixed and only depends on the number of people sharing the room or a tent.

The prices below are per person:

StartFinishDurationPlaces LeftPrice

2025-07-13

Bass Lake

8 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2025-07-20

Bass Lake

85+
$2,495USD

2025-08-03

Bass Lake

8 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2025-08-10

Bass Lake

85+
$2,495USD
What’s included

Meals

6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners, and trail snacks along the route are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 1 night in the hotel in Bass Lake, and for 6 nights of wilderness camping. Accommodations before and after the tour are not included.

Transportation during the Tour

You are responsible for driving yourself or organizing transportation to and from the trailhead.

Also Included

  • Guide
  • Personal backpacking gear (per request), such as sleeping bags, backpack, sleeping pads, tents, trekking poles
  • Group gear, such as stoves, group first aid kit, cooking items, water filters, etc.
  • Hot coffee and tea in the mornings

Not included

  • Flights and transportation to get to and from Bass Lake
  • Personal clothing and shoes
  • Accommodations before and after the adventure tour
  • Personal expenses + gratuities (recommended 10-20% for excellent service)
  • Evacuations
  • Insurance

Optional Extras

  • You can upgrade to a single occupancy in the hotel for an additional fee
  • Extra night at Bass Lake before or after the tour

Accommodation for High Passes Backpacking Trip in Yosemite

This backpacking adventure will have you staying in one cozy hotel. The hotel has modern necessities that will keep you comfy and relaxed. Keep in mind that rooms are double occupancy, but you can always upgrade to single occupancy for an additional fee. Single travellers are also required to pay a supplement. You will spend the remaining 5 nights backcountry camping.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may be swapped for other similar accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of {price currency="USD" value="240"} to have a private room in a hotel while traveling with a group. We can match the single travellers up, however, in case there aren’t any matches, you’ll have to pay a supplement of {price currency="USD" value="120"}.

Non-Standard Cancellation

  • 64 days or more prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 50% of the total trip cost.
  • Between 34 and 62 days prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 75% of the total trip cost.
  • 33 days or less prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 100% of the total trip cost.
Frequently asked questions

How hard is the High Passes Backpacking Trip in Yosemite?

This tour is rated as 5 / 5, as it has you hiking moderate to challenging routes every day. You also need to be comfortable with camping in the wild for 5 nights.

Do I need a Visa to travel to the USA?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the High Passes Backpacking Trip in Yosemite?

6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners, and trail snacks along the route are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Bass Lake to start this tour?

You can fly to Fresno Yosemite International Airport. From here, we recommend you renting a vehicle, as you will need your own transport to get to the trailhead.

Is the High Passes Backpacking Trip in Yosemite in English?

Yes, the tour guide speaks English.

Where does the High Passes Backpacking Trip in Yosemite end?

The tour ends in Bass Lake, California.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to the USA?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for the USA?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to California for this tour?

The best time to travel to California for hiking is during the summer.

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Why travellers choose this tour
At 10Adventures, it’s easy to make memories with the following six optional inclusions on this tour:
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