Yosemite Falls loop 20 miles 3 night 4 day ( Limited Space )
This is a great introduction to backpacking. We will go over all the basics so you can prepare for future hikes. Such things as how to properly pack your backpack, backpack adjustments, tent set up, leave no trace, trail etiquette, water filtration, bathroom duties, scouting an ideal camp location, cooking, recommended caloric intake, proper clothing, and any questions you may have. We are here to help. The Mirror Lake to Snow Creek Trail is a scenic hiking route in Yosemite National Park that takes you from the tranquil shores of Mirror Lake to the rugged beauty of Snow Creek and finally to the awe-inspiring Yosemite Falls. This trail offers a diverse range of landscapes, from peaceful forests to rocky ascents, and provides breathtaking views along the way.
Starting at Mirror Lake, you'll be surrounded by the serenity of the lake's reflective waters and the towering cliffs that frame it. The trail meanders through the forest, offering glimpses of wildlife and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. As you continue, you'll gradually ascend toward Snow Creek, where the terrain becomes more challenging.
The Snow Creek section of the trail rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Yosemite Valley, including iconic landmarks like Half Dome and Sentinel Rock. You'll traverse rocky terrain and experience the thrill of climbing higher into the mountains. Once you reach Snow Creek, take a moment to appreciate the rugged beauty and find a camping spot to rest and rejuvenate.
From Snow Creek, the trail leads you to the grand finale: Yosemite Falls. As you approach the falls, you'll be greeted by the thunderous roar of water cascading down the granite cliffs. The mist from the falls creates a refreshing atmosphere and adds to the sense of wonder. Take your time to soak in the awe-inspiring sight and feel the power of nature.
After experiencing the magnificence of Yosemite Falls we will make our way back to the valley floor.
Guides will help you cook your meals and set up your tent and sleep system.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
A professional, knowledgeable, certified Yosemite hiking guide
National Park backcountry camping permits
Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
Group shared water filtration systems , fuel and cook system
A mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yosemite
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
IF ORDERING MEAL PACKAGES the first-night meal is not included with meal packages please bring something to eat or dine in the valley at the few restaurants available
ITINERARY
DAY 1
This professionally guided trip begins with meeting up in Yosemite Valley in Curry Village at 6 PM on Day 1. We will have a sign that has our outfitter's name. We’ll conduct an orientation meeting, after which we’ll get settled in the Backpackers Camp just a few steps away from the majestic Tenaya Creek and under the amazing domes and cliffs of Yosemite Valley. We’ll enjoy dinner either at Curry Village or in camp.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 3118 feet
Elevation Loss: 374 feet
Our hike begins with a warm-up hike around just to the north of Half Dome in the end of Yosemite Valley. We will make our way around Mirror Lake and after a couple of miles take a small trail to have a look at Snow Creek Falls as it cascades down Tenaya Canyon. Just to the left of the falls is the next section of our trip, the “stair master” Snow Creek Trail! No intimidation here as as we make this 3000ft climb, slowly and never in a hurry. The astonishing views of Tenaya Canyon and the north face of Half Dome will take our minds off the numerous switchbacks until the trail finally reaches the shade of a black oak forest near the northern rim of Yosemite Valley! A bit farther on, we make camp along the gentle cascades of Snow Creek and enjoy the pine-scented air
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 8.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 2145 feet
Elevation Loss: 1800 feet
Today’s hiking bill of fare features pleasant forest walking, stupendous views, Yosemite’s only above-water natural arch, and the summit of Half Dome’s smaller twin, North Dome! We break camp fairly early and continue north along Snow Creek through an enjoyable forest of lodgepole pines. We steadily gain elevation until we reach the literal high point of the trip at Indian Rock. Here photographic opportunities abound as the delicate arch frames Half Dome just two and a half miles across the canyon. After enjoying the views and a hearty lunch it is all downhill through increasingly open country to the next highlight of the trip… the summit of North Dome. Half Dome–just 1.5 miles away, now—dominates the view south, and the rest of Yosemite Valley unfolds at our feet. As we watch the shadows lengthening, we hurry the last two miles to set up our camp along a cool forested stream and look forward to enjoying our mountaintop location to view one of the best night skies anywhere.
Hiking Mileage: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1160 feet
Elevation Loss: 4240 feet
After an incredible sunrise overlooking Yosemite Valley, we will have a hot breakfast and break down our tents. Today we descend from Yosemite’s North Rim backpacking towards our destination at historic Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley. But, the scenic highlights aren’t over yet, as our trail descends alongside Yosemite Falls, one of the top attractions in the park. At 2425 feet tall, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. We descend sharply to the base of the Upper Falls and enjoy the cooling mists of the spring snowmelt as the thundering water roars past the trail. The last few switchbacks pass quickly as we near the trailhead, where we enjoy a last lunch together and reminisce over our successful attempt at backpacking Yosemite Valley’s North Rim trail!
Terms & Conditions: It is important that all S.S.B.A trip participants arrive in good enough condition to successfully complete and enjoy their backpacking vacation. Depending upon the trip and your body size, you’ll be carrying a backpack that weighs between 20 to 35 pounds at the beginning of a trip. Most modern backpacks are quite comfortable to carry, provided that they properly fit.
The vast majority of our clients do just fine, even on their first backpack trip. Nonetheless, backpacking is for active, not sedentary people, and in most situations, folks who are seriously overweight or who regularly smoke cigarettes are going to have a tough time and will likely be putting themselves and others in jeopardy.
We Require a doctor’s note for anyone that takes medication or over the age of 65. If you have any doubts about your physical capability to trek in the backcountry, or if you’re going on your first backpack trip, please see your physician. This is especially important for the elderly and for folks who have any known or suspected physical ailments that might compromise their safety (and group safety) on a backpack adventure.
S.S.B.A may contract with independent contractors to provide transportation, guide services, and/or all other related travel services. We assume no responsibility, however caused, for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service provided by an independent contractor or resulting directly from the following: - acts of God - detention - annoyance terrorism - thefts - pilferage - force majeure - civil disturbances government restrictions or regulations - strikes - delays and expenses arising from quarantine - failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled - discrepancies or change in transit or hotel services over which we have no control. We reserve the right to make reasonable changes in the itinerary where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of trip members. By advancing deposit to S.S.B.A, the depositor thereby agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions.
Cancellation: If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due to S.S.B.A at the time (prior to departure) we receive notice of your cancellation.
60 or more days $0 of trip cost 60 to 30 days 50% of trip cost
30 to 15 days 75% of trip cost
0 to 15 days 100% of trip cost
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. Travel insurance Should you have to cancel your trip because of illness, injury or death to you or an immediate family member, this insurance protects all your deposits and payments for both air and trip costs. We will mail you the necessary forms in your trip packet. S.S.B.A recommends that you purchase this insurance at the time of sign-up to be covered for pre-existing conditions (certain restrictions apply). We strongly recommend the purchase of trip insurance. If we cancel a trip S.S.B.A reserves the right to cancel all or a portion of a trip for force majeure or any other circumstances beyond our control and, in the event of such cancellation, full or partial refunds, if any, will be at S.S.B.A sole discretion. We also reserve the right to cancel any trip if sign-up is inadequate to make the trip economically feasible for us to operate, and in this event, we give a full refund of the trip price. However, S.S.B.A is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by you in preparing for the trip (e.g., non-refundable air tickets, visa fees if applicable, gear or medical expenses). Refunds S.S.B.A does not give any refunds for unused hotel rooms, meals, sightseeing trips or trek arrangements.
48-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Policy
Any reservation can be canceled within 48 hours of the initial booking, and we will grant you a full refund minus a 2.7% processing fee for credit card transactions. After 48 hours, our standard terms and conditions apply. To cancel, please email us at Summitbacking@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 831-713-7399. This policy does not apply if the booked trip occurs within 96 hours of the initial booking.
Fire/Smoke Cancellation Policy
Fire/smoke cancellations are considered circumstances beyond our control. If your chosen travel insurance does not cover fire/smoke cancellations, a credit equal to the total amount paid will be issued. If we cancel during your adventure with us, we will issue a non-refundable credit equal to the dollar amount associated with the number of days not used. In both cases, these credits will be lifetime/transferable but non-refundable.
Other Considerations
Departing From a Trip: Once a participant has joined a trip and the trip has begun, no refunds or credits will be issued, regardless of the reason for departure. Costs associated with assisting a participant with evacuating from the wilderness will be passed on to the participant. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.
Minimum Participants: Our Guide Service multi-day trips have a two-person minimum. (Yoga trips have a three-person minimum.) Our Summer Camps have a four-person minimum. Should we fall short on these minimums, we will contact you 30 days before your scheduled start date with options that may include switching to another trip/date and/or a single-participant surcharge.
Infectious Illness Policy (including COVID): Any participant on any program/trip with any sign/symptom of a potential illness will not be able to participate, and no refund or credits will be given. Many forms of Travel Insurance cover these circumstances. We ask that you screen yourself and/or your child before participating and contact us to cancel if any sign of illness is present. Health screenings can be expected in all youth programs.
Half Dome & Other Summits: Reaching the top of a summit, such as Half Dome, is risky and can be made far worse by inclement weather. While we aim to get everyone to the top, summiting is not guaranteed. Lightning and rain can be deadly on exposed summits, and our experienced guides may have to call off a summit bid if weather conditions are unfavorable. You will not be allowed to summit using a Summit Backpacking Adventures should the experienced guide decide the conditions are not favorable.
