Yosemite's Meadows and Muir Trail Loop
A three-day, two-night sampler of Yosemite National Park’s interdependent ecosystems. This accessible trip is a great introduction to backpacking and the High Sierra backcountry.
Explore a section of the legendary John Muir Trail
Soak in breathtaking vistas of famous Yosemite peaks
Discover a diversity of High Sierra habitats and wildlife
Learn essential backpacking skills in a supportive environment
Yosemite National Park is world-famous for its towering granite peaks, lush valleys, and ancient forests. But few visitors hike far enough into the wilderness to feel truly immersed in it. This backpacking trip is one of the most accessible ways to experience the wonders of Yosemite off the beaten path.
Our route links together examples of the major ecosystems that define the High Sierra and Yosemite National Park. We’ll have leisurely hikes through lush meadows, challenging climbs through montane forests, and enjoy breathtaking views atop wide-open alpine plateaus. While we connect with the ecology, we’ll also discuss the human history of this special place and the conservation efforts that have maintained it for our enjoyment.
Dates:
Three days, two nights
Saturday, August 30, 2025 – Monday, September 1, 2025
This trip has been permitted and the dates are confirmed. Additional dates and private trips available. Contact us to learn more.
Distance:
19 miles | 6.4 miles per day
Difficulty:
Beginner-Intermediate (Rating: 2.1/5) | Learn more about trip difficulty below.
Group Size:
3-5 participants + 1 guide
Note that trips that do not meet the minimum group size may be rescheduled or cancelled. Please read our policies and FAQs carefully before booking.
Trip Cost:
$995.00 per person, $300 deposit required to reserve your spot.
Want a $100 discount? Groups of two or more can book this trip for $895 each.
We’ll apply the discount to your final payments.
A three-day, two-night sampler of Yosemite National Park’s interdependent ecosystems. This accessible trip is a great introduction to backpacking and the High Sierra backcountry.
Explore a section of the legendary John Muir Trail
Soak in breathtaking vistas of famous Yosemite peaks
Discover a diversity of High Sierra habitats and wildlife
Learn essential backpacking skills in a supportive environment
Yosemite National Park is world-famous for its towering granite peaks, lush valleys, and ancient forests. But few visitors hike far enough into the wilderness to feel truly immersed in it. This backpacking trip is one of the most accessible ways to experience the wonders of Yosemite off the beaten path.
Our route links together examples of the major ecosystems that define the High Sierra and Yosemite National Park. We’ll have leisurely hikes through lush meadows, challenging climbs through montane forests, and enjoy breathtaking views atop wide-open alpine plateaus. While we connect with the ecology, we’ll also discuss the human history of this special place and the conservation efforts that have maintained it for our enjoyment.
Dates:
Three days, two nights
Saturday, August 30, 2025 – Monday, September 1, 2025
This trip has been permitted and the dates are confirmed. Additional dates and private trips available. Contact us to learn more.
Distance:
19 miles | 6.4 miles per day
Difficulty:
Beginner-Intermediate (Rating: 2.1/5) | Learn more about trip difficulty below.
Group Size:
3-5 participants + 1 guide
Note that trips that do not meet the minimum group size may be rescheduled or cancelled. Please read our policies and FAQs carefully before booking.
Trip Cost:
$995.00 per person, $300 deposit required to reserve your spot.
Want a $100 discount? Groups of two or more can book this trip for $895 each.
We’ll apply the discount to your final payments.
A three-day, two-night sampler of Yosemite National Park’s interdependent ecosystems. This accessible trip is a great introduction to backpacking and the High Sierra backcountry.
Explore a section of the legendary John Muir Trail
Soak in breathtaking vistas of famous Yosemite peaks
Discover a diversity of High Sierra habitats and wildlife
Learn essential backpacking skills in a supportive environment
Yosemite National Park is world-famous for its towering granite peaks, lush valleys, and ancient forests. But few visitors hike far enough into the wilderness to feel truly immersed in it. This backpacking trip is one of the most accessible ways to experience the wonders of Yosemite off the beaten path.
Our route links together examples of the major ecosystems that define the High Sierra and Yosemite National Park. We’ll have leisurely hikes through lush meadows, challenging climbs through montane forests, and enjoy breathtaking views atop wide-open alpine plateaus. While we connect with the ecology, we’ll also discuss the human history of this special place and the conservation efforts that have maintained it for our enjoyment.
Dates:
Three days, two nights
Saturday, August 30, 2025 – Monday, September 1, 2025
This trip has been permitted and the dates are confirmed. Additional dates and private trips available. Contact us to learn more.
Distance:
19 miles | 6.4 miles per day
Difficulty:
Beginner-Intermediate (Rating: 2.1/5) | Learn more about trip difficulty below.
Group Size:
3-5 participants + 1 guide
Note that trips that do not meet the minimum group size may be rescheduled or cancelled. Please read our policies and FAQs carefully before booking.
Trip Cost:
$995.00 per person, $300 deposit required to reserve your spot.
Want a $100 discount? Groups of two or more can book this trip for $895 each.
We’ll apply the discount to your final payments.
Trip itinerary
We designed this trip as an accessible, beginner-friendly introduction to backpacking. It’s also perfect for more experienced backpackers who want to immerse themselves in Yosemite National Park’s unique natural history.
Backpacking requires flexibility. So please note that the exact details of our itineraries are occasionally adjusted due to permit availability, trail conditions, or other factors outside our control. Rest assured, we’ll do everything in our power to stick to our plan or beat it with something better.
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Our adventure begins in picturesque Tuolumne meadows. From there we’ll embark along the legendary John Muir Trail as it climbs up Lyell Canyon. We’ll traverse through meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers and follow the melodious flow of the Lyell Fork. This introductory day offers a leisurely hike, providing ample opportunities to soak in the surroundings, identify local flora and fauna, and forge connections with fellow adventurers. After setting up camp in Lyell Canyon, we’ll eat a hearty meal and watch the night sky come to life.
Hiking distance:
5.5 miElevation gain / loss:
500 ft gain / 316 ft lossMeals included:
Lunch, Dinner -
Today starts with a steady ascent out of Lyell Canyon, leaving behind the Lyell Fork. The trail leads us to higher elevations, unveiling breathtaking sights of the Kuna Crest. As we approach Vogelsang, our views become more panoramic as the pine forests thin out and reveal a wide open plateau. Set against the backdrop of Vogelsang Peak, our campsite offers a backcountry experience, with a chance to build our wilderness skills and enjoy the camaraderie of the group. A well-deserved dinner and another night beneath the stars awaits.
Hiking distance:
6.3 miElevation gain / loss:
1,936 ft gain / 663 ft lossMeals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
On the final day, we’ll pack up camp and leave Vogelsang Peak behind as we begin our return descent. The trail guides us from alpine terrain to the lush meadows along Rafferty Creek. Our ears will enjoy the music of flowing water and our trail-hardened legs will appreciate the downhill trek. As we reach our starting point in Tuolumne Meadows, we’ll reflect on our adventure, newfound skills, and lasting memories before bidding farewell.
Hiking distance:
7.3 miElevation gain / loss:
236 gain / 1,707 ft lossMeals included:
Breakfast, Lunch
Why Wilder Walks
The goal of each Wilder Walks adventure is to help you feel comfortable, confident, and present outdoors so you can deepen your connection with nature. Our trips are built around:
Ultralight and minimalist gear to help you focus on the world around you rather than the weight on your back
Small group sizes with lots of personal attention and opportunities to practice essential backpacking skills
Unique routes designed to showcase the unique ecological qualities of the places we explore
Expert guidance from a highly experienced and professionally trained trip leader
What’s included:
Comprehensive backpacking instruction: two virtual pre-trip preparation sessions, on-trail lessons on essential backpacking skills, and interpretation of local natural history.
State-of-the-art ultralight backpacking gear including everything you need to hike, sleep, and eat all weighing less than 10 lbs (not including food and essential clothing).
Lightweight, nutritious, and delicious backcountry breakfasts, lunches, and dinners that we’ll whip up together. Hot coffee and tea to start each day.
All group gear including a fully stocked camp kitchen, water filters, and group first aid kit.
All necessary permits and campsite fees.
5% donation to Big City Mountaineers, helping fund backpacking trips for California youth
Fun times and good company!
What’s not included:
Essential clothing, footwear, or any other personal items. Gear selection is a core part of our program, and we will provide guidance on the best gear to bring.
Personal trail snacks. Our pre-trip preparation sessions cover meal planning, and sorting out your own snacks is your chance to practice your new skills.
Transportation to and from the meeting place.
Yosemite National Park entrance fees which you will pay at the park entrance.
Trip insurance, which we highly encourage.
Trip difficulty
This trip is rated Beginner-Intermediate, after scoring a 2.1 out of 5 on our Trip Difficulty Matrix. No previous backpacking experience required, but you should be in good hiking shape.
To join the trip, you should feel fit enough for a hard day’s hike of over seven miles with 2,000 feet of total elevation gain while carrying a backpack that weighs about 30 lbs. The route is at high altitudes, ranging between 8,675 to 10,612 ft of elevation. The route will be entirely on well-maintained trails.
Expand each of the criteria to learn more about the different dimensions of difficulty for this trip.
Unsure about whether this trip is right for you? Contact us and we’ll figure it out together.
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Rating: Intermediate
We’ll be hiking with full gear for three consecutive days and camping for two nights.
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Rating: Intermediate
6.4 miles daily average.
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Rating: Intermediate
7.3 max daily mileage on our last day, though it is almost entirely downhill.
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Rating: Beginner
890 feet average daily elevation gain thanks to mostly-flat first day, and a mostly-downhill last day.
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Rating: Intermediate
1,936 feet of elevation gain on our second day.
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Rating: Beginner
This route is entirely on well-maintained trails.
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Rating: Beginner-Intermediate
Although we will be at high altitudes, there will be no exposure to steep drops near the trail. Expect some mosquitoes near water sources. We’ll have extended sun exposure with periodic shade while hiking and at rests.
Trip logistics
Meeting place
We’ll meet at the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center before heading to the trailhead. You’ll be able to enter the park the day before your trip without a reservation. If you’re entering more than 24 hours before your trip start date, you’ll need to make a separate reservation or enter during off-peak hours.
Meeting time
Plan to meet at the meeting point by 9:00 AM on the first day of your trip. We will share local lodging and camping options when you book.
Ending time
We will do our best to accommodate participant preferences, but expect your final day to be a full day on-trail. Our goal is to return to our cars by 5:00 PM on the final day.
What to expect after you book
You’ll get an automated confirmation that we’ve received your deposit and that your spot on the trip has been reserved.
Shortly after, we’ll send you an email outlining the payment plan, pre-trip preparation process, and some initial gear guidance and training tips.
We’ll schedule the two virtual pre-trip preparation sessions where we’ll cover the essentials of proper preparation including our route, what to expect, what to bring, and how to get ready.
“Alex’s thorough pre-trip preparation was top-notch. I felt confident in our gear, route, and options to adjust for weather as we went along”
“The best part of the trip was the wide range of things that I learned from the guide. Alex shared his knowledge about food, ecology, equipment, fitness, etc. I picked up dozens of tips that have improved my subsequent backpacking trips.”
