Beginner Backpacking
Introduction to Backpacking
in Yosemite National Park
starting from $299
Trip Summary
Backpacking can take you to some of the most beautiful places on the planet, but it can be intimidating to get started on your own.
Let our female guides provide you with first-hand education on how to confidently backpack so that you can set off on your next adventure!
This course is designed for women who have little or no experience camping in a wilderness environment. Through this course, you’ll learn how to plan and safely execute your own backpacking trips through the use of established wilderness trail systems.
Highlights
Free online backpacking course to prepare and pack. Instant access!
In-person backpacking skills weekend led by Alpinistas female guides to review everything taught in the online course + MORE!
Small group session for expert attention.
Learn vital backpacking skills with a group of like-minded women
Hike past sparkling lakes and granite domes in the magnificent High Sierra in epic Yosemite National Park!
Backpacking is for YOU!
Between learning about all the gear, how to plan your route, how to prepare your meals and find water, navigation, emergency preparedness, and first aid, there is a lot to learn to make sure that you’re prepared!
In this beginner-friendly course, we’ll turn you into a safe and confident backpacker!
Plus, you’ll be surrounded by other like-minded supportive women to help get you ready for the trail.
Dates and Locations
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May 17 - 19, 2024
Hetch Hetchy to Rancheria Falls - 2 Nights
$299
Physical Fitness Required: Beginner - Intermediate
Trail Profile: 12.8 miles, 1,000’ elevation gain round trip
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May 24 - 26, 2024
Yosemite - Dewey Point - 2 Nights
$399
Physical Fitness Required: Intermediate
Trail Profile: 7.7 miles, 1348’ elevation gain round trip
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June 1 - 2, 2024
Ostrander Lake - 1 Night
$299
Physical Fitness Required: Beginner-Intermediate.
Trail Profile: 12 miles, 1800’ elevation gain round trip
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June 29 - July 1
North Dome - 2 Nights
$457
Physical Fitness Required: Beginner +
Trail Profile: 10 miles, 2300’ elevation gain round trip
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July 26 - 28, 2024
May Lake - High Sierra Camp - 2 Nights
$457
Physical Fitness Required: Beginner +
Trail Profile: 4 miles, 500’ elevation gain round trip
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August 9 - 11, 2024
North Dome - 2 Nights
$457
Physical Fitness Required: Beginner +
Trail Profile: 10 miles, 2300’ elevation gain round trip
Don’t see the dates you are looking for?
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What’s Included
Beginner backpacking curriculum that consists of online coursework to prepare and pack with full instruction on the field.
Professional guides
7:1 client to guide ratio with a max group size of 10 clients, 2 guides
Permit fees & park entrance reservation
5% back to the park
Special discount to shop at Alpinistas store
Option to have tent, mattress and stove provided.
BONUS - altitude prep handout for the Sierra Nevada.
Activity, Fitness & Skills
Backpacking
Yosemite National Park is rated as intermediate fitness.
To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we encourage you to participate in a training program before the trip. We recommend that your program includes training by hiking with a weighted pack.
Overall fitness is important to your enjoyment of the trip. The only thing taking your breath away should be the views!
Not Included
Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point
Transfers to and from trailheads
Meals (But we help you prepare to bring your own! Meal planning is part of learning how to backpack).
All backpacking gear including pack, sleeping bag, and other essential items. You do have the option of having us provide the tent, mattress and stove.
Park entrance fees where required
Trip insurance
Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks
Guide gratuities
Personal items
Let’s hit the trail!
Trip preparation, including how to trip plan using a variety of mapping tools
Gear and systems
Meal planning and backcountry cooking
Food storage and safety
Water safety and filtration
Physical training & recovery
Leave no trace principles
Campsite selection and camp craft
Mindset & inspiration
Women’s specific topics, such as how and where to pee in the wilderness, what to do when backpacking on your period, and more!
Major Topics Covered
Backpacking 101 Schedule
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Before the Class
You will be sent log in credentials to access our online learning portal where you will find your pre-trip curriculum.
This curriculum will help you understand the basics of backpacking, choosing the right gear, apparel, packing efficiently and more.
When you are on the field with our guides, they will demonstrate and explain all of these concepts with you live and be able to answer your questions.
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Meet Us in Yosemite!
You’ll meet your guide at the trailhead to make introductions, perform a gear check and set off on the event. The entire trip is slow paced and skill based to ensure you have the time and attention you need to master backpacking!
Easy as 1-2-3!
1 - Access the backpacking course from Alpinistas Learning Portal. Self-paced lessons in backpacking basics to help you prepare and pack.
2 - Pack your gear!
(optional upgrade for us to provide loaner gear)
3 - Get to the trailhead! A female Alpinistas guide will kick off the field session with a warm welcome and a weekend full of instructions and demonstrations.
This program is for you if you answer YES to any of the following:
You’re a hiker who wishes that you had the skills to be able to travel deeper into the wilderness
You’ve been picking out backcountry “dream destinations” but don’t know how to get to them
You are feeling intimidated by all of the gear and knowledge required to get started and are looking for a support network
You wish that you spent more time outdoors but aren’t sure how to make the leap to do so
You just don’t have time to spend months learning how to do this and want to get started NOW
You want to learn how to backpack while having the support of other women with similar goals
Looking for something in Tahoe instead?
Check out the dates for our Tahoe Backpacking Courses here.
Gear List
Layering is the key to staying comfortable while being active outdoors. The secret to achieving maximum comfort with minimum weight is to bring versatile layers that can be mixed and matched to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation, and weather protection.
When packing, try to bring only what you need. This not only makes your load lighter but also helps our amazing field staff.
If you've already booked your trip, don't worry! You’ll be getting emails with a detailed list of what you'll need to bring (plus tons of other helpful information).
Are you looking to reduce your carbon footprint or save some money? Check out our rental page for great gear to borrow for your trip or shop at Alpinistas Re-Cover department for gently used gear online.
Get ready to conquer the outdoors, Alpinistas! We can't wait to see you on the trail.
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Group First Aid Kit
Water Filter
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Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Lightweight, Synthetic or Wool)
Fleece/Wool Gloves
Fleece/Wool Hat
Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
Hiking Boots
Hiking Pants (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
Insulated Jacket and/or Vest
Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
Pack Rain Cover
Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner
Prescription Medications
Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
Sleeping Bag (15°-29°, Lightweight, Compressible)
Spork, Bowl and Mug
Sunblock and Lip Balm
Water Bottles (Three 1-Liter) or Hydration System Plus One 1-Liter Water Bottle
Whistle
Bear Canister for Food Storage
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Bandana or Buff for Sun Protection
Day Pack (Lightweight, Compressible)
Face Mask
Hand Sanitizer
Head Net
Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
Insect Repellent
Large Plastic Garbage Bag
Sun Hat
Sunglasses and Accessories
Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
Toiletries
Trowel
Underwear
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Camera and Accessories
Camp Towel
Ear Plugs
Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes
Gaiters (Low)
Lightweight Backpacking Chair
Liner Socks (Synthetic)
Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)
Reading and Writing Materials
Sleeping Bag Liner
Small Binoculars
Small Multitool
Swimwear
Water Shoes (Full Foot Protection)
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Don’t want to make the investment in a tent, mattress or stove? We’ll provide those for you. Just select that option when checking out.
Have questions about the gear list?
Give us a call at 775-230-7125 or send us a chat or email.
Helpful for booking
What to expect after you book your reservation
After you book your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email with access to your online course preparation material. As you start to get closer to your event date, you will receive additional emails confirming itinerary details and other important or helpful supplemental information such as start time and driving directions. The week of the event, you should be ready to go and you will receive a final email introducing your guides, providing you with their contact information and other last minute notes.
Where does this trip exactly take place?
Tahoe National Forest trips take place near Yuba Pass or Soda Springs, CA. Trailheads are located a short drive off of an I-80 exit. See individual trip booking for general information on meeting location.
Yosemite events will take place in either Hetch Hetchy, Wawona or Yosemite Valley. See the individual trip booking for general information on meeting location.
What is the closest airport?
The closest airport to Tahoe National Forest - Truckee is either Reno, NV or Sacramento, CA.
The closest airport to Yosemite National Park is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), located about 65 miles (105 km) away. Another option is the Merced Regional Airport (MCE), located about 80 miles (129 km) away.
Public transportation is available from Fresno Airport to various locations in Yosemite via the Yosemite Area Regional Transit System. There is also public transportation available within the park. Please review their schedule for the latest dates and times.
Booking airfare?
If you are flying in for this trip, please contact us before booking airfare to make sure that your trip is confirmed. We require a minimum number of participants to operate.
Is there any road or park closure that impacts access to this trip?
This event is fully focused on skill building so we have chosen to run this course in areas of the park or forest that are accessible and snow free.
General weather expectations?
Tahoe National Forest near Truckee day time temperatures range between 70s to 80s degrees F, with overnight lows dropping to 40s to 50s.
Yosemite day time temperatures in this area can range between 70 to 90 degrees F, with overnight lows dropping to the 40s or 50s. Afternoon thunderstorms are a distinct possibility so adequate raingear is important. Please view our Yosemite Weather page for additional information.
Will there be snow on the ground?
We run this event in areas of the park and forest that are snow free.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your trip in the event unforeseeable circumstances or illness comes up that interferes with your ability to join the trip.
“Dear women adventurers of all skill levels, you need to take a trip with Alpinistas! I just returned from the Cold Weather Skills workshop in Yosemite and I've learned more in three days than I have in all my years of hiking and camping. It's so rare to find guiding experiences that are fun, connect you with likeminded folks, AND equip you with a ton of new skills.”
— Ashley
“I had the absolute best experience on a rock climbing trip with Joanne’s team! Every part of the weekend was fantastic - the camping experience was wonderful, the guides were knowledgeable and kept everyone safe, and the climbing was so much fun! I'm looking forward to future trips with Alpinistas, and love the work they are doing in making outdoor education more accessible to women!”
- Rebecca
What People Are Saying about Alpinistas Adventures
“The women I met that weekend were so amazing for their love of the outdoors, their curiosity, and their tenacious spirits. I learned so much from our skilled guides who made us feel safe to ask any and all questions regardless of how silly they might be. Thank you Alpinistas for a truly amazing weekend! I can’t wait for the next adventure 🏕️”
— Katarina
“I joined a Cold Weather course and winter camping weekend with them in Yosemite and absolutely love it! The guides are passionate about what they are teaching us, they are so supportive, and the event was organized so well.”
- Ashley-Marie
Save Up to 10% On This Trip
Enroll in Alpinistas Star Rewards and earn points when you shop outdoor gear and apparel at Alpinistas!
The more you shop, the higher the elevation. The higher the elevation, the more discounts you get on gear and Alpinistas Adventures trips!