PACIFIC CREST TRAIL HIKE OVERVIEW

Hike a dramatic and remote section of the Pacific Crest Trail through the Northern region of Yosemite National Park on this 9-day hiking adventure. Hiking from near Sonora Pass down to Tuolumne Meadows in the Yosemite High Country we visit one of the more remote and less crowded sections of the PCT.

We hike from Leavitt Lake near Sonora Pass into the Hoover Wilderness and hike the PCT down to the far Northern Boundary of Yosemite National Park. Once in Yosemite, see some of the most remote sections of Yosemite National Park and some of the most beautiful parts of the Pacific Crest Trail. We make our way past tranquil alpine lakes and deep dramatic canyons before arriving at the Tuolumne River and ascending past waterfalls to Tuolumne Meadows.

Half way through the hike we receive a porter resupply which enables the group to carry only four days of food and fuel which greatly reduces the pack weight.  We also supply a campsite and dinner the night before the trip and a shuttle back to your car after the trip ends.

Along the way you will enjoy the incredible beauty and quiet of the Northern Yosemite backcountry as well as great backcountry cuisine. For those who are looking to hike a section of the PCT, this is one of the better sections to experience. We take care of all the food and logistics allowing you to relax and enjoy the incredible scenery along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Experience the adventure of hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail!

Food, Equipment & Lodging

We provide breakfast lunch, dinner and snacks prepared by your guide and backcountry chef from the time we meet till we part ways. We like to call our food "backcountry gourmet" which includes vegetables as well as freshly baked goods.

To make your trip easier for you we provide most of the gear you will need at no extra cost. We provide high quality backpacks, sleeping bags and pad, trekking poles, headlamp and eating utensils if needed. We also provide tents, all group cooking gear, first aid kit and water purification for the group. Our guides carry emergency two-way satellite communications devices at all times.

A great way hike the PCT in style.

This is a backpacking trip in which everyone carries their own gear and a share of the group gear and supplies.

 
 
 

EXPERIENCE & PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

  • Previous recent wilderness backpacking experience sleeping in tents is required on trips of at least 3 nights in length.

  • The ability to carry an overnight backpack for up to 10 miles a day with 2000-3000 feet of elevation gain for multiple days in a row. (We hike slow, but steady!)

  • Excellent physical condition required.

The PCT Yosemite trip is a committing and strenuous wilderness trip …you must train accordingly! Please feel free to contact us for any training recommendations.

Curious how to rate your physical ability? Check out our Physical Ability Page

2024 DATES:

July 27 - August 4
September 7-15

2025 DATES:

July 19-27
August 9-17

Custom dates available July though September

 

COST: 

$2695

INCLUDES

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by your guide while in the field

  • Professional local mountain guides certified in emergency wilderness medicine, food handling & Leave No Trace Principles & trained in local natural history.

  • Backpacks, sleeping bag and pad, trekking poles, eating utensils, and tents. ($25 cleaning fee for using our sleeping bags)

  • Porter re-supply mid way through the hike.

  • Private van shuttle back to cars left at the Levitt Lake Trailhead.

  • Permits for trip.

  • One night camping in the Eastern Sierra with dinner the night before the hike begins

Prefer a private trip? No problem at all. We specialize in designing custom trips for you or your group.
Contact us for a quote!

For more info on this trip please fill out the form below:

Itinerary

PCT Yosemite Hike Day 1
We meet near the town of Lee Vining in the Eastern Sierra just North of Mammoth Lakes, Ca. between 4 and 6pm. Exact location TBD. We will spend the night at a nearby campsite. Dinner will be served that night and your guide will conduct a pack check and go over all the gear for the trip.

PCT Yosemite Hike Day 2

After a hearty breakfast, we begin the day by driving cars to the exit trailhead at Tuolumne Meadows and then we take a private shuttle to the Leavitt Lake trailhead where we begin our hike. Quickly meet up with the PCT, we hike down into Kennedy Canyon for the night, setting up camp along the remote West Walker River.

PCT Yosemite Hike Day 3

Continuing South along the PCT through lush forests, we make our way to Dorothy Lake Pass where we pass over the northern boundary of Yosemite National Park. We camp along the shores of beautiful Dorothy Lake for the evening.

PCT Yosemite Hike Day 4

An all-downhill day, we hike down Jack Main Canyon along Falls Creek through numerous meadows and forests. Eventually we make our way to secluded Wilma Lake to camp for the evening.

PCT Yosemite Hike Day 5

From Wilma Lake we head East through remote Stubblefield Canyon and then down into dramatic Kerrick canyon. Hiking up the canyon for a bit, we then set up camp along babbling Rancheria Creek. This is where we meet our resupply, picking up another 4 days worth of food and fuel.

PCT Yosemite Hike Day 6

Leaving Kerrick Canyon, we hike over Seavey pass and then make our way down to Benson Lake where we enjoy lunch along the riviera-like sand beach of Benson Lake. We then climb up to stunningly beautiful Smedburg Lake where make camp for the night on it’s remote far shore.

PCT Yosemite Hike Day 7

The day begins with a hike up over Benson Pass and then a long downhill into deep and majestic Matterhorn Canyon. Then it’s on to the small Miller Lake for the night…one of our guests favorite camp spots!

PCT Yosemite Hike Day 8

Continuing East we hike past Spiller Creek and then down into Virginia Canyon before climbing up a bit again and over into Cold Canyon. We then make a long descent into famed Glen Aulin along the Tuolumne River. We camp for the night in the Glen Aulin area with it’s waterfalls and cascades.

PCT Yosemite Hike Day 9

From Glen Aulin, we hike up past numerous waterfalls along the Tuolumne River making our way to Tuolumne Meadows. Our adventure ends with a nice stroll along the river in the Meadows eventually reaching the trail head at Soda Springs... the first “civilization” we’ve seen in eight days!

Itinerary subject to change. Camp locations and distances each day can change & remain flexible.