School and Group Programs
About Our Program
Overnight Wilderness Backpacking Trips
Groups seeking an opportunity to experience the wilder side of Yosemite National Park might consider a one to three night backpacking trip in the Yosemite backcountry. Our educators facilitate programs which allow students to appropriately challenge themselves while exploring the wilderness and practicing Leave No Trace ethics. Students learn how to prepare for such experiences and how to work together to ensure the safety and enjoyment of each team member. Although we would like to be able to offer backcountry experiences to all of our participants, staffing limitations, weather, and trail conditions limit our ability to do so. Therefore, overnight adventures must be arranged with the Program Director at least 1 year in advance.
Considerations for Backpacking Trips
Yosemite Institute works in conjunction with the National Park Service to provide educational experiences which foster responsible use and stewardship of our country’s remaining wild lands. Please keep the following things in mind when considering routes or destinations.
- Group size strictly limited to 12 students, 1 chaperone and 2 YI educators
- Separate YI hiking groups are prohibited from hiking together, meeting up in the backcountry, or camping a half mile from one another
- Different trails have different trailhead quotas, so larger groups might be restricted to specific trails during certain times of the year
- Off trail travel is limited to groups of 8 people or smaller
- We reserve the right to cancel a trip or exclude individuals who are not prepared with the required equipment or appropriate behavior
Equipment
- Yosemite Institute provides all group gear including tents, stoves, cook gear, mats, bear-proof canisters, etc.
- Participants are responsible for own backpacking clothes and equipment
- Backpacks and sleeping bags are often available for rental through outdoor centers
- Sleeping bags should be 0-20F for winter and 30-40F for spring, winter and summer trips
- Boots must be broken in before trip and waterproof to minimize the chance of blisters and cold feet
Physical preparedness
- Students and chaperones must be in good physical condition, capable of hiking 4 miles a day with a 30-40 pound backpack
- Participants who are not physically ready may slow the group down and possibley jeopardize the safety of the group.
Assigning cabins in Yosemite Valley for overnight backpacking participants
Groups going on overnight adventures in the backcountry must room together while in Curry Village (chaperones included), as their cabins must be cleared out when their group departs.
