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Lee Vining

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL - NORTHERN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, USA

Hiking

Category

9 Days

Duration

Intermediate

Experience

Intense

Fitness

From 1 to 8

Participants

What you'll do

Join a 9-day guided trek along the Pacific Crest Trail through Yosemite’s wild north. Camp by alpine lakes, hike granite passes, explore deep canyons, and enjoy remote beauty. Includes meals, gear, expert guides, and a mid-trip resupply for a smooth, epic journey.

Itinerary

Meet near Lee Vining, CA between 4–6 PM (exact location TBA). After setting up at a nearby campsite, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group. Your guide will walk you through a gear check and help finalize pack prep for the week ahead.
After breakfast, we shuttle cars to Tuolumne Meadows, then ride to the Leavitt Lake trailhead. The hike begins with a scenic descent into Kennedy Canyon, where we set up camp along the quiet West Walker River. Time: 4–6 hrs | Length: 11 km / 7 mi | Elevation gain: 366m up / 1,200 ft, 549m down / 1,800 ft
We follow the PCT through lush forests and climb gently toward Dorothy Lake Pass, marking our entry into Yosemite National Park. Tonight, we camp at the edge of serene Dorothy Lake. Time: 5–7 hrs | Length: 14.5 km / 9 mi | Elevation gain: 457m up / 1,500 ft, 244m down / 800 ft
It’s a mellow downhill day as we trace Falls Creek through Jack Main Canyon, passing meadows and pines. We arrive at the tranquil shores of Wilma Lake for the night. Time: 5–6 hrs | Length: 13 km / 8 mi | Elevation gain: 91m up / 300 ft, 610m down / 2,000 ft
We traverse remote Stubblefield Canyon and descend into the dramatic walls of Kerrick Canyon. After a final short climb, we camp beside Rancheria Creek and meet our mid-trip resupply team. Time: 6–7 hrs | Length: 16 km / 10 mi | Elevation gain: 366m up / 1,200 ft, 457m down / 1,500 ft
Today’s hike includes a climb over Seavey Pass and a peaceful lunch on the sandy beach of Benson Lake. We end the day at Smedberg Lake, camping on its secluded far shore. Time: 5–6 hrs | Length: 14.5 km / 9 mi | Elevation gain: 610m up / 2,000 ft, 305m down / 1,000 ft
We climb over Benson Pass and descend into the deep, majestic beauty of Matterhorn Canyon. Our night is spent at quiet, hidden Miller Lake—a guest favorite. Time: 4–5 hrs | Length: 13 km / 8 mi | Elevation gain: 305m up / 1,000 ft, 366m down / 1,200 ft
Pass Spiller Creek and Virginia Canyon before climbing gently into Cold Canyon. The final descent leads to Glen Aulin, where waterfalls and the Tuolumne River create a stunning final camp spot. Time: 6–7 hrs | Length: 16 km / 10 mi | Elevation gain: 396m up / 1,300 ft, 610m down / 2,000 ft
A relaxed final day leads up along the Tuolumne River past a series of waterfalls. We finish our journey at the trailhead near Soda Springs in Tuolumne Meadows—our first return to civilization in over a week. Time: 2–3 hrs | Length: 8 km / 5 mi | Elevation gain: 152m up / 500 ft, 91m down / 300 ft

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance
Medical and luggage insurance
Travel cancellation insurance
Hiking Guide
Sleeping tent and mattress
All meals
All permits and entry fees
Backpacking gear
Backpacks (lightweight 60L packs)
Sleeping bag (20-degree synthetic sleeping bag with sleeping bag liners)
Sleeping pad (closed-cell foam pad—excellent combination of weight and durability)
Trekking poles
Community gear (water filters, camping stoves and fuel, bowls, utensils and cups; trowels, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer; first aid kit; navigational aids)
One night camping in the Eastern Sierra with dinner the night before the hike begins
Porter re-supply mid way through the hike.
Flight
Visa (if applicable)
Tips for leaders and drivers
Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”
Expenditure of personal nature

Accomodations

Frontcountry Campsite

On Night 1, you'll stay at a frontcountry campsite near Lee Vining, where we’ll meet, do a gear check, and enjoy a welcome dinner. This is your only night with vehicle access before stepping fully into Yosemite’s backcountry.

Wild Camping

The rest of the trip features primitive campsites, each carefully chosen for their beauty and proximity to water. Camps may be tucked beside alpine lakes like Dorothy, Wilma, or Smedberg—or nestled in quiet canyons like Kerrick or Matterhorn. There are no permanent facilities, but your guides will set up a clean and efficient camp each night. Whether it’s stargazing from your sleeping bag or enjoying morning coffee by a mountain lake, the accommodation on this trip is all about immersion in the wild beauty of the High Sierra.

Meeting point

37.957592-119.119943
Lee Vining

Frequently asked questions

Departures

Cannot find a departure date that suits you?

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3690 €

(1217 € deposit)