Yosemite Waterfalls Backpacking Trip Register

Date and Time:
Fri, May 16, 2025; 8:00 AM (Pacific) - Sun, May 18, 2025  1:00 PM  (Pacific)

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05/16/2025 8:00 AM 05/18/2025 1:00 PM America/Los_Angeles
Yosemite Waterfalls Backpacking Trip

See waterfalls at their peak flow, camp at Little Yosemite, and hike up to Cloud's Rest.

Yosemite Valley, Camp 4

Webinar URL:

37.7436816512,-119.600533705 Diane Appel diane_appel@yahoo.com MM/DD/yyyy amOUuwqNAzpGSXwtHmnd12740

Organized By: SF Bay Chp Backpacking

Location: Yosemite Valley, Camp 4

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Diane Appel
   diane_appel@yahoo.com
   925 360-2249

Yosemite is unpredictable. The itinerary may change due to trail closures, extreme weather, smoke, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances. If you sign up for this trip, you agree to be flexible regarding the itinerary.
Top YF
Yosemite Falls in May 2023.
The snow is melting, so it is near the best time to see Yosemite's waterfalls in full splendor. Join me for a tour of the waterfalls in Yosemite Valley. We will arrive early and camp the first night in the valley, where we can walk around to see all the waterfalls from the bottom. The next day, we will hike (trail conditions permitting) from Happy Isles Trailhead up to Little Yosemite Valley, where we will camp. The next day, we will day-hike, taking into consideration the trail conditions. On the last day, we will make our way back down to Yosemite Valley.

Day 1 Thursday, May 15

Optional: Arrive early before the crowds and visit the waterfalls in the valley. Camp in Yosemite Valley at Camp 4.

Day 2 Friday, May 16

Hike from Yosemite Valley up to Little Yosemite Valley Campground to spend the night there. 2,342 ft elevation gain, 6 miles (estimate)

Day 3 Saturday, May 17

Depending upon trail conditions, we will day-hike to the bottom of Half Dome (no cables until Memorial weekend) or to Cloud's Rest. It is early in the season, so trails may be icy and dangerous. 2,000 ft elevation gain, 6 - 8 miles (estimate)

Day 4 Sunday, May 18

Return to Yosemite Valley and home.


EXPECTATIONS: Here are some of the expectations:

  1. The elevation, likelihood of mosquitoes, sudden inclement weather, presence of bears, the potential for flooded trails, etc., all pose their challenges, and you should come prepared to cope with these (note that using bear spray is neither allowed in the park nor is it necessary, so do not bring any).
  2. We won’t be racing, because we want to appreciate the scenery and wilderness experience. However, maintaining a reasonable pace and group cohesion are expected. So, if you feel you need more independence and less structure, do not sign up for this trip.
  3. You may not ask to leave early on the last day. As a group function, we travel together. If you have a commitment that requires you to leave early, do not sign up for this trip.
  4. We leaders are volunteers and we do not have time to deal with numerous cancellations. So please make this trip a priority and commit to arranging your work schedule and family obligations around this trip. Otherwise, do not sign up for this trip.
  5. In the unlikely event that you need to be evacuated, by signing up for this trip, you accept full responsibility to pay the full cost for your evacuation. Neither the Sierra Club nor the National Park Service pays for this service. If you do not agree, do not sign up for this trip.

Level: Moderate(2C3)

Cost: $45.00

Signup Instructions: Make sure you sign the online waiver and then I will contact you about other forms you will need to fill out. You will be accepted to the trip providing there is room and you have filled out the required medical and experience forms.

Bring: Food is an individual commissary. You will need backpacking gear, bear cannister, a tent, sleeping bag, stove, and food. I will supply a detailed list after you have signed up.

Signup Restrictions: Please R.S.V.P below and acknowledge the liability waiver. The trip leader will contact you to start the approval process and provide further information. The trip is limited to 7 people at this campsite.

Additional Directions: We will camp the night before and meet at the Camp 4 Backpackers Camp on the day of the trip and drive our cars to Curry Village to park.

Carpool: Carpooling is up to the individuals on the trip. The leader will not make arrangements. I will send out a participant list so you can make your own arrangements.

Note: Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.

Cancellation Policy: Activity is held rain or shine, but may be altered due to inclement weather

Yosemite National Park