Yosemite Backpacking: Base Camp/Hike the North Rim
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Date and Time:
Fri, May 23, 2025; 8:00 AM
(Pacific)
- Mon, May 26, 2025
1:00 PM
(Pacific)
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05/23/2025 8:00 AM
05/26/2025 1:00 PM
America/Los_Angeles
Yosemite Backpacking: Base Camp/Hike the North Rim
Base camp with day hikes to Yosemite Falls, North Dome, and Olmstead Point.
Backpackers Campsite North Pines
Webinar URL:
37.74451400,-119.56785300
Diane Appel
diane_appel@yahoo.com
MM/DD/yyyy
amOUuwqNAzpGSXwtHmnd12740
Organized By: SF Bay Chp Backpacking
Location: Backpackers Campsite North Pines
Map | Directions
Event Organizers:
Diane Appel
diane_appel@yahoo.com
925 360-2249
Michael Kanne
mkanne04@hotmail.com
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.Join me for a tour of the North Rim of Yosemite Valley, starting at the Mirror Lake Trailhead. The trail takes us up 106 switchbacks (3,087 ft) to Snow Creek, where we will have a base camp with a view of Half Dome. Every day, options for day hikes along the North Rim of the Valley, including all the peaks, and the top of Yosemite Falls. On the last day, we will carry packs down the Snow Creek trail, ending the trip in Yosemite Valley.
Thursday Day 0 May 22
Optional: Spend the night in the Backpackers Camp at North Pines Campground.
Friday Day 1 May 23: Hike from the Mirror Lake Trailhead up 3,087 ft (106 switchbacks, 4.7 miles) on the Snow Creek Trail. This is one of the steepest trails out of Yosemite Valley to the North Rim.
We will camp at the intersection of Snow Creek( 6,755 ft), where you can cool off. This will be the base camp for the trip. Optional: After we eat and set up camp, we may hike without packs to Indian Arch (8,367 ft) and North Dome (7,543 ft) round trip 11 mi and 1,978 ft.
Half Dome View from Campsite
Snow Creek at the campsite.
Day 2 May 24: Optional: Day hike to viewpoints above Yosemite Falls round trip (14 mi 2,316 ft ascent).
Yosemite Falls from the Valley.
Day 3 May 25: Optional: Day hike to Olmstead Point round trip 13.2 mi and 1,600 ft ascent.
Day 4 May 26: Hike back down the Snow Creek trail to Yosemite Valley. Go home or spend another night at the backpacker campground in North Pines.
EXPECTATIONS: Here are some of the expectations:
- The elevation, likelihood of mosquitoes, rattlesnakes, 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).
- You should plan on carrying with you electrolyte replacements that help prevent sluggishness and help maintain a consistent energy level throughout the day.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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: $60.00
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, 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 10 people at this campsite.
Additional Directions: We will meet at the North Pines Backpackers Camp the night before the trip. There is a fee $8 for each person at the Backpackers campsite.
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: Steady rain cancels
Yosemite National Park