Yosemite Waterfalls Backpacking Trip
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Date and Time:
Fri, May 15, 2026; 8:00 AM
(Pacific)
- Mon, May 18, 2026
1:00 PM
(Pacific)
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05/15/2026 8:00 AM
05/18/2026 1:00 PM
America/Los_Angeles
Yosemite Waterfalls Backpacking Trip
See waterfalls at their peak flow, camp at Little Yosemite Valley as a base camp. Day hike to Bunnell Falls, Cloud's Rest, or Glacier Point. (day-hike destinations are dependent on conditions)
Backpackers Campground behind North Pines
Webinar URL:
37.74463100,-119.56835300
Diane Appel
diane_appel@yahoo.com
MM/DD/yyyy
amOUuwqNAzpGSXwtHmnd12740
Organized By: SF Bay Chp Backpacking
Location: Backpackers Campground behind North Pines
Map | Directions
Event Organizers:
Diane Appel
diane_appel@yahoo.com
925 360-2249
Linda Weldele
lindaweldele@gmail.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.
Yosemite Falls in May 2023.
Overview
Snow is melting, so mid-May is the best time to see Yosemite's waterfalls in their full splendor. Arrive early to see the waterfalls from the bottom. We will camp at the North Pines Backpacker Campground. The next day, we will hike (trail conditions permitting) from Happy Isles Trailhead up to Little Yosemite Valley, where we will have our base camp. For the next 2 days, we will choose a day-hike up the Merced River to Bunnell Falls, or Cloud's Rest, or Glacier Point, taking into consideration the trail conditions. On the last day, we will make our way back down to Yosemite Valley.
Day 0 Thursday, May 14
Optional: Arrive early before the crowds and visit the waterfalls in the valley. Camp in Yosemite Valley Backpackers Camp behind North Pines Campground.
Day 1 Friday, May 15
Hike from Yosemite Valley up to Little Yosemite Valley Campground to spend the night there. 2,342 ft elevation gain, 6 miles (estimate)
Day 2 Saturday, May 16,
and Day 3 Sunday, May 17
Day-hike is dependent upon group choice and conditions. We could day-hike to the bottom of Half Dome (no cables until Memorial weekend), to Cloud's Rest, Bunnell Falls, or Glacier Point. It is early in the season, so trails may be icy and dangerous.
Day 4 Monday, May 18
Return to Yosemite Valley and home.
EXPECTATIONS: Here are some of the expectations:
- 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).
- 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.
- We require you to practice Leave No Trace Ethics on this trip. Carry out all toilet paper and other garbage. We will be camping in a designated campground with a composting toilet.
Level: Strenuous (2CT)
Cost: $70
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.
Recommended Items: Food is an individual commissary. You will need backpacking gear, bear cannister, a tent, sleeping bag, stove, and food. Microspikes would be good to have in case it snows. 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 camp the night before at the North Pines Backpackers Campground and meet there on the day of the trip. From there, we will walk to the Happy Isles Trailhead. Cars must be parked at Curry Village in the dirt lot. No food should be left in the car. There are bear boxes near the bus stops.
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.
Yosemite National Park