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Yosemite Grand Traverse
Overview
Intro
Most people visit Yosemite as a day trip, snap a pic of El Capitan and Half Dome, maybe squeeze in a short hike among the crowds, and then leave, thinking they’ve 'done' Yosemite. But you’re not like most people. If you're here, you're seeking something deeper.
Twice a year, you can set off on an 8-day adventure specifically tailored for nature enthusiasts. The Yosemite Grand Traverse is a journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. From the iconic granite domes of Yosemite National Park to the peaceful, untouched wilderness of the High Sierra backcountry.
This isn’t just a hike—it's a magical experience that reveals hidden gems most visitors never even know exist.
Twice a year, you can set off on an 8-day adventure specifically tailored for nature enthusiasts. The Yosemite Grand Traverse is a journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. From the iconic granite domes of Yosemite National Park to the peaceful, untouched wilderness of the High Sierra backcountry.
This isn’t just a hike—it's a magical experience that reveals hidden gems most visitors never even know exist.
At a Glance
- Season: July to September
- Duration: 8 days
- Accommodation: Hotels & Camping
- Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Gallery
What's Unique About This Adventure?
Highlights
Yosemite National Park is renowned for its natural beauty, and this trail captures the very essence of it.
Here’s why this hike is a must-do:
1. Unmatched Scenery: From iconic granite domes to serene alpine meadows, the diversity of the scenery is unparalleled.
2. Cultural Richness: Pass through historic landmarks and ancient forests, adding depth to your adventure.
3. Well-Maintained Trails: The trail is designed for all levels, with sections that cater to both beginners and seasoned hikers.
4. Supportive Community: Friendly locals and fellow hikers make the journey even more enjoyable.
Here’s why this hike is a must-do:
1. Unmatched Scenery: From iconic granite domes to serene alpine meadows, the diversity of the scenery is unparalleled.
2. Cultural Richness: Pass through historic landmarks and ancient forests, adding depth to your adventure.
3. Well-Maintained Trails: The trail is designed for all levels, with sections that cater to both beginners and seasoned hikers.
4. Supportive Community: Friendly locals and fellow hikers make the journey even more enjoyable.
What's Included
What's Included
- Experienced local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
- 8 day Yosemite Grand Traverse backpacking and camping tour
- Accommodation (first night’s lodging at Fairfield Inn & Suites and 6 nights of wilderness tent camping with permits ensured)
- Transportation to the trailhead (private shuttle from Fresno to starting trailhead and from ending trailhead to Fresno)
- Backcountry gourmet meals (from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 8) including trail snacks and hot tea or coffee each morning
- Personal backpacking gear rental (backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, trekking poles, and tents—solo travelers get a single tent, otherwise you can choose from a 2 or 3-person tent).
- Group gear (provided by the guides):
Water filters
Stoves
Cookware
Group shelter
Emergency GPS device
Group first aid kit
Group bathroom kit (trowel & toilet paper)
Bear cans
- 8 day Yosemite Grand Traverse backpacking and camping tour
- Accommodation (first night’s lodging at Fairfield Inn & Suites and 6 nights of wilderness tent camping with permits ensured)
- Transportation to the trailhead (private shuttle from Fresno to starting trailhead and from ending trailhead to Fresno)
- Backcountry gourmet meals (from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 8) including trail snacks and hot tea or coffee each morning
- Personal backpacking gear rental (backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, trekking poles, and tents—solo travelers get a single tent, otherwise you can choose from a 2 or 3-person tent).
- Group gear (provided by the guides):
Water filters
Stoves
Cookware
Group shelter
Emergency GPS device
Group first aid kit
Group bathroom kit (trowel & toilet paper)
Bear cans
What's Not Included
What's Not Included
- Transportation to Fresno
- Dinner on Day 1
- Personal clothing & footwear
- Guide gratuities — recommended
- Travel and medical insurance — strongly recommended
- Dinner on Day 1
- Personal clothing & footwear
- Guide gratuities — recommended
- Travel and medical insurance — strongly recommended
Location
Itinerary
Day 1: Meet in Fresno, CA
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome in Fresno, CA, where you’ll meet your guides and fellow adventurers. After a cozy night at the Fairfield Inn & Suites and an exciting trip orientation, you’ll be ready to set off on your hike.
Day 2: Trek to Knoblock Meadow
We kick off our trek with a scenic hike to Knoblock Meadow. At 7,100 feet, this serene spot offers stunning vistas and a perfect introduction to Yosemite’s breathtaking backcountry. Spend the evening stargazing and soaking in the natural beauty.
Day 3: Climbing Isberg Pass
Challenge yourself with a climb to the majestic Isberg Pass at 11,100 feet. Traverse high lakes and alpine basins, and end your day at a tranquil lakeside campsite, surrounded by towering peaks. This is Yosemite at its most awe-inspiring.
Day 4: The Merced River Descent
Descend through picturesque meadows, cascading waterfalls, and inviting swimming holes as we follow the Merced River. With the stunning Clark Range as your backdrop, today’s hike is a feast for the senses.
Day 5: Hiking through Echo Valley to Sunrise Creek
Journey alongside the Merced River into the enchanting Echo Valley. Ascend granite ridges to the pristine Sunrise Creek area, where panoramic views and serene landscapes await.
Day 6: Summit Clouds Rest
Conquer the summit of Clouds Rest at 9,926 feet for unparalleled views of Tenaya Canyon and beyond. This challenging but rewarding hike is a highlight of the trip. Afterward, unwind at our camp near Sunrise Lakes.
Day 7: Along the John Muir Trail to Cathedral Lake
Traverse the legendary John Muir Trail, passing through alpine meadows and surreal glaciated peaks. Arrive at the stunning Cathedral Lake, often called “the most beautiful spot in Yosemite,” for an afternoon of exploration and relaxation.
Day 8: Leaving the Backcountry and Returning to Fresno
Bid farewell to Yosemite with a final trek through Tuolumne Meadows. Enjoy a scenic drive back to Fresno, reflecting on your incredible journey and unforgettable memories.
Meet Your Guide
Company
This tour is provided by Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides.
SYMG was started in 1991 by three friends offering hiking trips into California's mountains in hopes of more closely meshing lifestyle with work. The combination proved successful and SYMG has become a leader in the active travel and mountain guiding world, providing carefully planned and executed trips in the most spectacular wilderness areas of California and beyond. Now, 30 years later, we've shown thousands of people the beauty of Yosemite and the High Sierra and have been named one of the "Best Outfitters on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure Magazine.
SYMG was started in 1991 by three friends offering hiking trips into California's mountains in hopes of more closely meshing lifestyle with work. The combination proved successful and SYMG has become a leader in the active travel and mountain guiding world, providing carefully planned and executed trips in the most spectacular wilderness areas of California and beyond. Now, 30 years later, we've shown thousands of people the beauty of Yosemite and the High Sierra and have been named one of the "Best Outfitters on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure Magazine.
Reviews
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Hiking | United Stated
Yosemite Grand Traverse
Season:
July to September
Difficulty:
Intermediate to advanced
Duration:
8 Days
From $2,995.00 USD
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Steve Williams
We had an absolute blast on our private (4 person) trip with Michelle.
She is an amazing guide, filled with tons of useful (and some useless!) knowledge, has a good sense of humor, and is a great cook.
Our September weekend in the Sierras was one to remember, with beautiful sites, great (cold) dips in the lake, amazing sunrises and sunsets, and a great camping location.
Overall, Michelle and SYMG made our lives super easy as we travelled in from Michigan and we 100% recommend her and them!
Alex Farr
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed my Yosemite Grand Traverse trip.
I saw Yosemite in such a way that will stay with me forever. The food, the guiding, the route and the views were all perfect!
The best part of the trip was our guide Csuri Odry. She is by far in all my years of expeditions around the world, the finest guide I have ever had the privilege of learning from. She is a real gem and made the trip extremely fun, safe, memorable and one that I would recommend to anyone.
Wendee Pratt
SYMG is the best of the best mountain guide companies you can possibly find to take you out into the back country. If you want a real, authentic, back country experience look no further. I’ve gone on two trips with them.
First was the Yosemite Half Dome trip a few years ago with Conner and Thomas. It was epic – swimming in a pristine mountain lake and going up the cables at Half Dome for the first time – it was thrilling and I felt safe while doing it (being a Capricorn and all). We were there when the Creek fire broke at the end of our trip so we had a quick plan evacuation which got us to the valley floor in a timely way while not missing any of Yosemite’s grandeur.
My second experience was the Trans-Sierra trip last summer. While I thought the first trip was epic – this one showed me what epic really is. SYMG scouts out the most spectacular routes through the most remote areas – off the beaten track, the whole thing was special and breathtaking. Colby Pass was incredible! Riley was outstanding as our guide and he didn’t just subtly take good care of us but he played his guitar on trail and at camp, prepared the most delicious meals, and prepped us to feel confident, challenged and independent, which has helped prep me for planning my own solo back country trips today.
I owe SYMG my gratitude for new skills, confidence, and deeper appreciation for stewardship of the planet. Thank you SYMG!!!
Amy Bogan
Ian was a great group guide establishing a good pace, taking pictures, and checking in with each of us individually. Prepared, knowledgeable, and patient, he made the hike successful for an older crowd.
Truly a hike of a lifetime with memories to match. I will highly recommend your service and the easy and seamless process from start to finish… except for the 52,500 steps — they were a challenge. Thank you Ian!!