difficult
3–5 days
Participants should have excellent cardiovascular fitness and experience with sustained elevation gain and backpacking.
Step off the beaten path with Discovery Treks’ Yosemite Falls/Snow Creek Loop, a multi-day backpacking journey through some of Yosemite’s most dramatic and lesser-seen landscapes. Tackle steep ascents and soak in expansive valley views away from the crowds.
Starting at $1497 per person
This Discovery Treks backpacking tour is a great alternative to the ever popular, and crowded, Half Dome 3 day trip. While also starting from Yosemite Valley, the Yosemite Falls/Snow Creek tour will have you leaving the day hiking crowds behind after a few miles as you ascend on the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. You will hike up the tallest fall in the park, as well as the lower 48 states, hike to the top of El Capitan (and wonder why all these people are climbing it when you can just hike to the top), see Half Dome from across the Valley from the less populated North Dome, and then make your way back to the Valley, finishing the loop via the Snow Creek trail.
A 3 day trip is also available covering the same route but with less time for side hikes and exploration. A 5 day will give you an extra day camping at Snow Creek for some time to explore more of the North Rim of Yosemite Valley!
*Route Variation - Our specific hiking route and campsites on each departure are dependent upon permit availability.
Our prices do not include guide gratuity (10-15% of tour cost is recommended).
Pickup Locations **Shuttle - this trip starts along Glacier Point Rd. If you do not have your own transportation and are taking YARTS, you will need to reserve space on the early (8:30am) Glacier Point Tour shuttle. Spaces are limited and there is a fee.
This loop features long uphill stretches with exposure; good stamina and steady pacing are key.
This trip includes permits, but securing your own permits for other times can be competitive due to high demand.
Poles reduce knee strain during steep descents on rocky or uneven sections of the trail.
If relying on YARTS shuttle services, book early morning Glacier Point shuttle seats ahead of time.
Yosemite National Park was established in 1890, protecting its granite cliffs and waterfalls, and played a foundational role in the national park movement.
Yosemite promotes Leave No Trace ethics; guided trips like those by Discovery Treks help minimize environmental impact and preserve fragile backcountry zones.
Lightweight shelter suitable for multi-night hikes and exposed camping spots.
Helps maintain stability and reduces joint fatigue on steep ascents and descents.
Adapt to changing temperatures, especially cooler nights and exposed ridges.
all specific
Ample water capacity and filtration are critical for this dry, strenuous hike.
all specific