Join us on a group backpacking trip into the heart of Yosemite! Backpacking, outdoor yoga, community, and ecology are woven into this journey of body, mind and spirit.

There are only 10 slots available for this permit, so make sure to register early!

Experience deeper connection to your personal sadhana as you develop a home practice, bringing your experience out of the High Sierra mountains into daily life.

This backpacking adventure is accessible for beginners who are seeking a guided and supportive experience in Yosemite’s backcountry, or more advanced trekkers that are keen to explore Yosemite’s wilderness in a relaxed, community setting.

Participants will be emailed specific details around trail expectations and how to best prepare for this journey. If you have any questions, please feel free to email our team: info@balancedrock.org

An all-inclusive adventure, the tuition includes the following:

• Pre-trip support and multiple rounds of communication with our experienced team and trip leaders, so you feel fully prepared coming to Yosemite (welcome call, packing & gear support, travel recommendations)

• Access to Yosemite for the duration of the trip (no need to reserve a Park entry pass when the reservation system is in effect, one is included in your registration!) + option to stay in Backpackers Camp the nights before & after the trip (no additional charge)

• Daily yoga classes in some of the most epic outdoor “studios” in the world (optional participation)

• All meals included during the trip, which are Ayurvedic-inspired and curated to honor your dietary needs

• Guided meditation and mindfulness practices in nature

• Immerse & play in the Great Outdoors with spontaneous river or alpine lake dips

• An unforgettable experience in Yosemite’s unparalleled wilderness, in the capable hands of our guide team - learning about backpacking basics & wilderness practices/safety skills

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Balanced Rock provides expert guidance, campground fees, wilderness permit fees, first-aid supplies, and group gear for backpacking.

Participants are responsible for their own airfare/travel arrangements to and from the trailhead, any park entrance fees ($35/vehicle), and personal items (see What to Bring for more details).

Reach out to our team for assistance in planning to attend this program: we are here to offer suggestions, support and logistical recommendations.

Making You Travel Plans: we highly recommend arriving to the area at least a day before the trip begins. Our team can recommend local lodging entities upon request. The closest airport is Fresno International, which is approx. 2-2.5 hours from Yosemite National Park. We recommend renting a car or exploring carpool options with your fellow trip participants. All registered participants will be emailed a contact list upon registration. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.

SAMPLE TRIP SCHEDULE

Wednesday - Day 1

Meet at the trailhead on your first morning for introductions and trip orientation. Next, learn what and how to pack your backpack before heading out. This hike may take the entirety of the day, including breaks to enjoy the scenery. Stretch your muscles with some yoga followed by a delicious dinner as the Range of Light, bathed in alpenglow, lives up to its reputation. Evenings may include fireside stories, music, or gazing at the Milky Way from the cozy comfort of your sleeping bag.

Thursday, Friday & Saturday - Days 2-4

Adapt to the natural rhythms of the planet and flow with the specific needs and desires of the group while moving camp or enjoying a day-hike with light packs. Feel a settling into your new home among granite domes and peaceful lake waters. Enjoy opportunities for swimming in alpine lakes, day hikes to sweeping views of the High Sierra, or relaxing creek-side. Evenings are set aside for intentional discussions, wilderness education, creative journaling, music-making, or quiet contemplation around the campfire.

Sunday - Day 5

Enjoy a yoga class and meditation before sharing your final breakfast as a group in the field. After packing up, begin your final hike back to the trailhead and say heartfelt goodbyes to your fellow adventurers at the end of the journey.

**This is a sample schedule. Please note the actual schedule may change. All participants will be emailed a final schedule with exact times and locations closer to the trip date. This program operates rain or shine.

We have secured a permit for Bridalveil Creek, which begins off of Glacier Point Road. A beautiful route in the early summer, the trail features high country meadows, wildflowers, and plenty of back country lakes and granite peaks.

*Please note that the route may be subject to change based on weather or road closures.

Participants are strongly encouraged to acclimate to hiking at elevation with a pack prior to the this trip. Our trailhead may begin at 8,000-9,000 ft with anticipated elevation gain depending on the permit location.

$975/person ($875 if you book before May 1st, 2025).

Balanced Rock strives to offer affordable programming to all of our interested participants. If you need financial assistance to attend this program, please contact us to request an application.

Every registered participant will be emailed a very specific gear list, along with multiple opportunities to speak with our staff and trip leaders about gear so you feel fully prepared for this adventure.

This is a true backpacking experience, and you will be carrying all of your personal gear plus a portion of the shared group gear on your back for the duration of the trip (no porters).

You will need your own backpack (at least 65L) as well as a sleeping kit (ultralight sleeping pad & ultralight sleeping bag), and a good pair of hiking boots (ones you have worn and tested for any hot spots!).

We recommend visiting your nearest REI to test out weighted packs (test weight of 20-30lbs), as well as footwear.

Balanced Rock provides shared tents and all backcountry kitchen gear.

Balanced Rock has limited gear available for loan, or can offer guidance on renting gear. Please inquire with our team if you need assistance or have questions regarding what to pack.

All participants will be required to read and sign the Health & Safety Policy for Programs at registration.

It is recommended that anyone participating in a Balanced Rock backpacking trip has some hiking experience, and an understanding of hiking in higher elevation (8k-9k). We will be traveling about 4-8 miles per day with a heavy pack. Novice backpackers are welcome.

If you cancel your registration more than 1 month prior to the trip start date (before May 18, 2025), you will receive a full refund minus a $50 registration fee to the credit card on file.

If you cancel your registration less than 1 month prior to the program start date, you will not be eligible to receive a refund.

We highly recommend all participants purchase trip insurance in the case of a trip cancellation (a full refund of course tuition will be remitted if Balanced Rock has to cancel the trip due to natural disaster, park closure, etc).

All participants are required to read and accept our Cancellation and Refund Policy upon registration.