Backpacking Yosemite’s Glacier Point Circuit with Alpenglow

We designed our 5-Day Yosemite Backpacking Adventure to offer a full-value loop through one of the most scenic and quieter parts of Yosemite National Park. Starting and ending at Glacier Point, this route lets us cover meaningful ground without needing complicated vehicle shuttles. It’s ideal for newer backpackers looking to build experience, or for anyone who wants to spend five days off the grid in a place that still feels wild.

Day 1: Starting at Glacier Point and Dropping into Illilouette Basin

We meet at Glacier Point in the late morning for a gear check, orientation, and lunch. After that, we shoulder packs and begin the descent into Illilouette Basin. The trail drops about 1,300 feet and climbs just over 1,000 feet across almost six miles. This part of the park sees less foot traffic than the valley or Tuolumne, which means quiet trails and open campsites. We’ll settle into our first camp along Illilouette Creek or a nearby granite bench.

Days 2–4: Remote Trails, Quiet Camps, and Learning on the Move

The next few days are where the trip settles into a rhythm. We cover 5 to 8 miles a day along Yosemite’s southern rim, moving through varied terrain—pine forest, high ridges with views of the Clark Range, and alpine meadows that hold water and wildflowers in early season. Campsites are remote and peaceful, and we take time each day to talk through backcountry travel skills, map reading, gear use, and Leave No Trace practices. The focus is on covering real ground and getting comfortable in the mountains.

Day 5: Climbing Back to Glacier Point

We wrap the loop by hiking back up to Glacier Point on our fifth day. The return gives us a new angle on Half Dome and the valley, and a strong sense of what we’ve covered in the past few days. We usually arrive back at the trailhead by early afternoon and wrap the trip there.

What’s Included

We provide all the essential overnight gear: tents, packs, sleeping bags and pads, cookware, bear canisters—everything you need besides personal clothing and footwear. We keep group sizes small and guide ratios low to allow for plenty of individual attention and space in camp. Our guides are experienced backpackers and educators, and we build this trip to be as much about learning as it is about hiking.

Why This Loop?

The Glacier Point Circuit is a simple, effective way to access real Yosemite backcountry without spending all day on logistics. The loop format makes it easy to manage, the terrain is engaging without being technical, and the remoteness gives it a sense of calm you don’t always find in the more popular parts of the park.