Women’s Only 2026 Backpacking Trip

North Dome- The rim of Yosemite Valley’s High Country

It’s a girls trip!

We’re changing it up this time, let’s set up a cozy basecamp, carry the extra things: wine, string lights, cards, etc. and have a trip full of side adventures!

Yosemite Valley Rim

Trip dates: June 22nd- 25th 2026

Trip length: 4 days (one night at Tuolumne Meadows Campground, two nights in the backcountry basecamp)

Group size: 6 people max (lets keep it cozy)

Trip difficulty: Beginner/moderate, were setting up basecamp rather than switching campsites every night

Price: TBD- low costs, just cover the cost of the logistics plus a small guide/planning fee

Itinerary

I’ll pick everyone up from your hotel in Fresno in the morning, and we’ll head up into Yosemite together. It’s about a two hour drive into the high country to Tuolumne Meadows. On the way, we’ll stop at Tenaya Lake to stretch our legs and take in the views!
We’ll also swing by the Tuolumne Grill before heading to the Backpackers Campground, where we’ll spend our first night. This is our time to settle in, get organized, and enjoy our first evening in the mountains together!
In the morning, we’ll pack up and start our hike into the backcountry along the North Rim of Yosemite Valley. It’s about 4.5 miles to our basecamp, carrying everything we need for the next two nights. Let’s bring the cozy things: camp chairs, win, string lights, cards, etc. Once we’re set up, we’ll have time to relax and explore.
In the evening, we’ll head out to North Dome for sunset, one of the best views in the park, looking straight across at Half Dome and down into the Valley. It’s a pretty amazing way to end the day! All meals and snacks provided.
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: +1,870 feet, -1,210 feet
This is our big adventure day! We’ll hike out to the top of Yosemite Falls, which is about 8 miles roundtrip from camp. The views along the way are wild, and standing at the top of the tallest waterfall in North America never gets old. We’ll hang out up there, take in the views over Yosemite Valley, and if conditions allow, cool off in the pools at the top before heading back to camp.
Distance: 9 miles roundtrip from camp
Elevation Gain: +1,100 feet, -700 feet
We’ll break down camp in the morning and hike the 4.5 miles back out. Once we’re back at the trailhead, we’ll drive down out of the mountains and return to Fresno, wrapping up four solid days in the high country!
Distance: 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: +150 feet, -1,300 feet
Total trip mileage: 19.8 miles
Total elevation gain: 3,120 feet
Total elevation loss: 3,210 feet

Sample Menu

At Sierra Soul Adventures, food is one of our biggest passions, and we believe great meals make great adventures! When you join one of our backpacking trips, you can expect delicious, thoughtfully prepared meals that go far beyond the standard dehydrated bagged backpacking meals. We craft hearty, satisfying dishes designed to fuel your journey and elevate your wilderness experience. From fresh ingredients to creative recipes, our meals are a highlight of every trip, giving you a taste of home-cooked comfort in the backcountry.

Fresh cinnamon-maple apples, coconut flakes, walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, and almond butter, served with hot sausage and french-pressed coffee.
A variety of meats, cheeses, dried fruits, fig jam, fresh veggies, hummus, chocolate, and other surprises. A guest favorite for good reason!
A flavorful blend of bowtie pasta tossed in rich pesto sauce, topped with chicken, parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Snacks are provided throughout each day to keep you energized. Each guest will pack their own snacks from our provided selection before hitting the trail, and a shared group snack will also be offered daily.

Trip Pricing & Cancellation Policy

$1,350 per person
Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your spot.
Please note: This trip does not include flights, travel expenses, or accommodations outside of the guided itinerary. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation and lodging before and after the trip.
If you'd like to discuss a payment plan, just mention it in your guest trip form—we’re happy to help.
- More than 14 days before departure: Full refund minus a $100 administrative fee.
- 14 days or less before departure: No refunds available.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about this policy!

Sign up here

Gear List

You are responsible for covering all flights, travel, accommodations, and some gear. Please review the gear list carefully, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or are interested in gear rentals.

Provided by you (required)

Backpacking backpack (55-75L)

Water bottles or water bladder (3L minimum)

Bowl, Spork, Mug

Day backpack (lightweight)

Hiking tops (short or long, we love sun hoodies)

Sleep wear

Hiking Pants

Rain jacket

Down and/or Fleece jacket

Hiking shoes or boots

Hat & Beanie

Sunscreen & Chapstick

Prescription meds

Trowel

Pack cover

Gear Provided by Sierra Soul

Backpacking tent (1- 2 person)- rentals available

Sleeping bag (15º-30º)- rentals available

Sleeping Pad- rentals available

Bear Canister

Group first aid kit

Group Cooking Gear

Stoves & Fuel

Group Water Filter

Gloves for Half Dome Cables

You might also consider (optional)

Trekking poles

Camp towel

Camp shoes

Backpacking chair or sit pad

Book

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Rachel, the highlight of our trip for me was your reading of the Muir quote as our group stood together in Pelican Valley. I won’t remember the exact words you spoke, but I will never forget being counted worthy to hear them and the impact of hearing them in your voice in that glorious location. I’m so glad you were there to lead us and I can’t thank you enough for your generous spirit and positivity. Getting to know you was absolutely one of the best things about that fantastic trip. It gives me hope for the world that awaits my granddaughter when I meet a young woman like you. I hope you’ll continue to pursue your highest dreams and express your many gifts to their fullest as you explore the bright destiny that is before you and impact the world. Be well and keep doing good. I hope to see you again. "
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Your rating scale doesn't go high enough to rate Rachel. Despite inclement weather most of the trip, she was upbeat and positive the entire time and didn't let the weather get in the way of taking care of the guests and all the setup, cooking, clean-up, etc. Great cook, great guide, very strong hiker, and humble on top of all of it. Do all you can to keep her!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Rachel was WONDERFUL and a total ray of sunshine throughout our trip!! Her caring attitude and sense of humor added so much to our adventure. She was also a wealth of knowledge and generously shared about her experiences and insights from other trips she's led. I would definitely join a future trip with Rachel as a guide!!!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Rachel was the reason I booked this trip after having a trip with her in Yosemite. She is an exceptional guide! She makes the trip fun and builds an incredible sense of community while also prioritizing safety and good stewardship for nature. She has an adventurous spirit that pushes you to push yourself. She is the model of what I would expect from an REI a guide. I plan to continue to explore REI trips because of her and hope to have her as a guide again.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I met Rachel on the Half Dome trip in June 2021 and I was so excited to learn that she was the lead guide for this Bechler River trip. She is super organized, detail-oriented, thoughtful, approachable, low-key and an easy communicator. Some very thoughtful touches included how the snacks were so organized in bins, decorative lights for camp for our Alpine Start morning, and attention to varied dietary needs. Rachel is also very knowledgable and comfortable in the backcountry and I felt very safe.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Rachel was fantastic! She shared daily/hiking expectations, tips, created high calorie/high protein "gourmet-like" meals that kept the group fueled up. She has years of outdoors experiences that she also shared that demonstrated her knowledge of outdoor survival and the area. Her bright attitude and infectious smile radiated at every challenging element of the excursion.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"In 2023, Rachel ushered me into the world of backpacking during a trip in northern Yellowstone. I was blown away by her backcountry knowledge, sunny spirit, and thoughtful tailoring of the trip to participant needs - I was hooked! My 2nd trip with Rachel and Sierra Soul was similarly outstanding, as she gave us the insider-view of Yosemite and many of the hidden gems along our route. Rachel is now my go-to for any and all advice on Yosemite, gear, and backcountry cuisine! I hope to make Sierra Soul an annual ritual and cannot wait for next season!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I did a Half Dome trip with Rachel in 2024, and it was absolutely incredible! Rachel is extremely knowledgeable, reassuring, and kind. If you're considering a backpacking trip with her, definitely go for it. I will never forget sitting on the subdome and looking out over Yosemite, learning about the park, and getting the best night of sleep next to a stream!”