Yosemite Grand Traverse Hiking Adventure Tour

Incredible Sky-High Trails in the Sierra Nevada

Explore the legendary high points of the Sierra Nevada carrying nothing but a daypack! With pack mules hauling your gear, enjoy the awesome scenery on this trans-Sierra trek through Yosemite National Park and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Start off in southern Yosemite, far from the crowded Valley floor, then hike the high country to emerge near the majestic Cathedral Lakes in Tuolumne Meadows. Along the way walk sections of the John Muir Trail and cap the trip with a summit hike to Cloud's Rest.

Explore the dazzling high points of Yosemite, Ansel Adams Wilderness, and Tuolumne Meadows

Cross Post Peak Pass, walk sections of the John Muir Trail, and summit the Cloud's Rest

End your classic California experience in beautiful San Francisco - City by the Bay!

Why take this trip with us?

Reason #01

On this trans-Sierra hiking adventure, MT Sobek offers travelers memorable exclusivity: the trip is fully mule-supported.

Reason #02

You get full immersion in the Sierra's wilderness by lodging at our well-equipped camps for six nights straight.

Reason #03

MT Sobek is the only company offering this experience, ending in San Francisco.

Meet your guides

Alex Kendrall

Alex grew up in Concord, New Hampshire exploring the mountains of New England. It was here that his spirit and passion for adventure began. Alex's passion for shared wilderness experiences has culminated in a degree in Outdoor Education and certifications from the American Mountain Guiding Association (AMGA). Moving to California was the culmination of a dream come true, where he is able to combine his passion for climbing with a career in guiding. He has a tremendous amount of experience in the backcountry and great leadership qualities which endear him to MT Sobek travelers.

Sierra Zacks

Sierra was born and raised on the entrance road to Joshua Tree National Park and spent her early years hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding in the park and the nearby high Sierra. She went on to graduate from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in Ecology and Plant Biology. During this period, she worked UC Santa Cruz's Adventure Outings Department where she led climbing, backpacking, and river trips. She now spends her summers in the High Sierra leading trips and exploring the beautiful landscape. In her free time you can find her rock climbing, botanizing, or birdwatching in the mountains.

Fred Ackerman

Fred enjoyed his first backpacking trip in college, walking 20+ miles in inappropriate footwear and spent a few cold nights in front of the fire without a sleeping bag, and caught the bug from there. Soon, he was spending most of his free time and some not-so-free time plotting and executing adventures to the endless wild places of California. Fred is now an EMT with a certification in wilderness medicine. He's hiked and climbed thousands of miles around the Sierra including a solo 200+ mile hike of the Sierra High Route. Fred's familiarity of the High Sierra and deep passion for the backcountry consistently endears him to MT Sobek hikers.

Activities

Strenuous trekking through Yosemite's gorgeous landscapes at high altitudes, sprinkled with scenic drives and relaxation.

Lodging

Full-service hotel to kick off the adventure, followed by MT Sobek camps at altitudes up to 10,000' with spellbinding views and stargazing.

Climate

Camping between 8000-10,000' there can be snow year round on the ground. Average temperatures are 70°F-80°F in the daytime & 40°F- 50°F at night.

FAQ

What gear should I bring and what do you provide?

If you have your own tent, sleeping bag and pad, we encourage you to bring it for fit and familiarity. However, we can provide state of the art gear free of charge at your request.

What are the toilet procedures?

We provide a comfortable wilderness toilet experience, including toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Certain "Leave No Trace" practices apply, and your guide will go over the proper etiquette and method as part of the camp orientation.

How should I train for my Yosemite trip?

The best training for hiking is to hike. Work up to hiking similar distances with your daypack loaded with the same weight you will be carrying on your day hikes.

How is water supplied on the trip?

We supply water filters on this trip. Water in the Sierra is renowned for its cleanliness, but we still take precautions. As a trip participant you are responsible for filtering your own daily water.

What can I expect from my guide?

Our professional mountain guides are there to facilitate a seamless and memorable trip for you. All guides are trained in wilderness medicine at the professional level and are experienced backcountry folks.

What are my duties while camping?

You are only responsible for setting up and taking down your own tent, packing your personal gear, and filtering your water. Our guides are always available to assist. You can relax and enjoy the backcountry.

Testimonials

"This trip exceeded every expectation! I learned a tremendous amount about Yosemite and High Sierra flora, fauna and ecology. I was challenged to stretch and grow physically, mentally and emotionally. Our guides were amazing with their boundless energy and enthusiasm for their job!"

Margaret F.
MT Sobek Guest, California Yosemite Grand Traverse Trekking

"Traveling with MT Sobek is like gaining a new set of close friends that have shared an incredible experience together."

Mark N.
MT Sobek Guest