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Yosemite National Park

A Yoga and Backpacking Adventure

with Aaron Luburich

June 21—28, 2026

8 days

From $3,750

Activity Level

Moderate-High

Excursion Type

Yoga & Hiking

Location

Yosemite Valley, CA

Group Size

Max 12

Register Online

or call 1-800-822-4547 x5

Register Online
Register Online

or call 1-800-822-4547 x5

Overview

Step into the wild beauty of Yosemite National Park for an 8-day purpose-driven adventure that blends yoga, meditation, and backcountry backpacking to ignite your spirit and deepen your connection to self and nature. From camping in Yosemite Valley to resting beneath star-filled skies in the Sierra high country, each day invites you to explore breathtaking landscapes — alpine lakes, meadows, rivers, waterfalls and granite peaks — while bookending your days with grounding yoga and restorative meditation. Supported by a conscious community, this immersive experience is designed to foster personal transformation through movement, stillness, and meaningful connection.

Key Highlights

Yoga with Purpose

In this majestic setting, yoga becomes more than a practice — it becomes a tool for presence, strength, and clarity. Daily sessions include breath-coordinated movement to support your body for hiking, and guided meditations to center the mind and deepen your connection to the land. Practicing in Yosemite’s backcountry brings a profound stillness and awareness that can’t be replicated in a studio.

Explore with Intention

This isn’t just hiking — it’s a mindful journey through some of Yosemite’s most awe-inspiring and less-traveled terrain. You’ll move steadily through alpine landscapes, past pristine lakes and rivers, and ascend peaks over 10,000 feet, including views of iconic landmarks like Half Dome. The pace of the trip allows time for reflection, wonder, and full immersion in the natural world.

Camp Life: From Valley to High Country

Your journey begins with two nights in Yosemite Valley before heading into the wilderness for five nights of camping in the high country. Each campsite is carefully chosen for its beauty, solitude, and connection to Yosemite’s most stunning features. Camping in these remote areas offers a rare chance to experience the park away from crowds and close to its wild, untamed heart.

Community & Connection

At the core of this experience is a small, purpose-driven community. With a maximum group size of 12, every participant contributes to a collective journey of exploration and self-discovery. Shared yoga, meals, trail time, and camp life naturally foster deep connections, meaningful conversations, and moments of collective joy — the kind of community that stays with you long after the trip ends.

This is more than a backpacking trip — it’s a journey to your most inspired self.

Come with curiosity, and leave with clarity, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose.

What to Expect

Discovery is at the heart of this excursion. With our yoga practice, we’ll discover how to reconnect with ourselves in a meaningful way. Through our hikes, we’ll discover the hidden essence that makes Yosemite so magical. Through our purpose-driven community, we’ll discover how a like-minded group setting can enhance our individual experience. Through the combination of all our experiences, hopefully we’ll discover what inspired us toward this journey, and how the lessons we learn along the way can lead us to live our best life.

What’s Included:
  • Group transportation from San Francisco to Yosemite and back
  • Gear: single or shared tent, sleeping bag, pad, backpack, trekking poles, and more!
  • Two expert guides with an extensive knowledge of Yosemite National Park
  • A enthusiastic and passionate Himalayan Institute yoga teacher and excursion leader
  • Guided yoga and meditation practices tailored for this excursion
  • Continuous education on the history and habitat of Yosemite National Park
  • A diverse range of views and landscapes over 8 days of exploring Yosemite
  • A like-minded community with a desire for purpose-driven adventure
  • Thoughtfully created vegetarian meals including 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners
  • Himalayan Institute Excursions care package

Itinerary

Itinerary tentative and subject to changes as permits aren’t released until 24 weeks prior to the trip

Welcome to Yosemite Valley, the crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada. After arriving and soaking in your first views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, you’ll stretch your legs with a short, flat hike to Mirror Lake — a peaceful reflection pool at the base of sheer granite cliffs. Later, regroup at camp for a full orientation: review your itinerary, organize group gear, and settle in under the stars for your first night in one of the most iconic natural cathedrals on Earth.

Camp: Yosemite Valley Campground
Hike: 3 miles
Elevation: 4,000 ft

After breakfast, take a scenic drive to the Mariposa Grove, home to over 500 mature giant sequoias, including the towering Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree. Walk among these ancient giants, some over 2,000 years old. In the afternoon, stop at Glacier Point or Tunnel View — two of Yosemite’s most dramatic overlooks — before returning to camp. The rest of the evening is yours to relax, explore the valley floor, or catch a ranger talk.

Camp: Yosemite Valley (second night)
Drive: 2–3 hours total
Hike: 2–4 miles (Mariposa Grove loop)
Elevation: 4,000 – 6,000 – 4,000

Leave Yosemite Valley behind as you climb into the Sierra high country, watching pine forests give way to granite domes and alpine vistas. Arrive at the May Lake Trailhead, then hike a short, uphill trail into a stunning alpine basin beneath Mount Hoffman. Set up camp on the shores of May Lake, where still waters reflect craggy peaks and the air is crisp and clean. This peaceful site will be your launchpad for the next two days of high-altitude adventure.

Camp: May Lake
Drive: 2 hours
Hike: 1.2 miles
Elevation: 9,270 ft

Today, lace up your boots for a rewarding summit hike to Mount Hoffman. Situated at 10,850 feet, it’s considered the geographic center of Yosemite. The trail winds through granite slabs and alpine meadows before a final scramble to the top. From the summit, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views, including Half Dome, the Clark Range, and the deep canyons that cut through the Sierra. Return to May Lake in the afternoon for a refreshing swim and a relaxed evening.

Camp: May Lake (second night)
Hike: 5.5 miles round trip
Elevation: 9,270 – 10,850 – 9,270

Break camp and head deeper into Yosemite’s backcountry. Today’s route takes us through beautiful forests, wildflower meadows, polished granite domes, and beautiful alpine lakes. This is a remote and rarely visited spot — perfect for a night of true wilderness immersion. Pitch tents near the lake, and enjoy sunset reflecting off the granite walls.

Camp: Near Poly Dome Lake (dispersed site)
Hike: 4–6 miles (some cross-country travel)
Elevation: 8,740 ft

Today you descend into Yosemite’s Tuolumne River corridor, where granite basins and lush meadows meet rushing water. Rejoin the marked trail and hike into Glen Aulin, a historic High Sierra camp located at the convergence of several waterways. Your tent tonight is just steps from White Cascade, where the Tuolumne River plunges into a deep blue pool — a soundtrack of falling water to lull you to sleep.

Camp: Glen Aulin Backpacker Camp
Hike: 4-6 miles
Elevation: 7,800 ft

Today’s adventure leads you into one of the most awe-inspiring and under-visited areas in Yosemite. Follow the Tuolumne River as it cascades through a deep granite canyon, creating a series of spectacular waterfalls. Take your time, explore at your own pace, and let the power of Waterwheel Falls — famous for its geyser-like spray — leave you in awe. Return to Glen Aulin for one last night in the wild.

Camp: Glen Aulin (second night)
Hike: 6-10 miles (round trip)
Elevation: 7,800 ft

Wake to the sound of birdsong and the rush of the river as you pack up for your final hike. Follow the trail gently uphill toward Tuolumne Meadows, walking through pine forest, wildflower meadows, and glacial terrain. At the Tuolumne Meadows Trailhead, your vehicle (or shuttle) awaits. As you make your way back to San Francisco, you’ll carry not just gear — but the deep satisfaction of having truly experienced Yosemite, from its granite cathedrals to its quietest alpine corners.

Hike: 6 miles
Drive: 5 hours back to San Francisco
Elevation: 8,600 ft.

Additional yoga and meditation will be included during our hikes as time and space permit

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Excursion Leader

Aaron Luburich

Aaron is passionate about yoga, meditation, and wellness interconnected with nature. As a member of the HI Excursions team since 2019, Aaron is enthusiastic about creating and leading transformative experiences. Aaron’s “climb any mountain” energy inspires excursion participants to achieve their highest potential.

In addition to his extensive experience on trail and in the field, Aaron has earned his Wilderness First Responder certification, which helps ensure the safety and well-being of all excursion participants. He has also attained his Leave No Trace Level 2 Master Educator certification, guaranteeing that every excursion we embark upon incorporates the principles of minimal impact, thereby safeguarding the enduring health of the natural landscapes we explore. His strong leadership and quick problem solving skills allow participants to relax into their journey knowing they are completely supported.

Aaron is fearless in the field, ready to lift the heaviest loads, and is quick to see the joy in every moment. He is generous with his stories, especially when the chai is extra spicy.

Dates & Prices

Date Regular Registration Late Registration
June 21—28, 2026

Register Online

 $3,750

Closes December 3, 2025

 $3,950

Closes February 18, 2026

Register online by completing the registration form and make your payment ($850 deposit or full) in order to save your space.

Call 1-800-822-4547 x5 or email [email protected] for more information.

Download TPA

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the nature of this excursion?
A: This is a community-oriented yoga and backpacking adventure intended to inspire discovery within and without as we apply systematic yoga practices in the extraordinary atmosphere of Yosemite Valley National Park. It is intended for moderate to high fitness levels and will require different degrees of physical preparation depending on the individual.

Q: How difficult are the hikes?
A: The hikes are moderate to difficult. Expect some days with 1,000–1,500 feet of elevation gain, and 1,000–3000 feet of elevation loss. Some days may take us over 9,000 feet, where we’ll experience added difficulty due to the altitude.

Q: How many days are we hiking?
A: We will be hiking all eight days; Two of the days will mostly entail leisurely hikes.

Q: How long are most of the hikes?
A: Expect to hike between 4-6 miles per day.

Q: What are the hiking trails like?
A: The hiking trails are a mix of packed dirt and rock.

Q: What will the weather be like? Should we expect rain?
A: The weather can range from low 80’s during the day to the 30’s at night. Rain becomes less and less likely in Yosemite in June, but it’s always advised to travel with a rain jacket or good poncho.

Q: What is the highest altitude on the trek?
A: Altitude could exceed 10,000 feet.

Q: When should we arrive and depart? Where does the excursion begin and end?
A: We are still finalizing which San Francisco hotel will be our meeting point. At that respective hotel, plan to arrive by 8:30 a.m. on June 21nd for our group transport to Yosemite. Our group transportation plans to return to the same hotel no later than 7:00 p.m. on June 28th.

Q: Is it ok to meet the group in Yosemite if I don’t want to take the group transportation?
A: Yes! We’ve organized group transportation from San Francisco to reduce rental car costs and logistics headaches for participants. However, if you’d like to make alternative arrangements for reaching Yosemite, then coordinate with our excursions team and plan to meet the group in Curry Village by 4 p.m. on June 21nd.

Q: How do I reach Yosemite National Park’s Curry Village [previously known as Half Dome Village]?
A: Travelers who fly to California can rent a car in San Francisco (4 hours away) or Sacramento (3 hours away). The public roads are maintained year-round—except for the eastern entrance on Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park). Directions are easily available to navigate to Curry Village by car. Additionally, there is a bus service providing public transport to Yosemite. See YARTS.com

Q: How can I prepare for this hiking excursion?
A: The best way to prepare physically for any backpacking trip is through backpacking. We recommend going on extended hikes leading up to the excursion, wearing a backpack with at least 20-30lbs in it, as we’ll be carrying packs between 30-40lbs. Ideally, you would also hike where there is undulating terrain and some extended inclines. Squats are also a great way to prepare the legs for the load bearing required to carry the backpack over several miles per day. Additionally, we recommend breath training practices such as sandbag breathing, crocodile, bhastrika, kapalabati, agni sara, and nadi shodanam, which can be found by visiting HI Online.

Q: Where will we be staying?
A: We will be camping in tents all 7 nights during this excursion. 2 nights will be spent in Yosemite Valley’s Backpacker campground, near Curry Vilalge. The other nights will be in the Sierra high country.

Q: What type of meals can I expect?
A: Thoughtfully prepared and delicious vegetarian meals will be provided throughout the trip. The first few days in the high country we will eat as much fresh food as we can bring, and slowly supplement with freeze dried foods during our last few days.

Q: What meals are included?
A: All meals are included beginning with dinner on day 1 and ending with lunch on day 8. If you’re a part of the group shuttle from San Francisco Airport hotel on Day 1, we’ll plan to stop by Whole Foods and grab a sandwich and snacks for the road.

Q: Will I be able to do laundry?
A: No, there will not be any laundry opportunities in the back country.

Q: What is the expected group size?
A: Our group size will be capped at 12 participants, plus 3 guides.

Q: Will we have access to a phone or internet?
A: Cell reception will be limited throughout our trip.

Q: What if I need to cancel?
A: Requests for cancellation must be made in writing to the Tour Organizer. See the Tour Participant Agreement for complete terms and conditions and applicable cancellation charges. As a non-profit, we are unable to offer exceptions to our cancellation policy — we therefore highly encourage participants to purchase trip cancellation insurance in the event you need to cancel your reservation for any reason.

Register Online