AWE - Yosemite High Sierra Backpack - New Transfer Students
This stunning high-country backpacking adventure takes you deep into Yosemite's wilderness, where alpine lakes, granite ridgelines, and solitude await. The Ten Lakes Basin is a hidden gem in Yosemite National Park, offering a peaceful escape from the busier valley floor. The Ten Lakes area combines the best of Yosemite’s alpine wilderness—tranquil lakes, dramatic views, and relative solitude. It’s a perfect trip for backpackers seeking a rewarding, moderate challenge with unforgettable scenery.
Trip Cost
Incoming Transfer Students Only: $150
Pre-Trip Meeting / Sign Up Deadline
July 29, 2025 @ 6pm
Activity Level
4 - Epic
Trip Departs From
Itinerary
Day 1: CSUSB to New Shady Rest Campground
We start at the Adventure Center in the Student Union South where you will be issued your gear, pack our gear and food. After a few ice breakers will hit the road to our campsite near Mammoth Lakes.
Day 2: Trailhead to Ten Lakes Basin (~6–7 miles)
After a quick breakfast we drive 1.5 hours to our trail to the Ten Lakes Trailhead off Tioga Road. We begin with a steady climb through lodgepole pine forest and open granite slopes. As we ascend, sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada unfold, with glimpses of Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne to the north. After a few hours of hiking and gaining nearly 2,000 feet in elevation, we arrive at the Ten Lakes Basin—an area dotted with pristine alpine lakes tucked beneath rugged granite peaks. Camp is set near one of the lakes, where the sunset reflects off still waters and stars fill the night sky.
Day 3: Exploration Day
Today is a layover day to explore the basin. With ten lakes to choose from, there’s plenty to discover—whether it’s scrambling to nearby ridges for panoramic views, cooling off in the icy blue lake water, or just relaxing in the serenity of the high country. For the more adventurous, a side hike to the ridge above the basin offers breathtaking vistas of the Yosemite backcountry, including views of Half Dome and Clouds Rest on a clear day.
Day 4: Return Hike (~6–7 miles)
After a leisurely morning and breakfast by the lake, we pack up and retrace our steps back to the trailhead. The descent offers a different perspective, with the light filtering through the trees and a final chance to soak in the wilderness before returning to the road.
Packing List
Weather
Food
12 meals are included, starting with dinner on day 1 (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners)
2 meal not included (lunch on day 1 and dinner on day 3)
Hygiene and Comfort
We will be carrying our all our food, shelter, clothing, water and equipment in pack weighing up to 40 lbs. We will be staying in reserved campsites on night 1. The campsite are within close proximity to vault toilets and there are NO showers. On nights 2-3 we will be staying in the wilderness. We will dispose of human waste following leave no trace practices. We will treat water from a nearby spring or have access to potable water. You will have the option to share a tent with one or two people or sleep out under the cover of the stars. Light weight tents, warm synthetic sleeping bags, foam pads and ground tarps will be provided to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. The ground consists of soft soil.
Risk / Hazards / Safety
Cancelation Policy
How to Register