9-Day Mammoth to Yosemite Mule Supported Hiking Trip

Aug 23-31 2026

Join Red Cloud Mountain Guides to experience the Sierra Nevada like never before on a mule-supported trek from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite Valley. Guided by experts, you'll traverse the dramatic contrasts of the Sierra from the rugged volcanic backcountry of Mammoth to the soaring granite cliffs and alpine meadows of Yosemite’s high country. Along the way, our experienced guides will lead you through this stunning wilderness, sharing insights into its history, ecology, and hidden gems. Enjoy gourmet meals deep in the backcountry, with your gear handled by local packers and their well-cared-for mules, allowing you to focus on the beauty and serenity around you. This is an exclusive opportunity to explore two of the most breathtaking landscapes in California, with a team dedicated to your safety, comfort, and unforgettable experience. Spots are limited! 

Itinerary

(Mammoth Lakes → Yosemite Valley)

Day 0 — August 22
We’ll meet this evening at 5:00pm at the Mammoth Welcome Center for introductions, a trip overview, and a full gear check. This is a relaxed first gathering where guides will make sure everyone feels squared away and comfortable with the plan ahead. After the check is complete, guides will shuttle all group gear to Red’s Meadow to deliver it to the packers, and you’ll head back to town to rest before the adventure begins.

Day 1 — August 23 - Red’s Meadow to Gladys Lake
After breakfast in Mammoth, we’ll shuttle down to Red’s Meadow to meet our mules, packers, and the rest of the support team. Once packs are loaded, we start our journey north along the iconic John Muir Trail. The trail climbs gradually through pine forests, open meadows, and the volcanic benches above the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin. We’ll roll into camp at Gladys Lake—quiet, tucked away, and a perfect first-night spot in the Mammoth backcountry.

7.75 miles, 2,500′ gain / 600′ loss

Day 2 - Gladys Lake to Laura Lake
This morning we wind through the volcanic high country below the dramatic spires of the Minarets and the granite skyline of the Ritter Range. Views expand with every step as we travel toward quieter country away from the main JMT corridor. Our goal is Laura Lake, a secluded Sierra gem ringed by forest and backed by high peaks—an ideal place to settle in for a peaceful night.

4.5 miles, 1,200′ gain / 1,200′ loss

Day 3 - Laura Lake to Rush Creek
Today is classic Sierra travel: clear water, granite slabs, and crisp views. We’ll pass a chain of lakes named for precious gems—Emerald, Ruby, Garnet—before reaching the shores of Thousand Island Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the Sierra Nevada. With Banner Peak rising above the water, it’s a perfect place for a scenic lunch. From here we climb gently over Island Pass and continue toward Yosemite National Park. We’ll camp near Rush Creek, settling in for two nights beneath wide skies and alpine terrain.

8.5 miles, 2,200′ gain / 1,700′ loss

Day 4 - Rest day at Rush Creek
A well-earned rest day in the high country. Enjoy a leisurely morning, take a short or long day hike, photograph the peaks, swim in icy lakes, or simply relax in camp. It’s a beautiful time to unwind and soak in the wilderness.

Day 5 - Rush Creek to Lyell Canyon
Feeling refreshed, we’ll break camp and make our ascent over Donohue Pass, crossing officially into Yosemite and the heart of the granite country. On the far side, the world opens into wide alpine meadows and distant peaks. After a long descent, we’ll make camp in Lyell Canyon—one of RCMG’s favorite camp spots in the entire Sierra. Deer, open river flats, and evening alpenglow make it a special night.

6.5 miles, 1,000′ gain / 2,200′ loss

Day 6 - Lyell Canyon to Cathedral Lake
This morning we follow the broad, level floor of Lyell Canyon for nearly eight miles—easy, relaxed walking along river meanders and waving grass. In Tuolumne Meadows, our resupply will be waiting. After lunch and rest, we’ll continue on to Cathedral Lakes and set camp beneath the sharp granite fin of Cathedral Peak for the next two nights.

14 miles, 1,700′ gain / 1,000′ loss

Day 7 - Rest Day at Cathedral Lake
A full layover day at Upper Cathedral Lake—one of Yosemite’s most peaceful alpine basins. From here, day hike options are plentiful: Cathedral Peak, Matthes Crest overlooks, or a quiet wander among the domes. Or choose stillness: swim, read, nap, watch the light change on the walls. This basin was a favorite of John Muir, and it’s easy to see why.

Day 8 - Cathedral Lake to Sunrise Creek
Rested and recharged, we begin our long descent toward the lower country. The trail carries us into deep forests shaded by red fir and lodgepole pine as we leave the high granite behind. Our goal is Sunrise Creek, set in the quiet woods beneath Half Dome—a peaceful final night in the backcountry.

10.5 miles, 900′ gain / 3,300′ loss

Day 9 - Sunrise Creek to Happy Isles
Our final day brings big views and a dramatic finish. We travel beneath the shoulder of Half Dome and descend into Yosemite Valley on one of the most iconic trails in the Sierra. Granite walls rise around us and two major waterfalls thunder along the way before we reach our endpoint at Happy Isles. A celebratory finish to an incredible journey across the range.

6.5 miles, 200′ gain / 3,400′ loss

Total – 60 miles!