Beyond Yosemite Valley
Wonderland Waterfalls Campout!
Hetch Hetchy is a grand landscape garden, one of nature's rarest and most precious mountain temples.
~John Muir
We’re taking you to one of Yosemite’s best-kept secrets, and it’s not in the valley. Get ready for waterfalls, secret swimming holes, and gorgeous trails far from the crowds.
We’ll be camping near Hetch Hetchy, with direct access to some of the park’s most stunning landscapes. This time of year is perfect, the water’s flowing, the sun’s out, and the swimming holes are begging you to jump in. This is your chance to experience the side of Yosemite most people never see. Don’t sleep on this one — spots are limited!
? Trip Highlights
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Waterfalls for days – Spring is peak flow season, and you’ll be front and center for nature’s big show.
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Hidden swimming holes – Bring a swimsuit, you’re gonna want it.
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Chill but active – We’ve got hikes, hangouts, and plenty of time to relax riverside.
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Yosemite… without the chaos – No traffic jams, no crowds, just pure Sierra magic.
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Campfire hangs – S’mores, stars, and solid vibes with fellow UD explorers.
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Photo ops galore – Granite domes, wildflowers, and reflections that’ll break your camera roll.
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Unreal campsite – Tucked away from the Valley, but close to everything we love.
Why you should come:
Love Yosemite but over the crowds and traffic in the Valley? Same. That’s why we locked in campsites at one of our favorite campgrounds on the quieter, western edge of the park — far from the chaos, and way more peaceful.
This hidden gem gives us front-row access to Yosemite’s more relaxed, serene side. We’ll keep things active with some awesome hikes and adventures, but there’ll be plenty of time to chill at camp, hang by the river, and kick back with great food, drinks, and fellow UD members. These sites are insanely hard to get, they sell out six months in advance, and we’re stoked to have grabbed a few. Don’t miss your chance to join us for this special Yosemite escape.
 
What's Included:
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Reservation for 2 nights at a established campsite
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Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
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Lunch on Saturday
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Dinner on Friday and Saturday
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Logistics, group kitchen camp gear, experienced itinerary
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Snacks and water for hikes
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Tons of fun activity options with other great members!
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Memorable weekend with new/old UD friends
What to Bring:
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BYOB
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Personal snacks
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Personal camp gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, personal items)
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Sun protection
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Comfortable clothes + hiking shoes
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Day pack for hiking
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We will send out a detailed packing list to those signed up as the trip nears
Attire:
Pack layers. Bring sturdy, broken-in hiking boots and comfy camp shoes. UD will send weather updates and detailed packing tips as the trip gets closer.
?? Weekend Itinerary
Friday
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Arrive at our chill forest campground
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Set up tents + welcome hang
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Group dinner + intro circle
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Campfire hangs under the stars
Saturday
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Hot breakfast + coffee (yes, we got you)
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Big waterfall hike + swimming options
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Group picnic lunch
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Optional afternoon mini-hike or chill time
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Another home-cooked camp dinner
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More stargazing, vibes, and maybe a few ghost stories
Sunday
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Slow morning breakfast
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Optional hike or river hang
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Pack up, say goodbyes, and maybe hit a few more hidden gems on the drive home
?? Bonus Side Quests:
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Rainbow Pool – natural swimming holes and waterslides, anyone?
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Tuolumne Grove – massive sequoias with fewer crowds
Come see why the Father of National Parks, John Muir said,
"No temple made by hands can compare with Yosemite."

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