The most common question we get is about fitness. People are concerned they aren’t in good enough shape, and it’s a major source of anxiety.
Let’s be blunt: backpacking in the Sierra can be really hard. It’s not flat. You’ll have steep climbs, uneven terrain, and a lot of “stairs” built from oddly-shaped rocks. You can easily gain 2,000-3,000 feet in a 10-mile day, all while carrying a pack at 8,000-10,000 feet of elevation. It’s not something to jump into with zero preparation.
That said, you do not need to be an elite athlete.
The Grit Mindset
The single most important thing you can have on the trail is grit. We’ve guided elite athletes who absolutely suffered because they weren’t accustomed to this type of difficulty. And we’ve guided older folks, or people who don’t exercise much, who had a great time (despite being exhausted) because they were mentally prepared.
Shawna and I have a phrase: “Backpacking is the sport of discomfort and inconvenience”.
You have to be mentally ready for your feet to hurt and your knees to be sore. You have to adopt a “one step at a time” mindset.
Here’s the mental trick I use: Your body is just the machine that carries your consciousness. When my feet are tired and hurting, I don’t think “I’m in pain.” I ask a simple question: “Do my feet still work?” The answer is always yes. So, I tell them, “Okay, that’s fine, we’re stopping eventually, but right now, we keep going”. My feet answer to me, not the other way around.
That’s grit. And you can practice it.
How to Train for Yosemite: A Practical Plan
The best way to train for hiking is to… well, hike. Or at least walk. You need to train your legs, feet, and back to be on your feet for a long time.
Running is great for cardio, but it doesn’t fully prepare you for the low-grade, all-day effort of hiking with a pack.
Here is a simple, effective plan.
1. During the Week (3-4 days): Get 30-45 minutes of cardio. A fast walk is perfect. If you’re indoors, get a $10 membership to Planet Fitness and get on the stair stepper. You don’t have to go fast. Just go.
2. On the Weekend (1 day): Go for a long walk. 3 or 4 hours. Put some weight in a backpack. A gallon of water is 8 pounds—that’s a perfect start. If you can find hills, even better.
3. Practice Grit: On that long weekend walk, when you get tired and want to stop, practice the mindset. Just keep moving, one foot in front of the other.
The Goal Isn’t to Be Fast
The goal is to enjoy the view and the experience. A little bit of preparation will make that possible.
And remember, this is what our consultation call is for. We’ll talk honestly about your fitness and select a route from our portfolio that is the perfect match for your ability. Whether you choose a Sierra Immersion with shorter days and base camp exploration, or a Sierra Traverse covering more ground, we match the trip to your fitness level—not the other way around.
We handle the rest.
Ready to start planning your Yosemite adventure?
Request a free consultation and we’ll create a trip that matches your fitness level and goals. Or learn more about what we provide so you can focus on training, not gear logistics.
