Yosemite Classic Summits: Half Dome and Clouds Rest
Guided Backpacking Trips
5 Days, 4 Nights 28MI / 45KM
Trip Highlights
Traverse the magic of the Sierra high country on this classic Yosemite Backpacking trip! This four night / five day adventure includes two of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic features – Half Dome and Clouds Rest. We start in the high country, end in the Valley, and experience incredible views, waterfalls, iconic summits, and overall amazing hiking in between!
We’ll begin our hike in the picturesque Tuolumne Meadows and trek into the high country spending one night below Sunrise Mountain near a selection of quiet mountain lakes. We will enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada, hike along the famous John Muir Trail and summit two iconic Yosemite peaks. We’ll spend two nights at a base camp as we tackle Half Dome without full packs and return that evening to a delicious hot meal, campfire, and maybe a soak in the creek! The final leg of this trek is a descent into Yosemite Valley along the world famous Mist Trail, passing the Silver Apron, Emerald Pool and roaring Nevada and Vernal falls, before exiting at Happy Isles on the Merced River.
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Waterfalls
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Clouds Rest
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Summit Half Dome
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Out of This World Views
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Amazing Glacial History
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Stunning Campsites
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Mountain Creeks & Lakes
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View Dates
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
5 Days, 4 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
4-9 mi -
Group Size
1-10 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
This trip is along well maintained trails. Some concerns include loose dirt, large stepping stones and tree roots. There are 3,000ft vertical drops on the top of Vernal and Nevada falls. These are protected by railings and can be avoided if guests are afraid of heights.Half Dome cables are extremely dangerous if not climbed properly. There is at least 1,000 ft of exposure on both sides. Only protection is the steel cable system. Guides will demonstrate how to safely go up/down the cable system.Granite is slippery when wet, Half Dome cables WILL NOT be attempted if there is any moisture, rain or a forecast of rain.
Difficulty Level
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Solitude Level
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Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
This Yosemite hiking adventure begins with rendezvous in Yosemite Valley in the parking lot of Curry Village near the bear boxes at shuttle stop 14 at 6PM on Day 1. You will easily spot your guide waiting for you in a Wildland Trekking hat. We’ll conduct an orientation meeting, after which we’ll get settled in the Backpackers Camp a stone’s throw away from majestic Tenaya Creek and under the spectacular domes and cliffs of Yosemite Valley. We’ll enjoy dinner either at Curry Village or in camp.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 8.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 2100 feet
Elevation Loss: 1260 feet
We begin our trek at the Cathedral Lakes trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows and quickly meet up with the famous John Muir Trail. The trail climbs steadily before reaching a beautiful mountain lake with beautiful views of the Yosemite high country. We will pause for a much deserved break and trail lunch prepared by your guide. Our ascent continues after lunch as we skirt the east side of a towering, jagged alpine peak with a stunning, prominent crest directly to our left. After a few more miles, we make our camp at on the shores of another pristine mountain lake. Alpenglow and stupendous sunset views entertain us as we enjoy a well-deserved gourmet dinner. We go to sleep early knowing we are perfectly situated for an early morning start on our ascent to the summit of Clouds Rest tomorrow!
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 7.75 miles
Elevation Gain: 1400 feet
Elevation Loss: 3640 feet
Today we will rise early for an alpine start on Clouds Rest. A steady, but not too strenuous climb of 1000 feet in a little over 2 miles brings us to the summit at 9926 feet above sea level. The views from the summit of this Classic Yosemite Peak are an outstanding 360 degree view of the surrounding Sierra Nevada. One can see many of Yosemite’s most famous features including: the Quarter Domes, Mount Hoffmann, Vogelsang Peak, and the Cathedral Range. Looking straight down you can see Tenaya Creek, 5000 feet below! The trek down from Clouds Rest is a steep winding descent to Sunrise Creek; along the way stunning views of Half Dome with El Capitan in the distance are framed by massive ancient Junipers. An elevation loss of about 3600 vertical feet leads us to our forested campsite along the banks of bubbling Sunrise Creek.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2100 feet
Elevation Loss: 2100 feet
We won’t break camp today so we can climb Half Dome with only light packs. The trek to the summit of Half Dome at 8,839 feet is one of the most exciting “hikes” around! After following an increasingly steep and rocky path, the last 400 feet to the summit are via a set of cables, allowing access to this “perfectly inaccessible peak”! Views from the top of Yosemite’s most iconic summit encompass all of Yosemite Valley and much of the high country. Tonight, after returning the way we came, we will relax around the fire next to a rushing creek and celebrate our achievements in the high country!
Please Note: the ascent of Half Dome involves climbing a section called “the cables,” which is a very steep and exposed part of our hike. The National Park Service has installed a pair of cables to use as hand rails, but it is still a physically and psychologically demanding climb. Some of the objective hazards also include mishaps by other hikers, such as people slipping or dropping items. This climb isn’t required to do the trip, but it is required to reach the top of Half Dome.
Day 5
Hiking Mileage: 6.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 875 feet
Elevation Loss: 3915 feet
The final day’s hike begins with a descent to Little Yosemite Valley and then passes through one of Yosemite’s most magnificent areas: the Mist Trail. Paralleling the Merced River as it makes its way down the glacially carved canyon, the trail passes the Silver Apron, Emerald Pool and Nevada Fall before descending through the highlight of the trail and its namesake: the soaking mists of Vernal Fall. Rain gear is a good idea as rainbows appear and disappear among the wind-blown sheets of spray as we descend the steep rocky steps to a bridge over the Merced River. A mile further, we can soak our hot, tired feet in the cool waters of the Merced at the trail’s end at Happy Isles and celebrate a successful hike.
Trip Dates
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What's Included
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Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
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High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
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Use of trekking poles
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All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on the last day
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Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
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National park backcountry camping permits
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Bear cannisters for food storage
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
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Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yosemite
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear and footwear -
National park entrance fee
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Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Accommodations
BACKCOUNTRY SLEEPING
TENT CAMPING
Sleeping on backpacking trips is in premier 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.
BACKCOUNTRY CUISINE
FRESH & DELICIOUS
Meals from breakfast Day 1 through lunch the last day are fully included and prepared by your guide. We never use dehydrated backpacking meals, instead serving freshly prepared, delicious backcountry cuisine made with a variety of common and specialty ingredients that travel well in the wilderness.
AMAZING CAMPSITES
IN THE ACTION
Campsites vary by destination, trip and even by the individual day of a trip. However, you can expect to camp in beautiful areas that put you right in the action to make the most of your trekking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
This trip meets in Yosemite Valley in the parking lot of Curry Village near the bear boxes at shuttle stop 14 at 6PM on Day 1. Your guide will contact you approximately 10 days before your trip to coordinate this rendezvous and answer any last minute questions you have. Your guide will be waiting for you in a Wildland Trekking hat and shirt. This trip includes dinner and camping that night at the backpackers camp. Personal vehicles can remain parked at Curry Village during your trip.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Yosemite Valley
TRAVEL TO YOSEMITE VALLEY BACKPACKERS CAMP
This trip meets in Yosemite Valley in the parking lot of Curry Village near the bear boxes at shuttle stop 14 at 6PM on Day 1. Your guide will contact you approximately 10 days before your trip to coordinate this rendezvous and answer any last minute questions you have. Your guide will be waiting for you in a Wildland Trekking hat and shirt. This trip includes dinner and camping that night at the backpackers camp. Personal vehicles can remain parked at Curry Village during your trip.
Many Wildland guests rent vehicles or drive their own to Yosemite Valley. However, you can also travel to and from Yosemite National Park using train and bus options from much of California:
From Fresno: Yosemite Area Rapid Transit (YARTS) is offering 1 bus ride each direction from Fresno to Yosemite Valley. To reach the Yosemite Valley Backpackers Camp get off at Curry Village and either walk or take a national park shuttle to North Pines Campground. Walk to the back of the campground and across the footbridge to the camp.
From Other California Cities: by rail on the Amtrak San Joaquin Train to the city of Merced (serviced by most large cities in California) or by Amtrak “Thruway” Bus Service from Merced to Yosemite Valley. To book your trip, use Amtrak’s Online Reservation Service to book round-trip Amtrak travel to “YOS” (Yosemite Valley).
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s rendezvous time at the orientation meeting. Generally, you can expect it to be between 5 and 8 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will be out of the backcountry normally before 5 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time) on the final day.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Age Restrictinos
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Reviews
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Merle T
1 year agoBook this trip, you will not regret it.
Book this trip, you will not regret it. The trails we did and seeing the Sierra Nevadas from Clouds Rest and Half Dome under Carolina Blue sikes was picture perfect. The food was so good and we had plenty of snacks. Our campsites were quiet and perfect after a long day of hiking. The trip was the perfect amount of time and everyday was set up for success to achieve what was planned. Carm was an amazing guide and cook! We never went hungry and took as many rest (picture) breaks as we needed. We had a great group and all stayed together at almost the same pace. We would recommend this trip to anyone and will use Wildland Trekking again for future hiking trips.
Don T
1 year agoWildland performed above and beyond my expectations.
From registration to the trekking, Wildland performed above and beyond my expectations. Carm fostered a positive group dynamic. She fully engaged with each of us, set a comfortable pace on the trail, prepared nourishing and delicious meals and represented the ideals of Wildland brilliantly.
Linda B
1 year agoWill definitely look to Wildland for my next adventure.
Carm is the absolute best. The trip would not have been what is was without her. She is very knowledgeable about the area and just a easy human to get along with. One of the guest in the group was very nervous for the half dome cables and Carm talked her through every step of the way with such compassion. Will definitely look to Wildland for my next adventure.
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