Yosemite National Park

Backpacking Yosemite: Half Dome (3 Day)

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trip dates
May-Jun
Trip Dates
May 25-27
Jun 29 - Jul 01
Aug 05-07

Select your dates during checkout.

trip difficulty
4 Days
trip difficulty
Advanced
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Participants will be carrying their own gear as well as group gear (35 - 45 lbs total), for roughly 4 to 13 miles each day over moderate to strenuous terrain with elevation drops and gains of up to 3,000 ft in a day. We recommend doing numerous day hikes and training with a 35 - 45 lb pack prior to your trip. Individuals should be in superior physical condition. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian participating on the trip and are subject to manager approval.
trip difficulty
6-12 people

Description

Backpack to Little Yosemite Valley and experience the summit of Half Dome, gazing down almost 5,000 feet into Yosemite Valley! This is a rare opportunity as permits are nearly impossible to secure - we've got you covered.

Starting from the floor of the Valley, we’ll attempt to summit Yosemite’s most iconic and awe inspiring landmark: Half Dome! It’s not an easy journey to get to the 8,836 foot summit, but we’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views. This trip has been a Yosemite classic, ever since its first ascent in 1875. Since then, thousands of individuals have made the trek. This trip is on every High Sierra hiker’s to-do list, and for good reason. Experience the ultimate Yosemite adventure!

*Please note that our Half Dome trips may start from varying locations. Packs will be lighter for all trips departing from Yosemite Valley (Happy Isles Trailhead) as we will not need to carry bear canisters. Permits are confirmed for all dates listed.*

Have a question about this trip? Email us at sboutdoors@sportsbasement.com.
You may find our cancellation policy at the bottom of this page.

"I could not have picked a better way to experience my first backpacking trip." - Melissa N.

Itinerary

Although we'll always do our best to adhere to this schedule, it is often dictated by factors outside of our control and is therefore subject to change. We will run this trip rain or shine as long as it is safe to do so.

We'll meet in Yosemite Valley at the Happy Isles trailhead. After introductions, packing up our gear and lacing up our boots, we’ll take our time hiking a beautiful stretch of the John Muir Trail to Little Yosemite Valley. Even though the literal high point of the trip is Half Dome, this stretch of trail is simply incredible.

After hiking a mellow mile, we’ll start to climb up the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall. At 317 feet tall, Vernal Fall can be more than impressive, especially during peak runoff. Here, the trail turns into a long series of steep, narrow granite steps that finally climbs to the top of Vernal before delivering huge views of the cascade. We’ll take a break at the top to drink in the scenery before beginning another 2-mile stairmaster routine up to Nevada Fall, where the Merced River plunges 600 feet down to the Emerald Pool. After Nevada Fall, the gradient of the trail will finally relent as we pass Liberty Cap and approach our home for the night, Little Yosemite Valley. In total, we’ll hike 4.3 miles and gain 2,100 feet of elevation on our first day. We’ll make camp near the banks of the Merced River while we unwind for the evening. Later, we’ll prepare for our summit attempt as we enjoy a gourmet backcountry dinner and bed down for a night spent in the shadow of the Half Dome.

The next day, we can have a fairly casual morning. After breakfast we'll pack just enough for the day, and strike out on the trail. The trail to the summit is NOT for the faint of heart, nor is it a cake walk. This hike is 3.5 miles each way, 7 miles round trip, and climbs 2,700 feet from Little Yosemite Valley. This is a steep hike up, offering hundreds of granite steps before the last 400 feet of the Cable Route. The Cable Route offers a healthy amount of exposure as we ascend the bald granite slab step by step.

We’ll enjoy lunch on the summit to fully absorb the 360° views of Yosemite Valley.  We’ll then hike back down to our campsite at Little Yosemite Valley, rest our limbs, maybe go for a swim, or explore around the area, before settling down under the shadow of the iconic dome for another delicious dinner and celebrating our day's achievement by the campfire.

It's not uncommon for people to choose not to ascend the cables. If that's your choice, don't worry. You can relax at the base of the cables and soak in the views while others go to the top and back. No pressure. 

On the last morning, we'll wake and enjoy a leisurely breakfast, soaking in the scenery, before breaking camp and heading back down the JMT trail to the valley where our adventure began.

Packing List

Included:
  • Experienced guides, certified as Wilderness First Responders
  • All necessary permits for backpacking in Yosemite
  • Half Dome Cables permits
  • Yosemite entrance permit (not the entrance fee, but the permit needed to enter Yosemite, if required)
  • Meals: Day 1: lunch and dinner, Day 2 breakfast, lunch and dinner, Day 3 breakfast and light lunch
  • Group cooking gear (stoves, pots, water filters)
  • Bear resistant food containers
  • Group first aid supplies
  • Dinners, Breakfasts, Hot Beverages, and Trail Snacks
  • An Amazing Wilderness Experience
Not Included:
  • Transportation to and from Yosemite
  • Personal Backpacking Gear (see Gear List below; rentals available)
  • Lunches (although a Trail Snack Bag is provided)
  • Park Entrance Fees
  • Insurance of any kind
  • Guide Gratuities
  • Soap
  • Full Wallet and Set of Keys
  • Full sized Toothpaste, Deodorant, Sunscreen, etc. (Please only bring small packages of these things or re-package them yourself.)

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