Cathedral Lakes to Clouds Rest & Half Dome

5-Day Half Dome Backpacking Tour

Yosemite National Park

Trip Highlights:

Summit Half Dome

John Muir Trail

Clouds Rest

Cathedral Lakes

Cathedral Peak

Sunrise Lakes

Kick off your Half Dome Backpacking Tour with one of the most iconic sections of the John Muir Trail, weaving between majestic alpine lakes to the summits of Clouds Rest and Half Dome! Camp the first night at Cathedral Lakes amid the spirit of the true high country, then hike the JMT up and over Cathedral Pass with stunning views of alpine peaks along the way. Set up camp in the Sunrise Lakes area for Night 3, and from there, tackle the Clouds Rest summit (9,926’) for one of the most spectacular views of Yosemite Valley in the park! Your adventure culminates with the summit of Half Dome (8,846’) before returning to Yosemite Valley on the Mist Trail, passing two spectacular waterfalls. This trip’s strenuous itinerary is well worth it! If you’re looking for an authentic Yosemite experience, this adventure is for you!

Mileage & Difficulty

28 Miles

(Map and Elevation)

Strenuous

Length

5 Days

Price

$2,085

Per Person

Departure Info

Curry Village Shuttle Stop #14

4 p.m.

Check Availability

48-Hour Risk-Free Booking

You will receive a full refund if you cancel within 48 hours of the original booking date.

Lifetime Credit Policy

Book with confidence knowing you can cancel for any reason up to 30 days before your trip date and receive a transferable lifetime credit that is good for use on any of our programs.

Free Date Changes

Not sure if your current trip dates work? Rest assured, you can change your trip date as many times as needed, provided you do so at least 30 days before the current and new trip dates.

All dates remain tentative until confirmed 23-24 weeks in advance.

We are now fully permitted through June 20, 2026 departures.

See HERE for more info.

Yosemite 2025 Update: The National Park Service was given the green light for Yosemite to hire all needed seasonal employees for the summer 2025 season. We do expect to be able to run all our programs as planned. Should reservations be required, participation in Lasting Adventures programs, trips, and/or tours includes entry when reservations are needed

2026 Departure Dates by Month

All dates remain tentative until permitted 23-24 weeks in advance. Please refrain from making travel arrangements outside of this timeline. We will contact you if we are unsuccessful in obtaining your dates. Feel free to contact us if you would like to confirm.

Cathedral Lakes to Clouds Rest and Half Dome Backpacking Trip

For a detailed map with elevation profile of the tentative itinerary, click here: Map.

Day 1

Meet your guide in Curry Village at 4 p.m. Get acquainted with the group and with gear. If time allows before dinner, walk to some of the Valley’s iconic destinations. Camping in the Yosemite Valley Backpackers Campsite.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: ~0.5 mi / +0′, -0′

Day 2

After breakfast and packing up the campsite, our group will return to Curry Village and for our transfer to the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead by 8 a.m. Catch your first glimpse of the high country while hiking 3.5 moderate miles up to Lower Cathedral Lake (9,288′). Upon arrival, have lunch lakeside and set up camp with a stunning view, then spend the rest of the day exploring this iconic alpine lake area, with the option for another short hike up to Upper Cathedral Lake. We’ll return to camp this evening and enjoy a delicious hot meal and tea before bedding down beneath the stars. Also at this location: swimming, relaxing, and taking in an amazing sunset.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 3.5 mi / +1085′, -345′

Day 3

Hike the JMT (John Muir Trail) up and over Cathedral Pass (9,700) for some of the trips most spectacular views, passing Matthes Crest, Tressider Peak, Echo Peaks, and Columbia Finger on the way to Sunrise Lakes. Find your reward for a full day of hiking at the top with a relaxing evening at camp beside Sunrise Lake, complete with a spectacular alpenglow sunset.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 7.6 mi / +1237′, -1272′

Day 4

After a hearty breakfast, hike approximately 3.5 miles to the summit of Clouds Rest at 9,926′. Enjoy lunch at the top while soaking in one of Yosemite’s most renowned panoramic views. From the summit, hike down 5 miles to Sunrise Creek for the final night of camping.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation (without Half Dome): 8 mi / +1398′, -3482′

Half Dome

Half Dome will be completed either in the afternoon/evening on Day 4 to catch the sunset or the following morning with an alpine start to catch the sunrise. This is a strenuous uphill of 2.6 miles to the summit at 8,846′. (This is done as a day hike and without the larger backpacking backpacks.)

Round-trip Mileage/Elevation: 5.2 mi / +2078′, -2078′

Day 5

Wake early and hike 6 miles to Yosemite Valley via the Mist Trail. En route, experience two of the park’s most spectacular waterfalls. Generally, our goal is to finish between 2-4 p.m., but this can be later due to human factors within the group or environmental conditions.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation (without Half Dome): 6 mi / +149′, -3313′

Other: Going this route there are options. For example; there is a trail that goes around the summit of Clouds Rest should anyone not want to summit. Half Dome in itself can be an option too.

Our trips are all-inclusive. We provide all meals, and we can provide high-quality gear, including Gregory backpacks, Big Agnes tents, sleeping bags and pads, LEKI trekking poles, and eating gear, free of charge. Group gear, including all kitchen supplies, first aid, and water purification, is also included. See the Guide Service Backpacking Equipment List for more information.
See our Frequently Asked Questions, Yosemite Transportation Options, and/or Yosemite Lodging Options.
Parking will be available adjacent to the first day’s meeting location.
All trips include the required permits and are pending permit availability, which we gain 23-24 weeks in advance. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until we have confirmed dates. If we cannot acquire permits for this exact itinerary on your chosen dates, you will be contacted with options to choose different dates and/or cancel/refund.
Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. Lasting Adventures is recognized for its commitment to safety and risk management. In this regard, the summit of peaks will not be attempted when clouds are in close proximity.
Safety harnesses are not a requirement for the Half Dome cables, and we neither recommend for nor against them. It is a personal decision that ultimately lowers risk. We do not supply harnesses and/or Via Ferrata systems. You are, however, welcome to bring your own. For answers to other Half Dome questions, visit our Half Dome FAQ.
Should reservations be necessary to enter Yosemite, your booking confirmation with us will serve as your entry reservation for the days booked with us. This should not be confused with entry fees, which still may be required.

Your participation helps sustain our non-profit mission of supporting youth, families, and disadvantaged communities with positive experiences in America’s National Parks and natural spaces.

REQUIRED FORMS

In addition to full payment, the final acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all Required Forms. For overnight adventures, you will find these forms attached to your confirmation email once you register online, and must be filled out by each member of your party as soon as possible.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

For your protection and ours, we strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance, which can provide coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, airfare, and baggage loss/delay to protect your financial investment. We recommend those with “cancel for any reason” clauses included. See reviews of some of the best Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Options presented by Forbes or Squaremouth. Other good student options include InsureMyTrip and Allianz Travel Insurance for Students.

Travel Insurance is the easiest and best way to protect yourself and our smaller non-profit organization against last-minute cancellations. We are happy to provide timely and accurate documentation for any insurance claim related to our trips when requested. Please keep in mind that when canceling a reservation, you must first contact the company that made your reservation with us.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Full payment is preferred for all backpacking trips. During check-out, you may pay a 50% deposit at the time of booking and the remaining 50% at least 30 days from departure. If you choose this option, you can either complete payment on your own using the self-service link in the confirmation email or you will be billed automatically at or shortly after the 30-day interval for the remaining amount. Any new multi-day booking made within 45 days of the start date must be paid in full. Feel free to contact us directly to set up any other payment plan.

When registering online, expect to pay a booking fee of 3.0% (capped at $30) and a processing fee of 2.7% (no cap). These fees can be avoided when paying by check and are non-refundable. For detailed information, see our Payment Options page.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES

Lasting Adventures reserves the right to cancel trips. If a trip is canceled due to circumstances beyond our control, a credit equal to the total amount paid will be issued. Lasting Adventures is not responsible for additional expenses incurred while preparing for the trip.

The following cancellation policy is only for trips booked directly through our official website, lastingadventures.com. If you have booked via a third-party website (such as TripAdvisor/Viator, BookYogaRetreats.com, or 57Hours), the policy below does not apply, and you are held to the third-party’s cancellation policy.

Multi-Day Adventures Cancellation Policy

More than 90 days before the start date, we will grant a full refund minus a 2.7% processing fee for credit card transactions.
Between 90 and 61 days before the start date, we will grant a full refund minus $50/person and a 2.7% processing fee for credit card transactions.
Between 60 and 46 days before the start date, we will retain 25% of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the total value paid.
Between 45 and 31 days before the start date, we will retain 50% of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the total value paid.
Less than 31 days before the start date, or once the trip has begun, no refunds or credits will be issued.

48-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Policy

Any reservation can be canceled within 48 hours of the initial booking, and we will issue a full refund, minus a 2.7% processing fee for credit card transactions. After 48 hours, our standard terms and conditions apply. To cancel, please email us at staff@lastingadventures.org or leave a voicemail at 800-513-8651. This policy does not apply if the trip is booked within 96 hours of the initial booking.

Fire/Smoke Cancellation Policy

Fire/smoke cancellations are considered circumstances beyond our control. If your chosen travel insurance does not cover fire/smoke cancellations, a credit equal to the total amount paid will be issued. If we cancel during your adventure with us, we will issue a non-refundable credit equal to the amount for the days not used. In both cases, these credits will be lifetime/transferable but non-refundable.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Departing from a Trip: Once a participant has joined a trip and the trip has begun, no refunds or credits will be issued, regardless of the reason for departure. Costs associated with assisting a participant with evacuating from the wilderness will be passed on to the participant. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.

Minimum Participants: Our Guide Service multi-day trips require a minimum of three people.

If we fall short on these minimums, we will reach out to you 30 days before your scheduled start date with options that may include switching to another trip/date and/or a surcharge.

Infectious Illness Policy: Any participant on any program/trip who exhibits any signs or symptoms of a potential infectious illness will not be allowed to participate, and no refund or credits will be given. Many forms of Travel Insurance cover these circumstances. We ask that you screen yourself and/or your child before participating and contact us to cancel if you or your child shows any signs of illness. Health screenings can be expected in all youth programs.

Half Dome & Other Summits: Reaching the top of a summit, such as Half Dome, is risky and can be made even more dangerous by inclement weather. While we aim to get everyone to the top, summiting is not guaranteed. Lightning and rain can be deadly on exposed summits, and our experienced guides may have to call off a summit bid if the weather is unfavorable. You will not be allowed to summit with a Lasting Adventures permit if the experienced guide decides the conditions are not favorable.

Booking a trip before permits have been confirmed: All Lasting Adventures trips require permits and/or campsites obtained in advance at specific intervals, depending on the particular park. If you book a trip before these permits and/or campsites are obtained, and for any reason we are unable to gain the necessary permits and/or campsites, we will then work with you to select alternative dates or trips. A cancellation and full refund will always be the final option.

TRIP CHANGE/CREDIT POLICY

Once you book a trip with Lasting Adventures, the value you paid is valid toward switching to another trip in the current or upcoming year, pending available spaces on the new trip. Changes to your booking and conversion to credit must occur more than 30 days before your original start date, as well as 30 days before the trip you would like to switch to. Changes within 30 days are subject to fees. Once changed to a lifetime/transferable credit, credits are non-refundable and are a dollar-for-dollar value.

TRADITIONAL BACKPACKING

Lasting Adventures runs “traditional backpacking” trips. This is done without using porters, stock, or other outside assistance. For this trip, you will be expected to carry your personal gear, a share of the group gear, and food in a backpack. The weight is expected to be 30-50 lb., no more than ⅓ of your body weight.

As needed, participants should talk about their ability to fully participate in a backpacking trip with their doctor, including (but not limited to) carrying heavy loads over long distances and on strenuous, uneven terrain. The levels of difficulty listed on our website are relative and in no way constitute an objective declaration of difficulty. A regular physical exercise program is recommended before going on your adventure.

TRIP ITINERARIES

All trips are subject to itinerary changes for various reasons, including, but not limited to, permitting, weather, forest fires, park or public land closures, and/or road closures. In most situations, we will offer an alternative itinerary of equal value and quality or a credit equal to the total amount paid through the end of the following season. Payments are non-refundable for itinerary changes. If a trip is canceled before its start date due to circumstances beyond our control, a credit equal to the total amount paid will be issued.

STAFF SCHEDULES

Due to the nature of backpacking, our guides work long hours. To provide the best possible experience for our guests and guides, we limit our guides’ daily hours to 15. Guides will not be required to be available from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. unless the group agrees to a different period before this standard break. This varies with our summer camp programs, where outdoor educators are always available as needed.

During time off, our guides will be available for emergencies, but should be allowed to rest and not be considered available for other purposes outside of working hours. Please don’t ask guides for non-time-sensitive assistance during this period. Our guides are also entitled to take 10-minute breaks every four hours and 30-minute meal breaks every 5 hours, between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. We appreciate your cooperation with these scheduling requirements.

COUPONS

See our Coupon Use Terms and Conditions.

Our trips are all-inclusive. We provide all meals, and we can provide high-quality gear, including Gregory backpacks, Big Agnes tents, sleeping bags and pads, LEKI trekking poles, and eating gear, free of charge. Group gear, including all kitchen supplies, first aid, and water purification, is also included. See the Guide Service Backpacking Equipment List for more information.
See our Frequently Asked Questions, Yosemite Transportation Options, and/or Yosemite Lodging Options.
Parking will be available adjacent to the first day’s meeting location.
All trips include the required permits and are pending permit availability, which we gain 23-24 weeks in advance. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until we have confirmed dates. If we cannot acquire permits for this exact itinerary on your chosen dates, you will be contacted with options to choose different dates and/or cancel/refund.
Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. Lasting Adventures is recognized for its commitment to safety and risk management. In this regard, the summit of peaks will not be attempted when clouds are in close proximity.
Safety harnesses are not a requirement for the Half Dome cables, and we neither recommend for nor against them. It is a personal decision that ultimately lowers risk. We do not supply harnesses and/or Via Ferrata systems. You are, however, welcome to bring your own. For answers to other Half Dome questions, visit our Half Dome FAQ.
Should reservations be necessary to enter Yosemite, your booking confirmation with us will serve as your entry reservation for the days booked with us. This should not be confused with entry fees, which still may be required.

Your participation helps sustain our non-profit mission of supporting youth, families, and disadvantaged communities with positive experiences in America’s National Parks and natural spaces.

What Our Clients Say

					What a Hike to remember. Thank you Maddie and John!! This was a hike to always remember. Maddie and John were the best guides. Our group was the perfect amount of people. This is the best way to connect with new people. Their knowledge of the park was impressive along with the great meals we had along our adventure. I have already made some things at home that we had on the trail. Real food!! They have a secret snack that you would have to join the hike to enjoy! It was Very Good. This hike was the perfect level of difficulty and through the most beautiful areas you could imagine. Clouds rest was Aw inspiring and Half Dome was very gratifying to summit. The pictures are amazing. I would recommend Lasting Adventures to anyone looking for an off grid hike in an amazing park!
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Craig M.
7/02/2025
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Craig M.
7/02/2025

						What a Hike to remember. Thank you Maddie and John!! This was a hike to always remember. Maddie and John were the best guides. Our group was the perfect amount of people. This is the best way to connect with new people. Their knowledge of the park was impressive along with the great meals we had along our adventure. I have already made some things at home that we had on the trail. Real food!! They have a secret snack that you would have to join the hike to enjoy! It was Very Good. This hike was the perfect level of difficulty and through the most beautiful areas you could imagine. Clouds rest was Aw inspiring and Half Dome was very gratifying to summit. The pictures are amazing. I would recommend Lasting Adventures to anyone looking for an off grid hike in an amazing park!
					
					Epic Backpack Trip We did the Cathedral Lakes/Clouds Rest/Half Dome trip, 5day/4night. It’s hard to find the words to describe the experience. Our guide was great and really knew his stuff. He supported us with all our needs including food and stress. The views from our travels were spectacular and breathtaking. His timing of our trek up Half Dome gave us an uncrowded and special experience. Dinner atop Half Dome was perfect. I would highly recommend Lasting Adventures especially for novice backpackers.
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jeannieh506
10/13/2024
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jeannieh506
10/13/2024

						Epic Backpack Trip We did the Cathedral Lakes/Clouds Rest/Half Dome trip, 5day/4night. It’s hard to find the words to describe the experience. Our guide was great and really knew his stuff. He supported us with all our needs including food and stress. The views from our travels were spectacular and breathtaking. His timing of our trek up Half Dome gave us an uncrowded and special experience. Dinner atop Half Dome was perfect. I would highly recommend Lasting Adventures especially for novice backpackers.
					
					Our 4 nights/5 days excursion with Lasting Adventures from Cathedral to Clouds Rest to Half Dome in Yosemite was very memorable and exciting. Our guide Maggie was excellent. If you can imagine being pampered back packing this was it. She cooked all our meals. Had great knowledge of the park from clean water to the best sunsets and when to hike Half Dome. Maggie carried her pack up Half Dome to cook us dinner while we left ours at camp. All our supplies were provided for with Lasting ADVENTURES. I highly recommend this experience with Lasting Adventures.
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Carol C.
9/20/2024
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Carol C.
9/20/2024

						Our 4 nights/5 days excursion with Lasting Adventures from Cathedral to Clouds Rest to Half Dome in Yosemite was very memorable and exciting. Our guide Maggie was excellent. If you can imagine being pampered back packing this was it. She cooked all our meals. Had great knowledge of the park from clean water to the best sunsets and when to hike Half Dome. Maggie carried her pack up Half Dome to cook us dinner while we left ours at camp. All our supplies were provided for with Lasting ADVENTURES. I highly recommend this experience with Lasting Adventures.
					
					The trip to Yosemite - Cathedral Lakes and Half Dome was quite fun. Be prepared to not have too much downtime - which is fine. Maddie and John were fun guides and made us feel very involved and they were always in good spirits.
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Rene G.
9/13/2024
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Rene G.
9/13/2024

						The trip to Yosemite - Cathedral Lakes and Half Dome was quite fun. Be prepared to not have too much downtime - which is fine. Maddie and John were fun guides and made us feel very involved and they were always in good spirits.
					
					Cathedral Lakes, Clouds Rest, and Half Dome Summit was one of the best backpacking trips I have ever experienced! I’ve backpacked on my own but now finding it difficult to snag permits. This trip was absolutely fantastic. Beautiful views, hidden campsites, great planning of mileage and time. Our guide Eric was patient, encouraging, empowering, a wealth of knowledge, and a great cook! He even does his own dishes! I highly recommend Lasting Adventures. This is not glamping. You will work hard each day on the trail. Training is essential in order to enjoy the journey. Train 4 months before your trip as recommended. If you don’t have hills to train on, Carry a weighted pack and do stairs/bleachers for at least 30 mins nearly everyday. Thanks to Lasting Adventures and our guide Eric.
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Sonna W.
9/03/2024
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Sonna W.
9/03/2024

						Cathedral Lakes, Clouds Rest, and Half Dome Summit was one of the best backpacking trips I have ever experienced! I’ve backpacked on my own but now finding it difficult to snag permits. This trip was absolutely fantastic. Beautiful views, hidden campsites, great planning of mileage and time. Our guide Eric was patient, encouraging, empowering, a wealth of knowledge, and a great cook! He even does his own dishes! I highly recommend Lasting Adventures. This is not glamping. You will work hard each day on the trail. Training is essential in order to enjoy the journey. Train 4 months before your trip as recommended. If you don’t have hills to train on, Carry a weighted pack and do stairs/bleachers for at least 30 mins nearly everyday. Thanks to Lasting Adventures and our guide Eric.
					
					What a life changing experience. I did a five day/four night backpacking experience through the backcountry of Yosemite with John and Maggie as my guides through Lasting Adventures. Their experience, teachings, guiding, and the cooking was incredible. They were always so willing to teach and take all of us through the ins and outs of backcountry hiking. This included everything from prepping for the hike, safety, survival skills, cooking, and camp prep. I learned so much and feel they imparted the skills to get me to a place of being able to do this by myself. We hit Upper Cathedral Lake, Lower Sunrise Lake, Clouds Rest, parts of the JMT and Half Dome amongst other places. They chose amazing campsites each night that truly highlighted spectacular views of Yosemite. Very thoughtful in the way they coordinated the trip and chose their campsites. Maggie and John were also very skilled at pulling the entire group of strangers together to become a family by the end of the trip. All of us came into the trip as strangers and left as great friends. I'll never forget this and can't wait to come back to use their services again. HIGHLY recommend them.
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Cory M.
7/28/2024
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Cory M.
7/28/2024

						What a life changing experience. I did a five day/four night backpacking experience through the backcountry of Yosemite with John and Maggie as my guides through Lasting Adventures. Their experience, teachings, guiding, and the cooking was incredible. They were always so willing to teach and take all of us through the ins and outs of backcountry hiking. This included everything from prepping for the hike, safety, survival skills, cooking, and camp prep. I learned so much and feel they imparted the skills to get me to a place of being able to do this by myself. We hit Upper Cathedral Lake, Lower Sunrise Lake, Clouds Rest, parts of the JMT and Half Dome amongst other places. They chose amazing campsites each night that truly highlighted spectacular views of Yosemite. Very thoughtful in the way they coordinated the trip and chose their campsites. Maggie and John were also very skilled at pulling the entire group of strangers together to become a family by the end of the trip. All of us came into the trip as strangers and left as great friends. I'll never forget this and can't wait to come back to use their services again. HIGHLY recommend them.
					
					Best Hike Ever. I had a fantastic experience on the 5 day Cathedral lakes to clouds rest and half dome trip. Alongside the kit list, lasting adventures emailed us about a change in the weather so I felt well prepared on what to pack. Our guide, Caber, was brilliant. He was knowledgeable about the area, good company, paced us well, made amazing food, and gave me the moral support I needed to get up Half Dome. Yosemite is one of the most beautiful places I have every been and I would highly recommend this hike with Lasting Adventures.
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Charlotte H.
10/15/2023
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Charlotte H.
10/15/2023

						Best Hike Ever. I had a fantastic experience on the 5 day Cathedral lakes to clouds rest and half dome trip. Alongside the kit list, lasting adventures emailed us about a change in the weather so I felt well prepared on what to pack. Our guide, Caber, was brilliant. He was knowledgeable about the area, good company, paced us well, made amazing food, and gave me the moral support I needed to get up Half Dome. Yosemite is one of the most beautiful places I have every been and I would highly recommend this hike with Lasting Adventures.
					
					5 days of backpacking - from Tuolome Meadows to Clouds Rest + Half Dome Summit + Mist Trail - beautifully and respectfully planned and executed by Lasting Adventures.
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Lewis T.
7/14/2022
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Lewis T.
7/14/2022

						5 days of backpacking - from Tuolome Meadows to Clouds Rest + Half Dome Summit + Mist Trail - beautifully and respectfully planned and executed by Lasting Adventures.
					
					Yosemite: Cathedral Lakes, Sunrise Lakes, Clouds Rest, and Half Dome Our main goals this year were Clouds Rest and Half Dome as my wife has never been on top of Clouds Rest and the last time we were on Half Dome we had to rush back down the valley. We had a private tour with Lasting Adventures that ended up attached to a standard tour only because of Half Dome permit restrictions. This worked out very nicely as we had 2 guides for 4 hikers. The first day was the standard stuff in Yosemite Valley camping at the back-packers camp. The second morning we started our hike at Tuolumne Meadows and went 4 miles to Cathedral Lakes (Lower Cathedral Lake). This was a good warm-up. I was surprised at how nice and serene the views were. The only downside was the mosquitos that were relentless. The 3rd day we hiked 7-8 miles to Sunrise Lakes. We saw sights (peaks, meadows, valleys, lakes, etc.) that most people won't see by staying in the valley. The 4th day, we hiked up Clouds Rest and stayed there for lunch. What a view - perhaps my favorite view of the valley. The first mile or so down from Clouds Rest was a little hard on the knees but it got better. That day, we travelled 8 miles in total to a camp about a half mile from the Half Dome trail. The final day was fantastic - we got up at 3am and were on top of Half Dome right at sunrise. We had breakfast, enjoyed the sunrise, and took in the 360 degree views for almost 2 hours. The rest was all down hill to get our backpacks and head down to the valley. Total mileage this day was 12 miles - a long day for us. Emily and Dawson, our guides from Lasting Adventures, were wonderful. I highly recommend using Lasting Adventures for these Yosemite hikes - they take all the worry away. This was our 3rd trip with them and obviously we are very happy to recommend them.
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Jim &.
7/06/2022
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Jim &.
7/06/2022

						Yosemite: Cathedral Lakes, Sunrise Lakes, Clouds Rest, and Half Dome Our main goals this year were Clouds Rest and Half Dome as my wife has never been on top of Clouds Rest and the last time we were on Half Dome we had to rush back down the valley. We had a private tour with Lasting Adventures that ended up attached to a standard tour only because of Half Dome permit restrictions. This worked out very nicely as we had 2 guides for 4 hikers. The first day was the standard stuff in Yosemite Valley camping at the back-packers camp. The second morning we started our hike at Tuolumne Meadows and went 4 miles to Cathedral Lakes (Lower Cathedral Lake). This was a good warm-up. I was surprised at how nice and serene the views were. The only downside was the mosquitos that were relentless. The 3rd day we hiked 7-8 miles to Sunrise Lakes. We saw sights (peaks, meadows, valleys, lakes, etc.) that most people won't see by staying in the valley. The 4th day, we hiked up Clouds Rest and stayed there for lunch. What a view - perhaps my favorite view of the valley. The first mile or so down from Clouds Rest was a little hard on the knees but it got better. That day, we travelled 8 miles in total to a camp about a half mile from the Half Dome trail. The final day was fantastic - we got up at 3am and were on top of Half Dome right at sunrise. We had breakfast, enjoyed the sunrise, and took in the 360 degree views for almost 2 hours. The rest was all down hill to get our backpacks and head down to the valley. Total mileage this day was 12 miles - a long day for us. Emily and Dawson, our guides from Lasting Adventures, were wonderful. I highly recommend using Lasting Adventures for these Yosemite hikes - they take all the worry away. This was our 3rd trip with them and obviously we are very happy to recommend them.
					
					There are not enough stars for the experience Lasting Adventures provides. From their initial communication getting us ready, to the excitement and care the guides have during, and then the debrief at the end of the trip, Lasting Adventures goes beyond every expectation. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip through Yosemite with our amazing guide Dawson. He not only was able to impart unique knowledge about the park but also found us beautiful campsites and cooked delicious food using only a campsite burner. We also found out about the programs Lasting Adventures offers to youth and were happy that our trip played a small part in supporting such a worthy endeavor.
- Read Moreread less
Jackie G.
7/04/2022
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Jackie G.
7/04/2022

						There are not enough stars for the experience Lasting Adventures provides. From their initial communication getting us ready, to the excitement and care the guides have during, and then the debrief at the end of the trip, Lasting Adventures goes beyond every expectation. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip through Yosemite with our amazing guide Dawson. He not only was able to impart unique knowledge about the park but also found us beautiful campsites and cooked delicious food using only a campsite burner. We also found out about the programs Lasting Adventures offers to youth and were happy that our trip played a small part in supporting such a worthy endeavor.
					
					Best way to visit Yosemite! Amazing Experience! This was my first time visiting Yosemite and I am so glad I chose to go with Lasting Adventures. The trip was incredibly well planned out, we were taken to some incredible places, looked after (and fed!) very well. Our campsites were beautiful and very remote. Can't recommend this experience more!
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StephConto
7/03/2022
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StephConto
7/03/2022

						Best way to visit Yosemite! Amazing Experience! This was my first time visiting Yosemite and I am so glad I chose to go with Lasting Adventures. The trip was incredibly well planned out, we were taken to some incredible places, looked after (and fed!) very well. Our campsites were beautiful and very remote. Can't recommend this experience more!
					