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Cathedral Lakes to Clouds Rest & Half Dome

5 Day Half Dome Backpacking Tour

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 (8,836’) 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 is the adventure for you!

Please Note: Due to the 2023 record-setting snowpack, we are estimating a late June/early July opening for the Hwy 120/Tioga Pass Road and access to this trips itinerary.  (However this can change also and be earlier/later as it is all dependant on the weather between now and then.) Expect itinerary modifications if scheduled on a trip prior to these openings.  See more information below.

Due to a record setting snowpack this winter, we anticipate late seasonal openings for the 2023 summer at higher elevations (with Tioga Road opening between July 1-15th) and modified itineraries at lower elevations and on early season trips as needed. Our online offerings have been updated to reflect this.

Be prepared for wet/muddy trails, and the possibility of stream/river crossings and/or walking on/crossing/camping on/near snow. Trekking poles will be provided. Also be prepared for added adventure as you experience Yosemite in unparalleled beauty as it comes to life after one of the wettest winter seasons on record. If seasonal access or trail conditions present issues, the tour/hike/itinerary will be modified accordingly. For more information and what to expect, see: Yosemite’s 2023 Snowpack & 2023 Summer Expectations.

Mileage & Difficulty

28 Miles

Length

5 Days

Price

$1785

Per Person

Departure Info

4 pm
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2023 Departure Dates by Month

      July Departure Dates  

    • Mon, Jul 10th – Fri, Jul 14th
      Hurry, only 2 spots remain
    • August Departure Dates  

    • Tue, Aug 22nd – Sat, Aug 26th
    • Tue, Aug 29th – Sat, Sep 2nd

      September Departure Dates  

    • Fri, Sep 8th – Tue, Sep 12th
      Sorry, Sold Out
    • Wed, Sep 20th – Sun, Sep 24th
    • Mon, Sep 25th – Fri, Sep 29th
      Hurry, only 4 spots remain
    • Sat, Sep 30th – Wed, Oct 4th


    All 2023 dates remain tentative until permitted 20-weeks in advance. Please remain from making travel arrangements outside of this timeline. We will contact you if we are unsuccessful in obtaining the exact dates listed above. Feel free to contact us if you would like to confirm.”

    #1 Rated Guide Service in the West

    Guide Service Guest, 2021
    Guide Service Guest, 2021
    @stephenp236
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    "My son and I (both tax accountants) recently enjoyed a three-day private guided backpacking trip with Last Adventures. The trip met all our expectations; we had a great time! The guide’s love of her work and knowledge of Yosemite National Park made the trip a success. She planned all the details, provided excellent gear, and made sure everything worked out as planned"
    Guide Service Guest, 2021
    Guide Service Guest, 2021
    @D8156BRjennifero
    Read More
    "Lasting Adventures made my trip to Yosemite a dream vacation! It was stress-free because every detail was covered from food and transportation to clear meeting instructions and itinerary. Our guide took a hike that would have been fun and made it magical by explaining the history and ecology of the area we were hiking. He matched our pace and often let us lead. I can't say enough good things about Zachary and Lasting Adventures!”
     Yoga Retreat Guest, 2021
    Yoga Retreat Guest, 2021
    @MikeK746
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    “I did the Yosemite yoga 3 day backcountry camping. It was amazing! I would definitely do it again. The food was great! The scenery was superb camping in high country aside a mountain lake, and the guides and yoga instructor were fantastic!!!”
     Guide Service Guest, 2021
    Guide Service Guest, 2021
    @cezefo
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    "We were a group of 7 family members (ages 22-65 years old), and for all of us it was our first hiking/backpacking/camping experience. We all had such an amazing yet challenging experience! Our guides’ spirit, cooking, and knowledge were great!”
     Guide Service Guest, 2021
    Guide Service Guest, 2021
    @Ambrosiaboyd
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    “We backpacked with a group of 7 other people from 'Backpacker's Camp' to Mae Lake, up to Mt Hoffman, Cloud's Rest, and finally completed the trip with an amazing last day, summiting Half Dome at sunrise! It. Was. Incredible!! Our guides immediately made us feel comfortable and excited. Their passion for the wilderness, people, and their career as a guide is contagious. If you have the chance to go on a Lasting Adventures trip - please do it!”
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