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Glacier Point to Half Dome

Glacier Point to Half Dome Backpacking

Trip Highlights:

Glacier Point

Half Dome

Mist Trail

Little Yosemite Valley

Mt. Starr King

Illilouette Valley

Highlights: Looking for an incredible Half Dome backpacking trip? Our Yosemite Glacier Point to Half Dome guided tour is an epic journey through some of the most beautiful and popular parts of the park. Begin the adventure at Glacier Point (Yosemite's number one attraction) with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada high country. Quickly lose the crowds by descending into the Illilouette Valley and setting up camp along the creek. On Day three hike around the base of Mt. Starr King to Little Yosemite Valley, passing by the precipice of Nevada Fall along the way. If we are unable to summit Half Dome this afternoon for a sunset; we will take in the sunrise the next morning. Return to Yosemite Valley along the famous Mist Trail soaking in both Nevada and Vernal Falls. This is one of our most popular Yosemite Backpacking Trips!

Mileage & Difficulty

20.4 Miles

Length

4 Days

Price

$1,800

Per Person

Departure Info

4 pm
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2024 dates are permitted in full. 2025 dates remain tentative until confirmed 22-23 weeks in advance.

Yosemite Reservations: Participation in Lasting Adventures programs, trips, and/or tours includes entry during any time period when reservations are needed to enter Yosemite.

2024 Departure Dates by Month

    October Departure Dates  

  • Fri, Oct 11th – Mon, Oct 14th
    Sorry, Sold Out


 

2025 Departure Dates by Month

    May Departure Dates  

  • Fri, May 30th – Mon, Jun 2nd
  • June Departure Dates  

  • Tue, Jun 10th – Fri, Jun 13th
  • Sat, Jun 21st – Tue, Jun 24th

    July Departure Dates  

  • Tue, Jul 1st – Fri, Jul 4th
  • Fri, Jul 11th – Mon, Jul 14th
  • Wed, Jul 23rd – Sat, Jul 26th
  • August Departure Dates  

  • Thu, Aug 7th – Sun, Aug 10th
  • Sat, Aug 23rd – Tue, Aug 26th

    September Departure Dates  

  • Sun, Sep 7th – Wed, Sep 10th
  • Mon, Sep 22nd – Thu, Sep 25th
  • October Departure Dates  

  • Thu, Oct 9th – Sun, Oct 12th


All dates remain tentative until permitted 22 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.

Yosemite Glacier Point to Half Dome Backpacking Trip

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

Day 1
Meet your guide in Curry Village at 4:00 pm. Get acquainted with the group and with gear. If time allows before dinner, visit some of the Valley’s walkable destinations. Dinner and camping in the Yosemite Valley Backpackers Campsite. Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 0 / +0′, -0′

Day 2

After breakfast and packing up the campsite, our group will return to Curry Village and for our transfer to Glacier Point by 8am. After taking in the sites from Glacier Point, we will be relocated to the Mono Meadows Trailhead just to the west of Glacier Point where we will eat lunch before setting out on the trail.  After lunch, we will descend into Illilouette Valley over 3.2 mostly downhill, easy miles. We’ll make camp on a waterside knoll upon crossing Illilouette Creek at the end of the day’s journey. If the sky is cloudless, experience an incredible show of stars! Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 3.4 mi / +120′, -890′

Day 3
After a hearty breakfast we will hike out of the Illilouette Valley on a moderate uphill and scenic climb to the Panorama Trail before descending to the precipice of Nevada Fall and ultimately Little Yosemite Valley at 6040′ where we will camp for the night. There is a beach along the Merced River here that makes for excellent relaxation. Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 5.5 mi / +700′, -1,150′

Half Dome
Half Dome will be completed either in the afternoon on Day 3 to catch the sunset, or the following morning with an alpine start to catch the sunrise. This is a strenuous uphill of 3.5 miles to the summit at 8,836′. Round-trip mileage: 7.0 mi, 2,700′ elevation change. (This is done as a dayhike and without the larger backpacking backpacks.) 

Day 4
We will descend to the Yosemite Valley Floor (4,000′) via the Mist Trail which parallels the Merced River and both Nevada and Vernal Falls. Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 4.5 mi / +300′, -2,440′ Generally, our goal is to finish between 2-4 PM but this can be later due to the human factors within the group.

NOTES:

  • Required shuttle costs are included in the above costs. We also provide backpacks, sleeping bags/pads, tents, trekking poles and eating utensils as needed at no extra cost. Group gear including all kitchen supplies, first aid, and water purification is also included. See the Guide Service Backpacking Equipment List for more information.
  • All trips are pending permit availability which we gain 23-weeks in advance. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until we have confirmed dates. If we are unable to 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 Half Dome (or any other peak) will not be attempted when clouds are in close proximity.
  • 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 the Required Forms. These forms are also attached to your confirmation email once you register online.

We will require an additional medical release for any guests on multi-day trips, any “Half Dome in a Day” hiker, or any guest who is currently under the care of a physician for any ongoing disease, illness, or any other condition/factor that may be a concern on the trip.


DIETARY CONSTRAINTS

Although we are able to accommodate many specific dietary constraints and choices, we prepare foods in a facility with peanuts, gluten, soy, and other major allergens and are not certified as an ‘allergen-free’ facility. We take steps to limit the risk of cross-contamination, but we cannot guarantee that the foods we prepare will be fully free of major allergens.

We have experience in accommodating a variety of dietary choices and concerns, including, but not limited to:

  • Vegan and Vegetarian
  • Peanut and/or Tree Nut Allergy
  • Lactose Intolerant
  • Celiac or Gluten-Free
  • Kosher

 

If we have questions or concerns about the information on your medical form, we will call you the day before your trip to ensure we are packing foods you are able to eat without issue.


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 can be expected to be 30-50 lb. and no more than the recommended ⅓ of your body weight.

As needed, it is recommended that participants discuss their ability to fully participate in a backpacking trip with their doctor, including (but not limited to) the ability to carry heavy loads over long distances and strenuous and uneven terrain. Levels of difficulty listed on our website are relative and in no way 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 to our guests and guides, we limit the number of hours our guides work to 15 hours per day. Guides will not be required to be available from 9 pm to 6 am unless the group agrees to a different period before this standard break.

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 request non-time-sensitive assistance from guides during this period. Our guides are also entitled to take 10 minutes every four hours and 30-minute meal breaks every 5 hours, between 6 am and 9 pm.  We appreciate your cooperation with these scheduling requirements.


COUPONS

See our Coupon Use Terms and Conditions.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

For your protection and ours, we strongly recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance, which can provide you with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption (including COVID-19), 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 remember that when canceling a reservation, you must first contact the company responsible for ensuring your reservation.


PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Full payment is preferred for all backpacking trips and youth programs/summer camps. 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 choosing this option, you can either complete payment on your own with 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. Final Lodging/Hiking package payments are due 45 days in advance. Any new multi-day booking made at/within 45 days in advance 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% (which is capped at $30) and a processing fee of 2.7% (no cap). These fees can be avoided when paying by check. 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 below policy does not apply, and you are held to the third-party’s cancellation policy.

Multi-Day Adventures/Summer Camps 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 grant you 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 booked trip occurs 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 dollar amount associated with the number of 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 have a two-person minimum. (Yoga trips have a three-person minimum.) Our Summer Camps have a four-person minimum. Should we fall short on these minimums, we will contact you 30 days before your scheduled start date with options that may include switching to another trip/date and/or a single-participant surcharge.

Infectious Illness Policy (including COVID): Any participant on any program/trip with any sign/symptom of a potential illness will not be able 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 any sign of illness is present. 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 far worse 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 weather conditions are unfavorable. You will not be allowed to summit using a Lasting Adventures permit should the experienced guide decide the conditions are not favorable.


TRIP CHANGE/CREDIT POLICY

Once you book a trip with Lasting Adventures, the value you paid is valid towards switching to another trip in the current or the coming 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. Changes within 30 days are subject to fees. Once changed to a lifetime/transferrable credit, credits are non-refundable and are a dollar-for-dollar value.


COUPONS

See our Coupon Use Terms and Conditions.

#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
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"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
Read More
“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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All Lasting Adventures Backpacking trips require trailhead permits which we gain 22-24 weeks in advance through a lottery process. Should you register for a date that we are unsuccessful in gaining permits for, we will work with you to pick other dates or trips with full cancellation/refund always the final option.