Half Dome: Cathedral Lakes Route
Yosemite Backpacking Tour
Backpacking Gear Included
|Fresh Meals Prepared Daily
|Professional Wilderness Guides
Half Dome: Cathedral Lakes Route
Yosemite Backpacking Tour
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Cost:
$1897 (SAVE $500/PERSON ON AUGUST 2026 TOURS – 2 PERSON MINIMUM)
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Type:
Backpacking
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Length:
5 days
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Difficulty:
Moderate to Advanced*
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Mileage:
28 miles
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Season:
June – September
Adventure Details
SALE DATE! August 19th - 23rd: Save $500/person!
Cathedral Lakes to Half Dome: The Ultimate Yosemite Traverse
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime 5-day guided backpacking journey that strings together Yosemite’s most iconic landmarks into one unforgettable high-country to valley epic. Beginning at the pristine Cathedral Lakes beneath the soaring granite spire of Cathedral Peak, you’ll traverse the heart of Yosemite’s legendary wilderness, cresting Clouds Rest for jaw-dropping 360-degree panoramas before tackling the exhilarating cables route to the summit of Half Dome itself. The grand finale? A triumphant descent through the misty embrace of Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall, emerging into the awe-inspiring expanse of Yosemite Valley as the sheer walls of El Capitan and Half Dome tower overhead. This is not just a hike—it’s the Yosemite experience distilled into its most breathtaking form.
Tour Highlights
- Stand atop Half Dome via the famous cables route at sunrise or sunset (permits secured)
- Crystal-clear swimming and reflection photos at Lower Cathedral Lake
- Unrivaled panoramic views from Clouds Rest—often called “the best viewpoint in Yosemite”
- Close-up thunder of Nevada and Vernal Falls on the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail descent
- Small-group experience (max 8 guests) with expert guides, permits, meals, and bear canisters included
- 27–30 miles of world-class trails with ~8,000 ft total elevation gain/loss
- Nights under the stars at scenic backcountry camps (Little Yosemite Valley & high-country sites)
This is the Yosemite traverse you’ve dreamed of—where alpine lakes meet sheer granite domes and thundering waterfalls lead you home to the Valley floor. Limited dates each season. Secure your spot for the hike of a lifetime.
Adventure Itinerary
Advanced Rating*: The backpacking portion of the hike is considered moderate backpacking. The day hike up Half Dome is a more advanced hike due to length, elevation gain and climb up the cables; all of which require the hiker to be in good (or better) physical condition to complete. This hike is not advised for those with a serious fear of heights.
Day 1: Meet your Guide and group in Yosemite Valley
Experience: On our first night we will meeting in the park at 6pm in Curry Village where you will have the opportunity to meet your guide and the rest of the hikers in our group, go through orientation and gear prep, have a tasty dinner and sleep under the stars with our first night of front country camping at the backpackers campground. We want to be well rested up for our big day or hiking tomorrow!
Highlights: Take in your first views of Yosemite National Parks majestic landscapes and iconic granite monoliths including El Capitan and Half Dome.
Day 2: Ascend to the Heavenly Cathedral Lakes
Mileage: ~3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: ~700 ft
Experience: Your journey begins in the wildflower-strewn expanse of Tuolumne Meadows, where the air is crisp and the horizon is framed by jagged peaks. From the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead, you’ll follow the John Muir Trail, a gentle ascent through fragrant pine forests and open meadows. The trail unfurls like a ribbon, leading you past bubbling streams and granite outcrops. As you crest the final rise, Upper Cathedral Lake reveals itself—a sapphire gem cradled beneath the towering Cathedral Peak. The scene is nothing short of divine, with reflections of snow-dusted ridges dancing on the water. Set up camp on a soft bed of pine needles, savor a warm meal, and let the Milky Way above lull you into a peaceful slumber.
Camp: Lower Cathedral Lake (8,600 ft), where the silence of the high Sierra wraps you in tranquility.
Highlights: Sweeping views of Cathedral Peak, vibrant wildflowers in late summer, and the serenity of an alpine evening.
Day 3: Wander to the Radiant Sunrise Lakes
Mileage: ~5-6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: ~400 loss (net)
Experience: Awaken to the golden glow of sunrise over Cathedral Lakes, then set out for a day of discovery. Retrace your steps briefly to the John Muir Trail, where the path meanders through sun-dappled forests and rolling meadows. The air hums with the scent of sage and the distant call of a marmot. As you approach the junction for Sunrise Lakes, a short detour leads to a trio of sparkling tarns, each more enchanting than the last. These alpine pools, nestled among granite slabs, mirror the azure sky and distant peaks of the Clark Range. Pitch your tent near one of the upper lakes, where the sunset paints the landscape in hues of amber and rose. As night falls, gather around a crackling campfire (where permitted) and share stories under a canopy of stars.
Camp: Sunrise Lakes (9,300 ft), a haven of solitude and natural beauty.
Highlights: Panoramic vistas of the High Sierra, crystal-clear lakes perfect for a refreshing dip, and vibrant sunsets that linger in memory.
Day 4: Climb then Descend Clouds Rest to the Verdant Sunrise Creek
Mileage: ~8 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: ~600 ft gain, ~2,00 ft loss
Experience: Depart Sunrise Lakes, rejoining the main trail as it weaves through meadows awash with lupine and paintbrush. The path takes us up and over the iconic Clouds Rest for epic views of Yosemite National Park - today is our highest peak on the trek. As we descend, the forest grows denser, with towering pines and the soothing murmur of the creek guiding your way. Find a cozy campsite along Sunrise Creek’s banks, where the water’s gentle flow creates a natural lullaby. Spend the afternoon relaxing, perhaps sketching the scenery or journaling about your adventure. This tranquil evening prepares you for the exhilarating challenge ahead.
Camp: Sunrise Creek (7,300 ft), a lush retreat surrounded by nature’s embrace.
Highlights: Shady forests, the soothing sounds of flowing water, and a restful pause before the Half Dome ascent.
Day 5: Conquer Half Dome and Arrive Back in Yosemite Valley
Mileage: ~11.5 miles (including Half Dome round trip)
Elevation Gain/Loss: ~2,800 ft gain to Half Dome, ~2,000 ft loss to camp
Experience: Today is the pinnacle of your adventure—literally! Rise early, fueled by anticipation, and trek westward to join the Half Dome trail. The path climbs through fragrant cedar groves, with glimpses of Glacier Point teasing the horizon. As you reach the subdome, a rugged staircase of granite slabs tests your resolve, but the reward is near. The final 400-foot ascent up Half Dome’s sheer face, aided by steel cables, is a heart-pounding thrill. At the summit (8,842 ft), the world unfurls before you: Yosemite Valley’s emerald floor, El Capitan’s monolithic face, and an endless sea of peaks. Savor this moment of triumph, then descend carefully to the John Muir Trail. Following our summit of Half Dome, we will continue on back to Yosemite Valley, passing the iconic Nevada and Vernal falls, where our tour will conclude.
Why Choose This Adventure?
This 5-day tour is more than a hike—it’s a transformative experience that immerses you in Yosemite’s wild heart. From the serene beauty of alpine lakes to the adrenaline of Half Dome’s cables, every step reveals nature’s grandeur. Our expert guides ensure safety and enrich your journey with knowledge of the park’s ecology and history. All you need is a spirit of adventure and a love for the outdoors—we handle the permits, logistics, and planning.
Book Your Yosemite Adventure Today!
Ready to stand atop Half Dome, sleep beside alpine lakes, and walk in the footsteps of explorers? This 5-day backpacking tour is your gateway to Yosemite’s most iconic landscapes. Secure your spot now and let the Sierra’s magic unfold before you. Contact us at adventures@discoverytreks.com or call 480-247-9266 to reserve your place on this journey of a lifetime!
What's included?
- 6pm orientation the afternoon prior to your hike at Yosemite Valley at the backpacker's camp.
- Backpacking & Cable permits.
- Tent camping each night on the trail plus the night of orientation at the backpacker's camp.
- All food while on the trail prepared by your guide - from dinner at orientation through breakfast on the last day.
- Single (solo travelers) or Double occupancy tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, trekking poles.
- A certified, medically trained guide that will lead you safely on your journey.
- An unforgettable experience!
Pickup Locations
Meet in Yosemite Valley - Meet up location provided upon booking
What to Bring
Our camping and hiking trips include all pro-quality gear and meals required for your adventure. This includes tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking supplies, trekking poles, and daypacks and/or backpacks. All meal preparations will be handled by your guide.
We are happy to accommodate food allergies and most dietary restrictions. Please include your preferences in your Registration Form so that we can prepare accordingly.
Gear Included
Discovery Treks tours are all inclusive tours which include:
- All meals from dinner night 1 through breakfast on the final day of your hike
- An experienced Wilderness First Responder Certified Yosemite Backpacking Guide
- Necessary pro-quality backpacking gear including 65 - 75L Osprey backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, double occupancy tent, bear canister (Single tent upgrade available for $50)
- All permits and fees
June
July
Don't see a tour date that works for you?
We may still be able to schedule additional tour dates that fall within your travel window.
Please call our office to inquire at 480-247-9266.