HALF DOME EXPRESS (2 DAY)
YOSEMITE BACKPACKING TOURS
Backpacking Gear Included
|Fresh Meals Prepared Daily
|Professional Wilderness Guides
HALF DOME EXPRESS (2 DAY)
YOSEMITE BACKPACKING TOURS
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Cost:
$950/person
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Type:
Backpacking
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Length:
2 days
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Difficulty:
Moderate to Advanced*
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Mileage:
17 miles
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Season:
June – September
Adventure Details
Hiking to the summit of Half Dome via the John Muir Trail over two days is an unforgettable adventure that blends stunning scenery with a rewarding physical challenge. The journey begins at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley, where the John Muir Trail ascends gradually through towering pines and alongside the rushing waters of the Merced River. Hikers pass the iconic Vernal and Nevada Falls, two breathtaking waterfalls that add to the dramatic beauty of the trail. After approximately four and a half miles, Little Yosemite Valley serves as the ideal overnight camping spot, offering a chance to rest before the final ascent.
On the second morning, an early start is key to reaching Half Dome before the crowds. The trail continues through forested switchbacks before emerging onto the subdome, where steep granite steps test endurance. The final challenge is the infamous cable route, a near-vertical climb up the slick rock face with only metal cables and wooden planks for support. The reward at the summit is a panoramic view of Yosemite National Park, with sweeping vistas of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the valley below, and distant peaks.
After soaking in the incredible scenery, the descent follows the same route back to Little Yosemite Valley before returning to the valley floor. The entire experience, from the serene backcountry camping to the exhilaration of standing atop Half Dome, makes this two-day trek an unforgettable guided hiking tour in Yosemite National Park.
*Route Variation - Our specific hiking route and campsites on each departure are dependent upon permit availability. Difficulty of the hike will also vary based on the route change. Additionally, the ascent up Half Dome is very challenging and is weather permitting.
Important Permit Info
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.
2 Day Itinerary
(Fastest Route)
Day 1
We meet in Yosemite National Park at 8am the morning of the tour for packing and orientation. At this time you will meet with your guide and other group members to get prepared for the hike before we set out on the trail. We plan to depart no later than 12pm from the Happy Isles Trailhead with our planned route taking us up the John Muir Trail. Today's hike will take us past Vernal and Nevada Falls on our way to the Little Yosemite Valley Campground situated at the base of Half Dome & Clouds Rest.
Once we reach camp, we will spend the afternoon exploring the campground and relaxing by the Merced river to rest up for our morning summit of Half Dome .
Day 2
The final day of our hike will begin bright and early as we load up our day packs to embark on the 6 mile round trip hike to summit Half Dome! We get an early start today to allow us time to get up and down the cables before the bulk of the day hikers arrive, clogging up the cables, in the late morning to early afternoon. After our epic summit of Half Dome on our guided day hike, we will make our way back to camp to pack up and begin our hike back to the valley where our tour will conclude in the mid-afternoon.
What's included?
- 8am orientation in Yosemite Valley the morning of your hike .
- Backpacking & Cable permits.
- Tent camping at the renowned Little Yosemite Valley Campground.
- All food while on the trail prepared by your guide - from lunch day 1 through lunch day 2.
- 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
We do not provide transportation for Yosemite tours. For the 2 day itinerary there are public transportation options through a combination of Amtrak or Greyhound and YARTS as well as the intra-park shuttle service that can transport you around the valley.
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.