HALF DOME
YOSEMITE BACKPACKING TOURS
Backpacking Gear Included
|Fresh Meals Prepared Daily
|Professional Wilderness Guides
HALF DOME
YOSEMITE BACKPACKING TOURS
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Cost:
$1547
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Type:
Backpacking
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Length:
4 days
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Difficulty:
Moderate to Advanced*
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Mileage:
23 miles
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Season:
June – September
Adventure Details
Half Dome - 4 Day Guided Backpacking Tour
Conquer Yosemite like never before on this 4-day guided Yosemite backpacking tour to Half Dome! Begin at the Mono Meadow Trailhead and hike past towering granite cliffs, and serene alpine streams as you make your way to our first camp along the serene Illilouette Creek before continuing on our way to Little Yosemite Valley and Half Dome. Spend nights camping under the stars, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the wilderness. The adventure peaks with a climb up the legendary Half Dome, where sweeping panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra await. Along the way, explore hidden trails, discover secluded spots, and experience the park far from the crowds. Every step of this journey is designed to thrill, challenge, and inspire.
*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
Please note that for this Half Dome Itinerary, you will need to have a personal or rental vehicle to get to the starting trailhead.
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.
4 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Orientation in Yosemite Valley
Mileage: N/A
Elevation Gain: N/A
Experience: We’ll meet in Yosemite Valley at 6:00 p.m. for a trip orientation, where you’ll get to know your expert guide and fellow hikers. Over dinner, we’ll go through gear, logistics, and expectations for the trek before settling into our first night of camping in Yosemite.
Highlights: Trip orientation, group dinner, and a first night camping in the heart of Yosemite.
Day 2: Mono Meadow Trailhead to Illilouette Creek
Mileage: ~2.8 miles
Elevation Loss: 350 ft loss
Experience: After breakfast, we’ll pack up and shuttle to our starting trailhead off Glacier Point Road. Our guided hike today leads us about 3 miles into Yosemite’s backcountry, where we’ll establish camp along Illilouette Creek. The afternoon is reserved for relaxing, playing in the creek, and soaking in the serenity of a remote Yosemite campsite.
Highlights: Backcountry hiking/backpacking, Illilouette Creek campsite, and a relaxing afternoon in Yosemite wilderness.
Day 3: Illilouette Creek to Little Yosemite + Half Dome Summit
Mileage: ~5.2 miles backpacking + ~6.6 miles roundtrip summit hike
Elevation Gain/Loss: 4,200 ft gain, 3,900 ft loss
Experience: We’ll wake to coffee and breakfast before packing up camp for a 5.5-mile trek to Little Yosemite Valley Campground, located at the base of Half Dome. After setting up camp and enjoying lunch along the Merced River, we’ll prepare for the highlight of the trip: an afternoon/evening summit hike of Half Dome with daypacks only. This iconic 6-mile roundtrip climb is steep and exhilarating, with cables leading to the top and sweeping views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.
Highlights: Backpack to Little Yosemite Valley, riverside relaxation, Half Dome summit, and panoramic sunset views.
Day 4: Return to Mono Meadow Trailhead
Mileage: ~8 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,700 ft gain, 500 ft loss
Experience: After breakfast, we’ll pack up camp and retrace our steps back to our original Illilouette Creek campsite and continue on our way past our first camp back to the Mono Meadow Trailhead. We’ll aim to arrive early to mid afternoon, marking the conclusion of our journey. Here, we’ll say our farewells after completing an epic trek through Yosemite’s backcountry and summiting one of America’s most iconic peaks.
Highlights: Scenic backcountry trail, Peaceful final hike, return to trailhead, and a rewarding sense of accomplishment after conquering Half Dome.
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!
Upcoming Tour Dates
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Pickup Locations
We do not provide transportation for Yosemite tours. For the 4 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. On the 5 day itinerary, you will need to have a rental car or personal vehicle to get to the park and the trailhead.
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.