Yosemite Half Dome & Clouds Rest [4.5 Day] Backpacking Trip

Yosemite Half Dome & Clouds Rest Backpacking Trip

This trek starts with a journey to Clouds Rest, (a higher summit than Half Dome!) that offers a panoramic vista including an unbeatable view of Half Dome itself. From here, take in one of Yosemite's most stunning and wide-ranging 360-degree panoramic views before heading to Half Dome! Half Dome is one of Yosemite’s most recognizable landmarks. The top of this granite dome sits 4,800 feet off of the valley floor at a total elevation of 8,844 feet. Here you will find spectacular views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra. Part of what makes the ascent up Half Dome famous is the cable route. Two steel cables allow hikers to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing equipment. The cables are around a 45-55 degree grade, with wooden supports every 10 to 20 feet to rest and maintain your balance. These are two of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic hikes rolled into one breathtaking 4-day adventure! The hike to the summit of Half Dome will be done with light day packs for a "Basecamp" Style trek!

Duration/Miles & Elevation

• 4.5 Days
• 25 Miles
• +/-7,200ft
• Time: 8:00 AM

Difficulty Rating & Description

DIFFICULTY RATING (1-5)

3

This trek follows well-maintained trails and has a moderate hiking distance of about 5-7 miles per day. Due to the elevation gain of this trek, it is considered a moderate Level 3 hike. Weight carried will be between 30-40 lbs per person. The hike to Half Dome will be done in lighter daypacks to make this a more manageable "Basecamp" style trek!

What's Included

• Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad, and multi-day backpack, headlamps, utensils, and poles.
• High-quality, synthetic sleeping bag (Laundered after every use- $15 cleaning fee) – or bring your own!
• Breakfast, lunch, and 4-course dinner prepared by your guide while in the field.
• Professional local mountain guide certified as Wilderness First Responder, Food Handling & Leave No Trace Principles with years of professional and personal wilderness experience and a passion for leading others.
• Wilderness and National Park backcountry camping permits.
• Bear canisters for food storage.
• Water Filtration systems- all water is filtered by your guide!
• Emergency equipment including an extensive first-aid kit and satellite communication device (InReach Explorer).
• For Yosemite National Park Treks: Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yosemite.
• A discount of 10% off any TrekSierra trip after your first!

Fitness Requirements

Previous backpacking experience is required. The ability to carry an overnight backpack for up to 7 miles a day with 1000-2500 feet of elevation gain for multiple days in a row. Very good to excellent physical condition required.

Trip Highlights

• Clouds Rest
• Half Dome
• Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Yosemite Valley
• Yosemite National Park

Cancelation Policy

Due to the high costs of outfitter/guide and government permits, all deposits are non-refundable. We will attempt to reschedule you with a $100 per person change of date fee. In the unlikely event that TrekSierra must cancel a program, you may reschedule for no fee or have your deposit refunded. No refunds will be made due to weather or route conditions. TrekSierra is not responsible for additional expenses incurred in preparing for a trip, including but not limited to: non-refundable airline tickets, equipment purchases, medical expenses, and hotel reservations. TrekSierra strongly encourages participants to obtain trip cancellation insurance. Coverage should include trip cancellation, baggage loss, non-refundable airline tickets, accident/life coverage, and travel days. TrekSierra also encourages participants to purchase medical, disability, life, and rescue insurance. TrekSierra does not provide any such insurance coverage and participants acknowledge it is their own responsibility to acquire insurance for themselves. All fees are due 30 days prior to the departure date. Full refunds less a $250.00 registration fee are available more than 30 days prior. 50% refunds are given within 20-30 days of departure. No refunds are given within 20 days of the departure date. All refund requests must be received in writing/email. Late payments may result in the cancellation of a reservation with no refund given. No refunds will be given if any participants cannot complete the trip or end the trip early.

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