Guided Clouds Rest Backpacking
Starting from $895 / person
2025 Dates
August 16 - 18, 2025
September 22 - 24, 2025
October 11 - 13, 2025
Trip Length: 3 Days/2 Nights
Group Size: 2 - 6 people total
Destination
Clouds Rest, Yosemite National Park
Trip Highlights
✔ Summit Clouds Rest (9,926 ft): Experience panoramic views of Half Dome and the High Sierra.
✔ Women-Led & Empowering: Guided by experienced female guides fostering a supportive environment.
✔ All-Inclusive Essentials: We provide tents, bear canisters, sleeping pads, trekking poles, and cooked breakast and dinner.
✔ Small Group Experience: Limited to 6 participants or less for personalized attention.
✔ Private Trips Available: Custom dates offered upon request.
Clouds Rest Backpacking
Experience a fully guided backpacking to the top of Clouds Rest in Yosemite National Park.
Experience the majestic beauty of Yosemite with our private guided backpacking trip to Clouds Rest. Led by our team of experienced female guides, this journey promises not only breathtaking views but also a supportive and empowering environment.
As you ascend to one of Yosemite's highest vantage points, Clouds Rest offers a panorama unlike any other, with sweeping views of Half Dome and the Yosemite Valley.
Ideal for adventurous women and all who seek an unforgettable backpacking experience, our guided trip to Clouds Rest is a perfect blend of challenge, camaraderie, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Join us to create memories that will last a lifetime in one of America's most iconic landscapes.
-
Embark on a challenging yet rewarding journey to Clouds Rest in Yosemite, a trip renowned for its technical terrain and stunning vistas.
This rigorous trip requires a good level of fitness and stamina.
The trail navigates through diverse landscapes, including dense forests, rocky switchbacks, and narrow ridges, offering an exhilarating experience for avid hikers.
At the summit, 9,926 feet above sea level, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the High Sierra, including the iconic Half Dome.
Our female-led guiding team ensures a supportive atmosphere, focusing on safety and encouraging each hiker to push their limits.
This trip is ideal for those who relish a physical challenge and have a passion for exploring high-altitude terrains in one of America's most famed national parks.
-
Backpacking: Steep terrain, long miles at altitude. Clouds Rest summit does feature some exposure but is safe and manageable.
This trip is rated Intermediate Plus to Strenuous. See each itinerary for details.
Our pace will be determined by the slowest person in the group. We have plenty of time to hike and there is no rush. A slower pace means a higher success rate for the group.
We recommend that you stay well hydrated and fed prior to departure to assist in mitigating altitude sickness if you are coming from sea level.
-
Included in your booking:
Professional Wilderness Guide with Wilderness First Aid or Responder Certification that has ample Yosemite National Park experience.
6:1 client to guide ratio or less
Tent, mattress, bear can, trekking poles
Dinner, breakfast, beverages, filtered water
If itinerary is one way, shuttle service is provided
Optional backpackers campground stay night before and after your trip
Group safety gear, first aid kit & satellite communication device.
Permit fees
% back to the Park
Special discount to shop at the Alpinistas store
Not included:
Trip insurance
Lunches & snacks
Guide gratuities
Personal items
Choose Your Clouds Rest Adventure
Glacier Point to Clouds Rest to Yosemite Valley
-
August 16 - 18, 2025
This is beautiful but hard itinerary and requires backpackers with excellent physical fitness. You’ll experience the higlights of Yosemite with views from Glacier Point, Clouds Rest and hiking the famous John Muir Trail.
-
Day 1: Meet in Yosemite Valley to shuttle up to Glacier Point. Backpack into Illilouette Basin.
~ 4.5 Miles, 893’ gain / 1533’ Loss
(Optional, night before stay at Valley Backpackers Campground/Guide Check-in.)
Day 2: Illilouette Basin up to Clouds Rest with a stop to set up camp along the way.
~7.7 Miles, 2349’ gain / 1726’ loss
Day 3: Exit camp back and head down to Yosemite Valley via the Mist Trail or JMT.
~12.3 Miles, 3770’ gain / 6987’ loss
Total Distance: ~23 miles
Tioga Road High Sierra to Clouds Rest
-
September 22 - 24, 2025
This is an moderate plus itinerary and requires backpackers with good physical fitness.
Explore a shorter mileage trek with a relaxing camp near a High Sierra lake and breathtaking views from the summit of Clouds Rest.
-
Day 1: Meet at the Sunrise Trailhead on Tioga Road to backpack into first night camp by Sunrise Lakes.
~3.5 Miles / 1364’ gain / 225’ loss
(Optional, night before stay at Valley Backpackers Campground/Guide Check-in.)
Day 2: Day hike to Clouds Rest.
~8.8 Miles / 2138’ gain / 2138’ loss
Day 3: Leisurely exit camp back to the Sunrise Trailhead
~3.2 Miles / 212’ gain / 1377’ loss
Total Distance: ~14 miles
Total Elevation Gain/Loss: ~3,400 ft / 3,400 ft
Yosemite Valley to Clouds Rest
-
October 11 - 13, 2025
This is a hard itinerary and required backpackers with excellent physical fitness.
Enjoy bucket list views of Nevada & Vernal Waterfalls, hike the famous John Muir Trail and soak in the expansive views of Clouds Rest Summit.
-
Day 1: Meet in Yosemite Valley to start your backpack on the Mist Trail.
~5.7 Miles / 4,106’ gain / 967’ loss
(Optional, night before stay at Valley Backpackers Campground/Guide Check-in.)
Day 2: Day hike to Clouds Rest
~6.7 Miles / 2900’ gain / loss
Day 3: Exit camp back and head down to Yosemite Valley via the JMT.
~5.7 Miles / 935’ gain / 4076 loss
Total Distance: ~18 miles
Total Elevation Gain/Loss: ~7,900 ft / 7,900 ft
Why Choose Us?
🌲 Authentic Yosemite Experience – We run tours all season in Yosemite from deep wilderness to Yosemite Valley sights.
🏔 Local, Expert Guides – Passionate outdoor professionals with deep knowledge of the area.
⏳ Flexible Scheduling – Private and small group tours tailored to your experience level.
🎒 Hassle-Free Booking – We provide everything you need for an unforgettable experience.
Want to take the load off your back?
Porter service is available for selected itineraries. Porters will carry up to 40 lbs into and out of camp.
Upgrade at checkout and select Porter to add to your reservation.
Backpacking Gear List
Layering is the key to staying comfortable while being active outdoors. The secret to achieving maximum comfort with minimum weight is to bring versatile layers that can be mixed and matched to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation, and weather protection.
When packing, try to bring only what you need. This not only makes your load lighter but also helps our amazing field staff.
If you've already booked your trip, don't worry! You’ll be getting emails with a detailed list of what you'll need to bring (plus tons of other helpful information).
Are you looking to reduce your carbon footprint or save some money? Check out our rental page for great gear to borrow for your trip or shop at Alpinistas Re-Cover department for gently used gear online.
Get ready to conquer the outdoors, Alpinistas! We can't wait to see you on the trail.
-
Dinner, Breakfast, Hot Beverages
Tent, Mattress, Trekking Poles and Bear Canister upon request
Group First Aid Kit
Filtered Water
Shuttle Service if Itinerary is One Way
Permits
-
Fleece/Wool Gloves
Fleece/Wool Hat
Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
Hiking Boots/Shoes
Hiking Pants (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
Insulated Jacket and/or Vest
Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
Pack Rain Cover
Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner
Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
Sleeping Bag (15°-29°, Lightweight, Compressible)
Spork, Bowl and Mug
Sunblock and Lip Balm
Water Bottles (Three 1-Liter) or Hydration System Plus One 1-Liter Water Bottle
Whistle
-
Bandana or Buff for Sun Protection
Day Pack (Lightweight, Compressible)
Face Mask
Hand Sanitizer
Head Net
Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
Insect Repellent
Large Plastic Garbage Bag
Sun Hat
Sunglasses and Accessories
Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
Toiletries
Trowel
Underwear
Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
-
Camera and Accessories
Camp Towel
Ear Plugs
Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes
Gaiters (Low)
Lightweight Backpacking Chair
Liner Socks (Synthetic)
Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)
Reading and Writing Materials
Sleeping Bag Liner
Small Binoculars
Small Multitool
Swimwear
Water Shoes (Full Foot Protection)
Have questions about the gear list?
Give us a call at 775-230-7125 or send us a chat or email.
Helpful for booking
-
After you book your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email with some action items. (Please check promotions and spam folder if you don’t receive a confirmation immediately.)
As you start to get closer to your event date, you will receive additional emails confirming itinerary details and other important or helpful supplemental information such as start time and driving directions. You will also have someone from our office reach out to discuss any questions that you might have.
The week of the event, you should be ready to go and you will receive a final email introducing your guides, providing you with their contact information and other last minute notes.
-
The closest airport to Yosemite is in Fresno, CA (FAT). Sacramento, CA is an alternative option. During the summer you may also travel to Yosemite from Reno, NV and Mammoth Lakes, CA but the distance is much farther if your starting point is Glacier Point or Yosemite Valley.
-
Sierra daytime temperatures at this time of year can range between 70s - 80s degrees F, with overnight lows dropping to the 40s - 50s.
-
The dates published for this trip are for women only.
While our company is proudly female-forward and specializes in creating empowering experiences for women, our custom, private trips are open to everyone.
We welcome all individuals, regardless of gender, who share a passion for outdoor adventures and respect the ethos of inclusivity and support that we foster.
Our focus remains on ensuring a safe, welcoming, and unforgettable adventure for all our guests.
Reach out for alternative dates if you would like a co-ed outing.
-
“Dear women adventurers of all skill levels, you need to take a trip with Alpinistas! I just returned from the Cold Weather Skills workshop in Yosemite and I've learned more in three days than I have in all my years of hiking and camping. It's so rare to find guiding experiences that are fun, connect you with likeminded folks, AND equip you with a ton of new skills.”
— Ashley
“I had the absolute best experience on a rock climbing trip with Joanne’s Team! Every part of the weekend was fantastic - the camping experience was wonderful, the guides were knowledgeable and kept everyone safe, and the climbing was so much fun! I'm looking forward to future trips with Alpinistas, and love the work they are doing in making outdoor education more accessible to women!”
- Rebecca
What People Are Saying about Alpinistas Adventures
“The women I met that weekend were so amazing for their love of the outdoors, their curiosity, and their tenacious spirits. I learned so much from our skilled guides who made us feel safe to ask any and all questions regardless of how silly they might be. Thank you Alpinistas for a truly amazing weekend! I can’t wait for the next adventure 🏕️”
— Katarina
“I joined a Cold Weather course and winter camping weekend with them in Yosemite and absolutely love it! The guides are passionate about what they are teaching us, they are so supportive, and the event was organized so well.”
- Ashley-Marie