Yosemite Glacier Point Half Dome Backpacking Trip
Summit Half Dome without the lottery.
Fully guided, small-group Yosemite backpacking experience from epic Glacier Point!
$1595
2026 Dates
June 25 - 27, 2026
October 5-7, 2026
✔ Half Dome permits secured for this exclusive, hard to get route from Glacier Point.
✔ 3-day guided Yosemite backpacking trip
✔ Meals, route planning & logistics handled
Half Dome From Glacier Point Backpacking Trip Overview
Over three days and two nights, you'll experience the beauty and grandeur of Yosemite like never before. We'll start at Glacier Point and make our way down the Panorama Trail, taking in breathtaking views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the surrounding peaks. We'll camp in the heart of Little Yosemite Valley, surrounded by towering cliffs and pristine wilderness, and enjoy delicious meals prepared by our experienced guides.
But the highlight of the trip is undoubtedly the summit of Half Dome. We'll start early in the morning and hike to the top of this iconic peak, using cables to assist us on the final ascent. From the summit, we'll enjoy 360-degree views of the park and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains - a truly unforgettable experience.
This trip is designed for women who love adventure and want to explore the beauty of Yosemite in a supportive and empowering environment. Our experienced guides will be with you every step of the way, providing expert instruction on backpacking and wilderness skills, as well as creating a supportive and fun atmosphere for you to connect with other like-minded women.
2026 Dates
2026 Dates
June 25 - 27
October 5 - 7
What Makes This Yosemite Backpacking Trip Unique
Summit of Half Dome, an iconic peak with 360-degree views of the park and surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains
Breathtaking views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and surrounding peaks
Starting from Glacier Point gives you jaw-dropping views before you even start your trek.
Delicious meals provided throughout the trip
Experienced guides to provide expert instruction on backpacking and wilderness skills
Don’t see the dates you are looking for?
Sign up to be notified when new dates are released or book a private guide to get the trip of your dreams.
Glacier Point to Half Dome Backpacking Itinerary
-
![]()
Day 1
7 miles, 1,093’ elevation gain
Welcome to the start of our exciting backpacking adventure in Yosemite! Our journey begins in the morning at Glacier Point, where we are immediately greeted with stunning views of our objective, Half Dome!
Your guide will spend some time sorting through gear, discussing backpacking techniques and how to correctly pack and backpack, and discuss our route.
From there, we’ll hit the trail! Our route follows the amazing Panorama Trail so we’ll be sure to leave ourselves plenty of time for photos. We’ll stop enroute for a break, and then make our way to Little Yosemite Valley where we’ll camp for the night.
Meals provided: Dinner, hot drinks
Optional: You may meet your guide in Yosemite Valley the night before if your plans allow you to arrive earlier.
-
![]()
Day 2
7.5 miles, 2,710’ elevation gain
Today we’ll wake early to enjoy Half Dome near sunrise!
We’ll fuel up with some coffee and a light breakfast, and then make our way up the final slopes and the iconic cables.
We’ll take plenty of time at the summit for celebratory photos, and then make our way back to camp with plenty of time to relax. The rest of the day will be spent enjoying the beauty of Little Yosemite Valley, resting our tired legs, and eating well-deserved dinner.
Meals provided: Breakfast, dinner, hot drinks
-
![]()
Day 3
7 miles, 2,215’ elevation gain
Today we can sleep in a bit, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and make our way back to the trailhead.
Though we have some final uphill to retrace our steps, the breathtaking views will help keep our minds off of our tired legs.
Arriving back to our cars mid afternoon, we’ll have plenty of time to take some final photos and say our goodbyes.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, hot beverages
What’s Included
Half Dome & Wilderness Permits
1
Professional Backpacking Guide, Wilderness First Responder Certified
2
Backpacking Trips: Filtered Water, Dinners and Breakfasts
3
Camp Gear: Tents, Mattress Pad, Bear Can, Trekking Poles, Water Filtration
4
5% of Every Trip Donated Back to Yosemite National Park
5
Still wondering if this is the right trip for you? Have any other questions before making the decision?
Schedule a free 1:1 call with one of our trip leaders. No hassle, pressure-free, straight guidance on any questions you have about our trips.
Why Choose Alpinistas Adventures?
🌲 Authentic Yosemite Experience – We run tours all season in Yosemite from deep wilderness to Yosemite Valley sights.
🚨 NPS-Authorized - Alpinistas Adventures is Commercially Authorized by the NPS to lead hiking and backpacking trips in Yosemite National Park
🏔 Local, Expert Guides – Passionate outdoor professionals with deep knowledge of the area with Wilderness First Responder Certification.
⏳ 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 30 lbs into and out of camp.
Upgrade at checkout and select Porter to add to your reservation.
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).
Get ready to conquer the outdoors, Alpinistas! We can't wait to see you on the trail.
-
All Group Cooking Gear
Bear Canister
Group First Aid Kit
Stoves and Fuel
Tent(s)
Trekking Poles
Water Filter
-
Backpacking Pack (Extended, 55-65L)
Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Lightweight, Synthetic or Wool)
Fleece/Wool Gloves
Fleece/Wool Hat
Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
Hiking Boots
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
Prescription Medications
Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
Sleeping Bag (15°-29°, Lightweight, Compressible)
Sleeping Pad
Spork, Bowl and Mug
Sunblock and Lip Balm
Water Bottles (Three 1-Liter) or Hydration System Plus One 1-Liter Water Bottle
-
Bandana or Buff for Sun Protection
Day Pack (Lightweight, Compressible)
Face Mask
Hand Sanitizer
Head Net
Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
Insect Repellent
Garbage Bag for Personal Trash
Sun Hat
Sunglasses and Accessories
Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
Toiletries
Trowel
Underwear
-
Camera and Accessories
Camp Towel
Casual Shoes for Camp
Ear Plugs
Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes
Lightweight Backpacking Chair
Liner Socks (Synthetic)
Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)
Reading and Writing Materials
Sleeping Bag Liner
Small Binoculars
Small Multitool
Have questions about the gear list?
Give us a call at (855) 622-4951 or send us a chat or email.
Your Questions, Answered
-
For the Valley and Glacier Point routes, no — but you need to be fit enough to hike 6–7 miles a day carrying a 30–40 lb pack. For the Clouds Rest route, prior overnight backpacking experience is recommended. We send a training plan when you book and check in with you in the weeks leading up to the trip.
-
The Half Dome cables are a fixed installation maintained by the National Park Service from late May through mid-October. They allow hikers to ascend the final 400 feet of granite to the summit.
Your guide walks you through the technique before you start. If conditions are unsafe — rain, lightning, ice, high wind — we do not go up.
Summiting is not guaranteed.
-
If you reach the base of the cables (Sub Dome) and decide not to ascend, that's your call and we respect it.
You wait there with the group, take in the view from one of the most spectacular spots in the park, and the rest of the group joins you on the way back down.
You still complete the trip.
-
Yes — that's exactly who these trips are designed for. Our permits are secured for every date listed. You don't need to enter the lottery, and you don't need to win it.
-
Our default trips are women-only.
We offer select co-ed dates each season, marked on each trip page.
Private custom trips are open to all.
-
Most 2026 dates fill 4–6 months out but you may book anytime.
2027 advance booking is opening soon.
Half Dome trips fill earlier than other trips in our schedule because the permit scarcity is real.
-
You should be able to hike 6 miles in a day carrying a 30+ lb pack without significant rest.
If you're not there yet, book a trip 2–4 months out and follow the training plan we suggest. We can also pair you with our Backpack Longer, Backpack Stronger Program for a structured training 4 week training plan.
-
We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect against your investment.
