Yosemite 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

Pre-booking September & October

✔ 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

Pre-booking September & October

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.

Who This Trip Is For

This trip is for you if:

✔ You can hike 8–10 miles with elevation gain

✔ You want to summit Half Dome without planning it yourself

✔ You’re comfortable camping (or ready to learn)

This is NOT for you if:

X You want a casual Yosemite sightseeing trip

X You’re unsure about hiking long distances

X You’re looking for a luxury experience

What’s Included

  • Professional guides

  • 5:1 client to guide ratio or less, with a max group size of 5 clients

  • Meals as noted on the daily itinerary

  • 3-person tents for 2 guests

  • Group first aid kit

  • Water filtration

  • Group cooking gear

  • Campsite

  • Permit fees

  • 5% back to the park

  • Special discount to shop at Alpinistas store

Activity, Fitness & Skills

  • This trip is rated Intermediate+ [4]. Our longest day of backpacking is 7 miles with 2,215’ feet of elevation gain. Half Dome summit day will be with daypacks only, but is also a long day at 7.5 miles and 2,710’ elevation gain. Participants will be carrying their own backpacks weighing 35-45 pounds.

  • To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we encourage you to participate in a training program before the trip. We recommend that your program includes training by hiking with a weighted pack.

  • This trip begins at an elevation of 7200 feet. Our maximum elevation during the trip is the summit of Half Dome at 8839’. Though our first day is not particularly strenuous, if you are coming from sea level, we recommend that you spend a night in the park at altitude before the trip. Staying well hydrated before the trip can also assist in mitigating altitude sickness.

  • Overall fitness is important to your enjoyment of the trip. The only thing taking your breath away should be the views!

Accommodations

Backcountry camping, 2 nights

Tent, sleeping pad & trekking poles are provided upon request, complimentary.

Not Included

  • Transfers to and from trailheads

  • Park entrance fees where required

  • Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks

  • Guide gratuities

  • Personal items

*Important Considerations for Half Dome Ascent:

The Cable Route presents a thrilling yet challenging option. Its exposed and steep nature may not suit individuals with fear of heights. However, conquering Half Dome's summit is optional, as the remarkable views from Sub Dome are equally awe-inspiring! Those who prefer not to summit can stay at Sub Dome, bask in the breathtaking scenery, and await the group's return. Those that choose to go with their guide to summit Half Dome will be using climbing protection when ascending and descending, as provided and instructed by your guide.

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

  • Sierra daytime temperatures at this time of year can range between 70s - 80s degrees F, with overnight lows dropping to the 40s - 50s.

  • 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.

  • Cancellation & Refund Policy