Backpacking
SUMMIT HALF DOME & CLOUDS REST
WOMEN’S BACKPACKING ADVENTURE
From Tioga Road
Trip Length: 3 Days/2 Nights
Group Size: 2 - 6
From $1595 - $1795
Early dates are priced lower — book sooner, pay less.
Summer 2026 Dates
July 8 - 10 - limited availability
July 17 - 19
July 24 - 26
July 31 - Aug 2 - Special Coed Trip, men welcome!
Pre-booking Late Sept - October Available.
Trip Summary
Most people do Half Dome as a day hike and call it done. This trip is different as you're summiting two of Yosemite's most iconic peaks in three days, starting from Tioga Road at 8,100 feet and finishing via the Mist Trail into the Valley.
Clouds Rest on day two. Half Dome on day three. Both with 360-degree views that don't look like anything else in the Sierra.
This is the harder of our two Half Dome itineraries. Day one is 8-9 miles with 2,100 feet of gain. Day three summits Half Dome and descends all the way to the Valley — up to 10 miles. You will be carrying 30-40 pounds. Come prepared for that.
Half Dome permits are among the most restricted in the National Park system. We hold them. You don't have to fight the lottery. Most people never get one.
Group size is capped at 6 clients per guide. Small group, real pace.
2026 Dates
From $1595 - $1795
Summer 2026 Dates
July 8 - 10
July 17 - 19
July 24 - 26
July 31 - Aug 2 - Special Coed Trip, men welcome!
Pre-booking Late Sept - October Available.
Highlights
Summit of Clouds Rest and Half Dome! Both iconic peaks with 360-degree views of the park and surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.
Delicious meals provided throughout the trip.
Supportive and empowering environment to connect with other like-minded women.
Opportunity to experience the transformative power of outdoor adventure in a beautiful and inspiring setting.
Experienced guides to provide expert instruction on backpacking and wilderness skills.
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Is This Trip For You?
You're ready if you have prior backpacking experience and can currently hike 8+ miles with a weighted pack on consecutive days. Altitude matters here. If you're coming from sea level, spend a night at elevation before the trip starts.
This is rated Expert. This is not the trip to test whether you like backpacking. If you're newer to it, start with our Valley itinerary or Beginner Backpacking trips first.
Worried about pack weight? Porter service is available for $200. We carry the gear into camp — you carry a daypack to both summits.
Women’s Half Dome & Clouds Rest Backpacking
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Day 1
8-9 miles, 2100’ elevation gain
Welcome to the start of our exciting backpacking adventure in Yosemite!
Our journey begins after shuttling up in the morning to Tioga Road! If you didn’t join us in the Valley the night before, you’ll meet your female guide this morning at the Trailhead.
From there, we’ll hit the trail! Our route follows a picturesque trail along lakes where we will set up a picnic lunch and choose our camp site.
Meals provided: dinner, snacks, hot drinks
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Day 2
Up to 7-8 miles, 1400’ elevation gain or less
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll hit the trail towards the iconic Clouds Rest
We’ll eat lunch at the top and absorb the 360 degree views of Yosemite. Thereafter we will head to our next campsite.
Meals Provided: breakfast, dinner, snacks, hot drinks
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Day 3
Up to 10 miles, 2100’ elevation gain
Today we’ll wake early to trek up Half Dome! On the way we will drop our packs and we’ll then make our way up the final slopes and the iconic cables with just day packs on. We’ll take plenty of time at the summit for celebratory photos, and then make our way down to the Valley via the Mist Trail, passing two epic waterfalls.
Meals provided: breakfast, snacks, hot drinks
What’s Included
Professional guides
6:1 client to guide ratio or less, with a max group size of 6 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
Not Included
Park entrance fees where required
Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks
Guide gratuities
Personal items
Activity, Fitness & Skills
This trip is rated Expert [4]. Participants will be carrying their own backpacks weighing 35-45 pounds. Hiking fitness is imperative to be successful on this trip.
Prior backpacking experience is required.
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 ~8,100 feet. Our maximum elevation during the trip is the summit of Clouds Rest at 9,935’. 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 wilderness camping, 2 nights
3 person tents are provided and will be shared with another female client. There is the potential for a single supplement where a single person tent can be provided but it is based on limited availability and requires an added fee. Please contact us to request.
*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.
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.
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All Group Cooking Gear
Bear Canister
Group First Aid Kit
Stoves and Fuel
Tent(s)
Trekking Poles
Water Filter
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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
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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
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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.
Helpful for booking
What to expect after you book your reservation
After you book your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email. Over the following weeks as you start to get closer to your event date, you will receive additional emails confirming packing lists, itinerary details and other important or helpful supplemental information such as start time and driving directions. 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.
What is the closest airport?
The closest airport to Yosemite National Park is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), located about 65 miles (105 km) away. Another option is the Merced Regional Airport (MCE), located about 80 miles (129 km) away.
Public transportation is available from Fresno Airport to various locations in Yosemite via the Yosemite Area Regional Transit System. There is also public transportation available within the park. Please review their schedule for the latest dates and times.
General weather expectations
Sierra daytime temperatures can range between 60 to 80 degrees F, with overnight lows dropping to the 40s or 50s. You may encounter freezing temperatures at some of the higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are a distinct possibility so adequate raingear is important. Please view our Yosemite Weather page for additional information.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your trip in the event unforeseeable circumstances or illness comes up that interferes with your ability to join the trip.