Backpacking

SUMMIT HALF DOME & CLOUDS REST

WOMEN’S BACKPACKING ADVENTURE

From Sunrise Trailhead

Trip Length

3 Days/2 Nights

Group Size

2-7

June 6 - 9, 2024

$1895

Trip Summary

Attention all adventurous women! Are you ready to take on one of the most iconic backpacking trips in Yosemite National Park? Join Alpinistas Adventures for an unforgettable guided backpacking trip from Sunrise Trailhead to the summit of Clouds Rest AND Half Dome!

Over three days and two nights, you'll experience the beauty and grandeur of Yosemite like never before. We'll start at Sunrise Trailhead near Tenaya Lake and make our way up the iconic Clouds Rest with views of Half Dome and the surrounding peaks. We'll camp overlooking Yosemite Valley in the pristine wilderness, and enjoy delicious meals prepared by our experienced guides.

The highlight of the trip is not just one but two epic Yosemite peaks - Clouds Rest and Half Dome. From the summits, we'll enjoy 360-degree views of the park and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains - a truly unforgettable experience. Can’t wait to see which is your favorite!

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.

2024 Dates

June 6-9, 2024 - $1895 per person

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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Women’s Half Dome & Clouds Rest Backpacking

  • Day 1 Evening

    Meet your guide in Curry Village and head to the Backpackers Campground to discuss the itinerary and get settled in for the night.

    The next morning you will depart Curry Village together on the shuttle up Tioga Road to the Sunrise Trailhead where your backpacking adventure will start.

  • Day 2

    Up to 5 miles, 2,000’ elevation gain

    Welcome to the start of our exciting backpacking adventure in Yosemite! Our journey begins after shuttling up in the morning to Sunrise Trailhead near Tenaya Lake! From there, we’ll hit the trail! Our route follows a pine forest trail up to the Clouds Rest shoulder. We’ll drop our packs and set up our tents before heading up to the Clouds Rest Summit. We’ll have plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy the amazing panoramic views.

    Meals provided: dinner, snacks, hot drinks

  • Day 3

    Up to 8 miles, 2,100’ elevation gain

    Today we’ll wake early to trek over Clouds Rest to our Half Dome adventure! On the way we will drop our packs and set up our tents for the next night. 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 back to camp for a big meal and relaxation. The rest of the day will be spent enjoying the view of Half Dome and resting our tired legs, and eating well-deserved meals.

    Meals provided: dinner, snacks, hot drinks

  • Day 4

    5.5 miles, 185’ elevation gain or less

    Today we can sleep in a bit, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and make our way down to Yosemite Valley following the JMT. It will be all downhill from here!

    Arriving back to our cars late afternoon, we’ll have plenty of time to take some final photos and say our “see you laters.”

    Meals Provided: snacks

What’s Included

  • Professional guides

  • 4:1 client to guide ratio or less, with a max group size of 4 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

  • Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point

  • Transfers to and from trailheads

  • Park entrance fees where required

  • Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks

  • Guide gratuities

  • Personal items

Activity, Fitness & Skills

  • This trip is rated Intermediate+ [4]. 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 ~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

Backpackers Campground - Yosemite Valley, 1 night

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.

  • 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 775-230-7125 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.

Your event does require a certain minimum number of participants to run. Don’t worry though, our group size is naturally quite small to keep it special and relaxing experience so the minimum booking requirement is also lower than other guide services.

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.

Booking airfare?

If you are flying in for this trip, please contact us before booking airfare to make sure that your trip is confirmed. We require a minimum number of participants to operate.

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.

Cancellation & Refund Policy