SUMMIT HALF DOME

WOMEN’S BACKPACKING ADVENTURE

From Yosemite Valley

Trip Length

3 Days/2 Nights

From $1295 - $1495

Early dates are priced lower — book sooner, pay less.

2026 Dates

May 30 - June 1

June 13 - 15

September 3 - 5

Late September & October are still on pre-booking status until permits are released.

Trip Summary

Half Dome is not a bucket list item you check off. It's 17 miles round trip from the Valley floor, 4,800 feet of gain, and a cable ascent that requires you to actually show up prepared. We're here to get you to the top — and we will — but only if you come ready.

This three-day guided trip follows the Mist Trail from Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley, camps in the backcountry below the dome, and summits early on day two before the crowds hit the cables. Day three is all downhill back to the Valley.

Half Dome permits are among the most restricted in the National Park system. We hold them. You don't have to fight the lottery.

Group size is capped at 5 clients per guide. That's intentional as this isn't a tour, it's a small group moving at a real pace.

Highlights

  • 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

  • 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

Is This Trip For You?

You're ready if you can currently hike 6 miles with a 20–25lb pack without stopping to recover. You don't need to be an athlete. You do need to have trained.

This is rated Advanced. Prior backpacking experience is required. If you're newer to backpacking, our Beginner Backpacking trips are the right starting point.

Worried about pack weight? Porter service is available for $200. We carry the gear into camp — you carry a daypack to the summit.

2026 Dates

From $1295 - $1495

2026 Dates

May 30 - June 1

June 13 - 15

September 3 - 5

Late September & October are still on pre-booking status until permits are released.

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.

Women’s Half Dome Backpacking

  • Day 1

    Up to 6 miles, 3,000’ elevation gain or less

    Welcome to the start of our exciting backpacking adventure in Yosemite! Our journey begins in the morning near Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley! From there, we’ll hit the trail! Our route follows the amazing Mist Trail so we’ll be sure to leave ourselves plenty of time for photos. We’ll stop enroute for a breaks, and then make our way to Little Yosemite Valley.

    Meals provided: Dinner, snacks, hot drinks

  • Day 2

    Up to 7 miles, 2,700’ elevation gain or less

    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 for a big brunch and plenty of time to relax. 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: Breakfast, dinner, snacks, hot drinks

  • Day 3

    5.5 miles, 185’ elevation gain or less

    Today we can sleep in a bit, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and make our way back to the trailhead. It will be all downhill from here!

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

    Meals Provided: Breakfast, hot drinks, 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

Activity, Fitness & Skills

  • This trip is rated Advanced. Our longest day of backpacking is 6 miles with 3,000’ feet of elevation gain. Half Dome summit day will be with daypacks only, but it is a shorter day of miles uphill with only ~1,800 of gain. Participants will be carrying their own backpacks weighing 30-40 pounds.

  • To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we require that 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 ~4,000 feet. Our maximum elevation during the trip is the summit of Half Dome at 8839’. 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

2 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.

Not Included

  • Park entrance fees where required

  • Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks

  • Guide gratuities

  • Personal items

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 (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 access to your client portal that includes 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 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.

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

  • This trip is 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. Send us a message to find the dates that work for you.

  • Cancellation & Refund Policy

    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.