Guided Half Dome Backpacking Adventure

from Yosemite Valley

Spend three unforgettable days backpacking from Yosemite Valley to Half Dome with expert local guides, permits included, small groups and unforgettable High Sierra camping.

Half Dome is one of the world's iconic hikes, but the best way to experience it isn't as a 17-mile sprint from the Valley floor.

Spending two nights in the Yosemite wilderness changes everything.

You'll hike the legendary Mist Trail, camp beneath towering granite walls in Little Yosemite Valley, and hike the cables early the next morning before the biggest crowds arrive.

✓ Half Dome Permits Include

✓ Small Groups

✓ Cooked Breakfast & Dinner Included

✓ Backpacking Gear Available

✓ 1:1 Planning Call

✓ Yosemite Expert Guides

At Alpinistas Adventures, we focus on delivering a better Half Dome experience—not just getting you to the summit.

We keep our groups intentionally small, with no more than six guests per guide, allowing us to move efficiently while providing the personal attention, coaching, and support that larger operators simply can't.

This isn't about checking a box.

It's about experiencing Half Dome the way it was meant to be experienced: moving through Yosemite's backcountry with expert local guides, waking beneath the granite, and earning one of the most memorable summits in North America.

Half Dome Backpacking from Yosemite Valley

  • 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

Half Dome & Wilderness Permits

1

Professional Backpacking Guide, Wilderness First Responder Certified

2

Backpacking Trips: Filtered Water, Dinners and Breakfasts

3

Group Gear: Tents, Mattress Pad, Stove, Bear Can, Trekking Poles, Water Filtration

4

5% of Every Trip Donated Back to Yosemite National Park

5

  • “I had a really great time on this trip. I need a reset weekend, and I found that even though I was with strangers, it wasn't overwhelming. Our guide, Sarah, was incredibly knowledgeable about the park as well, providing tidbits of history and trivia as we went along. She was also really great company at the campground. I would definitely do this again and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a solo adventure.”

    - Esther A

  • “I had a great time hiking and getting to know other women in the group. Our guide was great, friendly, supportive, and funny. She managed to get the last atom of energy from us on the hikes!”

    - Ranka

  • “I had an amazing time meeting like minded women! The hikes were challenging and it was great having an experienced guide with us ! I loved having the camp set up with very comfortable cots, great meals, s’mores around the camp fire and great comraderie with the other guests and the camp mom and guide! Highly recommend this fun filled adventure.”

    - Kathi P

Is this trip right for you?

This is an advanced backpacking adventure designed for hikers with a strong fitness base. You'll cover approximately 17 miles over three days, carrying a backpack weighing about 30–40 pounds. Our longest backpacking day is roughly 6 miles with about 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Half Dome summit day is completed with daypacks only, making the climb more enjoyable.

We want every guest to have a successful and enjoyable experience, so we require participants to prepare before the trip. We'll provide training recommendations, gear guidance, and are happy to discuss whether this adventure is a good fit during your complimentary planning call.

Yosemite ranges from approximately 4,000 feet in elevation to 8,839 feet at the summit of Half Dome. If you're traveling from sea level, we recommend arriving a day early to begin acclimating and staying well hydrated before your adventure.

Accommodations

Backcountry camping, 2 nights

Individual tents and air mattresses are provided complimentary.

You may join us the night before the trek begins at the Backpackers Campground in Yosemite Valley.

Not Included

  • Park entrance fees where required

  • Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks

  • Guide gratuities

  • Personal items

Choose Your Departure Below ‍

✔ Half Dome permits included

✔ Cooked Breakfast & Dinner included

✔ Rental gear available

✔ Flexible payment plans available

  • July 10 - 12, 2026 Waitlist

    July 29 - 31, 2026 SOLD OUT

  • August 1 - 3, 2026 SOLD OUT

    August 12 - 14, 2026 SOLD OUT

  • September 3 - 5, 2026 $1495 Book Now

  • October 8 - 10, 2026 - $1495 One Spot Left BOOK NOW

  • Reserve your spot on a Half Dome Backpacking Itinerary in Summer 2027.

    At checkout, select your preferred 15 day slot over the summer.

    We confirm your exact trip dates inside that window once wilderness permits are secured.

    Prebook Summer 2026

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.

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.

Book Your Planning Call

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).

  • 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 30 lbs into and out of camp.

Upgrade at checkout and select Porter to add to your reservation.

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.

  • Full policy.

    We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect against your investment.

Why Choose Alpinistas Adventures?

Authentic Yosemite Experience – We are based in the Sierra with authentic local knowledge, unlike global travel companies.

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.