Backpacking

SUMMIT HALF DOME & CLOUDS REST

WOMEN’S BACKPACKING ADVENTURE

From Tioga Road

Trip Length: 3 Days/2 Nights

Group Size: 2 - 5

Pre-Booking 2025 Dates

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Save Up to 10% on this trip with Alpinistas Star Rewards.

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 four days and three 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

October 11 - 13, 2024

2025 Dates

2025 permits will begin to be released in Spring 2025. You may pre-book your spot now and save. Your pre-booking will allow you to choose the preferred month of travel but you will also have the option to choose another month. Once the permits are issued by Yosemite National Park, we’ll confirm your travel dates.

Pre-booking must be paid in full and standard refund rates apply.

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

Optional First Night

You have the option to stay at the Backpackers Campground the night before.
The next morning you will depart Curry Village together on the shuttle up Tioga Road to the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead where your backpacking adventure will start.
Day 1

Up to 8 miles, 800’ elevation gain
Welcome to the start of our exciting backpacking adventure in Yosemite!
Our journey begins after shuttling up in the morning to Cathedral Lakes Trailhead! 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
Day 2

Up to 9 miles, 800’ 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
Day 3

Up to 10 miles, 1900’ 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
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 [3]. 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

Optional 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