Trip Length: 5 Days/4 Nights

Group Size: 2-5

Co-ed group

June 20-25, 2024

$2195

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Trip Summary

Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit on the ULTIMATE Yosemite Backpacking Trip

Embark on an unforgettable journey designed exclusively for adventure folk who crave exploration, camaraderie, and breathtaking natural beauty. Join us on an awe-inspiring 5-day backpacking adventure through the heart of Yosemite National Park, where towering granite peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and pristine wilderness await. Meet your guide in Yosemite Valley, shuttle to Tuolumne Meadows and trek out through Rafferty Creek, Vogelsang and Half Dome. Led by experienced and passionate guides, this empowering expedition promises to be an experience of a lifetime.

This trip is open to all genders. Bring your friend, your significant other or brother!

Highlights

  • Travel through beautiful Tuolume Meadows through Vogelsang.

  • 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 folks

  • 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

What’s Included

  • Professional guides

  • 6:1 client to guide ratio or less, with a max group size of 6 clients

  • All breakfasts, dinners and hot beverages cooked by your guide

  • Tents, sleeping pad, bear canister (additional gear may be available or rented)

  • Group first aid kit

  • Water filtration

  • Group cooking gear and all eating dishes/utensils

  • Campsite

  • Permit fees

  • 5% back to the park

  • Special discount to shop at Alpinistas store

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Yosemite Rafferty Creek Backpacking + Half Dome Summit

Activity, Fitness & Skills

  • This trip is rated Intermediate+ [4]. Our longest day of backpacking is 8 miles with 2,000’ feet of elevation gain. Half Dome summit day will be with daypacks only, but is also a long day at 9 miles and 2,000’ elevation gain. 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 8600 feet. Our maximum elevation during the trip is the summit of Half Dome at 8839’. Though our first day is not particularly strenuous, 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, 4 nights

2 person tents are provided and will be shared with those that are bringing their +1s. Solo travelers will have the choice of using a single person tent or sharing a tent with another traveler. You may also bring your own tent.

The Yosemite Valley Backpackers Campground can be available to stay the night before and night after this itinerary, ask us for details after you book if interested.

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Not Included

  • Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point in Curry Village, Yosemite National Park.

  • Park entrance fees where required

  • Trip insurance

  • Lunches & snacks - some light snacks provided but nowadays, everyone’s preference on the trail is so different that we’ll leave it to you to bring your lunch.

  • Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks

  • Guide gratuities

  • Personal items such as toiletries, clothing, accessories, sleeping bag.

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.

Have questions about the gear list?

Give us a call at 775-230-7125 or send us a chat or email.

Helpful for booking

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