Half Dome Backpacking
$1,350
Itinerary
Day 1- Welcome Night & Orientation
Our adventure begins in stunning Yosemite National Park. We’ll gather at 4:00 PM at the Yosemite Backpacker’s Campground, where you’ll meet your guides. For co-ed trips, Rachel and Garet will lead together, while women’s-only trips will be guided by Rachel and Adele. Please plan for extra travel time, as traffic in Yosemite Valley can often be unpredictable.
After a thorough trip orientation and gear check, we’ll organize our packs, distribute group gear (8-10 lbs), pack snacks, and assemble hygiene kits. Once we’ve finalized our preparations, we’ll sit down for a delicious dinner at camp, creating the perfect atmosphere to relax and bond with one another. Dinner is included.
Day 2- Enjoy Breakfast & Hit the Trails
We’ll start the day with a fueling breakfast at camp and make sure our backpacks are packed and ready for the adventure ahead. Afterward, we’ll board the private shuttle by 9:00am to Mono Meadow trailhead on Glacier Point Road, the gateway to our backpacking adventure. This scenic shuttle ride lasts about an hour. Shuttle included.
Embarking on our backpacking adventure, we will trek through beautiful ponderosa pine forests, treating ourselves to stunning views of granite rocks along the way. Our campsite will be nestled by the serene Illilouette Creek, providing ample opportunities for a refreshing swim. Feel free to bring a bathing suit or clean your hiking attire! As the day winds down, I'll whip up a delicious dinner, setting the stage for an early night in preparation for our exciting day ahead!
Distance: 4.1 miles
Elevation gain & loss: +370, -1,500 feet
Day 3- Half Dome Cable Sunset Summit
Gear up for an exhilarating and highly rewarding day as we tackle the iconic Half Dome cables! Our day will kick off with an early sunrise breakfast, followed by efficiently packing up our campsite. Our journey will take us on a scenic hike of approximately 6.2 miles to our next campsite at Little Yosemite Valley.
Distance: 6.2 miles to Little Yosemite Valley camp
Elevation gain & loss: +1,400, -1,300 feet
Upon reaching Little Yosemite Valley, we'll efficiently set up camp before indulging in a leisurely lunch alongside the serene Merced River.
Our mid-afternoon journey to ascend Half Dome will be made with only day packs, setting the stage for a sunset summit that promises unforgettable views. Opting for this timing ensures we beat the crowds, eliminating the need to navigate the cables in the dark. Rest assured, we'll complete the cable section and return to the dirt trail well before nightfall, a strategic choice for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Distance: 7 miles roundtrip from camp
Elevation Gain: +2,700 feet, -2,700 feet
Total Day 2 distance: 13.2 miles roundtrip from camp
Total Day 2 elevation gain & loss: +4,100 feet, -4,000 feet
Day 4- John Muir Trail & Last Day
In the morning, we'll savor breakfast and coffee to celebrate our Half Dome achievement. After packing up camp, our journey concludes by backpacking down the John Muir Trail (JMT) to Happy Isles Trailhead where our cars are parked. We will enjoy lunch together at the Pizza Deck. Additionally, we'll wrap up by returning group gear and organizing our belongings. Expect the day to conclude by mid-afternoon. Lunch is included.
Distance: 6.0 miles
Elevation Gain: +250 feet, -3,000 feet
Total trip mileage: 23.3 miles
Total elevation gain: 4,720 feet
Total elevation loss: 8,500 feet
Sample Menu
At Sierra Soul Adventures, food is one of our biggest passions, and we believe great meals make great adventures! When you join one of our backpacking trips, you can expect delicious, thoughtfully prepared meals that go far beyond the standard dehydrated bagged backpacking meals. We craft hearty, satisfying dishes designed to fuel your journey and elevate your wilderness experience. From fresh ingredients to creative recipes, our meals are a highlight of every trip, giving you a taste of home-cooked comfort in the backcountry.
Breakfast- Loaded Oatmeal Bowl
Fresh cinnamon-maple apples, coconut flakes, walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, and almond butter, served with hot sausage and french-pressed coffee.
Lunch- Charcuterie Board
A variety of meats, cheeses, dried fruits, fig jam, fresh veggies, hummus, chocolate, and other surprises. A guest favorite for good reason!
Dinner- Bowtie Pesto Pasta
A flavorful blend of bowtie pasta tossed in rich pesto sauce, topped with chicken, parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Snacks-
Snacks are provided throughout each day to keep you energized. Each guest will pack their own snacks from our provided selection before hitting the trail, and a shared group snack will also be offered daily.
*All dietary preferences and allergies are happily accommodated to ensure every guest enjoys delicious meals on the trail.
Trip Pricing & Cancellation Policy
Trip Pricing:
$1,350 (per person)
A refundable deposit of $250 is required at the time of booking to secure your spot.
Full payment is due 60 days before your departure date.
Please note that this trip does not include flights, travel expenses, or other accommodations. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation and lodging outside of the guided itinerary.
If you’d like to arrange a payment plan, just mention it in your guest trip form, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Cancellation Policy:
91+ days prior to departure: Full refund of your deposit.
61 to 90 days prior to departure: Loss of $250 deposit.
31 to 60 days prior to departure: 50% of the trip cost is non-refundable.
0 to 30 days prior to departure: No refunds available.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about this policy!
2025 Dates Available
We are currently applying for permits for trips running from June through mid-October. Trip dates will be added once permits are secured, typically about five months before each departure. Sign up using the link below to be notified as soon as 2025 dates become available.
July 3-6th
August 21-24th
Meet your Guides!
Rachel and Garet share a deep bond rooted in their love for each other, beautiful places, and the spirit of adventure. Together, they founded Sierra Soul Adventures to share their passion and create meaningful, empowering experiences for others.
Rachel will lead all backpacking trips, with Garet joining the co-ed adventures. For women’s-only trips, Rachel will be joined by her dear friend and former REI co-guide, Adele Jankauskas, whose expertise and enthusiasm bring even more warmth and camaraderie to these empowering experiences.
Fun fact: Rachel has guided over 300 guests on more than 30 successful ascents of the Half Dome cables!
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Rachel brings nearly a decade of experience in the outdoor industry, including almost ten years with REI, where she honed her guiding and outdoor education expertise. Specializing in custom backpacking adventures, Rachel is dedicated to teaching the technical skills that empower you to confidently explore the backcountry on your own. She is a certified Wilderness First Responder with nine years of experience, prioritizing safety and risk management in all her trips. Known for her warmth and approachable nature, Rachel has a unique ability to connect with people, always offering a helping hand and a friendly smile. In recognition of her exceptional skills, Rachel was honored as 2023 Guide of the Year.
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Garet, a California native, brings nearly a decade of experience exploring trails, sleeping under the stars, and empowering others to connect with the wilderness. With a strong rock climbing background and hundreds of overnight adventures under his belt, Garet has the expertise, confidence, and countless stories to make your backpacking trip unforgettable. A certified Wilderness First Responder, Garet is dedicated to safety and ensuring that every adventure is both enjoyable and risk-conscious. For Garet, the only thing better than being in the outdoors is sharing its beauty and wonder with others.
Gear List
You are responsible for covering all flights, travel, accommodations, and some gear. Please review the gear list carefully, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or are interested in gear rentals.
Provided by you (required)
Backpacking backpack (55-75L)
Backpacking tent (1- 2 person)
Sleeping bag (15º-30º)
Sleeping Pad
Water bottles or water bladder (3L minimum)
Bowl, Spork, Mug
Daybackpack (lightweight)
Hiking tops (short or long, we love sun hoodies)
Sleep wear
Hiking Pants
Rain jacket
Down and/or Fleece jacket
Hiking shoes or boots
Hat & Beanie
Sunscreen & Chapstick
Prescription meds
Trowel
Pack cover
Gear Provided by Sierra Soul
Bear Canister
Group first aid kit
Group Cooking Gear
Stoves & Fuel
Group Water Filter
Gloves for Half Dome Cables
You might also consider (optional)
Trekking poles
Camp towel
Camp shoes
Backpacking chair or sit pad
Book