Half Dome Backpacking

Sign Up Here
tempImagewmULJJ.jpg
tempImagent3zPs.png
tempImagevsDpQj.png
Screen Shot 2024-10-01 at 2.56.35 PM.png
tempImageObVbbb.png
IMG_5009.jpg

Half Dome Backpacking Trip

Trip Length:

4 Days

Trip Difficulty:

Challenging

Group Size:

4-12 guests

Price:

$1,350/person

Trip Dates:

July 3-6th & August 21-24th

Trip Highlights

  • Summit one of Yosemite’s most iconic peaks via the legendary Half Dome cables route, timed for a peaceful, crowd-free sunset experience

  • Start your backpacking trip in a higher elevation with a private shuttle near Glacier Point Road, gaining early elevation and stunning views from the start

  • Hike the Panorama Trail, one of Yosemite’s most scenic routes, filled with waterfalls, granite cliffs, and epic vistas

  • Set up basecamp just three miles from Half Dome, making for a relaxed summit approach and restful wilderness camping

  • Guided by local experts who live inside the park and brings deep knowledge, calm guidance, and good energy to the trail

  • All meals & cooking included. We will even clean your dishes!

  • Learn essential backpacking skills like packing systems, navigation, Leave No Trace practices, and backcountry safety

  • Enjoy a supportive and empowering group atmosphere, where every hiker, regardless of experience, feels welcome and capable

Sign Up here

A Unique Way to Experience Half Dome

Summiting Half Dome is a true Yosemite bucket-list adventure, but we offer a route and experience that few others get to enjoy!

Our journey begins with a private shuttle that brings you high into the mountains near Glacier Point Road, allowing us to start the trek with stunning views and a big elevation gain already behind us. From there, we hike along the breathtaking Panorama Trail, one of the most scenic routes in all of Yosemite, passing waterfalls, granite domes, and sweeping vistas that most Half Dome hikers never see.

We’ll set up basecamp just three miles from Half Dome, giving us a peaceful wilderness camp and the chance to summit with fresh legs. We time our climb for sunset, when the trail is quiet and the crowds on the cables are long gone. You’ll have the summit nearly to yourself, an unforgettable experience few ever get.

Rachel has a 100% success rate on the cables for guests who attempt them, and for those who want an added layer of security, she also offers a via ferrata–style safety system. Whether this is your first big adventure or one of many, this experience is designed to be supportive, stunning, and worth every step.

  • Purpose-Driven Adventures

    Our trips are built to foster leadership, confidence, and resilience through immersive outdoor experiences.

  • Hands-On Learning

    Participants gain both technical skills (navigation, climbing, Leave No Trace) and life skills (teamwork, problem-solving, self-awareness).

  • Safety Standards

    All guides are certified Wilderness First Responders and AMGA-trained, with robust risk management protocols in place.

  • Inclusive & Accessible

    We welcome participants of all backgrounds and strive to make our trips accessible with gear support and a culture of belonging.

Itinerary

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Fresh cinnamon-maple apples, coconut flakes, walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, and almond butter, served with hot sausage and french-pressed coffee.

  • A variety of meats, cheeses, dried fruits, fig jam, fresh veggies, hummus, chocolate, and other surprises. A guest favorite for good reason!

  • A flavorful blend of bowtie pasta tossed in rich pesto sauce, topped with chicken, parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and sun-dried tomatoes.

  • 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.

Trip Pricing & Cancellation Policy

  • $1,350 per person

    Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your spot.

    Please note: This trip does not include flights, travel expenses, or accommodations outside of the guided itinerary. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation and lodging before and after the trip.

    If you'd like to discuss a payment plan, just mention it in your guest trip form—we’re happy to help.

    • More than 21 days before departure: Full refund minus a $100 administrative fee.

    • 21 days or less before departure: No refunds available.

    Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about this policy!

 
Sign up here

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. You can learn more about us here.

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 and Garet has climbed the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome in a single day!

  • 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.

  • 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)

Water bottles or water bladder (3L minimum)

Bowl, Spork, Mug

Day backpack (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

Backpacking tent (1- 2 person)- rentals available

Sleeping bag (15º-30º)- rentals available

Sleeping Pad- rentals available

Bear Canister

Group first aid kit

Group Cooking Gear

Stoves & Fuel

Group Water Filter

Harnesses for Half Dome Cables

Gloves for Half Dome Cables

You might also consider (optional)

Trekking poles

Camp towel

Camp shoes

Backpacking chair or sit pad

Book

  • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    "Rachel, the highlight of our trip for me was your reading of the Muir quote as our group stood together in Pelican Valley. I won’t remember the exact words you spoke, but I will never forget being counted worthy to hear them and the impact of hearing them in your voice in that glorious location. I’m so glad you were there to lead us and I can’t thank you enough for your generous spirit and positivity. Getting to know you was absolutely one of the best things about that fantastic trip. It gives me hope for the world that awaits my granddaughter when I meet a young woman like you. I hope you’ll continue to pursue your highest dreams and express your many gifts to their fullest as you explore the bright destiny that is before you and impact the world. Be well and keep doing good. I hope to see you again. "

  • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    "Your rating scale doesn't go high enough to rate Rachel. Despite inclement weather most of the trip, she was upbeat and positive the entire time and didn't let the weather get in the way of taking care of the guests and all the setup, cooking, clean-up, etc. Great cook, great guide, very strong hiker, and humble on top of all of it. Do all you can to keep her!"

  • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    "Rachel was WONDERFUL and a total ray of sunshine throughout our trip!! Her caring attitude and sense of humor added so much to our adventure. She was also a wealth of knowledge and generously shared about her experiences and insights from other trips she's led. I would definitely join a future trip with Rachel as a guide!!!"

  • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “Rachel was the reason I booked this trip after having a trip with her in Yosemite. She is an exceptional guide! She makes the trip fun and builds an incredible sense of community while also prioritizing safety and good stewardship for nature. She has an adventurous spirit that pushes you to push yourself. She is the model of what I would expect from an REI a guide. I plan to continue to explore REI trips because of her and hope to have her as a guide again.”

  •  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “I met Rachel on the Half Dome trip in June 2021 and I was so excited to learn that she was the lead guide for this Bechler River trip. She is super organized, detail-oriented, thoughtful, approachable, low-key and an easy communicator. Some very thoughtful touches included how the snacks were so organized in bins, decorative lights for camp for our Alpine Start morning, and attention to varied dietary needs. Rachel is also very knowledgable and comfortable in the backcountry and I felt very safe.”

  •  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “Rachel was fantastic! She shared daily/hiking expectations, tips, created high calorie/high protein "gourmet-like" meals that kept the group fueled up. She has years of outdoors experiences that she also shared that demonstrated her knowledge of outdoor survival and the area. Her bright attitude and infectious smile radiated at every challenging element of the excursion.”

  •  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    "In 2023, Rachel ushered me into the world of backpacking during a trip in northern Yellowstone.  I was blown away by her backcountry knowledge, sunny spirit, and thoughtful tailoring of the trip to participant needs - I was hooked!  My 2nd trip with Rachel and Sierra Soul was similarly outstanding, as she gave us the insider-view of Yosemite and many of the hidden gems along our route.  Rachel is now my go-to for any and all advice on Yosemite, gear, and backcountry cuisine!  I hope to make Sierra Soul an annual ritual and cannot wait for next season!"


  •  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    “I did a Half Dome trip with Rachel in 2024, and it was absolutely incredible! Rachel is extremely knowledgeable, reassuring, and kind. If you're considering a backpacking trip with her, definitely go for it. I will never forget sitting on the subdome and looking out over Yosemite, learning about the park, and getting the best night of sleep next to a stream!”