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