Day Hiking
Day Hiking Options
Hiking Length:
Half or Full Days
Group Size:
1-12 guests
Trip Difficulty:
Easy- Challenging
Price:
$125 partial day (up to 4 hours)
$250 full day (up to 8 hours)
$300 Half Dome (10-14 hours)
Trip Dates:
Availability through 2025
Partial Day Hike Options
Tuolumne Grove Hike
(Trail starts at Big Oak Flat Road)
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Begin your adventure at the Tuolumne Grove trailhead, located off Big Oak Flat Road at 6,100 feet elevation. This serene hike descends gently into a forest of ancient sequoias, including the famous Tunnel Tree, a hollowed-out giant you can walk through! Towering up to 200 feet tall, these majestic trees create a peaceful, awe-inspiring atmosphere. After exploring the grove, the trail loops back with beautiful forest views—a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and tranquility.
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Distance: 2.7 miles (out & back)
Elevation gain: 630 feet
Average time: 2 hours
Taft Point to Sentinel Dome
(Trail starts at Glacier Point Road)
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Begin your hike at Glacier Point Road, 7,200 feet above Yosemite Valley. Start at Taft Point, where stunning views of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls await. Don’t miss The Fissures—narrow granite fractures with dramatic 2,000-foot drops. Along the way, pause at Roosevelt Point for breathtaking scenery before scrambling up Sentinel Dome. At the summit, enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view of Yosemite’s iconic landscapes—a truly unforgettable adventure!
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Distance: 5.1 miles total (loop)
Elevation gain: 1,100 feet
Average time: 3 to 4 hours
Illilouette Falls via Panorama Trail
(Trail starts at Glacier Point Road)
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Start your hike at Glacier Point Road, 7,200 feet above Yosemite Valley. The trail begins with a scenic ascent through meadows and forests, bursting with summer wildflowers. Enjoy breathtaking views of Half Dome, Mount Clark, and the Sierra Nevada peaks as you make your way to Illilouette Falls. Listen to the roar of cascading water and take in the serene beauty of this hidden gem. For an extra treat, hike 0.7 miles further to Panorama Point, one of Yosemite’s best viewpoints. This peaceful adventure offers stunning scenery and a chance to escape the crowds.
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Distance: 5.2 miles total (out & back)
Elevation gain: 1,400 feet
Average time: 3 to 4 hours
Full Day Hike Options
Vernal to Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail
(Trail starts at the valley floor)
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Embark on a stunning hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls via Yosemite’s iconic Mist Trail. Starting at the Happy Isles trailhead, this popular route takes you through lush forests and alongside the roaring Merced River. The first highlight is Vernal Falls, where water plunges 317 feet into a granite basin below. Be ready for a refreshing mist as you ascend the stone steps, especially in spring and early summer!
Continuing upward, the trail leads to Nevada Falls, a breathtaking 594-foot cascade with panoramic views of the surrounding granite peaks and the valley below. The steep ascent provides both a rewarding challenge and unforgettable scenery. Take time to marvel at the power of the waterfalls and the natural beauty around you.
Combining adventure, natural splendor, and a great workout, the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls is an essential Yosemite experience for nature lovers and hikers alike.
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Distance: 6.4 miles total (loop)
Elevation gain: 2,200 feet
Average time: 4.5 to 5.5 hours
Upper Yosemite Falls Trail
(Trail starts at the valley floor)
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Experience one of Yosemite’s most iconic hikes on the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, a challenging yet rewarding trek to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall. Starting near Yosemite Village, the trail ascends steeply through forested switchbacks, offering stunning vistas of Yosemite Valley and chances to spot wildflowers and wildlife.
As you climb, the sound of rushing water guides you closer to the falls. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and surrounding peaks. Witnessing Upper Yosemite Falls cascade 1,430 feet into the valley below is a truly unforgettable experience.
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Distance: 6.6 miles total (out & back)
Elevation gain: 3,350 feet
Average time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours
Four Mile Trail
(Trail starts at the valley floor)
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Embark on one of Yosemite's most rewarding hikes with the Four Mile Trail. This challenging trek takes you from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, offering sweeping vistas and diverse landscapes along the way. Starting near Sentinel Rock, the trail climbs steadily, providing stunning views of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome.
As you ascend, you'll pass through granite outcrops and shaded forests, with opportunities to spot wildlife and seasonal wildflowers. At the summit, Glacier Point rewards you with panoramic views of Yosemite's iconic granite domes, waterfalls, and peaks—a fitting end to this strenuous but breathtaking hike.
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Distance: 9.7 miles total (out & back)
Elevation gain: 3,420 feet
Average time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours
Half Dome Full Day Hike
Via the cables
(Trail starts at the valley floor)
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Rise and shine—it’s an early start at 4 AM from Curry Village as we set out on one of Yosemite’s most epic hikes! This full-day adventure takes us up the Mist Trail, past thundering waterfalls, through high-country granite, and up the famous Half Dome cables before looping back down via the John Muir Trail.
We’ll start by hiking alongside the Merced River, climbing stone steps up the Mist Trail as Vernal Fall roars beside us—expect to get a little (or a lot) wet, especially in spring! From there, we continue up to Nevada Fall, where the views really start to open up. After a steady climb through Little Yosemite Valley, we’ll tackle the switchbacks leading to Subdome, where things start to feel real.
Then comes the final push—the Half Dome cables. This is where adrenaline kicks in as we carefully make our way up the steep granite face, pulling ourselves up with the help of metal cables. The reward? A jaw-dropping 360-degree view from the summit that makes every step worth it.
After soaking it all in, we’ll descend via the John Muir Trail, which offers sweeping valley views and a slightly gentler route back. It’s a long, tough day, but trust me—this hike is one for the books.
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Distance: 17 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 4,800 feet
Average Time: 10-14 hours
Half Dome is no ordinary hike—it’s a tough climb that demands endurance, strategy, and a bit of grit. From knowing when to start to pacing yourself for the final push up the famous cables, there’s a lot to consider. That’s where we come in!
Hiking with us means you don’t have to stress about logistics—we handle it all. From water filter spots to setting the right pace, we’ll make sure you’re prepared for success. Rachel has guided 300+ people up the cables, summiting 30+ times herself. And for extra inspiration—Garet has climbed the face of Half Dome in a single day!
Interested in a hike that’s not listed? Just let us know! With extensive experience on trails all throughout the park, we’re excited to share more than just the highlights. We know plenty of hidden gems and can design a custom partial or full-day hike to explore some of our favorite spots. Whatever your interests and skill level, we’ll tailor an adventure that’s perfect for you!
Trip Pricing & Cancellation Policy
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Partial Day (up to 4 hours)
1 person: $125
2+ people: $100 per person
Full Trips (up to 8 hours)
1 person: $250
2+ people: $225 per person
Half Dome (10-14 hours)
$300: per person
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More than 7 days before departure: Full refund minus a $50 administrative fee.
7 days or less before departure: No refunds available.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about this policy!
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!
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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.
Provided by you (required)
Day backpack (10-30L)
Water bottles or water bladder (2 L minimum)
Appropriate hiking attire & layers
Sunscreen & Chapstick
Lunch
Gear Provided by Sierra Soul
Group first aid kit
Group Water Filter
Snacks (partial & full day)
You might also consider (optional)
Trekking poles
Camera