Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome Backpacking Trip
Overview
Explore the spectacular scenery sprawling across Yosemite National Park, view some wild wonders from up close as you snake along the various paths—including the famous John Muir Trail—and marvel at the staggering landscape layered below from atop Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome. That’s right, the 5-day guided Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome Backpacking Trip takes you to two of the most remarkable peaks in Yosemite.
To top it off, before hitting the trails, you’ll spend your first night in the outdoorsy, charming Curry Village with three nights of backcountry camping to follow.
Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome Backpacking Trip Overview
Explore the spectacular scenery sprawling across Yosemite National Park, view some wild wonders from up close as you snake along the various paths—including the famous John Muir Trail—and marvel at the staggering landscape layered below from atop Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome. That’s right, the 5-day guided Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome Backpacking Trip takes you to two of the most remarkable peaks in Yosemite.
To top it off, before hitting the trails, you’ll spend your first night in the outdoorsy, charming Curry Village with three nights of backcountry camping to follow.
Summit two of the most iconic peaks jetting high in Yosemite National Park: Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome.
Walk a portion of the famous John Muir Trail on your last day of hiking and pass by the scenic Merced River and roaring waterfalls.
Spend your first night of this tour in the outdoorsy, cozy Curry Village, which sits within Yosemite Valley.
Enjoy an unbeatable blend of backcountry meals and wild camping at three picturesque locations.
Trip map for Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome Backpacking Trip
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Itinerary for Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome Backpacking Trip
Head to Yosemite National Park
Go towards Yosemite Valley—via your own mode of transportation—and check into Curry Village sometime after 5 pm. Meet up with your guide and the rest of your group at 6 pm for a brief orientation at the Mountain Shop in Curry Village. After, you can enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in the area. Do note that you’re on your own for dinner.
Camp at Sunrise Lakes
Enjoy breakfast on your own before meeting up with your group at the Curry Village Mountain Shop nice and early—7:30 am. From here, you’ll leave your cars in the parking lot, hop into the free shuttle to move towards the trailhead, where your journey begins.
Ascend Cloud’s Rest
Enjoy a delicious backcountry breakfast before packing up camp and hitting the trail. Today you’ll ascend one of the two iconic summits of this trip: Cloud’s Rest, which stands tall at 9,926 feet. Admire the views of Half Dome (tomorrow’s ascent), Tuolumne High Country, and Tenaya Canyon from up high. Consume lunch in this ridiculously magical spot, and then descend to your camp at Sunrise Creek.
Hike up Half Dome
Get ready for an epic day of hiking! The path to Half Dome winds off the main trail, so you will drop your bags and hike the remainder with just your necessities. Soon you’ll reach the Cables Route, which will have your adrenaline pumping as you climb the steep rock face using only the cables for support. Breathe in the stunning views of the Sierra high country and Yosemite Valley. After you descend and meet back up with your bags, you’ll have a quick lunch and then head towards your campsite in Little Yosemite Valley.
Walk the John Muir Trail
Enjoy a final breakfast in the wild with your group before packing up camp and journeying back to Curry Village. Today, you’ll hike a portion of the John Muir Trail, meandering by Vernal and Nevada Falls and the incredibly scenic Merced River.
Reviews
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Dates and prices for Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome Backpacking Trip
This guided tour in the Sierra Nevada is always run as a fixed-departure tour where you would be joining a group, therefore the price is fixed and only depends on the number of people sharing the room or a tent.
The prices below are per person:
| Start | Finish | Duration | Places Left | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025-09-29 Yosemite Valley 5 days / 1 Spaces Left | 2025-10-03 Yosemite Valley | 5 | 1 | $2,055USD | ||
2026-07-13 Yosemite Valley 5 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-07-17 Yosemite Valley | 5 | 5+ | $2,115USD | ||
2026-07-26 Yosemite Valley 5 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-07-30 Yosemite Valley | 5 | 5+ | $2,115USD | ||
2026-08-03 Yosemite Valley 5 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-08-07 Yosemite Valley | 5 | 5+ | $2,115USD | ||
2026-08-15 Yosemite Valley 5 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-08-19 Yosemite Valley | 5 | 5+ | $2,115USD | ||
2026-09-06 Yosemite Valley 5 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-09-10 Yosemite Valley | 5 | 5+ | $2,115USD | ||
2026-09-28 Yosemite Valley 5 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-10-02 Yosemite Valley | 5 | 5+ | $2,115USD |
What’s included for Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome Backpacking Trip
Meals
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, and trail snacks along the route are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 1 night in Curry Village. 3 nights of wilderness camping are also included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Yosemite Valley are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
You are in charge of getting to trailhead, however, many shuttles in the park are free.
Also Included
- Guide
- Personal backpacking gear (per request), such as sleeping bags, backpack, sleeping pads, tents, trekking poles
- Group gear, such as stoves, group first aid kit, cooking items, water filters, etc.
- Hot coffee and tea in the mornings
Not Included
- Flights and transportation to get to and from Yosemite Valley
- Personal clothing and shoes
- Accommodations before and after the adventure tour in Yosemite Valley
- Personal expenses + gratuities (recommended 10-20% for excellent service)
- Evacuations
- Insurance
Optional Extras
- You can upgrade to a single occupancy in the hotel for an additional fee
- Extra night at Curry Village before or after the tour
Accommodation for Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome Backpacking Trip
This backpacking adventure will have you staying in a cozy luxurious campground one night. The specialty lodging has modern necessities that will keep you comfy and relaxed. Keep in mind that rooms are double occupancy, but you can always upgrade to single occupancy for an additional fee. Single travellers are also required to pay a supplement. You will spend the remaining 3 nights backcountry camping.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may be swapped for other similar accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $165 to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible. However, if there are no options, solo travellers will pay a supplement of $80.
Non-Standard Cancellation
- 64 days or more prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 50% of the total trip cost.
- Between 34 and 62 days prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 75% of the total trip cost.
- 33 days or less prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 100% of the total trip cost.
Frequently asked questions for Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome Backpacking Trip
How hard is the Cloud's Rest and Half Dome Backpacking Trip?
This tour is rated as 3 / 5, as it has you hiking moderate routes every day. You also need to be comfortable with camping in the wild for 3 nights. Please note that the ascent to Half Dome is very steep, and those who are afraid of heights might feel very uncomfortable here.
Do I need a Visa to travel to America?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Cloud's Rest and Half Dome Backpacking Trip?
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, and trail snacks along the route are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
When is the tour length being confirmed?
The tour length is being confirmed when permits for this tour are issued, which usually happens 23-24 weeks before the tour.
How do I get to Curry Village to start this tour?
You can fly to Fresno Yosemite International Airport. From Fresno, you can take the Yosemite Area Regional Transit System (YARTS) to get to Yosemite Valley. You can also drive to Curry Village.
Is the Cloud's Rest and Half Dome Backpacking Trip in English?
Yes, the tour guide speaks English.
Where does the Cloud's Rest and Half Dome Backpacking Trip end?
The tour ends in Yosemite Valley (in Curry Village), California.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to America?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for America?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to California for this tour?
The best time to travel to California for trekking is during the summer. This tour is available from June to September.
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