Half Dome Backpacking Tour
Overview
One word describes this "bang for your buck" guided 4-day Half Dome Backpacking Tour in Yosemite National Park: epic. Traverse a montage of remarkable scenery before ascending the iconic Half Dome. Camp along the scenic Merced River, pass by the roaring Nevada Fall and meander a portion of the famous John Muir Trail.
But the pinnacle of this guided backpacking adventure is the Half Dome summit, which has you climbing cables up a steep rock face. The adrenaline-induced climb will enhance the views of the green-tinged cliffs' layered in the valley below. You'll spend three nights backcountry camping on this wild adventure, so get ready to immerse in Yosemite's magnificent backyard!*Do note that there’s a 4-day option for this tour and the Length of itinerary is determined by permit availability. These permits are secured 24 (or less) weeks before the trip.
Half Dome Backpacking Tour Overview
One word describes this "bang for your buck" guided 4-day Half Dome Backpacking Tour in Yosemite National Park: epic. Traverse a montage of remarkable scenery before ascending the iconic Half Dome. Camp along the scenic Merced River, pass by the roaring Nevada Fall and meander a portion of the famous John Muir Trail.
But the pinnacle of this guided backpacking adventure is the Half Dome summit, which has you climbing cables up a steep rock face. The adrenaline-induced climb will enhance the views of the green-tinged cliffs' layered in the valley below. You'll spend three nights backcountry camping on this wild adventure, so get ready to immerse in Yosemite's magnificent backyard!*Do note that there’s a 4-day option for this tour and the Length of itinerary is determined by permit availability. These permits are secured 24 (or less) weeks before the trip.
Summit the incredible, the rugged Half Dome, which will have you using cables to climb a steep rock face to reach otherworldly views.
Enjoy refreshing dips in the “Wild and Scenic” Merced River after hours of hiking to magnificent vistas.
Spend three nights camping in Yosemite’s backcountry, where the flow of the river acts as a natural white noise.
Consume tasty backcountry meals in stunning locations, such as lunch atop Half Dome and dinners at your wild campsites.
Trip map for Half Dome Backpacking Tour
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Itinerary for Half Dome Backpacking Tour
Meet in Yosemite National Park
Head to Curry Village and check in sometime after 5 pm. At 6 pm, you’ll meet your guide and the rest of your group for a brief orientation. Enjoy dinner on your own tonight at one of the surrounding restaurants.
Mist Trail to Little Yosemite Valley
The trek begins at Happy Isles trailhead along the Merced River in Yosemite Valley (4000 ft). Following the Mist Trail, hikers ascend steep stairs through the mist of Vernal Fall. After drying off above the falls, the route passes Emerald Pool and Silver Apron, avoiding the treacherous waters. A final ascent leads to the scenic Nevada Fall, where Mount Broderick, Liberty Cap, Grizzly Peak, Panorama Cliffs, and Glacier Point dominate the view. After lunch, the journey continues to Little Yosemite Valley, where a campsite by the Merced River offers opportunities for swimming or relaxing in the pine-scented air. The evening ends with dinner and stories by the campfire, preparing for the next day's climb to Half Dome.
Day 3 Climb Half Dome
Consume a fulfilling breakfast before getting ready to summit the iconic Half Dome! After climbing the cables and once your adrenaline rush fades, the views of Yosemite high country will emerge into focus. It’s genuinely mesmerizing from the top! Enjoy lunch here before making your way back to camp. Once you’re back at camp, you can cool off in the Merced River.
Day 4 Hike the John Muir Trail
Today may be the last of your backpacking trip, but that doesn't mean the trail won't wind to more mesmerizing views—you get to travel a section of the iconic John Muir Trail along the bubbling Merced River. You will catch views of the Nevada and Vernal falls. Arrive back in Curry Village in the afternoon.
Reviews
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Dates and prices for Half Dome Backpacking Tour
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.
Prices below are per person:
| Start | Finish | Duration | Places Left | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025-09-20 Yosemite Valley 5 days / 2 Spaces Left | 2025-09-24 Yosemite Valley | 5 | 2 | $2,150USD | ||
2025-09-23 Yosemite Valley 4 days / 1 Spaces Left | 2025-09-26 Yosemite Valley | 4 | 1 | $1,750USD | ||
2025-09-30 Yosemite Valley 5 days / 2 Spaces Left | 2025-10-04 Yosemite Valley | 5 | 2 | $2,150USD | ||
2025-10-07 Yosemite Valley 4 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2025-10-10 Yosemite Valley | 4 | 5+ | $1,750USD | ||
2026-05-29 Yosemite Valley 4 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-06-01 Yosemite Valley | 4 | 5+ | $1,805USD | ||
2026-06-10 Yosemite Valley 4 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-06-13 Yosemite Valley | 4 | 5+ | $1,805USD | ||
2026-09-22 Yosemite Valley 4 days / 4 Spaces Left | 2026-09-25 Yosemite Valley | 4 | 4 | $1,805USD | ||
2026-09-29 Yosemite Valley 4 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-10-02 Yosemite Valley | 4 | 5+ | $1,805USD | ||
2026-10-06 Yosemite Valley 4 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-10-09 Yosemite Valley | 4 | 5+ | $1,805USD |
What’s included for Half Dome Backpacking Tour
Meals
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, and trail snacks along the route are included.
Accommodations
3 nights of camping are also included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Yosemite Valley are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Getting to and from the trailhead is not included.
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 in Yosemite Valley before or after the tour
Accommodation for Half Dome Backpacking Tour
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 to have a private room in a hotel.
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 Half Dome Backpacking Tour
How hard is the Half Dome Backpacking Tour?
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 the United States?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
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.
Are meals included on the Half Dome Backpacking Tour?
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 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.
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 Half Dome Backpacking Tour in English?
Yes, the tour guide speaks English.
Where does the Half Dome Backpacking Tour end?
The tour ends in Yosemite Valley (in Curry Village), California.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to the United States?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for the United States?
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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