Yosemite - Merced River/Half Dome

This memorable backpacking trip will expose you to all the aspects of Yosemite that make it world renowned as well as bringing you face to face with the park's most well-known feature, Half Dome!

Type of Trip: Backpacking/Camping
Dates: Late June-Early September
Number of Days: 4 Days
Total Miles: 30 miles without Half Dome, 38 with Half Dome
Elevation Gain Loss: 3175ft/968m without Half Dome; 4800ft/1463m with Half Dome
Difficultly: Moderate to strenuous - if you do Half Dome nerve racking!
Orientation: 10am the day of the hike.
Trip Departure: 11am
Trip Return: 5pm

(B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner

Cost:
4 Day - $950 per person

** This trip can be customized around different starting point and times**

On this unforgettable loop hike you will experience some of the most talked about scenery in all of Yosemite National Park; Merced River, Merced Lake, Little Yosemite Valley, Vernal and Nevada Falls and, of course, Half Dome. This is a truly spectacular adventure in some of North America's most outstanding backcountry! Our journey starts at the Happy Isles Trailhead, a very populated trailhead located in Yosemite's "Valley." We will walk the legendary Mist Trail, as well as, a small part of the famous John Muir Trail. Not too far in we will pass Vernal and Nevada Falls before staying the night in Little Yosemite Valley. Your guide will set up camp so you will have time to relax, fish or go for swim. The following day will be spent walking along the river until we reach the Echo Valley and Merced Lake. Following days are spent looping back via Sunrise Creek and if time and weather permit, summiting Half Dome.

Itinerary - The final itinerary may change due to weather or any unforeseen circumstance(s).

Day 1:
We will meet at a select location in Yosemite National Park at 10am. After a detailed orientation and fitting of equipment, you will follow the guide over the long term backpacker's parking lot where you can leave your car while on the hike. After catching a 10 minute shuttle bus ride to the trailhead, you will begin your journey. The first day will be spent hiking the Mist Trail and exploring the waterfalls (320ft Vernal Falls and 594ft Nevada Falls) that have given this trail its name. We will pass through forests of black oak and ponderosa pine as our trail heads relentlessly upward. There is good reason to stop and catch your breath often, as the views that unfold will leave you speechless. Atop Nevada Falls, the trail flattens as we tread the final mile to camp in Little Yosemite Valley. Drop your backpack, pat yourself on the back and relax as your guide sets up camp and prepares a delicious dinner. (5 miles/8k) (L) (D)

Day 2:
After a good night's rest and a breakfast prepared by your guide we will pack up camp and continue on with our journey. Today's hike will follow the Merced River before dumping us out into Echo Valley and Merced Lake, our home for the night. Some highlights along the way will include Bunnell Point, Merced Falls, Clark Canyon and swimming and relaxing at Merced Lake. If anyone would like to bring their own fishing equipment, this day would provide some time to try and land some trout. (9 miles/14.5k) (B) (L) (D)

Day 3:
After a night under the star filled sky, we pack up camp and start our trek towards Sunrise Creek and Moraine Dome. This is where you will spend your 3rd and final night. With our camp tucked below Clouds Rest and other granite domes we will enjoy some time away from the crowds. This shorter day will allow for a more relaxed start at Merced Lake or time to rest in the next camp for those that "think" they would like to summit Half Dome the following day. (7 miles/11.2k) (B) (L) (D)

Day 4:
With a very early start we will work our way towards Half Dome stashing our packs along the way, so we can travel up and down Half Dome with just the necessities. It's up along Sunrise Creek and then leaving the creek behind, we will take in views of Basket Dome, North Dome and Clouds Rest and work our way up to the base of the cables. Here you will gain the final 400 feet, and reach the top of Half Dome. Enjoy the 360 panorama from El Capitan to the colorful Clark Range and everything in between. After resting and drinking in the views we will retrace our steps back to our packs. From here we will continue on the historic John Muir Trail and back to Yosemite Valley. Whether you summit Half Dome or not, along the way you will have a chance to reflect, as you are serenaded by the rushing Merced River, passing waterfall after waterfall. (12 miles/19.5k if you do summit Half Dome) (B) (L)

**Notes about Half Dome- Your guide will have the final say whether he/she thinks it is a good idea to summit Half Dome. If we are running out of daylight or weather is moving in, it will be a NO go. You do not want to be on Half Dome with lightning in the area or when the rock is wet. Finally, summiting Half Dome is not for everyone, but this is still a great trip whether you do or do not summit.