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 (Early season is best)
Number of Days: 4 Days
Total Miles: 21
Elevation Gain Loss:
Difficultly: Moderate - if you do Half Dome nerve racking!
Trip Departure: 8am
Trip Return: 5pm

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

Cost:
4 Day - $849 per person

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

On this unforgettable backpacking trip you will experience the sub-alpine beauty of Tuolumne Meadows, delight in the mist of thunderous waterfalls hundreds of feet high and camp beneath the pines alongside the Merced River in Little Yosemite Valley. This is a truly spectacular adventure in some of North America's most outstanding backcountry!

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. Our first stop will be a warm-up hike and introduction to Yosemite. Lembert Dome is perhaps the premier feature in the Tuolumne Meadows area. This 3-mile loop hike to the top of the smooth granite dome will give you the chance to stretch your legs, breathe in the crisp mountain air and survey the grandeur of Yosemite's high country. Next we continue our drive down into the awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley where we will spend our first night in cozy tent cabins. If time allows, we will drive through the Valley for an opportunity to see a few of the incredible waterfalls and giant, granite walls that personify Yosemite. After dinner, we will finalize our packing for our backpacking trip and answer any lingering questions. (3-5 miles) (L) (D)

Day 2:
After breakfast we will begin our 4.8 mile hike along the well-known John Muir Trail to Little Yosemite Valley where we will setup a base camp for 2 nights. Along the way we will pass 320ft Vernal Falls and 600ft Nevada Falls as they cascade down the Giant Staircase. 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) (B) (L) (D)

Day 3:
Today we leave the packs behind and climb Half Dome. It's up along Sunrise Creek to start, and then you'll leave the creek behind, take in views of Basket Dome, North Dome, and Clouds Rest, and work your 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 to camp. (6 miles)(B) (L) (D)

Day 4:
After a relaxing morning we will pack up and descend to our starting point in Yosemite Valley. Along the way you will have a chance to reflect, as you are serenaded by the rushing Merced River, passing waterfall after waterfall. Once in Yosemite Valley we will enjoy lunch before parting ways. (5 miles) (B) (L)