THESE DATES ARE FILLING FAST:
July 29-Aug 2: 5 spots left | Click here to see all available dates
July 29-Aug 2: 5 spots left
Click here to see all available dates
HALF DOME
& CLOUDS REST
CONQUER YOSEMITE’S
TWO GREATEST SUMMITS
We’ll bring the permit, meals, gear, and expert guide
Stand higher. Go farther. Experience Yosemite like few ever do. Traverse the whole park, stopping at two famous summits. Hike across Clouds Rest, so high that Half Dome lies far beneath you. Then climb the daring Half Dome cables to stand proudly at the top. Let’s make your next visit to Yosemite epic!
- 5 Days
- 29 Miles
- Strenuous
Got questions? Contact us!
Price: $2,095
Just a $400 deposit to book!
2026 DATES
Sep 8-12 1 spot left
Yosemite grants permits five months in advance.
Dates may slightly shift until permit is granted.
CONQUER TWO EPIC PEAKS
CONQUER TWO
EPIC PEAKS
You’re ready to backpack to Half Dome, but Yosemite is vast, and you want to see as much as you can along the way. There’s so much wilderness to explore, and on this epic traverse, you’ll cross the entire park!
On The Journey to Half Dome and Clouds Rest, you’ll start in Yosemite’s remote high country, camping beside picturesque alpine lakes nestled beneath towering peaks. Each day, you’ll draw closer to your goal, watching Half Dome appear nearer on the horizon. Along the way, you’ll summit the breathtaking Clouds Rest, the park’s most striking viewpoint. For the grand finale, you’ll use the famous cables to climb to the top of Half Dome.
This epic trek lets you experience Yosemite like few ever do. Remote lakes, rugged high country trails, and the awe-inspiring Clouds Rest make the journey leading to Half Dome just as unforgettable as the summit itself.
ADVENTURE ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Meet your guide in Yosemite Valley
Explore Yosemite’s front country on your own, then meet your guide in the early evening at Curry Village. After a warm welcome, you’ll review your gear together, finish packing, and get ready for the big adventure ahead.
Tonight, you’ll stay in the backpackers’ campground, a peaceful spot tucked beneath towering granite cliffs. With your guide’s help, you’ll learn how to set up your tent and build a campfire. Spend the evening dipping into Tenaya Creek or playing cards with your new trail friends while your guide prepares a hot dinner.
As the light fades across the valley walls, crawl into your cozy tent beneath a blanket of stars, excited to know your Yosemite trek is only just beginning!
.5 miles
DAY TWO
Camp at Cathedral Lakes
Awaken to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a hot breakfast. Today, we’ll take a scenic shuttle winding up Tioga Road into Yosemite’s high country, where the true adventure begins.
At Cathedral Lakes Trailhead, you step into the wilderness. Hiking through a serene forest, jagged Cathedral Peak towers above the treetops. Look closely, and you might spot tiny climbers making their way to the summit!
Below this twisted granite giant lie the calm blue waters of the two Cathedral Lakes. We’ll head to the shore and set up camp, then swim, wander to nearby viewpoints, snap photos of the peak reflecting on the water, or simply relax and soak in the scenery.
As the day winds down, your guide will prepare a delicious dinner before leading you to a hidden viewpoint behind the lake. Most hikers don’t venture this far! Here, the sunset ignites the sky in a blaze of color. Peer over Tenaya Canyon and far into Yosemite Valley, with Half Dome rising in the distance, daring you onward.
As night falls, watch the stars appear in the sky, then slip into your tent enveloped by the silence of Yosemite’s wilderness.
3.5 miles +1,000 ft | -275 ft
DAY THREE
Camp at Sunrise Lakes
Hike deeper into the heart of Yosemite’s remote backcountry. As you wind through the Sierra’s rugged peaks and wide open meadows, you’ll be glad you joined this five day trek, giving you the chance to explore the park’s wildest corners before reaching Half Dome.
Pause for lunch on a sunlit boulder in a meadow. Keep your eyes peeled. You might spot a bear wandering out from the woods or a family of deer crossing the open expanse.
At Sunrise Lakes, you’ll set up your tent and go for a swim. This evening, your guide will lead you to another hidden viewpoint that few people ever discover. Perched on rocks along the mountainside, you’ll gaze across a wild landscape, spotting Half Dome in the distance. It’s closer now than ever!
As the sun sets, Half Dome glows orange before fading into darkness. You warm yourself by a crackling fire at camp. As you drift off to sleep, your mind wanders to tomorrow’s big summit. Clouds Rest awaits!
7 miles +1,100 ft | -1,000 ft
DAY FOUR
Summit Clouds Rest
This morning, excitement electrifies camp. It’s time to tackle Clouds Rest! Hike along trails dotted with wildflowers. As you climb higher, the trees thin and give way to sweeping views.
Follow your guide across a knife-edge of rock, with dizzying drops on either side. From this vantage point, the sheer scale of Yosemite’s wilderness leaves you breathless.
At the summit of Clouds Rest, you’ve reached Yosemite’s most spectacular viewpoint. Take your time exploring the intricate panorama of a wild, untamed sea of mountain peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. Spot Half Dome below you, finally within reach! Your guide captures photos of you standing triumphantly on Clouds Rest with Half Dome in the background. This is a view you’ll never forget.
In the afternoon, you descend a long trail into the forest and set up camp beside a peaceful creek. Tonight, sleep may come slowly because anticipation is in the air. Tomorrow is the grand finale of your adventure. We’ll hike to the top of Half Dome!
7.5 miles +1,400 ft | -3,700 ft
DAY FIVE
Summit Half Dome & Hike Mist Trail
Wake up before sunrise, ready for a challenging and thrilling day. We’ll stash our heavy gear in the woods, carrying only what we need to summit Half Dome.
Hiking through the morning light, Half Dome towers ahead. At the famous cables, the steepness of the climb becomes clear, but don’t worry! Your guide will show you how to climb safely and confidently. With the encouragement of your new trail friends, you’ll reach the top.
At the summit, you’re greeted with sensational views that leave you speechless. There are mountains for miles in every direction. You stand on the famous lookout point while your guide takes your photo. Looking out over the surrounding peaks, you reflect on your incredible achievement. You just conquered Half Dome!
The hike back to civilization is long, yet beautiful. Descend the world-famous Mist Trail, walking alongside the roaring Vernal and Nevada Falls. If you feel daring, lean over the brink of the waterfall and watch the water tumble down into the canyon below.
Finally, back in Yosemite Valley, you say goodbye to your new friends. You just hiked across Yosemite’s wilderness and conquered Half Dome. Though the adventure has ended, the pride and memories of your accomplishment will stay with you forever!
10.5 miles +2,100 ft | -5,100 ft
What kind of person is this trip for?
People who want a real challenge and a rewarding goal. If you see Half Dome and think, “I want to stand on top of that,” you’ll fit right in.
You don’t need backpacking experience, but you should be in good shape and excited to push yourself. Most hikers are solo travelers or small groups looking for a meaningful accomplishment, not just another hike!
How challenging is this trip?
This is a strenuous backpacking trip suitable for people who exercise regularly and enjoy challenging themselves. Expect steep elevation gain (2,000+ feet) while carrying a 30-40 lb pack.
If you can jog four miles, you’ll likely enjoy this trip.
Training is strongly recommended. You can prepare with 6 mile hikes with 2,000+ feet of elevation gain while carrying a weighted pack. Jogging, using a stairmaster, or treadmill at high incline is also effective.
Is the Half Dome permit included?
Yes, the Half Dome permit is included with your trip.
Yosemite releases permits about five months in advance. If you book more than five months ahead, your exact permit dates may still be pending. In that case, we’ll confirm final dates before you make any non-refundable travel plans (flights, lodging, etc.).
Will you guarantee I make it to the top?
No, summiting Half Dome cannot be guaranteed. Your guide will make every effort to reach the summit, but your safety always comes first. If weather conditions such as rain, lightning, or a developing storm make the cables unsafe, we will not continue and will choose an alternate route or destination.
Yosemite is typically sunny during the summer. Weather is rarely a limiting factor, and we plan summit attempts around the best available conditions.
What's included?
Accommodations
• 4 nights camping in tents
Yosemite Shuttle
• Scenic shuttle from parking lot to trailhead
Meals and Snacks
• All meals from the first night’s dinner to the last day’s lunch
• All snacks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and desserts!
Group Camping Gear
• Bear canisters, water filters, stove, cookware, first aid kit
• Individual tent for each client
• See Gear List
Wilderness Guide
• Professional local wilderness guide with a wilderness first responder certification
Half Dome Permit
• Permit to reach the top of Half Dome. (You do not need to get your own permit)
What's not included?
Transportation to Yosemite
• Adventurers take own car to reach meeting point
Personal Gear & Clothing
• Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack
• Personal clothing
• Gear rental available
Gratuity for Guides
• Most people tip 10% – 20% of the trip cost
Trip Insurance
• “Cancel for any reason” trip insurance recommended
Backcountry Evacuation
• Read Terms & Conditions for full evacuation policy
What gear do I need, and do you provide it?
Here is a link to the gear list. We also offer a gear rental option.
We want to make it easy for you to join the trip. If you don’t own backpacking gear, or prefer not to travel with it, you can choose our rental option and we’ll provide everything you need.
How do I get there? (Airport, car, parking...)
Fresno is the closest airport to Yosemite. Most people stay the night before and after the trip in Yosemite Valley, Oakhurst, or Fresno. You must fly in the day before your trip starts and fly out the day after it ends. We do not guarantee exact return times to the trailhead.
A car is required to reach the meeting point. Public transportation and taxis are not available in this area. Once inside Yosemite, parking is free for the duration of your trip, and no special parking pass is needed.
What dates are available?
Sep 8-12 1 spot left
What is your cancellation policy?
A $400 non-refundable deposit is due at booking. The remaining amount is due 90 days in advance of your trip start date.
• If you cancel your trip 61 or more days prior to trip departure, you will receive a full refund, excluding the non-refundable deposit, booking platform fee, and credit card processing fee.
• If you cancel your trip 31-60 days prior to trip departure, you will receive a 50% refund, excluding the non-refundable deposit, booking platform fee, and credit card processing fee.
• If you cancel your trip 0-30 days prior to trip departure, no refund is given.
• No refund is given for any unused portions of a trip.
Please make sure you read and understand the Terms & Conditions.
How do I contact you?
I’d be happy to answer your questions!
• Email: LamplightersAdventures@gmail.com
• Phone: (209) 336-3147
Backpack to Half Dome
4 days | strenuous
Yosemite’s classic backpacking trek. This is a bucket list adventure and a lifetime achievement! You’ll climb the Half Dome cables, hike past towering waterfalls, and swim in a wild river next to camp. This trip is as beautiful as it is thrilling!
Yosemite’s Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River
6 days | moderate
Follow the Tuolumne River as it courses through a beautiful gorge. Dive into swimming holes and splash under waterfalls right next to camp! Perfect for fun-lovers and free spirits, this is Yosemite’s most all-around fun trek!
North Rim Traverse:
Yosemite Falls & North Dome
4 days | strenuous
Backpack across Yosemite Valley’s rugged North rim. In a wilderness frequented by bears, camp on North Dome and reach the top of America’s tallest waterfall. This trip offers the most stunning views in all of Yosemite!
Backpack to Half Dome
4 days | strenuous
Yosemite’s classic backpacking trek. This is a bucket list adventure and a lifetime achievement! You’ll climb the Half Dome cables, hike past towering waterfalls, and swim in a wild river next to camp. This trip is as beautiful as it is thrilling!
Yosemite’s Grand Canyon
of the Tuolumne River
6 days | moderate
Follow the Tuolumne River as it courses through a beautiful gorge. Dive into swimming holes and splash under waterfalls… right next to camp! This journey is perfect for fun-lovers and free spirits!
SIMILAR ADVENTURES
Backpack to Half Dome
4 days | strenuous
Yosemite’s classic backpacking trek. This is a bucket list adventure and a lifetime achievement! You’ll climb the Half Dome cables, hike past towering waterfalls, and swim in a wild river next to camp. This trip is as beautiful as it is thrilling!
Yosemite’s Grand Canyon
of the Tuolumne River
6 days | moderate
Follow the Tuolumne River as it courses through a beautiful gorge. Dive into swimming holes and splash under waterfalls… right next to camp! This journey is perfect for fun-lovers and free spirits. It’s Yosemite’s most all-around fun trek!
North Rim Traverse:
Yosemite Falls & North Dome
4 days | strenuous
Backpack across Yosemite Valley’s rugged North rim. In a wilderness frequented by bears, camp on North Dome and reach the top of North America’s tallest waterfall. This remote journey offers the most stunning views in all of Yosemite!
