Yosemite Backpacking Trips

Backpacking - Half Dome - Itinerary

  • ABOUT THE TRIP:
    On this backpacking trip we'll have gone from passing the raging waterfalls of Vernal and Nevada, to meandering along the designated “wild and scenic”  Merced River, to standing atop Half Dome one of the most famous rocks in the world, to hiking along the renowned John Muir Trail, all in a long weekend.

    ACCOMMODATIONS:
    First night in the Curry Village tent cabins (shared occupancy) followed by two nights camping in tents. Curry Village ffacilities include showers, restrooms, nearby stores and restaurants.

    GROUP SIZE:
    2-12 participants with 1-2 guides.

    GRADE:
    Moderate- On- and off-trail hiking or backpacking on uneven terrain with modest to difficult climbs. These trips are up to five days in duration and the commitment level varies by trip.

    The cable route is the hiking trail to the summit of Half Dome. It gets its name from the cables put in place to assist hikers with the steep and smooth nature of the granite dome. Although this seems intimidating, people generally have an easy time with it.

    EQUIPMENT:
    SYMG will supply all needed personal (backpacks, sleeping bags, ground pads, tents) and group camping equipment requested on your registration form. There is no additional charge for this service. You may print from our web page a detailed gear list, directions, and this itinerary.

    MEALS:
    Meals begin with lunch the second day and are provided through breakfast and trail snacks the last day. Our "Backcountry Gourmet" meals have been acclaimed in Sunset Magazine.

    COST OF TRIP:
    $695.00 per person on group size of 4-12
    $795.00 per person on group size of 2-3
    Prices bases on shared lodging

    YOUR COST INCLUDES:
    Meals provided, camping gear, permits, accommodations and guide(s).

    NOT INCLUDED:
    Personal gear, dinner the night you arrive, tips for guides (10-20% of trip fee), transportation, optional trip cancellation insurance.

    PREPARATION:
    We recommend increasing your exercise routine in the month prior to the trip to increase your cardiovascular/aerobic ability. Hiking, with a backpack, preferably on hills and off pavement is excellent practice.

    Day 1:
    Check-in for Curry Village is at 5 pm. You will meet your guide(s) in front of the Yosemite Mountain Shop in Curry Village at 6pm for an orientation and gear check. Dinner is on your own. Choose from several nearby eateries.

    Day 2:
    After breakfast on your own, you will meet your guide in front of the Curry Village Mountain Shop at 7:30am. We’ll leave our cars here in the parking lot and take a short (10 min) shuttle to the Happy Isles Trailhead. From here, we’ll follow the Merced River to Little Yosemite Valley where we will make camp for the night. The Merced offers excellent swimming and fishing opportunities.

    Day 3:
    Beginning early in the morning, we'll eat breakfast then begin our hike to the summit of Half Dome At 8,847' above sea level Half Dome has spectacular views of the Yosemite highcountry. After hiking back down to camp, we can go for refreshing swim in the Merced River, have dinner and relax by the campfire.

    Day 4:
    Our hike back to the trailhead is as amazing as everything else we've seen. On this trip we'll have gone from standing atop raging waterfalls, to meandering along a beautiful river, to standing atop one of the most famous rocks in the world

    Please call the SYMG office with any questions ~ 800 231-4575

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