4-Day Half Dome Backpacking Adventure — Guided Yosemite Summit via Cables
Spend four days hiking from Yosemite Valley to the cables of Half Dome, camping beside rivers and alpine lakes, and summiting at sunrise with a guided, permit-secured ascent. Expect strenuous climbs, wet sections on the Mist Trail, and backcountry nights under a wide Sierra sky.
The Experience
Before You Go
Permit and guided groups
Half Dome’s cable section requires a permit during season; most guided trips secure permits for you—confirm before booking.
Pack light, pack smart
Aim for a base pack weight under 30 lb and carry a bear-resistant canister for food storage as required in Yosemite backcountry.
Start early on summit day
Alpine starts reduce heat and afternoon thunder risk; expect a predawn departure if summiting for sunrise.
Prepare for wet rock
The Mist Trail gets spray-heavy near Vernal Fall—fast-drying layers and grippy footwear make wet granite manageable.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Sunrise Lakes shorelines for quiet alpine fishing and light at dusk
- •A secluded Merced River bench near Little Yosemite Valley for evening reflections
Wildlife
- •Black bear
- •Peregrine falcon
Conservation Note
Yosemite enforces strict food storage, permit systems, and campsite regulations to reduce human-wildlife conflict and trail erosion; follow Leave No Trace and pack out what you pack in.
The Ahwahneechee people lived and traveled through the Yosemite Valley for generations; the area’s modern routes and protection were later influenced by early naturalists and the national park movement.
Photographer's Notes
- • Top of Half Dome cables (summit panorama)
- • Top of Nevada Fall on the Mist Trail
- • Sunrise Lakes shoreline for reflected peaks
What to Bring
60–70L backpackEssential
Holds tent, food, water, and clothing for multi-day backcountry travel.
Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof)Essential
Ankle support and good traction are critical on wet granite and steep descents.
Bear-resistant food canisterEssential
Required by Yosemite for most backcountry campsites to protect food and wildlife.
Headlamp with extra batteriesEssential
Needed for alpine starts, campsite tasks, and early-morning summit pushes.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit for Half Dome?
Yes—access to the cables requires a permit during the season. Guided trips typically obtain permits for participants; verify this with your operator.
How strenuous is the climb to Half Dome?
The summit day is steep and exposed: expect ~3.5 miles one-way with ~2,400 ft gain from Little Yosemite Valley, plus technical cable sections that require hand-over-hand scrambling.
Are bear canisters required?
Yes—Yosemite requires bear-resistant food storage in much of the backcountry; guides usually provide rules and rental options if needed.
Will I get wet on the Mist Trail?
Expect to encounter spray from Vernal Fall; waterproof layers and quick-drying clothes are recommended.
What about altitude sickness?
Summit elevation is 8,836 ft—most people handle this fine, but watch for headaches, nausea and fatigue; acclimatize if you’ve come from low elevations.
Is this trip suitable for beginners?
Not ideal for true beginners. Participants should have prior day-hike experience, be comfortable carrying a pack and moving on exposed terrain.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 days
Location
Yosemite Valley, California
Difficulty
challenging
Fitness Level
Requires high cardiovascular fitness and strong legs; comfortable carrying a loaded backpack (20–35 lb) and scrambling on exposed terrain.
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