Backpacking Trips for 2026

Half Dome via Sunrise Lakes & Clouds Rest
Summiting two of Yosemite’s most Iconic Summits
Approx. 30 miles round trip | 3 Days

This unforgettable high route through Yosemite National Park links alpine solitude with one of the most iconic summits in the range.

We begin at the Sunrise Lakes trailhead, climbing steadily into the high country to camp near the pristine Sunrise Lakes on night one. Day two carries us across open granite and airy ridge lines to the summit of Clouds Rest (9,900’), where the Sierra opens in every direction. From there, we descend toward the shoulder of Half Dome to make our camp near Sunrise Creek.

Before dawn on day three, we rise early and move toward the cables route on Half Dome (8,800’). Climbing the cables in the quiet morning light, we reach the summit just before sunrise, standing high above Yosemite Valley with sweeping views and remarkably few crowds. After soaking in the sunrise, we begin our descent. After maybe another cup of coffee, we break camp and continue down to Happy Isles, completing a true high-country traverse from alpine lakes to the heart of the Valley.

This trip blends backpacking, big views, and a classic summit… an ideal objective for strong hikers seeking a bold Yosemite experience.

Trip Essentials:

• Each day is fully guided and includes:

  • all meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3

  • permits

  • expert knowledge into the geology, ecology, and history of Yosemite National Park.

• Max group size: 6 guests per 1 guide

• Prices start at;

  • $925 per person for 3-days

2026 Summer Dates will be posted after April 11th

Mt. Lyell via Lyell Canyon
Summiting the High Point of Yosemite National Park
Approx. 30 miles round trip | 3 Days

This classic high-country objective begins in the heart of Tuolumne Meadows and follows the sweeping curves of the Lyell Fork through one of the most beautiful glacial canyons in Yosemite National Park. With open granite walls, winding river meadows, and the Cathedral and Kuna Crests rising overhead, Lyell Canyon offers a stunning and gradual approach to Yosemite’s highest peak: Mount Lyell (13,114’). This trip features the Lyell glacier, one of the last living glaciers in the Sierra Nevada, and the glacier that John Muir studied in the 1870s with wooden stakes and horse hair!

Day 1 – Into Lyell Canyon

We depart from Tuolumne Meadows and hike south along the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. The trail rolls gently through wide alpine meadows, lodgepole forest, and expansive granite scenery making for one of the most pleasant approaches in the Sierra. We establish camp in the upper reaches of Lyell Canyon, positioning ourselves for an early alpine start.

~9–10 miles | +1,200 ft

Day 2 – Summit Mt. Lyell (13,114’)

Before sunrise, we leave camp and head toward the Lyell Glacier basin. The route transitions from trail to alpine terrain as we ascend toward the saddle between Mt. Lyell and Mt. Maclure. The final stretch involves sustained snow travel early season or stable alpine rock later in the summer.

From the summit, the highest point in Yosemite, the Cathedral Range, Ritter Range, and vast Sierra Nevada unfold in every direction. After celebrating on top, we descend carefully back to camp for a well-earned rest.

~8–9 miles round trip from camp | +3,000–3,500 ft / –3,000–3,500 ft

Day 3 – Return to Tuolumne Meadows

We break camp and retrace our steps down Lyell Canyon, moving at a relaxed pace back toward Tuolumne Meadows. The gentle downhill grade offers time to reflect on the summit and take in the quiet beauty of the canyon once more.

~8-10 miles | –1,200 ft

This trip combines a scenic wilderness approach with a true alpine summit, making it an ideal objective for strong hikers looking to stand on Yosemite’s highest peak while traveling through one of its most breathtaking landscapes.

Trip Essentials:

• Each day is fully guided and includes:

  • all meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3

  • permits

  • expert knowledge into the geology, ecology, and history of Yosemite National Park.

• Max group size: 6 guests per 1 guide

• Prices start at;

  • $1050 per person for 3-days

2026 Dates

June 5-7

July 17-19

Custom dates and private trips are available upon request! With advance notice, we are happy to accommodate most dates.

Tuolumne Meadows High Country Loop
Approx. 52 miles total | 6 Days

A true grand tour of Yosemite’s high country, this extended loop links alpine passes, High Sierra Camp country, river canyon, and sweeping granite basins—all beginning and ending in Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park.

Day 1 – Tuolumne Meadows to Vogelsang High Camp

~7–8 miles | +1,600 ft

We climb steadily along Rafferty Creek toward the alpine heart of the park. As we rise above treeline, the granite opens wide and the views expand in every direction. Camp is established near Vogelsang High Sierra Camp, perched above timberline with access to pristine alpine lakes.

Day 2 – Vogelsang to Merced Lake

~10–11 miles | +800 ft / –2,800 ft

Crossing high passes and alpine basins, we descend toward the headwaters of the Merced River and the area near Merced Lake High Sierra Camp. Campsites along the river provide a scenic and sheltered rest after a big day.

Day 3 – Merced Lake to Little Yosemite Valley

~10–11 miles | –1,500 ft

Following the Merced River downstream, we move through glacially carved canyon terrain toward Little Yosemite Valley. Granite domes and cascading water frame our approach as we settle into camp beneath Yosemite’s towering walls.

Day 4 – Little Yosemite Valley to Sunrise High Sierra Camp

~8–9 miles | +2,300 ft

Climbing away from the Valley corridor, we ascend back into open granite and alpine terrain. Camp is established near Sunrise High Sierra Camp, surrounded by sweeping views of the Cathedral Range.

Day 5 – Sunrise to Cathedral Lakes

~6–7 miles | +500 ft / –800 ft

A shorter, scenic day carries us north along rolling granite benches toward the iconic Cathedral Lakes basin. With Cathedral Peak rising sharply above the water and alpenglow lighting the granite at sunset, this is one of Yosemite’s most photogenic and serene camp locations.

Day 6 – Cathedral Lakes to Tuolumne Meadows

~3–4 miles | –500 ft

We enjoy a relaxed morning before descending through forest and open granite back to Tuolumne Meadows, completing a full high-country circuit.

This 6-day, 48–52 mile loop showcases the full diversity of Yosemite’s backcountry—high alpine passes, river canyon, granite basins, and classic High Sierra Camp terrain—woven together into one unforgettable Sierra traverse.

Trip Essentials:

• Each day is fully guided and includes:

  • all meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 6

  • permits

  • expert knowledge into the geology, ecology, and history of Yosemite National Park.

• Max group size: 6 guests per 1 guide

• Prices start at;

  • $1750 per person for 6-days

2026 Dates

July 17-22

Custom dates and private trips are available upon request! With advance notice, we are happy to accommodate most dates.