Yosemite Half Dome Backpacking

Hit your bucket list with all the feels on this women’s guided hiking and backpacking weekend! During your Yosemite Half Dome Hike adventure, tour Yosemite National Park as you climb the famous cables of Half Dome with ladies who do their own stunts. Live out every last one of those John Muir nature quotes in the backcountry of Yosemite National Park. Mountains calling? Check. Between two pines? Check. Walk with nature? Double-check.

Romp through the backcountry on a demanding, yet epic backpacking trip. Meet your new woman crushes in the Yosemite Valley as the landscape gives way to mountains, waterfalls, and a piney perfume that’ll make Yankee Candle totally jelly. Mother Nature swiped ALL THE WAY right. Leave the phone on airplane mode to immerse yourself in stunning national park backcountry over the course of four epic days. Climb steep, challenging trails to look down upon the Valley with a panoramic view that includes Mt. Starr King, Half Dome, Nevada Falls, Illilouette Falls, and plenty of ant-sized tourists with tiny selfie sticks.

Fuel up for the real MVP—the famous cables of Half Dome! Blast that hiker booty (and bring plenty of water) while ascending 500 feet up a .5 mile of steps carved into the rock. Then, the real fun begins. It’s a 400-foot gain up the top of Half Dome with some points at 70%+ grades. Pace your footwork on wooden slabs spaced out on the climb as you get the upper body workout of a lifetime. Worth it? HELL YES!

Don’t have backpacking equipment, but can Beastmaster the stairs? Perfect. Explorer Chick has you covered with all the essentials including a women’s specific backpack, sleeping bag, pad, and shared tents.

All you need to do is show up for this Yosemite Half Dome Hike to backpack like a boss and get that National Parks bucket list checked.

What to Pack

• Check out our recommended hiking gear for all trips.
• You’ll receive a complete packing list in your Travel Guide upon booking; note that backpacking trips may require additional specialized items.

Arrival

• Airport City: Fresno/Yosemite Airport (FAT). 2.5 hour drive.
• Meeting Location: Yosemite Village
• Meeting Time: 5pm on Day 1

Departure

• Airport City: Fresno/Yosemite Airport (FAT). 2.5 hour drive.
• Ending Location: Yosemite Village
• Return Time: Anticipated return time is 5pm.

You are responsible for your own transportation to Yosemite Village in Yosemite National Park as well as the Park Entrance fee. Your park entrance fee is good for the next 7 days upon entry if you plan to spend extra time in the park.

Depending on the permitted route, you may be required to drive, carpool, or shuttle to trailheads. 

Your permit for Wilderness camping and Half Dome is included.

You will receive a Travel Guide with all the additional airports, hotel recommendations, packing, and additional information you’ll need to prepare for your epic trip.

We require a minimum of 3 Explorer Chicks for this trip. Please confirm your trip is guaranteed before booking airfare.

5 – HIGHLY STRENUOUS

This trip is rated a 5 – Highly Strenuous because it is for experienced hikers and backpackers. This trip is not recommended for “off the couch” outdoor enthusiasts or beginners.

Most of the Yosemite region lies above 7,500’ altitude. The trails are steep, varying, and challenging. The terrain can be rocky with dramatic elevation gains and losses. And, you’ll be doing it with a 30-35lb pack on your back.

Exact routes are determined by the permit lottery. We hope to adhere to this itinerary, however we may backpack alternate routes. Distances and elevations will vary trip to trip. (Train for 7-12.5 mile days with up to 2,200’ gains) Half Dome summit days will vary as well (Day 3 or Day 4). Every trip will be just as unique as the Explorer Chicks who travel with us!

Approximate Daily Hike mileage/gains:

• Day 2: 3.4 miles. 313’ elevation gain and mostly downhill
• Day 3: Backpacking. 7 miles. 1,800 gain.
• Day 3 – Half Dome: 6.7 miles. 2,700’ gain.
• Day 4: Panorama Trail to TH. 7 miles

Plus, optional side hikes of varying distances/elevation.

Please consider your ability to meet the physical demands very seriously. It is for the safety of both you and our group. All Explorer Chicks will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Physical Demands as part of their waiver upon booking.

Check out our Half Dome Training Guide blog post.

Read more about our Activity Levels.

Essential Gear

• Shared 2 person tent
• Backpack
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad
• Trekking Poles
• Shared water filter, cookware, stoves

Meals

• All meals as indicated in itinerary:B-3, L-3, D-3

Practical 

• Half Dome, backcountry,  and commercial permits.
• Professional leadership team with 1 Explorer Chick Guide
• A detailed Travel Guide with everything you need to know for your trip
• The freedom to enjoy your vacation and mindlessly wander!

Not Included

• Transportation into Yosemite National Park
• Entrance Fee to Yosemite National Park
• Airfare
• Airport Transportation
• Alcoholic beverages
• Travel Insurance
• Meals exclusive of itineraries
• Costs for additional activities
• Gratuity for your Explorer Chick Guide (read our tipping guidelines here)

Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, or other unforeseen incidents.