All Trips > California > Yosemite Half Dome Backpacking Yosemite Half Dome Backpacking View Dates & Book Your Spot AT A GLANCE California 5 Explorer Chicks Backpacking Backpacking, Bucket List, Hiking, National Park, US-Based, Weekend 4 Days 5 - Highly Strenuous Physical demand level for this trip Live Out John Muir Quotes Photos Itinerary Logistics Activity Level What's Included View Dates & Book Your Spot Download the Brochure Book a Call Share Live Out John Muir Quotes Check off your bucket list with all the feels on this women-only backpacking weekend in Yosemite! Climb the iconic Half Dome cables and romp through the backcountry on a demanding (but seriously epic) adventure. Trip Highlights Backpack through Yosemite’s stunning high country with waterfalls, granite domes, and pine-scented everything Challenge yourself on steep trails with views of Mt. Starr King, Nevada Falls, Illilouette Falls, and the Yosemite Valley far below Climb the infamous Half Dome cables: 400 feet of upper body effort on 70%+ grades to summit one of America’s most epic peaks Camp under the stars with all your backcountry gear provided, including women-fit backpacks, sleeping bags, pads, and shared tents The Vibe Sweat, views, and serious bragging rights. This is a full-body, full-spirit kind of challenge made better by a crew of wild-hearted women cheering you on. Four unforgettable days in Yosemite. One giant leap for hiker-kind. Photos Itinerary Expand All Days Day 1 - Hello Yosemite National Park Kick off your Yosemite Half Dome guided hike and backpacking trip at the Backpackers Camp in Yosemite Valley. You’ll meet your Explorer Chick Guide in Yosemite Village at 5pm for our Welcome Orientation followed by dinner. Your guide will distribute gear, fit your packs, perform a duffel shuffle, and share details for your upcoming adventure. Afterwards, you’ll get to know your Explorer Chick sisters over a camp meal fit for a queen before settling in for the night at the Backpackers camp. Meals: D Day 2 - Yosemite’s Wild Backcountry Tuck into a yummy breakfast before packing up camp to hike and explore the backcountry. Today is your shortest day of backpacking in the glorious wilderness with plenty of time to make adjustments and find your groove. Breathe in the crisp pine air and howl like a huntress at the towering granite cliffs above. Unplug and get to know your fellow Explorer Chicks. We’ll set up camp off the beaten path at Illilouette Creek before enjoying a relaxed after. Saunter off for some day hiking in the surrounding area, enjoy a good book, lizard on a sunny rock, or take a chilly dip to rinse off the day’s dirt. A hearty dinner and overshares cap off the evening! Backpacking: 3.6 miles. 8,79′ gain. -1,651′ loss Meals: B-L-D Day 3- Half Dome Summit It’s a long day, but for good reason. It’s another morning in paradise waking up between the pines with a coffee in hand. We fuel up on a tasty breakfast before continuing our journey towards Half Dome. Today’s destination is the Little Yosemite Valley camp – which is THE base camp for Half Dome summits. Expect lots of flannel and excitement from other backpackers. Along the way we’ll stop to take in Nevada Falls. Choose between kicking back at the wooded oasis with a dip in the Merced River or rest up that hiker booty for the evening! Summit Day. No nervous poops allowed! Lace up your boots for a climb you’ll remember the rest of your life. We’ll time our departure perfectly because Explorer Chicks don’t simply climb Half Dome. No way. We do it in dramatic fashion – Let’s catch the sunset! HELL YES! Hike 2.5 miles of switchbacks and 1,800’ up to the base of Half Dome. Your thighs will sing as you blast up 500’ and over a half mile of steps carved into the rock. It’s a 400’ gain up the cables with some points at 70%+ grades. You’ll be putting your grippy gloves to expert use as you get the upper body workout of a lifetime. Soon there will be no cables to climb – cue the high fives and ugly tears of painful joy. This is so much better than doing an HR PowerPoint for work. You made it baby! Lean into your Explorer Chicks standing proudly at an altitude of 8,839’. Ride your adrenaline high back down Half Dome (which some argue is more challenging) as we return to camp to climb into our sleeping bags and rest our tired legs. Backpacking: Approximately 7 miles. 1,800′ elevation gain Half Dome: 6.7 miles with 2,700’ elevation gain Meals: B-L-D Day 4- Panorama Trail It’s the saddest day today as we wake our tired legs out of their slumber. We’ll pack up camp and hit Panorama Trail with sweeping views of the Valley from the southern rim. Peep Mt. Starr King, Half Dome, Nevada Falls and Illilouette Falls. There’ll be plenty of opportunity for Glamour Shots and picturesque snack stops before emerging from the wilderness at Glacier Point. Excessive goodbye hugging is encouraged. We will be out of the backcountry at approximately 5pm. Panorama Trail to TH: 7 miles Meals: B-L *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! *Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your adventure leader as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, safety, or other unforeseen incidents. If an activity must be cancelled due to conditions and cannot be rescheduled, your Explorer Chick guide will work to find alternatives or modifications to ensure the best value for your trip. Logistics IMPORTANT: Do NOT book your airfare until we have secured permits AND confirmed your trip. Yosemite strictly limits the number of Half Dome and Backcountry permits. Your trip dates will be finalized once we secure the Half Dome and Wilderness Permits. We will know approximately 6 months in advance of your trip departure. All booked and waitlisted guests will be notified when there are spots remaining on a trip with a permit. ie. If your date does not receive a permit, we will email you with available options as they come available. 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. Activity Level 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. What's Included Essential Gear Shared 2 person tent Backpack Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad Trekking Poles Shared water filter, cookware, stoves Optional Add-Ons: Limited Single Upgrade Tents are available at booking. 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 (Learn about our preferred insurance provider) 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. More from Half Dome Somewhere around hour four, your legs stop arguing with you. The cables disappear into granite, the valley drops away, and it’s just you, the rock, and every reason you almost didn’t sign up for this. Then you’re standing on top of Half Dome…no big deal, just the whole world underneath you🤍Comment “USA” and we’ll send you $250 off this trip!#explorerchickhalfdome #halfdome #yosemite #hikingtrip #backpackingadventures 28 1 Open Our guides’ packs be like: trekking poles, first aid kit, permits, henna tattoo kit, full taco bar, birthday candles… 🏔️Nobody told them to carry all this up a mountain. They just did it anyway.This is what happens when you hire women who are both incredibly capable AND slightly unhinged. We wouldn’t have it any other way. 😂Explorer Chicks, what’s the best guide surprise you’ve ever had on trail? 👇#halfdome #halfdomecables #hikingtrip #hikingadventure #explorerchickhalfdome 121 11 Open This was her first backpacking trip ever 🤯Kristen carried a pack for 4 days, climbed the cables, and stood on top of one of the most iconic summits in the US.And this was her reaction coming down 🥹This Explorer Chick is proof that easy doesn’t change you so, let’s show Kristen some love in the comments! 👇💞#halfdome #halfdomeyosemite #grouptravel #womenwhohike #explorerchickhalfdome 709 15 Open Truth be told, Half Dome permit lottery is one of the most frustrating parts of planning this hike…You do everything right, you enter on time, and you still don’t get them 🤦🏼♀️We get it. And we’ve got you.We secured permits for ALL of our 2026 Half Dome departures, which means the hardest part of planning this trip is already done for you 🤪If Half Dome is on your 2026 bucket list, comment “DOME” and I’ll send you our full trip brochure. Spots are limited, and permits are not something we can make more of 😉🏔️#halfdome #halfdomepermits #yosemite #hikingtrip #explorerchickhalfdome 31 16 Open Follow on Instagram Oh, you want the details? Smart. Drop your email and we’ll send you the full Half Dome Trip Brochure — everything you need to know before you book. EmailThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Email(Required) Name(Required) First Last View Dates & Book Your Spot Save $250 On all departures Ends July 5 Book the Sale From $2,099 From $1,849 You’re in Good Hands. Thoughtful planning, professional leadership, and details handled with care — so you can book with confidence. Non-Refundable Deposit: $200 due at booking to secure your spot Balance due closer to departure. Payment plans available. Questions About Half Dome? Book a call with our Destination + Guest Experience Manager, Amy, or fill out the form below. CompanyThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name(Required) First Name Last Name Email(Required) Enter Email Confirm Email Send us your Half Dome questions!(Required) In Her Words Sierra W.6 months agoExplorer Chick was absolutely phenomenal! I recently completed their Yosemite National Park Half Dome Backpacking trip and had an incredible experience. My guide, Kirstie, was beyond amazing. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the park, its history, and the surrounding area. Her enthusiasm and passion for the outdoors were contagious, making the trip even more enjoyable. Kirstie was also very approachable, making it easy to ask questions and feel comfortable in the group. I was impressed by her attention to detail, ensuring that everything was well-planned and executed. If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure, I highly recommend booking a trip with Explorer Chick! 6/2025 update: Did another trip, still incredible! All the guides are so kind - Lauren and Kara were wonderful on this trip to the Great Smoky Mountains! 12/2025 update: This time I did the Belize trip! It was absolutely wonderful! Christina did an amazing job with the group and our local guides Wilson and Siri were so knowledgeable! Would still highly recommend Explorer Chick and would recommend the Belize trip!Susan F.2 years agoI just completed the challenging and spectacular Yosemite Half Dome Backpacking trip with Explorer Chicks. Our guide, Ashley, was organized, knowledgeable, kind, calm and encouraging and we all agreed we would definitely travel with her again!! This was a trip of a lifetime and I’m so glad I got to experience the beauty of the Yosemite backcountry!Sasha S.2 years agoI just got back from the Yosemite - Half Dome Backpacking Trip. From beginning to end it was AMAZING, STUPENDOUS, FABULOUS...you get the point. Kat was our guide and she was the absolute perfect fit for our group. Everything was so well thought out, meals were amazing! Loved our "Trailsgiving Dinner". Kat was great at reading the vibe of the group, making adjustments when needed and giving us super helpful little tips to make the trek easier. The itinerary was great and we had the trails mostly to ourselves in the backcountry with exception of the few high traffic areas so it felt like a magical little retreat. There were so many thoughtful details that made the trip extra special. We hiked Half Dome to watch the sunset and it was breathtaking. At no time did I feel unsafe because Kat coached us how to approach the cables and was there the whole time helping anyone who felt nervous. We had emails ahead of the trip with what to expect, frequent communication during the trip outlining the details of each day as well as a recap email that captured all of the special moments. I would so strongly recommend Explorer Chick to any woman looking for an adventure! BOOK IT!! You will not regret it!Leila H.2 years agoI recently returned from Yosemite National Park after completing one of my bucket list hikes, climbing Half Dome! The group of women and our guide Katie K. were an encouraging and inspirational circle to be surrounded by. It wasn't just about hiking and completing a goal; it was about connection, learning, and trust. My guide went above and beyond in educating the group, teaching meditation and relaxation techniques, and adapting to each individual and their personal comfort level. I look forward to more adventures in the near future!Christine P.2 years agoOur guide Kirsty was amazing! Such a great experience hiking up Half DomeConnie M.3 years agoI went on the half dome trip and WOW! Being at the top of half dome for sunset was amazing. Our guide, Kalya, was fantastic. Thank you Kayla and the wonderful ladies in our group for the memories! - ConnieDorianne H.3 years agoWow !!! This trip with Explorer Chicks was truly amazing. We went to Yosemite and backpacked and hiked Half Dome. Such a fantastic trip with so many emotions and thrills of accomplishment. Hats off to our guide Kirstie Mulliken, she is such an amazing guide. She herself, backpacked with 55lbs, 😳😳😳 She made us incredible meals (and wouldn’t even allow us to help her clean up), she empowered us to push ourselves and over all, she is an incredible person at such a young age. She made our trip memorable and we can’t wait to search for another trip, and hopefully have her as a guide !!!!Amanda G.3 years agoI recently returned from my first EC trip backpacking in Yosemite with a summit of Half Dome at sunset. It was incredible, well organized, and our guide Kirstie was absolutely phenomenal! Definitely not my last EC adventure. They do a really nice job of creating a unique and memorable experience.Erin H.3 years agoBy far the best investment in myself since the north of my children. The scenery, the women, the views of half dome combined with our brave, funny, and outstanding guide, Kirstie, were beyond any expectations. If you are contemplating an adventure with Explorer Chick, do it! It is a life changer for sure!!Daniele R.3 years agoMy first trip with Explorer Chick and it was nothing short of life changing! Yosemite and summiting Half Dome has been on the top of my bucket list for years. I’m so glad I found (through Instagram of all places) and chose Explorer Chick to help me check this one off! I was blown away by the trip from start to finish. The planning, preparation and organization that goes into it is on another level. Leading up to the trip, the communication through emails was very informative and responsive to any questions or concerns. It makes the trip so much easier and carefree than doing it all by yourself and you get to make new friends while doing it. (Hello bonus hiking gal pals) I have been backpacking before with friends so I had most of the gear already, I was able to bring it and test out some new stuff I had as well which was great. I was a little worried I wouldn’t get along with the other girls but friendships and bonds are formed super quickly, there is no time for awkward silence. During our trip we got to cross paths with another Explorer Chick group who were at the end of their backpacking trip while ours was just beginning and they all still had smiles on their faces, just really enjoying the most of the time they had left. Kirstie is such an amazing guide, she very knowledgeable about the history of the lands, the landscape and terrain, and keeps everyone safe and aware of surroundings. She doesn’t leave you guessing what is going to happen so you know exactly what to expect. She gives you updates on what the plans are and is enthusiastic and upbeat. Kirstie also gives you positive encouragement, asks how you’re feeling periodically, goes through safety briefs, and shows map locations and exactly what trails you will be on along the route. She knows the terrain like the back of her hand and how to navigate through tricky spots along the trail. Her backcountry cooking skills are also impressive! I didn’t eat a single freeze dried meal in 4 days! (*Chefs kiss*) Highly recommend booking with Explorer Chick for any trips you want to do but maybe are on the fence and don’t want to do it ALL by yourself and don’t have all the gear, etc. The connections made with the guide and other travelers can be really special. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget or regret a single part of and can’t wait to tackle another trip with them!Christa F.3 years agoMy first Explorer Chick trip. Yosemite half dome backpacking. This was a strenuous tip but very rewarding. Our guide Kara was the best! She was very organized and did great job planning all the meals for this backcountry trip. I learned so many tips and tricks about backpacking from her. The scenery is beautiful and we summited Half Dome in the evening or a sunset summit. This couldn't have been a better decision by our guide and group as whole. This made for no crowds on the cables, a gorgeous sunset at the top of Half Dome and fun night hike back to camp. The only thing that would have made this trip better was if it was a couple days longer! Book with Confidence Your wanderlust doesn’t have to wait. Our payment plans make booking your dream trip easier than ever. The best part? Zero additional fees. Payment Plans We want nothing more than for you join us. However, we understand emergencies do occur that may cause you to cancel your reservation. Cancellation Policy To protect your travel investment and your hide, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Receive a no-hassle, online quote with our trusted insurance partner. 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