5-Day Cathedral Lakes to Clouds Rest & Half Dome

Yosemite National Park , United States of America

5-Day Cathedral Lakes to Clouds Rest & Half Dome

Active

(29 reviews)

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Kick off your Yosemite backpacking experience with one of the most iconic sections of the John Muir Trail, weaving between majestic alpine lakes to the summits of Clouds Rest and Half Dome! Camp the first night at Cathedral Lakes amid the spirit of the true high country, then hike the JMT up and over Cathedral Pass with stunning views of alpine peaks along the way. Set up camp in the Sunrise Lakes area for Night 3, and from there, tackle the Clouds Rest summit (9,926’) for one of the most spectacular views of Yosemite Valley in the park! Your adventure culminates with the summit of Half Dome (8,836’) before returning to Yosemite Valley on the Mist Trail passing two spectacular waterfalls. This trip’s strenuous itinerary is well worth it! If you’re looking for an authentic Yosemite experience, this is the adventure for you!

As the calendar is confusing:

2026 Dates are:
6/27-7/1
7/16-7/20
7/27-7/31
8/8-8/12
8/29-9/2
9/18-9/22

Available options

5-Day Cathedral Lakes to Clouds Rest & Half Dome

What's included

Lunch

Dinner

Breakfast

What's not included

Guide Gratuities

Yosemite National Park Gate Fee (Must Be Paid On Entry By Visitor)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

29 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

2026 Dates: 6/27-7/1, 7/16-7/20, 7/27-7/31, 8/8-8/12, 8/29-9/2, 9/18-9/22

Meeting point

Curry Village Main Parking Lot near Shuttle Stop #14

Important notes

Lasting Adventures reserves the right to cancel trips. If this is the case a full refund of the amount paid will be returned. Lasting Adventures is not responsible for additional expenses incurred while preparing for or traveling to the reserved experience. To contact Lasting Adventures prior to your trip, please email staff@lastingadventures.org or call 209-962-6251.

Meeting Location: https://goo.gl/maps/e9FdeM2XXCuUToMp9

About Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including giant sequoias, granite cliffs, and waterfalls. It offers a unique blend of natural wonders and outdoor adventures, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Top Attractions

Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, with a total height of 2,425 feet (739 meters). It consists of three sections: Upper Yosemite Fall, Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall.

Nature 1-2 hours to explore Free

Half Dome

Half Dome is one of Yosemite's most iconic landmarks. The granite dome rises 4,800 feet (1,463 meters) above the valley floor and offers a challenging hike and a thrilling rock climb.

Adventure 10-12 hours for the hike Free (permit required for the cables route)

Glacier Point

Glacier Point offers one of the most breathtaking views in Yosemite, overlooking Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the high country. It's a popular spot for photography and sunset viewing.

Nature 1-2 hours to explore Free

Mariposa Grove

Mariposa Grove is home to one of the largest concentrations of giant sequoias in the world. The grove features over 500 mature sequoias, including the famous Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.

Nature 2-3 hours to explore Free

Tunnel View

Tunnel View is one of the most famous and photographed viewpoints in Yosemite. It offers a stunning panorama of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome.

Nature 15-30 minutes to explore Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Acorn Bread

A traditional Miwok dish made from acorns, a staple food of the indigenous people of Yosemite

Appetizer Vegetarian, gluten-free

Elk Burger

A delicious and sustainable burger made from locally sourced elk meat, often served with local produce and artisanal cheeses

Main Course Contains meat, gluten (if served with a bun)

Yosemite Granola

A homemade granola made with local honey, nuts, and dried fruits, often served with yogurt or milk

Breakfast Vegetarian, can be made vegan

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Backpacking Mountain biking Skiing Snowshoeing Picnicking Photography

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Yosemite for hiking, camping, and exploring the park's attractions. The weather is warm, and most facilities and roads are open.

10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F) 50°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English, Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Time Zone (PT, UTC-8)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but visitors should be aware of potential hazards and take necessary precautions

Yosemite National Park is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as wildlife encounters, extreme weather, and challenging terrain. By taking necessary precautions and following park guidelines, visitors can have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Important Precautions:

• Stay on marked trails and follow park guidelines.
• Carry plenty of water and snacks, especially when hiking.
• Be aware of wildlife and store food properly to avoid encounters.

Getting there

By air

Fresno Yosemite International Airport • 135 miles (217 km)
San Francisco International Airport • 175 miles (282 km)

By train

Merced Station

By bus

Merced, San Francisco

Getting around

Public transport

The free shuttle service operates in Yosemite Valley, making it easy to explore the park's attractions without a car. The shuttle runs frequently and stops at major trailheads, campgrounds, and visitor centers.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Yosemite Valley High Country Wawona

Day trips

Mono Lake

40 miles (64 km) from Yosemite Valley • Half day to full day

Mono Lake is a unique and ancient saline lake located east of Yosemite, known for its striking tufa towers and diverse birdlife. It offers a unique contrast to the park's granite cliffs and waterfalls.

Hetch Hetchy Valley

35 miles (56 km) from Yosemite Valley • Full day

Hetch Hetchy Valley is a stunning and lesser-known area of Yosemite, offering a mix of waterfalls, granite cliffs, and alpine meadows. It's a great destination for hiking, photography, and nature enthusiasts.

Grove of the Ancient Giants

25 miles (40 km) from Yosemite Valley • Half day

The Grove of the Ancient Giants is a lesser-known sequoia grove located near Yosemite, offering a peaceful and less crowded alternative to Mariposa Grove. It's a great destination for hiking, photography, and nature enthusiasts.

Festivals

Yosemite Facelift • September Yosemite Winter Wildlife Festival • February Yosemite Valley 10-Mile Trail Run • May

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photography.
Check road and trail conditions before visiting, as some areas may be closed or limited due to weather or maintenance.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers, as weather and temperatures can change quickly and unexpectedly.
Consider hiring a local guide or joining a ranger-led program to gain a deeper understanding of the park's natural and cultural history.
Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance, especially when hiking or exploring remote areas.