5 Day Cathedral Lakes to Clouds Rest & Half Dome

Overview

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, our 2025 dates are:
6/20-6/24
7/5-7/9
7/21-7/25
8/2-8/6
8/16-8/20
9/1-9/5
9/19-9/23

City: Yosemite National Park

Tue 13 May

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $2800.00

Make a reservation

Tue 13 May

Starting at $2800.00

Make a reservation

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Additional Info

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
2025 Dates: 6/20-6/24, 7/5-7/9, 7/21-7/25, 8/2-8/6, 8/16-8/20, 9/1-9/5, 9/19-9/23

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (25)

ryanmX2225EE

Jul 2021

I wanted to go backpacking in Yosemite, but I wasn't ready to go out on my own. Lasting Adventures made it accessible in the most incredible way. If you've never seen the high country of Yosemite in person, and want to challenge yourself, this is the way to do it! Pictures do not do justice to the sights you'll see on this trip. The hike can be rigorous at times with scrambling and navigating rocky terrain while ascending / descending with either your full pack or a day pack. Train on hills with a weighted pack to best prepare for what you'll encounter! The group I ended up with was excellent. We enjoyed each other's company, and encouraged each other through the physical challenges. Our guide Mike had us going at a steady pace that ensured there was room in the schedule for taking brief rest breaks, and regularly checked in with how the group was doing. As other reviews have mentioned, the meals that he prepared on trail were quite tasty.

Wanderer79880

Jul 2021

I'd highly recommend Lasting Adventures to get into the back country of Yosemite and away from the crowds. Everything was arranged including permits for the back country and for entry to the park. Lasting Adventures supplied all the excellent gear that made it possible to have a great experience with minimal planning. Trey was an excellent guide who prepared real meals at our campsites instead of the usual dehydrated meals I'm used to. He was flexible when problems arose and rearranged the itinerary which became necessary. This is a challenging experience, and it is easy to overestimate the ability to hike miles with a 35 pound backpack. I highly recommend this trip. The limitations on masks and social distancing had been removed before we started the trip, and all of us were vaccinated, so Covid wasn't a consideration.

732franklina

Sep 2020

Recently took the Three Summit Tour. Absolutely amazing! Given the circumstances with COVID lasting Adventures did not disappoint. They were flexible with schedules, Nick was very informed and educated me on a lot of the park. Could not recommend enough!