Yosemite Half Dome Backpacking Trip: Mono Meadows
4-Day Guided Thru-Hike
- Duration: 4 days
- Activity level: Strenuous
- Group size: Small group, up to 8
- Departs from: Several cities — ask us
- Next departure: Dates on request
- From: $1,895
From $1,895 / person
StrenuousLong, hard days, several in a row, at altitude.Is this trip right for you? ›
Overview
Experience the unmatched majesty of Yosemite National Park on this iconic 4-day, 3-night guided backpacking adventure. Designed for hikers looking to conquer Half Dome while experiencing the quieter, pristine wilderness of the High Sierra, this thru-hike style route offers a perfect blend of valley views, alpine creeks, and granite summits. We handle the logistics and permits so you can focus on the trail ahead.
Day by day
The whole trip at a glance
1 / 6 Day 1
Welcome to Yosemite Valley
Your adventure begins in the heart of the park! Meet your guide and fellow trekkers at the North Pines Backpacker’s Camp in Yosemite Valley. We’ll use this time to conduct comprehensive gear checks, distribute group equipment and trail food, and go over safety protocols. Enjoy a relaxed evening getting to know your group while sleeping under the towering granite walls of the Valley.
1 / 3 Day 2
The Ascent Begins — Mono Meadows to Illilouette Creek
After waking up in the Valley, we’ll catch a morning shuttle from Curry Village up to the Mono Meadows Trailhead, gaining elevation and leaving the valley crowds behind. From here, we strap on our packs and begin our trek. Today is a moderate, scenic introduction to the backcountry as we hike approximately 3.5 miles through lush alpine meadows and pine forests. We will set up our first wilderness camp along the pristine, rushing waters of Illilouette Creek, the perfect spot to cool off and relax for the evening.
Day 3
Basecamp & The Iconic Cable Ascent
Today, we hike deeper into the backcountry toward Little Yosemite Valley (LYV), our basecamp for the Half Dome summit. After claiming our campsites and dropping our heavy overnight gear, we will transition to daypacks. Depending on the group's pace and trail conditions, we will make our thrilling attempt on the famous Half Dome cables this evening, aiming to catch the spectacular alpenglow from 8,800 feet above sea level.
Yosemite National Park Day 4
Sunrise Summits & The John Muir Trail
If weather or timing prevented our summit on Day 3, we will wake up in the dark for an unforgettable sunrise push up the Half Dome cables. After taking in the panoramic views of the High Sierra, we will return to Little Yosemite Valley, break down camp, and begin our descent. Our route out follows the legendary John Muir Trail (JMT), offering stunning views of Nevada Fall and Liberty Cap as we wind our way back down to the valley floor. We conclude our journey at Curry Village, where you can reunite with your vehicles and celebrate a successful trek with a well-deserved meal.
What to Pack
Required Gear
- Base Layers, Tops, and Bottoms
- Fleece/Wool Gloves
- Fleece/Wool Hat
- Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
- Hiking Pants (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
- Hiking Boots
- Casual Shoes for Travel and Free Time
- Insulated jacket and/or Vest
- Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Day Pack (36L-50L)
- Water Bottles (Three 1-liter) or Hydration System, Plus One 1-liter Water Bottle
- Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner
- Prescription Medications
- Whistle
Recommended Gear
- Bandana or Buff for Sun Protection
- Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Underwear
- Sun Hat
- T-shirts (Cotton and Synthetic)
- Sunblock and Lip Balm
- Sunglasses and Accessories
- Water Shoes (Full Foot Protection)
- Electrolyte Drink Additives
- Hand Sanitizer
- Large Plastic Garbage Bag
- Pack Rain Cover
- Toiletries
- Earplugs
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- Camera and Accessories
- Insect Repellent
- Liner Socks (Synthetic)
- Reading and Writing Materials
- Small Binoculars
- Face Mask
- Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes
Trail Conditions
This trip follows a mix of well-maintained and more rugged sections of the trail. Be prepared for periods of steep hiking, moderate to significant exposure, and, at times, loose surfaces that require attention and careful footing.
Physical Demands of this Trip
This trip is rated Vigorous.
Participants will carry their own backpack weighing 35 to 40 lbs at a high elevation for several miles over steep, exposed, and rocky terrain, with constant and dramatic elevation gain and/or loss exceeding 2,000' or more per day on most days of this trip. Keep the high elevation of this trip in mind when training for this adventure, as backpacking/hiking will feel harder and use more energy than at lower elevations, especially if coming from a lower elevation/sea level. Previous backpacking experience is highly recommended; this is not a beginner's backpacking trip.
To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we strongly encourage you to be involved in a consistent training regimen starting at least 3-6 months before the trip, ideally including training hikes with a weighted pack. We also recommend staying hydrated before departure to help mitigate the effects of hiking at high altitudes. Your overall fitness level is crucial to your enjoyment of this trip.
Call for availability - 800-970-5864 - Contact Us
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 35-45lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on rugged, steep, or loose terrain
Is this trip right for you?
StrenuousLevel 4 of 4
- Long ascents and descents on rough ground, repeated day after day. Steep, sustained climbs, exposure in places, and stretches where stopping early is not an option.
- Altitude, weather that turns fast, and days that start before light. You need to be hiking regularly already — this is not a level to arrive at cold.
- Not suitable for anyone who does not already hike hard days back to back. This is the one level where we will turn a booking down rather than take it.
- Your guide may change or drop a stop for weather, road closures or time. What is walked on the day is their call.
Anything specific — a knee, a hip, a height worry, a wheelchair — is worth one phone call to 800-970-5864. We would rather move you to a different trip than have you on the wrong one.
Tour details
In the price7
- All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
- Campsite and Permit Fees
- Experienced hiking guide with extensive wilderness expertise, medical certifications, and a deep passion for leading adventurers through stunning landscapes.
- Trekking Poles
- Cooking Stove and Cookware
- Company-issued first-aid Kit
- Emergency Communication Device(s)
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Ask about a date
From $1,895 per person, 2026
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We build tours to order — the same guides and the same itineraries, rearranged around your group and your dates.
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