The lake itself is stunningly clear, pure snowmelt, and a perfect place to watch the sunset with the spires silhouetted.

Cathedral Peak and its spires became so jagged by sticking above the glacial ice that once scoured Yosemite’s landscapes. This itinerary’s first destination, Upper Cathedral Lake, provides the perfect introduction to such a landscape. Beginning the journey from Cathedral Lakes Trailhead allows one to experience alpine lakes and jagged peaks in a way that most visitors to Yosemite miss completely (at their loss). Yosemite Valley may attract global fame, but the Cathedral Range is arguably more spectacular, and certainly less crowded. This itinerary also provides the opportunity to attain a second glorious summit: Clouds Rest. The perfect trip for someone looking to experience more of what Yosemite has to offer, including stunning alpine lakes and the enchanting Cathedral Range. Our guided trips typically cover this 20-mile route in 3 days, providing ample time to enjoy your trek to and from Half Dome and exit via the famous Mist Trail. Soon one arrives at the typical Half-Dome base camping spot, dubbed “Little Yosemite Valley,” which can serve as a great jumping-off point for sunrise or sunset summits. Hiking the rest of the way towards the base of Half Dome, the views suddenly reveal Half Dome’s little sisters, Mount Broderick, and Liberty Cap, as well as the magnificent 594-foot Nevada Fall. Broderick, and Liberty Cap by Nevada Fall Our guides can lead you to a perfect, secluded camp with excellent sunset views of Mount Starr King and other hidden gems! Half Dome, Mt. Hiking south down from Glacier Point provides ever-changing views of Half Dome, and soon the trail meets Illilouette Creek, babbling with crystal clear Sierra snowmelt. It’s a great way to get inspired for the trip ahead! The view from Glacier Point is world-famous, with Half Dome proudly standing center frame and tantalizingly close. Starting from Glacier Point or nearby Mono Meadow is guaranteed to begin your trip with a bang. It provides a shorter itinerary with mostly downhill hiking and covers the Half Dome-vicinity highlights along the way. Our guided Glacier Point to Half Dome trips are our most popular adult backpacking trips, and for good reason. Glacier Point or Mono Meadow to Half Dome Not sure which one to take? Read below for each trek’s highlights! Starting in 2022, backpackers can begin their trip to Half Dome with any of 6 different trailhead permits: Glacier Point, Mono Meadow, Cathedral Lakes, Rafferty Creek (Tuolumne Meadows), Sunrise Lakes, and Happy Isles. When it comes to experiencing all that Yosemite has to offer, there’s no better option than backpacking to Half Dome! Half Dome and the Merced Canyon seen from Glacier Point

This is a good option for those short on time (and who have been putting in big time on the Stairmaster), but our guides will tell you that there are far better ways to experience this milestone. So what route is the best for backpacking to Half Dome, the Sierra’s most renowned dome? Read on to find out… Half Dome and the famous cablesįor many, the most obvious choice is to day hike to the top, a grueling 16 miles involving over 5,000ft of elevation gain and loss. Hikers from all over the world journey to Yosemite just for a chance to challenge themselves on Half Dome’s cables. There are many memorable peaks in Yosemite National Park, but none are more famous, storied, or inspiring than Half Dome.

Half dome vs clouds rest