Trip Description
Yosemite hiking is all about big mountains, towering waterfalls, massive granite domes, crystal clear mountain streams and camping next to pristine lakes. And that is exactly what this hike delivers.
The starting point for this exciting Yosemite backpacking adventure is in the beautiful Tuolumne Meadows on a stretch of the famous Pacific Crest Trail. We climb high into the alpine country past Vogelsang Peak and descend to Merced Lake before climbing high again, above the epic Merced River gorge as it slices through Echo Valley.
The days will be spent crossing mountain streams, trekking over high alpine passes, circumnavigating mountains, camping in pristine wilderness and eventually summiting Half Dome via the exciting Cable Route.
This trek certainly has it all and will challenge the fit hiker looking to experience some outstanding mountain scenery in the High Sierra.
Overview
Type: Backpacking
Days: 5 Days
Distance: 35 miles
Itinerary
Details
What's Included
- A professional, licensed and medically trained guide
- All necessary gear: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles
- All cooking/eating gear: bowls, cups, utensils (your guide will prepare all meals)
- All meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on the last day + trail snacks
- Backcountry permits and fees
- 5% NPS Commercial Fee (a required fee that passes through to Yosemite National Park)
What's Not Included
- Transportation to/from Yosemite National Park
- Lodging the night before/after the trip
- Clothing, raingear, and footwear
- Personal toiletries, sunscreen
- Water bottles/hydration bladder
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuity (suggested 10-20% of trip cost)
*Upon booking you will receive a detailed trip information packet
How Many People Are in The Group
Most trips in Yosemite will accommodate 5 people plus one guide. On occasion, a group may be as large as 12 people plus 2 guides.
Are There Age Restrictions?
Children under the age of 13 are generally not permitted on regularly scheduled trips. This restriction may be negotiable on private tours. Please contact us with any questions regarding this policy.
How Do I Sign Up?
In order to confirm a reservation, we require an initial deposit of $250 per person, with the final balance due 90 days prior to the trip’s departure. If you book a trip within 90 days of the trip’s scheduled departure, then full payment is due at the time of booking.
Once we confirm availability, you will be provided with an online registration link. Your deposit is payable online by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or ACH transfer.
Travel Logistics
Where does the trip begin/end?
This trip will begin/end in Yosemite National Park. You will want to fly into San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Fresno, or Reno. You will need to arrange your own transportation from airports to the park. In most cases, renting a car is your easiest and best option.
Where do meet our guides?
We will hold a pre-trip orientation at 5:00pm the evening prior to your trip’s departure at the at a pre-arranged location inside the park. Departure times and logistics for the following morning will be discussed at the orientation. Most trips will depart between 7am and 9am.
What do we do with our car and extra stuff?
On the first morning of your trip, you will follow your guide to the long-term parking area where you can leave your car and personal belongings for the duration of the hike. You can also check with your hotel to see if they are willing to store your luggage for you while you hike.
What time will we get back on the last day?
Most trips end at lunchtime on the last day of the trip. If you are considering flying home on the last day of the trip, you should be finished up around 2pm. Since each trip has slightly different logistics, feel free to contact us with specific questions related to the expected return time for your trip.
Trip Dates
Don’t see your dates? Custom dates may be available!
Call 1-928-525-1552 or email us for details.
2026 Trip Dates
Guest Testimonials
List of Services
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Jen W. While I thought nothing could top the experience I had with the Four Season Guide led rim to rim at the Grand Canyon, the Vogelsang to Half Dome hike at Yosemite was just as fantastic. Bob made it seamless, informative, and unforgettable.Jen W.
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Dave F. We completed the 5-dat Vogelsang/Half Dome Trip in Yosemite. Bob made it exceptional with great guidance, stunning routes, and an unforgettable experience.Dave F.
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Christopher A. My friends and I have taken two trips with Four Season Guides which have been tremendous successes. Great guides, seamless planning, and personalized trips made them unforgettable.Christopher A.
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Mike L. Great route with lots of ruins and artifacts with ample time to explore. Delicious food cooked by our leader Bob who was a fantastic guide.Mike L.
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Mary H. They took such great care of us during the trip and really made our experience memorable! Owen was our guide, and we would highly recommend him! Thank you for a wonderful experience.Mary H.
Price:
$2,250/person
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Exceptional Guides
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Our guiding staff consists primarily of seasoned veterans who have been guiding professionally, full-time, for a decade or more. In addition to their extensive experience, our guides are fun, accommodating, approachable, entertaining, polite and just plain good people.
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We’re at work, you’re on vacation! We take care of all the logistics associated with a backcountry adventure and handling all the dirty work. Gear, food, permits, transportation…we have you covered and it’s all included.
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The Southwestern U.S. is our home and our passion. We’ve been exploring this region for decades and know it intimately. This is our niche and nobody does it better.
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