4-Day Half Dome Backpacking Adventure — Guided Cables Summit in Yosemite
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4 days (≈96 hours)
Fitness Level
Requires a high level of cardiovascular fitness and prior overnight backpacking experience; must be comfortable with long, loaded ascents and exposed routes.
Overview
A four-day guided trek from Yosemite Valley to the cables of Half Dome, combining the Mist Trail, high-country camps, and an alpine summit push. Expect steep miles, granite exposure, and expert-guided logistics that handle permits, food, and safety.
4-Day Half Dome Backpacking Adventure — Guided Cables Summit in Yosemite
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The bus eases into Curry Village as late afternoon light slides low across Cathedral Peak. Packs clank, boots crack open, and a guide’s voice lays out the plan: wet summer mist on the Mist Trail, a high-country camp beneath pines, and the cables—an exposed, sweaty final pitch to Half Dome’s rounded crown. For four days, Yosemite becomes a sequence of thresholds: river rock, scrub, alpine lake, then the granite face that will either greet you at sunrise or send you home thrilled and spent.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Permit and cables
Half Dome cables require a permit during the open season; guided trips typically secure permits—confirm this with the operator before travel.
Footwear and traction
Wear broken-in, grippy trail boots—wet granite near falls and the exposed cable section demand confident traction.
Hydration and water treatment
Carry at least 3 liters and a reliable filter; high-country water is abundant but should be treated before drinking.
Start times and pacing
Be prepared for alpine starts when summiting at sunrise; conserve energy earlier in the trip by hiking steady and light.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mule deer
- American pika
History
Half Dome and the Yosemite Valley are central to the conservation movement; naturalists like John Muir championed the region and influenced early national park policy.
Conservation
Groups follow Leave No Trace and park regulations to limit erosion and campsite impact; guided operators coordinate permits to keep group sizes manageable.
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Adventure Hotspots in Yosemite Valley
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mountaineering-style backpack (45–65L)
Enough capacity for food, clothing layers, sleep system and group gear for multi-day backcountry travel.
summer specific
Approach or trail boots with sticky rubber
Secure footing on wet granite and during the cable ascent reduces slip risk.
summer specific
Water filter or purification system
Treat creek and lake water to stay hydrated without carrying excessive weight.
Lightweight sleeping bag (20–30°F rating)
Nights above 8,000' can be cold—even in summer—so sleep insulation matters.
spring specific