Join for a 5-day backpacking trip to Yosemite! We'll hit the road from Washington on June 28 and explore from July 1 to 5, and return home by July 6.
One way trip is 14 hr 15 min (897.2 mi) via I-5 S. We will stop/camp in Oregon.
Day 1 – Tuolumne Meadows to Gaylor Lakes & Yosemite Creek Camp
- Trailhead: Tuolumne Meadows → Gaylor Lakes → Yosemite Creek
- Distance: ~9 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~2,000 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Day 2 – Yosemite Creek to Red Peak Pass
- Trail: Yosemite Creek → Red Peak Pass
- Distance: ~10 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~3,500 ft
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Day 3 – Red Peak Pass to Clouds Rest
- Trail: Red Peak Pass → Clouds Rest Summit
- Distance: ~11 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~4,000 ft
- Difficulty: Very strenuous
- Highlights:
- Ascend toward Clouds Rest, a challenging yet rewarding peak with 360-degree views of Yosemite’s iconic landscapes.
- The summit of Clouds Rest provides some of the most spectacular vistas in the park, including Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the Sierra Nevada.
Day 4 – Half Dome Summit Day
- Trail: Little Yosemite Valley → Half Dome Summit
- Distance: ~14-16 miles (round trip)
- Elevation Gain: ~4,800 ft
- Difficulty: Extremely strenuous
- Caution: The cables route is exposed, and the climb requires both mental and physical readiness.
Day 5 – Mist Trail to Yosemite Valley (Exit)
Trail: Little Yosemite Valley → Mist Trail → Yosemite Valley
Distance: ~5 miles
Elevation Loss: ~2,000 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Essential Gears:
Backpack & Sleeping System:
- 40-60L backpack
- 2-3-season tent
- Sleeping bag
- Insulated sleeping pad
Cooking & Hydration:
- Stove
- Fuel for 5 days
- Water filter
- Water bottles (2-3L capacity)
Other Essentials:
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp (with extra batteries)
- Map & compass
- First-aid kit
- Bear canister
- Gloves for Half Dome cables
- Layered clothing for varying temperatures
Links:
- https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/yosemite-national-park
- https://www.yosemite.com
- https://www.youtube.com/user/yosemitenationalpark
