Over four days, this all-women Yosemite backpacking trip climbs into the park's high country before summiting Clouds Rest and Half Dome back to back. Starting above 8,000 feet (2,440 m) near Tenaya Lake, the route eases in with alpine lakes and granite domes before pushing toward Clouds Rest's sweeping panorama on day two. Day three is reserved for Half Dome's cables, tackled with daypacks only, and the trip closes with an amazing descent through the Mist Trail past Nevada and Vernal Falls into Yosemite Valley.
We meet in Yosemite Valley by early evening for a welcome briefing, walking through the route, checking gear, and dialing in pack fit before handing out rental equipment. From there, it’s an easy night at the Backpackers’ Campground with granite walls glowing overhead. Those who can’t make it the evening before will join a condensed briefing on the morning of Day 1 instead.
Time outdoors: 1-2 hours
Accommodation: Backpackers’ Campground, Yosemite Valley
We meet in Yosemite Valley before boarding the hikers’ shuttle to Tioga Road, starting the trip at over 8,000 feet (2,440 m). This shorter first day eases us into the adventure with alpine lakes, granite domes, and peaceful forests, allowing time to acclimate before reaching our lakeside campsite for the evening.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: ~5 mi (8 km), 3-4 hrs
Elevation: +1,300 ft (+400 m), mostly in the first 2.5 miles
Accommodation: Lakeside camp near Sunrise Lakes
After breakfast, we pack up camp and continue deeper into Yosemite’s wilderness toward Clouds Rest. Standing at 9,926 feet (3,025 m), Clouds Rest offers one of the finest panoramic viewpoints in the Sierra Nevada, with sweeping views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the surrounding peaks. After celebrating on the summit, we continue to a second backcountry campsite near the John Muir Trail, positioned for the following day’s Half Dome ascent.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 8-9 mi (13-14.5 km), 6-8 hrs
Elevation: +1,300 ft (+400 m) / -2,500 ft (-760 m)
Accommodation: Backcountry camp near the John Muir Trail
Today’s objective is Yosemite’s most iconic summit. Leaving overnight gear safely at camp, we carry only daypacks toward the famous Half Dome cables. Reaching the summit is an unforgettable accomplishment, rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views across the park. After descending, we return to camp for one final evening beneath the stars, with a well-earned dinner to close out the day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: ~7 mi (11 km) round trip, daypacks only, 6-8 hrs
Elevation: +2,000 ft (+610 m)
Accommodation: Backcountry camp near the John Muir Trail
After breakfast, we break camp and begin the final descent into Yosemite Valley via the legendary Mist Trail. Passing both Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall, this classic Yosemite trail provides a spectacular finish before arriving back in the Valley to celebrate four unforgettable days in the Sierra.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6.5-7 mi (10.5-11 km), 4-5 hrs
Elevation: -3,200 ft (-975 m)
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Very good fitness is required for this all-women Yosemite backpacking trip, along with the ability to carry a backpack weighing approximately 30-35 lbs (14-16 kg) over multiple days. Expect to hike up to 10 mi (16 km) in a day, gain over 2,000 ft (610 m) of elevation, and spend time at elevations approaching 10,000 ft (3,050 m).
Previous backpacking experience is helpful but not required, though comfort hiking 6-10 hours on consecutive days over rocky, uneven terrain while carrying a loaded backpack makes for a better trip. The Half Dome cable ascent requires confidence with heights, good balance, and the ability to pull yourself steadily up steep granite while wearing a daypack.
Training with a loaded backpack beforehand is recommended, and those who regularly hike 8-10 mi (13-16 km) with elevation gain and can comfortably carry 30 lbs (14 kg) will have the most enjoyable experience.
Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Yosemite hiking tours here!
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Optional:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and pricing
An all-women Yosemite backpacking trip can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your all-women Yosemite backpacking trip is Curry Village, Yosemite Valley. To get there, most people fly into Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) or San Francisco International Airport (SFO). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Curry Village.
You will meet your guide in Curry Village, Yosemite Valley, on Day 0 or Day 1, depending on personal preference.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.