SCOTTSDALE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Cathedral Lakes to Half Dome — a five-day Yosemite traverse that crowns Clouds Rest and the cables of Half Dome
A guided, 5-day backpacking route linking Cathedral Lakes, Clouds Rest, Half Dome and the Mist Trail—this guide lays out the route, inclusions, and what to expect.
Cathedral Lakes to Half Dome — a five-day Yosemite traverse that crowns Clouds Rest and the cables of Half Dome.
This is a compact, high-country-to-valley traverse of Yosemite: a five-day guided backpacking journey that begins at the crystalline Lower Cathedral Lake beneath Cathedral Peak, crests Clouds Rest for sweeping 360-degree panoramas, ascends the famous cables to the summit of Half Dome, and finishes with a descent past the thunder of Nevada and Vernal Falls into Yosemite Valley. Small groups, secured permits, guided campsites and backcountry nights stitch the classic landmarks into a single, continuous wilderness experience.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Summit Half Dome via the famous cables
The traverse culminates with the Half Dome cables route, timed for dramatic light at sunrise or sunset; permits for the summit are secured as part of the itinerary.
Clouds Rest: arguably Yosemite’s best viewpoint
Cresting Clouds Rest delivers uncompromising, 360-degree panoramas—one of the route’s signature vantage points between the high country and the valley.
Cathedral Lakes and the Mist Trail’s thunder
Early days bring crystal-clear swimming and reflection photos at Lower Cathedral Lake; the descent threads the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail past the close-up roar of Nevada and Vernal Falls into Yosemite Valley.
What the day feels like
What the traverse feels like
Expect five days of continuous backcountry travel that link alpine lakes, granite ridges and iconic valley waterfalls. Nights are spent at scenic backcountry camps—Little Yosemite Valley and high-country sites—while each day stacks classic Yosemite highlights so the route reads like an accelerated history of the park’s best terrain.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a 5-day guided backpacking journey with nights in scenic backcountry camps.
Guides, secured permits, meals during the trip and bear canisters are provided as part of the itinerary.
Expect nights under the stars at designated backcountry sites such as Little Yosemite Valley and high-country camps.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The itinerary is a 5-day guided backpacking journey.
Where does the trip meet?
Meeting location is Yosemite National Park.
Are permits for Half Dome included?
Permits for the Half Dome ascent are secured by the operator as part of the trip.
How many people are in a group?
The experience is a small-group trip with a maximum of eight guests.
What notable highlights does the route include?
Highlights include Lower Cathedral Lake, Clouds Rest panoramas, the Half Dome cables route, and the descent past Nevada and Vernal Falls into Yosemite Valley.
Are meals and bear canisters provided?
Meals and bear canisters are included in the trip package.