FRESNO OTHER FIELD GUIDE
Across Granite Rivers: A Five-Day Ascent of Clouds Rest and Half Dome
A guided, five-day backpacking traverse through Yosemite that camps beside alpine lakes and summits both Clouds Rest and Half Dome — an essential field guide for planning the route.
Across Granite Rivers: A Five-Day Ascent of Clouds Rest and Half Dome.
This five-day backpacking itinerary threads Yosemite’s rugged backcountry, following a guide and a small group through alpine basins and granite ridges to camp by high mountain lakes and stand atop two of the park’s most iconic summits.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Summit Clouds Rest and Half Dome
The trip culminates in summiting both Clouds Rest and the challenging ascent of Half Dome, giving participants two very different granite perspectives in a single five-day traverse.
Camp Beside Alpine Lakes
Over five days you’ll move through Yosemite’s rugged backcountry and make camp beside serene high-elevation lakes — a steady rhythm of hiking and overnight bivouacs in wild country.
An End-to-End Guided Traverse
Led by a friendly guide and joined by a small group, this itinerary is an immersive end-to-end crossing of Yosemite designed to link classic landmarks with backcountry campsites.
What the day feels like
What the Five-Day Journey Feels Like
The experience is a sustained backcountry push: day after day of loaded hiking between alpine basins, setting camp near mountain lakes, and a final push to reach the exposed summits of Clouds Rest and Half Dome under the guidance of an experienced leader.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The program runs for five days.
The group meets at Yosemite National Park to begin the guided backpacking traverse.
Participants should be prepared for multi-day backpacking and lakeside camping — bring personal backpacking and camping gear appropriate for alpine conditions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The itinerary is five days in duration.
Where do we meet to start the trip?
Participants meet at Yosemite National Park to begin the guided backpacking traverse.
Do we summit Half Dome and Clouds Rest on this trip?
Yes — the itinerary includes summiting both Clouds Rest and Half Dome during the five-day traverse.
Is the trip guided?
Yes — the route is led by a guide and conducted as a group backpacking trip.
What kind of camping and terrain should I expect?
Expect rugged backcountry terrain and overnight camps set beside alpine lakes as the group moves through Yosemite’s high country.