This grand Sierra Backpacking adventure takes in some of the least visited and most spectacular mountain vistas in Yosemite National Park. For those who want to see Yosemite as John Muir did.

We hike out of Tuolumne Meadows in the Yosemite high country and trek south through the Lyell Canyon and onto the remote headwaters of the Merced River. We then visit Merced Lake before continuing on to Half Dome basecamp along Sunrise Creek. We then climb the incomparable Half Dome via the famous cables route. To complete our loop we visiting Cathedral Peak on our way back to Tuolumne Meadows.

Along the way there will be plenty of time for relaxation amid the incredible beauty and quiet of the Yosemite backcountry. We also have a porter resupply halfway through.

Seeing the Yosemite High Country with a professional hiking guide and backcountry chef is a wonderful way to experience Yosemite.

View the Itinerary for this trip

For Yosemite travel and lodging information visit our Tuolumne Meadows Travel Page

For other Sierra Nevada backpacking and trekking trips see our main Trekking/Backpacking page.

Location: We meet at Tuolumne Meadows in the Yosemite high country, an hour from Yosemite Valley and an hour from the eastern Sierra resort of Mammoth Lakes.

Food: At California Alpine Guides we strive to provide healthy and delicious gourmet backcountry meals. Breakfast and dinner are provided by your guide / backcountry chef while in the field. Special diets can be accommodated.

Level: Good to excellent physical conditioning is required. Some previous backpacking experience is required with the ability to carry an overnight pack all day.

Dates 2009: Jul 26-Aug 2
Custom dates available from July through September

Cost: $1195 per person

Includes: Breakfast and dinner while in the field, professional mountain guides and instruction, all group camping gear and permits. Porter resupply.