Getting Ready
Every backpacking trip starts long before the first step on the trail, especially ones that include really cool spots. Permits need to be secured, campsites reserved, gear checked and probably still questioned as soon as you get a mile up the trail. I know I’ll spend a bit of time staring at maps, most definitely thinking of the fun that lies ahead.
This year’s big adventure takes us back to one of my favorite places: Yosemite National Park.
From August 1st through August 8th, we’ll be spending a week exploring some of Yosemite’s most iconic backcountry destinations, including Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Sunrise Lakes, and Cathedral Lakes.
My friends will be making the journey from Kentucky, while I’ll be driving up from Phoenix.
Saturday, August 1
Travel Day
I’ll make the drive from Phoenix to Yosemite and set up camp at Tuolumne Meadows Campground.
The goal for the day is simple: head out early, get the campsite all good, enjoy the mountain air, and start shifting into Yosemite time.
A bit after that, my friends from Kentucky will arrive after flying into Sacramento and making the drive into the park.
With everyone finally together, we’ll spend the evening relaxing, talking catching up, and getting excited for the week ahead.
Sunday, August 2
Final Preparations
We’ll pick up our wilderness permit from the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center and take care of any last-minute logistics.
To stretch our legs and acclimate a bit, we’ll head out on an easy hike like May Lake. or so, it’s one of Yosemite’s classic short hikes and offers beautiful views without burning too much energy before the backpacking portion of the trip begins.
Later in the day, we’ll leave our shuttle vehicle at Cathedral Lakes Trailhead. Having transportation waiting for us at the end of the trip will make our exit from the wilderness much easier,.
The rest of the evening will be dedicated to organizing food, packing backpacks, checking gear, and making sure everything is ready for an early start.
Monday, August 3
Into the Wilderness
We’ll break camp early and drive down to Yosemite Valley.
Parking can be a challenge in the Valley during summer, so we’ll aim to arrive before the trailhead lots fill. If necessary, we’ll use the parking areas near Curry Village.
Our backpacking adventure officially begins at Happy Isles Trailhead.
Rather than taking the crowded Mist Trail, we’ll follow the John Muir Trail into the backcountry and make our way to Little Yosemite Valley Backpackers Campground.
This first day serves as both an introduction to the trip and a chance to settle into trail life before the bigger climbs ahead.
Tuesday, August 4
Half Dome Day
This is will be a cool day!
We’ll break camp and hike to the John Muir Trail and Clouds Rest Trail junction, where we’ll establish our next campsite.
From there, we’ll make the climb to Half Dome.
Our wilderness permit is eligible to climb the famous Half Dome cables—something that is notoriously difficult to obtain and one that many people spend years trying to secure.
The climb to the summit is strenuous and exposed, but the reward is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in North America.
After spending time on top soaking in the views, we’ll descend and return to camp for the evening.
Wednesday, August 5
Clouds Rest and Sunrise Lakes
Today’s route takes us over one of Yosemite’s finest viewpoints: Clouds Rest.
At 9,926 feet, Clouds Rest offers breathtaking panoramic views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra beyond.
Many hikers consider the views from Clouds Rest even better than those from Half Dome.
After crossing the summit, we’ll continue toward Sunrise Lakes and establish camp near Sunrise Lake #3.
This should be a fine campsite, surrounded by granite peaks, alpine forests, and crystal-clear mountain water.
Thursday, August 6
Cathedral Lakes
We’ll continue north through Yosemite’s high country toward Upper Cathedral Lake.
The Cathedral Range is one of the most beautiful areas in the park, with dramatic granite spires rising above pristine alpine lakes.
We’ll set up our final backcountry camp and spend the evening enjoying the scenery, reflecting on the miles already covered, and savoring one last night in the wilderness.
Friday, August 7
Back to Civilization
Our final hiking day will take us out to Cathedral Lakes Trailhead.
From there, we’ll return to Tuolumne Meadows Campground for one last night outdoors in this amazing place!
We’ll also retrieve the truck from Yosemite Valley using our shuttle vehicle, completing the logistical puzzle that makes point-to-point backpacking trips possible without waiting for the YARTS Bus.
After several days in the backcountry, a comfortable camp chair and tasty beverage will probably feel pretty amazing.
Saturday, August 8
Heading Home
All good adventures eventually come to an end.
Jason and Doug will make the drive back to Sacramento and catch their flight home to Kentucky.
I’ll point the truck south and begin the long drive back to Phoenix.
While the trip itself will be over, the memories, photos, and stories from another week in Yosemite will stay with us for years to come.
Route Highlights
- Happy Isles Trailhead
- Little Yosemite Valley
- Half Dome
- Clouds Rest
- Sunrise Lake #3
- Upper Cathedral Lake
- Cathedral Lakes Trailhead
- Tuolumne Meadows
A week in Yosemite with good friends, iconic trails, alpine lakes, and some of the best scenery in the Sierra Nevada. That’s a pretty good way to spend the first week of August.
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