5-Day Cathedral Lakes to Clouds Rest & Half Dome
Overview
Kick off your Yosemite backpacking experience with one of the most iconic sections of the John Muir Trail, weaving between majestic alpine lakes to the summits of Clouds Rest and Half Dome! Camp the first night at Cathedral Lakes amid the spirit of the true high country, then hike the JMT up and over Cathedral Pass with stunning views of alpine peaks along the way. Set up camp in the Sunrise Lakes area for Night 3, and from there, tackle the Clouds Rest summit (9,926’) for one of the most spectacular views of Yosemite Valley in the park! Your adventure culminates with the summit of Half Dome (8,836’) before returning to Yosemite Valley on the Mist Trail passing two spectacular waterfalls. This trip’s strenuous itinerary is well worth it! If you’re looking for an authentic Yosemite experience, this is the adventure for you!
As the calendar is confusing:
2026 Dates are:
7/28-8/1
8/10-8/14
8/25-8/29
8/28-9/1
8/31-9/4
9/14-9/18
9/23-9/27
What's Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Yosemite National Park Gate Fee (Must Be Paid On Entry By Visitor)
- Guide Gratuities
Meeting Location
Curry Village
Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Day 1
1 Stop
Day 2
1 Stop
Day 3
1 Stop
Day 4
1 Stop
Day 5
1 Stop
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- 2026 Dates: 7/28-8/1, 8/10-8/14, 8/25-8/29, 8/28-9/1, 8/31-9/4, 9/14-9/18, 9/23-9/27
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the 5-Day Cathedral Lakes to Clouds Rest & Half Dome?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-7011P12
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 29 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Breakfast.
- Dinner.
- Lunch.
- Yosemite National Park Gate Fee (Must Be Paid On Entry By Visitor).
- Guide Gratuities.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 8..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the 5-Day Cathedral Lakes to Clouds Rest & Half Dome is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for 5-Day Cathedral Lakes to Clouds Rest & Half Dome will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Yosemite National Park Gate Fee (Must Be Paid On Entry By Visitor)
- Guide Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- 2026 Dates: 7/28-8/1, 8/10-8/14, 8/25-8/29, 8/28-9/1, 8/31-9/4, 9/14-9/18, 9/23-9/27
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
