Yosemite Backpacking Trip
 

Before you read any further, understand this will be an extremely difficult hike... backpacking experience is a MUST.

We will be backpacking from Sunrise Lakes Trail head, hitting Clouds Rest, hiking from there to Half Dome and camping on top, then back down to the valley. You will need to have backpacking experience as you will be camping 2 nights and carrying ALL your gear (30-40 lbs) the entire time. This is a small trip (only open to about 10 people) so please don't RSVP unless you are 110% sure you have all the equipment needed (40 lb. pack, backpacking tent/hammock, 15 degree sleeping bag, etc.) and can keep up with other experienced hikers. Since we are camping 2 nights, we all need to stay together throughout the entire trip.

THE PLAN

DAY ONE (Friday): We will leave Sacramento and get to Yosemite by 6 - 7pm. It's a full moon weekend, so we will start our adventure at the Sunrise Lakes Trail and hike in under the full moon a few miles to the base of Clouds rest. We should drop camp around 11pm.(Distance: 4-5 miles)

DAY TWO (Saturday): We'll pack up and hike to the top of Clouds Rest, then make our way over to Half dome by 5pm. Once the Rangers are gone (5-6pm) we'll hike to the top of Half Dome (no rangers, no permits needed!) where we'll enjoy an amazing sunset and a great evening under the full moon. (Distance: 10+ miles)

DAY THREE (Sunday): We'll wake up nice and early and watch sunrise over the entire Yosemite valley from the top of Half Dome! We'll then pack up and make out way back down to the valley via Mist Trail, take the bus back to Sunrise Lakes Trail head and head home. (Distance: 7-8 miles)

Each person will need a wilderness permit for Sunrise Lakes Trail ($5) and all their own backpacking equipment (if you need to ask what to bring, you're probably not experienced enough to go!). Carpool cost is TBD.