Introducing a backpacking route that connects two of the most iconic viewpoints in Yosemite National Park — Half Dome and Clouds Rest

Half Dome

Half Dome is so famous that it’s often listed as a bucket-list hike for countless climbers and hikers ✨

Clouds Rest

Clouds Rest, another breathtaking spot, offers a thrilling experience of walking along a narrow ridge. The excitement can’t be fully captured in a photo — check out the 360° video below to feel the dizzying exposure for yourself 👇

There’s also a video of the climb up the Half Dome cables:

🥾 Reduce the Burden of a Day Trip and Enjoy More Scenery

The round trip to the summit of Half Dome covers over 16 miles with an elevation gain of more than 5,300 feet — too strenuous to comfortably complete in a single day 😮‍💨

Half Dome day hike elevation gain

So I obtained a backpacking permit and completed the route over two days and one night. This wasn’t just to avoid challenge — it was to start from a higher elevation and take in more of the scenery at a relaxed pace

Starting from Tenaya Lake, I passed through Clouds Rest and continued to the summit of Half Dome. Thanks to this route, I was able to reduce the overall burden of the climb:

Elevation gain for my combined Clouds Rest and Half Dome route

You can view the route I took on this AllTrails map

🌲 A Night on the John Muir Trail

While looking for the optimal base camp for climbing Half Dome the next day, I naturally ended up spending a night right on the John Muir Trail (JMT).

Sunrise Creek campsite on the John Muir Trail

I’ve visited many backpacking campsites over the years, but this spot was on a different level. The area was perfectly partitioned by large fallen logs, the ground was wide and flat, and a stream flowed right alongside it. It was surprising to find such a prime spot hidden deep in the forest without any official signage.

This location would be an excellent first-night campsite for JMT hikers heading south from Happy Isles. Especially if you plan to detour to Half Dome, it would be difficult for most hikers to push much farther than this after such a demanding climb.

Campsite location

While my saved photos contain the exact coordinates, the map above provides a clear enough hint for the location.

After spending the night here, I summited Half Dome, returned to camp to pack up, and finished the journey with a pleasant 7-mile descent along the JMT.

🎫 Permit Information

There are only seven trailhead options that allow backpackers to climb Half Dome. If you’d like to take on this special route, be sure to visit the
Yosemite National Park Half Dome backpacking permit page
for details on how to apply.

💬 If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment!

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