Backpacking Cathedral Lakes to Yosemite Valley (5 Days)
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Backpacking Cathedral Lakes to Yosemite Valley (5 Days)
The Adventurer Guy
This is one of the most beautiful backpacking trails and my personal favorite in Yosemite National Park. It starts at Cathedral Lakes Trailhead, passing by Cathedral Lakes, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, and finishes in Yosemite Valley. Additionally, the trail passes by stunning lakes, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas.
Embarking on this trail offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
OVERVIEW:
-Distance: 31 miles/49.8 km
-Elevation Gain: 5750 ft/1750 meters
-Duration: 5 days (4 nights)
-Difficulty: Challenging
HIGHLIGHTS:
-Cathedral Lakes
-Clouds Rest
-Half Dome
GUIDE CONTENTS:
1- ROUTE ITINERARY:
-Day 1: Arriving
-Day 2: Cathedral Lakes
-Day 3: Clouds Rest
-Day 4: Half Dome
-Day 5: Coming Back
2- CAMPSITES:
-Specific campsites
-Suggestions camping spots
3- PERMITS AND REGULATIONS:
-Information on obtaining permits
-Guidelines for wild camping
-Bear safety regulations
4- LOGISTICS:
-Transportation within the park
-Recommended gear list
5- ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
-GPX-tracks of the route
-Custom Google Maps with all the important locations, such as my campsites, grocery stores, water sources, trails, public transport stops, viewpoints, and more
-Alltrails activity link
-Trail conditions
Updated ago
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About this Hike
This hike holds a special place among my favorites and is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful trails in Yosemite National Park. Along the trail, you will encounter three of Yosemite's most iconic landmarks: Cathedral Lakes, Clouds Rest, and Half Dome. Additionally, the trail passes by stunning lakes, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas. While I completed it as a backpacking trip, it is also possible as a day hike, although the experience is different from backpacking. You have the flexibility to hike at your own pace, adding or subtracting days as needed. Embarking on this trail offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Get an impression here:
Custom Google Maps, Alltrails Activity and GPX File :
![](/_next/image?url=%2F_next%2Fstatic%2Fmedia%2Fkey-holder.fd0e3d2f.png&w=256&q=100)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The Adventurer Guy
Inspiring you to explore this beautiful world
Tips for backpacking, hiking, traveling
What's included
Digital Map
Fully interactive, digital map for finding places nearby
24 places
24 hand-picked places with notes from the creator
7 photos
Beautiful, hi-res photos from the creator
10 links
10 links from the creator to go even deeper with more info
FOCUSES AND THEMES
Backpacker
Camping
Outdoors
Photography
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Format
Itinerary
Itineraries typically include day-by-day plans, with food, lodging and activity recommendations for each day.
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