Your Trip
DestinationYosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, John Muir Trail
MonthAugust
Duration3 days
People2 people
Daily Route
| Day | Route | Distance | Ascent | Descent | Elevation profile | Packing note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Hike into Little Yosemite Valley Campground via the Mist Trail. | Approximately 5 miles / 8.0 km | Approximately 2,300 ft / 701 m | Approximately 500 ft / 152 m | Approximately 4,000 ft to 6,100 ft / 1,219 m to 1,859 m | Carry sun protection, water capacity, and layers for a sustained climb from Yosemite Valley. |
| Day 2 | Summit Half Dome, then hike back down to Little Yosemite Valley Campground. | Approximately 7 miles / 11.3 km | Approximately 2,850 ft / 869 m | Approximately 2,850 ft / 869 m | Approximately 6,100 ft to 8,800 ft / 1,859 m to 2,682 m | Carry headlamps, permit details, enough water, and a warm layer; confirm Half Dome cable and weather conditions. |
| Day 3 | Hike from Little Yosemite Valley down to Yosemite Valley via the John Muir Trail. | Approximately 6 miles / 9.7 km | Approximately 1,500 ft / 457 m | Approximately 3,500 ft / 1,067 m | Approximately 6,100 ft to 4,000 ft / 1,859 m to 1,219 m | Pack for a descent-heavy day and verify John Muir Trail conditions before leaving camp. |
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Gear Categories
Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad
Sleeping bag or quiltUse the Little Yosemite Valley planning low of about 10°C (50°F), then choose a comfort rating with margin for individual cold sensitivity, wind, rain, and damp gear.
CheckSleeping padUse a pad appropriate for the Little Yosemite Valley planning low of about 10°C (50°F) and the campsite ground conditions.
CheckWaterproof dry bag or compression sackKeep the sleeping bag dry inside the backpack.
CheckTent
Backpacking tentChoose for the campsite surface, ventilation, insects, wind exposure, and summer mountain storms.
CheckGroundsheet or footprint if neededUse only if it matches the tent and does not extend beyond the tent floor.
Stakes and repair itemsHard or shallow ground can make setup more difficult; verify the route and campsite type.
Cooking
Stove and fuel or no-cook planFuel quantity depends on menu, water temperature, stove type, wind, and group size.
CheckPot, lighter, and backup ignitionNeeded if boiling water or cooking dehydrated meals.
Food-safe cleanup kitDo washing at least 100 ft / 30 m from water sources, trails, and camp areas.
Food
Three days of food for 2 peoplePlan 4.2 kg to 6.0 kg / 9.3 lb to 13.2 lb total using TrailReady's food guide range.
Allowed bear-resistant canisterRequired in Yosemite Wilderness for food and scented items; confirm capacity for two people before departure.
Scented items inside canisterPack toiletries, sunscreen, lip balm, trash, and food with the same storage discipline.
Water
Water bottles or reservoirCapacity depends on the route and both hikers. Confirm water sources on trail and at camp before leaving.
Filter or purifierYosemite recommends treating river and lake water before drinking.
CheckBackup water treatmentYosemite lists boiling for three minutes as the most reliable way to disinfect water.
Clothing
Sun shirt, hat, and sunglassesAugust Yosemite Valley normal high is 32°C (89°F).
Insulating layerLittle Yosemite Valley has an estimated August planning low of about 10°C (50°F), and Half Dome can be about 9°C (17°F) cooler than Yosemite Valley at the same time of day.
Rain layerAugust precipitation normals are low, but afternoon mountain storms and wet trail conditions can still occur.
Insect protectionYosemite wilderness conditions note mosquito presence in higher-elevation meadows and lakes in summer.
Safety
Wilderness permitRequired year-round for overnight wilderness use in Yosemite.
NavigationCarry an offline map, route plan, and permit trailhead information.
CheckHeadlampCarry extra power or batteries.
First aid and blister careInclude personal medications and foot-care supplies.
Smoke and air-quality checkNPS notes that smoke and poor air quality can affect Yosemite in summer; also verify Mist Trail, John Muir Trail, and Half Dome conditions.
Personal Items
Toiletries and hygiene itemsStore scented items in the bear canister.
Waste kitNPS Yosemite regulations require human waste burial 4 to 6 in / 10 to 15 cm deep and at least 100 ft / 30 m from water sources, trails, and camp areas where facilities are unavailable.
Pack-out bagPack out all trash and used toilet paper or hygiene products.
TrailReady Picks
Route inputs are set
This checklist uses the Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and John Muir Trail itinerary for 2 people over 3 days in August.
Use the planner
Open any Check button to calculate top recommendations for that category using the route, elevation range, month, duration, and party size.
Sources Used
- NPS Yosemite weather normals
- National Weather Service lapse-rate reference
- NPS Yosemite wilderness permits
- NPS Yosemite wilderness conditions and food storage
- NPS Yosemite wilderness regulations
- NPS Yosemite bears and food storage while backpacking
- NPS Yosemite public health and water treatment
- NPS backcountry health and water treatment
- Yosemite Conservancy bear canister rental information
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