Cathedral lakes - clouds rest - half dome - valley

[eswebster]

I am visiting the park with my wife at the end of June and have some hesitation that my plans may be a bit much. I am a strong hiker, my wife is in shape but not overly athletic.

I want to plan a realistic trip so that we don't have to scramble to adjust to what she is comfortable with later.

So I am looking for some advise from those who have done this hike to let me know if a 3 full day (2 night) attempt at this is reasonable.

Here's the current itinerary.

Day 1 - Cathedral lakes trailhead to a campsite at sunrise lakes
Day 2 - sunrise lakes over clouds rest to camp by half dome junction
Day 3 - half dome junction to the summit half dome, and then out the mist trail.

I'd like to hit sunset at upper cathedral lake
Sunrise at clouds rest
Sunrise at half dome.... before crowds.

[AlmostThere]

You will need a wilderness permit with Half Dome on it, which at this point may be the most challenging part of your trip.

Do you hike often? Have you looked at the miles per day on your itinerary? I can't tell you whether that is too hard for you - that's wholly subjective. For me, that would be a two day trip. I know someone who did it all as a day trip.

As long as you don't carry heavier than necessary packs you should be fine.

[eswebster]

Thanks for the reply almost there. I have looked at the mileage and elevation and it seems completely doable to me. Just always like to find advice from those who have actually tread the trail.

I have the backcountry and half dome permits so we are squared there.

Sounds like we'll be fine. I'm going to have a heavier than necessary pack so that my wife can have a lighter pack .

Thanks again. And I would love to hear from others out there.

Can't wait to see the park for the first time.

[eswebster]

Any advice in camping at sunrise creek for the evening? Farther north in the area, a bit away from the day hikers in the valley? Just looking to avoid any mistakes in site selection if I can. Thanks.

Really looking for anywhere between the summit of clouds rest that will set us up well for half dome the next morning.... very early morning.

[eswebster]

Never mind, i see that this has been discussed ad nauseam on this forum before.