Guided Hike in Yosemite - Cathedral Lakes

HIKE TO CATHEDRAL LAKES

JOURNEY INTO

YOSEMITE'S WILDERNESS

Ready to ditch the crowds and head into Yosemite’s serene backcountry? This private, guided day hike is your gateway to alpine lakes, granite peaks, and a secret viewpoint perched on the edge of a cliff. Explore an untouched wilderness few tourists ever see!

Price List

1 person: $690
2 people: $700 ($350 per person)
3 people: $780 ($260 per person)
4 people: $800 ($200 per person)
5 people: $850 ($170 per person)
6 people: $930 ($155 per person)
7 people: $1,015 ($145 per person)
8 people: $1,040 ($130 per person)

PRIVATE TRIP INCLUDES:

• Picnic Lunch
• Trail Snacks
• Hiking Gear (Backpacks & Trekking Poles)
• Expert Wilderness Guide

mountains with snow patches and sparse trees

lake surrounded by trees and jagged mountain peak

man and woman sitting next to lake in bathing suits

man with camera hanging on his neck smiling

purple sky and mountain reflected in lake

man and woman with arms around one another sitting on log looking at lake

mountains reflected on lake water during cloudy day

cathedral peak reflected on the water of catheeral

HERE'S WHAT AWAITS...

Swim in the pristine Lower Cathedral Lake
Explore a hidden viewpoint next to a cascade on the edge of a cliff!
Explore Yosemite’s isolated backcountry, where average tourists don’t venture

Escape the crowded valley and hike into Yosemite’s vast backcountry. At the spires of Cathedral Peak, your guide will pull out binoculars to spot tiny climbers! Just below, lies Cathedral Lake, it’s waters glistening blue.

Your guide will prepare a picnic while you splash around and swim. As if the trip couldn’t get more fun, your guide will reveal a secret viewpoint that few people know of. By a cascade on the edge of a cliff, you’ll see a view that stretches all the way across the park!

This journey will leave you with something truly unique: knowledge of a peaceful, unpopulated area of Yosemite and a wonderful memory shared with your loved ones.

TRIP DETAILS

How challenging is this trip?

To reach Lower Cathedral Lake, you’ll hike 8 miles round trip with 1,600 feet of elevation gain. The trail steadily climbs but has no prolonged steep sections. This trip is rated moderate. Most people who enjoy hiking and are in decent shape will find it doable. The pace is steady, allowing time to enjoy the scenery along the way.

What's included?

Hiking Gear
• Day packs
• Trekking poles
• Water filter

Snacks & Lunch
• Sweet & salty trail snacks
• Picnic lunch

Expert Wilderness Guide
• Makes the hike safe, fun, and enjoyable!

What's not included?

Packing List:
• Sun Hat
• Sunglasses
• Water Bottles (2L)
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Raincoat
• Warm Layer
• Swimsuit
• Small Towel

Optional:
• Cash, to tip your guide!

What time and place do we meet?

We meet at 8am at the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead

What dates are available?

This trip operates from the middle of June through October. Click here to see available dates.

What is your cancellation policy?

• Cancellations 30 or more days in advance of the trip start date will receive a full refund, minus the booking platform fee and credit card processing fee.

• Cancellations 7 to 29 days in advance will receive a 50% refund, minus the booking platform fee and credit card processing fee.

• Cancellations 6 days or less in advance of the trip start date will receive no refund.

We never cancel a trip due to weather or trail closures, however we will do our best to alter or reroute the trip into one that you will enjoy!

Please make sure you read and understand the Terms & Conditions.

How do I contact you?

I’d be happy to answer your questions!
• Email: LamplightersAdventures@gmail.com
• Phone: (209) 336-3147

Chat with a trip planning expert!

"Even though trails like the Mist Trail are pretty popular, Jesse knew all the hidden gems. He took us to the best spots for photos, cool shady areas, and spots away from the crowds. It made the trip feel so much more special."

"My experience with Jesse and Lamplighters in Yosemite in July '23 was EPIC. Jesse goes above and beyond to insure his guests have an excellent experience. The trip was EPIC!"

"We wouldn’t usually hire a guide for this kind of trip. But this was worth it. What we gained in depth of experience far outweighs the cost. My whole family had an amazing time, including our three year old!"

"I had the most amazing experience with Jesse in Yosemite. I did this adventure with two of my daughters. It is a trip we will never forget. We are thankful we got to experience the beauty of Yosemite with a confident and experienced leader."

"It was my first time doing this difficult hike in Yosemite, so I was a bit nervous - Jesse put me at ease and was very supportive and encouraging through the entire trip.I feel like the wilderness is now opened to me."

"This was our first experience of a trip like this, and Jesse made me feel so comfortable - he was patient, encouraging, very knowledgeable and made the whole experience really fun!"

"Jesse is an amazing guide! From start to finish everything was planned out thoroughly. Jesse felt like a long time friend even though we just met and going solo that really was comforting. As soon as I can I really am hoping to sign up for another adventure!"

"Jesse has a presence that really puts you at ease. He’s got every detail covered, his enthusiasm and passion for the area shine, but he was also calm, relaxed, and really “go with the flow” through the whole trip. 10/10! Thank you, Jesse!"

"I created a special bond with my family by completing such an arduous goal, and I learned to appreciate the great outdoors. I can’t say enough about what this trip represents to me. Anytime I think I can’t do something, I remember this adventure."

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Hike Yosemite’s famous Mist Trail. If the water is high, get drenched by the towering Vernal and Nevada Falls! Peek over the edge at the very top, before hiking down the historic John Muir Trail.

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Mist Trail & John Muir Trail:
Vernal & Nevada Falls

Moderately Strenuous | 6.5 miles | 8 hours

Best For: Seeing Yosemite’s iconic waterfalls!

Hike Yosemite’s famous Mist Trail. If the water is high, get drenched by the towering Vernal and Nevada Falls! Peek over the edge at the very top, before hiking down the historic John Muir Trail.

Summit Mt Hoffman & Swim in May Lake

Moderate | 5.5 miles | 6 hours

Best For: Experiencing Yosemite’s high country

Mist Trail & John Muir Trail:
Vernal and Nevada Falls

Moderately Strenuous | 6.5 miles | 8 hours

Best For: Seeing Yosemite’s iconic waterfalls!

Hike Yosemite’s famous Mist Trail. If the water is high, get drenched by the towering Vernal and Nevada Falls! Peek over the edge at the very top, before hiking down the historic John Muir Trail.

Summit Mt Hoffman & Swim in May Lake

Moderate | 5.5 miles | 6 hours

Best For: Experiencing Yosemite’s high country

Trek to Mount Hoffman, Yosemite’s most fascinating viewpoint. At the center of the park, you will look down on all of Yosemite like a life-sized map! Stop for a swim in beautiful May Lake as you return.

Summit Half Dome in a Day

Strenuous | 17 miles | 12-15 hours

Best For: Achieving a lifetime accomplishment

Conquer the icon of Yosemite. Hike the Mist Trail, past Vernal and Nevada Falls, and climb the famously steep Half Dome cables. This is an accomplishment you’ll always be proud of!