Half Dome

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Half Dome and Yosemite Valley at dawn

Half Dome, September 20, 2010 - If you ask people about Yosemite National Park, probably they won't go without talking about  Half Dome.....the symbol of Yosemite, which rises nearly 5,000' from the Valley floor.  I still remember my awestruck moment when I saw the gigantic granite rock towering in Yosemite Valley for the first time.   If you drive up to Glacier Point, the vistas of the valley with Half Dome before you are memorably spectacular.   Interestingly, the shape of Half Dome you see from Glacier Point looks like a profile of dolphin or whale....well, to me, that's what it looks like.

I have visited Yosemite many times, but never thought of climbing Half Dome until I started climbing mountains.  It was when I summited many of California's high peaks that I put Half Dome on my climbing list.

The best time to climb Half Dome is after Labor Day weekend.  Because there is less crowd while weather still remains sunny and comfortable,  but not brutally hot.   However, even after the summer's peak season is over, Yosemite is usually still crowded until snow begins to fall in the valley.  In fact, the trail was literally full of hikers when I hiked up to Half Dome, and it was not even weekend; it was weekday (Monday) and still crowded.  There was a long line waiting for the cables at Half Dome.  I had to wait about 45 minutes for the cables!  So, be patient.  I saw some hikers who lost patience skip the line and get onto the cables from the outside, which is not allowed to do.  Also, it's hard to believe, but I saw some people trying to climb the cables with flip flops or without gloves!....what are they thinking of?.....Half Dome is not a beach!

Permits are required 7 days a week to climb to the top of Half Dome so that they can limit the number of hikers climbing the cables for safety and crowding.  Apply for a permit in advance because they sell out very fast.  

Half Dome day hike is not an easy one, but rather strenuous.   Also, Half Dome hike is listed as one of America's 10 Most Dangerous Hikes.  So, be prepared for potential dangers with the hike.  Half Dome hike is 14 to 16 mile round-trip, gaining elevation of 4,800'.  But the reward is worth the effort.....breathtaking views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra at the top of Half Dome.  It takes 10 to 14 hours to hike up to Half Dome and back; some may take longer.  It's highly recommended to start around sunrise or earlier.  You may run out of time depending on how fast you trek and how crowding at the cables.  The trail is well marked, but you should carry a flashlight or headlamp in case you may end up descending after sunset.  You can also camp at Little Yosemite Valley on the way to Half Dome, so you can have more time to explore and enjoy Half Dome hike instead of doing a rat race.  By the way, the flat area of the top of Half Dome covers the size of about 17 football fields!.....so, no worry, you have more than enough room for yourself and a good nap after the strenuous hike!

Hike Distance:   

14 miles round trip via Mist Trail
16 miles round trip via John Muir Trail
7 miles round trip from Little Yosemite Valley campground

Half Dome Elevation:  8,842 feet 

Total Elevation Gain:  4,800 feet from Yosemite Valley

Trailhead and Parking:
Most people begin the hike from Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16), which is about a half-mile from the trailhead parking lot or about 3/4 of a mile from Curry Village (parking available).  Shuttle service is also available from 7 am.

A line of "Human ants" climbing up the landmark granite rock!

 Long waiting line at the cables....I had to wait about 45 min.!

 

A hiker posing for a picture at the tip of the rock of Half Dome and about a hundred feet below is a rock climber climbing on the face of Half Dome.  Yosemite Valley is seen 4,800' down below.  Also, Washington Column, Glacier Point, Three Brothers (Eagle Peak), Sentinel Rock, El Capitan, Yosemite Lodge and Ahwahnee Hotel are visible.

Rush hour is over, no traffic jam!.....smooth descent after 4:30pm, which means it'll be pitch dark by the time when you return to trailhead.  Make sure to carry a flashlight or headlamp.

Panoramic view NE of the top of Half Dome looking toward Tioga Pass.....Tenaya Canyon down below stretching easterly and North Dome, Mt. Hoffman, Mt. Watkins and Clouds Rest (partial) are in frame.  High Sierra (Sierra Crest) pans out on horizon.