Epic Cables Climb In Yosemite Nationwide Park

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The Half Dome hike is the one most epic hike in California’s Yosemite Nationwide Park, with an exhilarating and scary cables part on the finish of the path that leads you to panoramic views of your entire Yosemite valley!

Half Dome is generally accessed by the favored Mist Path, the place you’ll get to see two huge waterfalls, big sequoia timber, and different surroundings alongside the Merced River. It is a very exhausting and strenuous day hike, so it’s not for everybody, however standing on prime of Half Dome is such an ideal achievement if you are able to do it.

The Half Dome cables part on the finish of the hike is very difficult, and may very well be harmful when you’re not cautious. Permits are handed out by lottery, they usually’re required for the cable part since 2010 to maintain the route safer and fewer crowded.

This journey information for the Half Dome hike will clarify tips on how to climb it safely, the place to seek out the trailhead in Yosemite, tips on how to get Half Dome permits, and all the things else it’s worthwhile to know earlier than you go!

 

Fast Details

• Distance: 16.5 miles (26.5 km) spherical journey
• Elevation Acquire: 5,300 ft (1,615 m)
• Prime Elevation: 8,844 ft (2,695 m)
• Period: 9 – 12 hours spherical journey
• Issue: Onerous

 

 

What And The place Is Half Dome?

Half Dome is a granite peak at Yosemite Nationwide Park, within the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.

Yosemite is situated close to the middle of California state, so it’s inside driving distance of Fresno, Sacramento, San Francisco, and different huge cities in america, together with Las Vegas, Nevada.

The park is about 2.5 hours of driving from Fresno, 4 hours from San Francisco, or 7 hours from Las Vegas.
 

Half Dome Hike: What To Anticipate

A typical Half Dome hike begins with a really early wakeup after which a protracted uphill hike by way of the Mist Path, which is one other of Yosemite’s hottest mountain climbing trails.

On the finish, you’ll attain the Half Dome cables part, the place it’s important to climb up a steep mountainside aided by a sequence of steel cables. This thrilling climb is what places Half Dome on many peoples’ bucket lists.

The Half Dome cable part is to not be underestimated. It’s significantly scary, and folks have fallen and died on the cables. It’s a protected sufficient climb when you’re cautious, however I wouldn’t advocate it for everybody.

The small print beneath will clarify every a part of the Half Dome path and what to anticipate. Your complete hike is wonderful, from begin to end!

 

• Mist Path vs John Muir Path (JMT)

The primary choice you’ll need to make is whether or not you need to hike Half Dome from the Mist Path, or the John Muir Path (JMT).

Each use the identical trailhead at Yosemite, they usually’re virtually similar when it comes to issue, though the surroundings is a bit totally different. The John Muir Path is barely longer than the Mist Path, however much less steep. Each are good.

The primary issues are crowds, security, and surroundings. I believe it’s finest to do the Mist Path first on the best way up (when it’s not crowded but), after which go down the much less busy and fewer slippery John Muir Path on the best way again.

That’s safer and extra environment friendly, and it’ll additionally provide you with a great mixture of views and picture ops.

In fact, you can even hike Half Dome by way of the Mist Path in each instructions, or the JMT in each instructions. In whole, meaning there are 4 potential mixtures to make use of for this leg of the hike, and any of them work simply high quality.

The photographs on this information have been taken within the daytime, however remember issues will look a bit totally different once you first begin the hike within the early morning.

You probably have time on a separate day, I’d advocate doing a apply run of the path as much as Nevada Falls to familiarize your self with the route and terrain earlier than you do it for the Half Dome hike.

That’s not a should, however I believe you’ll discover it useful. Moreover, the waterfalls are wonderful and value seeing twice!

 

• Half 1 / 7: The Mist Path To Vernal Falls

The Mist Path to Half Dome begins out on a steep, paved path that climbs as much as the highest of Vernal Falls, an exquisite 317-foot waterfall on the Merced River. This path doesn’t begin out straightforward. You’re gaining elevation straight away.

After about 1 mile of mountain climbing, you’ll cross the Vernal Fall foot bridge and get your first views of the waterfall. There’s a toilet right here and a pleasant water fountain with protected, potable ingesting water, however the usefulness is fairly restricted for Half Dome because it’s so early within the hike.

Subsequent, you’ll hike alongside close to the Vernal Falls on a rocky granite stairway that finally results in the highest of the waterfall. That is one in every of my favourite falls in Yosemite, and rainbow sightings are virtually assured through the daytime.

Watch your step at Vernal Falls as a result of there’s lots of spray and mist, and the steps could also be slippery.

That is how the Mist Path acquired its identify, in any case. Within the spring months, it may be particularly loopy and also you may even want a rain poncho like I did!

Once you attain the highest of Vernal Falls, there’s a giant flat rock space the place you’ll be able to stretch and relaxation for a minute whereas peeking over the railing on the fringe of the waterfall. It’s a tremendous view.

You can too discover extra loos just a bit methods previous this space.

 

• Half 2 / 7: Vernal Falls To Nevada Falls

Now it’s time for the 1.5 mile climb as much as the highest of Nevada Falls! This path is even steeper and extra rocky than the trail you simply climbed to Vernal Falls, though it begins out mild.

There’s a brief bridge crossing and a few nice views of the Liberty Cap mountain and Nevada Falls from a distance, however for essentially the most half, you’ll be strolling via a shady forest with not a lot to see or {photograph} alongside the best way. Possibly it’s good motivation to maintain pushing even quicker to the highest!

Don’t get me improper, Nevada Falls is a really spectacular 594-foot waterfall that appears like thunder within the springtime, however one of the best views of this one aren’t seen from the path beneath, however really from the platforms above.

Once you attain the highest of Nevada Falls, there’s one other outhouse and likewise a fork within the path: you’ll be able to take a brief detour to see the waterfall from above, or you’ll be able to proceed on the trail to ‘Little Yosemite Valley’ and finally Half Dome.

In the event you want further ingesting water, you’ll be able to filter it from the river above Nevada Falls, however keep in mind to be very cautious right here as a result of the rocks are slippery and the river might be harmful.

It’s possible you’ll not have a lot time to benefit from the Nevada Falls through the Half Dome hike because you’ll produce other priorities, however I’d extremely advocate spending some extra time right here in a while the best way again down from Half Dome.

There are a number of viewpoints above the waterfall which are gorgeous, however it takes a little bit of time to do them justice!

 

• Half 3 / 7: Little Yosemite Valley To Sub Dome

After you move Nevada Falls, it’s time for what’s (in my view) the longest and slowest a part of the Half Dome hike, though the surroundings by no means stops being worthwhile. You possibly can even see some sequoia timber (big redwoods)!

First, you’ll hike about 1.5 miles via the ‘Little Yosemite Valley.’ Fortunately, this is among the flattest elements of the entire path, so it’s a great alternative to catch your breath earlier than issues get difficult once more, which they quickly will.

The subsequent part is a relentless uphill trudge that lasts 2.3 miles. That is the place issues get tedious, and there’s not a complete lot to see besides forest.

Once you lastly attain a clearing on the prime of the path, issues actually open up!

At this level, you’ll be able to see expansive views of Yosemite Nationwide Park, with Mount Watkins and different peaks observing you from throughout the valley. Within the springtime, I might see a number of huge waterfalls within the distance.

The path additionally flattens out for awhile, so you’ll be able to benefit from the surroundings once more with out huffing and puffing.

Right here, you’ll even catch your first views of the Half Dome and its pointy summit, though it’s nonetheless largely obscured by the Sub Dome.

In the event you look carefully, you may even see some hikers climbing on the cables close to the highest of Half Dome, however they’ll seem like tiny specks within the distance.

After a brief stroll, you’ll discover a Yosemite Nationwide Park ranger (or volunteer) sitting on the base of the Sub Dome, checking everybody’s IDs and permits for the Half Dome cables part.

The park ranger will provide you with a short security discuss and a few primary suggestions for navigating the cables, and then you definitely’re free to begin mountain climbing up the Sub Dome as quickly as you’re feeling prepared.

In the event you don’t have a allow for Half Dome, that is the place your hike ends, until you could find one other hiker with an unused allow who’s prepared to offer theirs to you. I’ll talk about that in a bit extra element later.
 

• Half 4 / 7: Climbing The Sub Dome

The climb up Sub Dome is one other powerful exercise, with steep switchbacks all the best way to the highest.

The terrain adjustments right here and also you’re strolling on granite steps once more, much like those at Vernal Falls, besides at this level you’re in all probability feeling very exhausted and worn out after doing a lot of this in sooner or later.

The top is nearly in sight! Once you attain the highest of Sub Dome, you’ll get your first view of the Half Dome — a steep, angled rock face with tiny hikers climbing up the cables in a line. They seem like ants climbing a ladder!

There’s loads of flat house on the Sub Dome, so you’ll be able to relaxation up and put together your gloves or different gear earlier than tackling the cables. It’s not a rush. Benefit from the surroundings and catch your breath, as a result of issues are about to get loopy!

 

• Half 5 / 7: Half Dome Cables Part

Now it’s time for the grand finale: the Half Dome cables part!

That is essentially the most thrilling and difficult a part of the hike, and it’s what makes Half Dome such a novel and epic expertise sought out by so many hikers visiting Yosemite Nationwide Park.

You’ll be climbing a slick granite slope with the help of cables, poles, and picket boards. One of many essential challenges of climbing Half Dome is the slippery granite floor that makes it exhausting to get any traction along with your ft.

The cables provide you with one thing to carry and pull your self up along with your palms, whereas the boards provide you with someplace to put your ft with out slipping. They’re sturdy and protected, so you’ll be able to belief them.

Your higher physique power could also be put to the check right here, however when you want a break you’ll be able to at all times cease on one of many picket boards and wrap your arms round a pole or cable. Take it one board at a time. The boards are the most secure place to relaxation.

The climb could look nearly vertical from beneath, however it’s really nearer to a forty five diploma angle. Even so, it’s steep sufficient to be scary and doubtlessly harmful when you’re not cautious.

Although the Half Dome cables part is just one/tenth of a mile lengthy, you’re gaining 400 ft of vertical elevation acquire.

If the cables aren’t crowded, you’ll be able to attain the highest in half-hour or much less, though it could really feel longer in your thoughts as a result of you’ll be able to’t see the summit and also you’re primarily centered on not falling.

 

• Half 6 / 7: Prime Of Half Dome Summit

Simply when it looks as if the cables couldn’t get any steeper, issues all of a sudden flatten out and also you’ve reached the highest of Half Dome. Congratulations!

After you catch your breath, there’s plenty of room on the height of Half Dome to unfold out and go searching. The summit has 360 diploma panoramic views of Yosemite Nationwide Park.

In entrance of you is Yosemite Valley, with its inexperienced meadows and steep rock partitions. Behind you’re the precarious cables you simply climbed, and the remainder of the hikers on Sub Dome now seem like tiny ants. What a view!

My favourite spot for photos here’s a little characteristic referred to as the ‘visor’ or ‘diving board’ of Half Dome, the place you’ll be able to stand and get your image taken with the steep cliff immediately beneath you, and all of Yosemite Valley within the background.

Bear in mind to look at your step right here as a result of there are big drop-offs, and chances are you’ll be feeling a bit numb to hazard at this level after climbing the cables!

 

• Half 7 / 7: Going Again Down

Some individuals will say it’s simpler happening the Half Dome cables than going up, however I believe it’s nearly as difficult. It’s a lot much less of a exercise on your arms, in order that’s a plus, however you’ll nonetheless need to grip the cables like loopy to maintain from slipping.

I discovered it useful to show round and descend backwards, holding one cable with each palms, such as you’re rappelling down the slope. That manner you’re not staring on the scary view, and also you even have higher traction, whereas when you go down the opposite manner your physique steadiness is extra awkward and you would fall face ahead in case your ft slip.

Taking place the cables will nearly actually be slower than going up. For one factor, there might be extra individuals on the cables by then, and also you’ll need to cease and let one another move. Even so, it shouldn’t take greater than 45 minutes to get again down.

Now it’s time to resolve if you wish to return to Yosemite Valley by way of the Mist Path, or the John Muir Path.

I’d advocate going again down on the John Muir Path because it’s much less crowded and has barely higher footing. On the best way again, you’ll be able to cease at Nevada Falls and have a look at the viewpoints above the waterfall.

In the event you nonetheless have vitality left once you attain Clark Level, you would even do a brief detour to the point of view of Vernal Falls from above. This was one in every of my favourite views in Yosemite Nationwide Park!

 

How Lengthy Is The Half Dome Hike?

Half Dome is a really lengthy day hike. Plan to take anyplace from 9 to 12 hours, relying in your tempo. I’d say 10+ hours is regular even for match hikers.

From the trailhead, the Half Dome hike has a distance of 16.5 miles (26.5 kilometers) spherical journey, and a complete elevation acquire of 5,300 ft (1,615 meters). It’s a whopper.

These stats don’t embrace the stroll from the car parking zone to the trailhead, which can add some further distance relying on the place you park, though Yosemite valley tends to be fairly flat.

In abstract, this can be a very lengthy and exhausting hike. In the event you can, undoubtedly attempt to apply on among the different hikes within the park earlier than you do that one.

Most individuals do that as a day hike, or you can also make it a bit extra manageable by tenting and spending 2 days (or extra) within the space. There’s a campground in Little Yosemite Valley, which is roughly midway to Half Dome.
 

Half Dome Elevation: How Tall Is Half Dome?

Half Dome has a summit elevation of 8,844 ft (2,695 meters) above sea degree.

That is excessive sufficient chances are you’ll really feel some minor altitude signs, similar to shortness of breath and decrease vitality, however nothing severe sufficient to fret about, particularly because you’ll be descending after you attain the highest. Altitude illness is principally a non-factor on this hike.

In the event you actually need to go the additional mile (no pun supposed) and put together your physique 100%, you would go to among the different excessive factors within the park earlier than doing Half Dome.

Two good choices for altitude apply are Higher Yosemite Falls or Glacier Level. They’re not as excessive as Half Dome, however they’re excessive sufficient to offer your physique some acclimation.

 

How Secure Is The Half Dome Hike?

Clearly there may be some danger concerned in climbing Half Dome, and there’s no denying that that is an excessive hike by most individuals’s requirements.

I’d say it’s undoubtedly extra harmful than one thing like Angels Touchdown, and it’s a for much longer and extra strenuous hike too. Nonetheless, I nonetheless assume Half Dome is protected sufficient when you’re cautious and are available ready.

Yearly, Half Dome is efficiently climbed by greater than 100,000 individuals, and there are comparatively few incidents. In truth, earlier than permits began being required in 2010, Half Dome was climbed by as much as 400,000 individuals per yr!

That doesn’t imply it’s a joke, although. Half Dome is steep. Very steep. Footage don’t actually do it justice, and I had extra anxiousness on the cables than I anticipated. Most individuals who’ve been all the best way to the highest would in all probability inform you a similar factor.

I’d not advocate the Half Dome hike for younger youngsters, unfit older of us, or anybody who will not be surefooted and cozy with heights.

I noticed a lady have a panic assault partway via the cable part on Half Dome. It prompted a site visitors jam on the cables and made issues much less protected for everybody till she was in a position to climb again down with assist from bystanders.

For what it’s value, I’ve some concern of heights however I’m additionally an skilled hiker who has completed loads of dangerous treks and climbs world wide, and I’ve to confess Half Dome was scary for me. One of many issues working via my thoughts was the potential for one other hiker above me falling, and taking me out with them.

No matter you do, don’t let go of the cables, even for a second! I do know it’s tempting to cease and take photos, however until you’re nonetheless holding a cable with at the very least one hand, there may be nothing holding you from slipping and falling off the sting of the cliff.

 

Deaths On The Half Dome Hike

Plenty of individuals have fallen and died on the Half Dome cables part, and plenty of individuals have additionally died within the Merced River, which may have swift currents and ice chilly water.

The latest falling dying on the cables was in 2019, when a 29-year-old lady slipped and fell greater than 500 ft off the mountain.

I don’t need to scare you out of doing the Half Dome hike when you’re in a position. I’m solely sharing this data to inspire you to be as protected as potential, and likewise so you can also make an knowledgeable choice about whether or not it’s the best hike for you.

Don’t get me improper, Half Dome is among the finest hikes in america, and reaching the highest is a enjoyable achievement. However don’t overlook to place security first.

 

What To Convey To Half Dome Yosemite

• Footwear. Test the underside of your footwear to ensure they’re grippy. On the final a part of the hike, you’ll be climbing on steep, slippery rock. You completely want mountain climbing footwear or boots with good grip for the Yosemite Half Dome hike.
• Water. The park rangers advocate 4 liters of water per particular person, though I used much less. In the event you’re going in the course of the day when it’s hotter, chances are you’ll want each little bit of that. If 4 liters is an excessive amount of to hold, then you’ll be able to filter water above Nevada Falls.
• Snacks. Convey some salty and sugary snacks to eat through the hike. If nothing else, you’ll be able to get pleasure from them on the prime of the mountain, after climbing the Half Dome cables!
• Solar Safety. There’s no shade in any respect on Sub Dome or Half Dome. You’ll undoubtedly need sunscreen and a hat.
• Gloves. These are important for climbing the Half Dome cables! You want them to maintain your palms protected and provide you with higher grip. I wouldn’t do that hike with out gloves. There was a pile of spare gloves on the backside of the cable part for individuals to take and use, however it’s gone now. Positively convey your individual. Any type of gloves will work.
• Harness. This one is non-compulsory. I’d estimate about 10 to twenty % of hikers on Half Dome use a harness. You’re safer with a harness, however it’s awkward to make use of and it’ll sluggish you down.
• Headlamp. You’ll want a lightweight when you begin the hike very early, or simply in case you get again actually late. Bear in mind to convey recent batteries too.
• Poncho. In the event you’re mountain climbing within the spring, you may want a poncho for the part of the Mist Path that passes Vernal Falls. When the waterfalls come alive, it may be extraordinarily moist there!
• Allow. Bear in mind to convey your allow and an ID, similar to your driver’s license. Displaying the allow electronic mail is sufficient, you don’t have to print a paper copy.

 

Different Suggestions For Half Dome Yosemite

• Bogs. There are bathrooms immediately by the path at Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. After that, you’ll need to do it within the woods. Nonetheless, when you begin climbing Sub Dome and Half Dome, there aren’t any timber or privateness anymore for the remainder of the hike to the summit, even for a fast pee. So ensure you care for enterprise earlier than you begin climbing the Sub Dome.
• Cell Service. Under Vernal and Nevada Falls you may not get any mobile phone reception or texts, however at Sub Dome and Half Dome I had somewhat. This may come in useful you probably have any necessary messages to ship or obtain.
• Water Sources. There may be potable ingesting water by the Vernal Falls foot bridge early within the hike. You probably have a water filter, you can even get ingesting water from the Merced River above Nevada Falls or in Little Yosemite Valley.

 

When To Begin The Half Dome Hike

I’d advocate being on the trailhead to begin the Half Dome hike at round 5 AM. It is a very lengthy hike and also you want an early begin if you wish to get again earlier than darkish. Plus, the later you go, the more severe the crowds and warmth might be, making all the things more durable.

Sadly, when you’re staying someplace outdoors of Yosemite valley, you’re going to want a good earlier begin. My spouse and I have been staying within the city of Oakhurst, which is a 1.5 hour drive from Yosemite Valley, in order that meant I needed to get up at round 3 AM.

I’m not a morning particular person in any respect, and simply beginning this early was a giant problem in itself. I rapidly ate my ‘breakfast’ and acquired on the street at about 3:30 AM, which put me on the trailhead round 5 AM.

Fortunately, discovering parking in Yosemite is a chunk of cake presently, in order that’s one silver lining of beginning so early.
 

Half Dome Trailhead: How To Get There

Half Dome makes use of the identical trailhead because the Mist Path and the John Muir Path (JMT), however the closest car parking zone is the Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking.

There’s no parking immediately on the trailhead for the Mist Path, however fortuitously it’s solely a 1/2 mile stroll on flat pavement to get from this parking to the trailhead.

You should use the map beneath for the Half Dome parking and trailhead, or enter this tackle for navigating there: Parking zone, Completely satisfied Isles Lp Rd, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389

The opposite possibility is to have somebody drive you to the Mist Path / Half Dome trailhead and drop you off there immediately. In that case, your buddy can drop you immediately on the Mist Path (map and GPS right here), and that may prevent 10 minutes of strolling.

In the event you’re planning to make use of the Yosemite valley shuttle to get to the trailhead, the Cease 16 (Completely satisfied Isles) is close to the place to begin for the Mist Path and Half Dome. Nonetheless, the shuttle solely begins at 7 AM, so it’s not an possibility in order for you an early begin.

 

Is Half Dome Open / Closed?

You possibly can verify the present standing of the Half Dome cables on the Nationwide Park Service web site.

The Half Dome cables are usually up the Friday earlier than the final Monday in Might (Memorial Day), and the final day to make use of the cables is the day after the second Monday in October.

Outdoors of those dates, the Half Dome cables are down, and it’s a lot more durable and extra harmful to climb to the summit. Not beneficial until you already know what you’re doing!
 

U.S. Nationwide Park Laws

The Half Dome path is a part of Yosemite Nationwide Park, so the standard U.S. nationwide park rules apply.

As at all times, please keep in mind to maintain the path clear, be thoughtful of different hikers, and depart no hint. Thanks and joyful travels!
 

Entrance Price

You’ll want a park move to enter Yosemite Nationwide Park, however it’s fairly straightforward to get and you should purchase it on-line or in particular person.

We usually get the annual move and go to a number of U.S. parks in a yr, however additionally they have each day passes. Extra data and present charges might be discovered on the Yosemite Nationwide Park web site.
 

Half Dome Lottery Allow System

Since 2010, the Nationwide Park Service requires day use permits (by way of lottery) for the Half Dome cables part. The explanation for this transformation was as a result of the path was turning into extraordinarily crowded and unsafe.

Earlier than the change, Half Dome was getting greater than 1,200 hikers per day through the busy season, however now solely 300 hikers per day are allowed to climb. They break up this into 225 permits for day hikers and 75 permits for backpackers.

I encountered site visitors jams on the Half Dome cables even with the allow guidelines in place, so I can’t think about how nightmarish it should have been within the previous days with 4 occasions as many individuals. I want the allow system wasn’t needed, however I believe the Park Service did the best factor on this case.

Permits are required 7 days per week, all yr lengthy, besides when the cables are down. In any case, it’s nonetheless a tremendous hike, and I’ll clarify tips on how to get Half Dome permits within the following part.

 

How To Get Half Dome Permits

There are presently two essential methods to get permits for the Half Dome hike: there’s a seasonal lottery you’ll be able to enter effectively earlier than your journey, and there are additionally some permits handed out on a 2-days-before lottery for individuals who weren’t in a position to get a allow forward of time.

Based on the Nationwide Park Service web site, permits are solely wanted for the Sub Dome and the Half Dome cables part. In different phrases, you’ll be able to hike all the best way as much as the bottom of the Sub Dome with out getting a allow, which is a reasonably good hike in itself.

In the intervening time, it prices $10 USD to use for Half Dome permits (which lets you enter as much as 6 individuals at a time), after which when you efficiently obtain a allow you’ll need to pay one other $10 per particular person. The primary price is non-refundable, however the second price is refundable when you cancel.

Logically, you may have one of the best probability of getting Half Dome permits when you apply for a much less busy day and/or month, when there aren’t as many individuals mountain climbing in Yosemite. For instance, when you apply to hike on a weekday in September, you may have a greater probability than a weekend in July.

You’ll find extra data and apply for permits on the official Nationwide Park Service web page within the hyperlink beneath!

Apply Now: Half Dome Permits

 

Can You Hike Half Dome With out A Allow?

So what occurs when you aren’t in a position to get a allow? Are you able to hike Half Dome with out a allow? Sure and no.

To start with, I’d not advocate making an attempt to simply sneak onto Half Dome with out a allow. There’s a ranger on the base of the Sub Dome watching the entry level day-after-day, from very early within the morning till late within the night, and when you’re caught you would be fined $280 USD or extra.

Nonetheless, when you aren’t in a position to get a Half Dome allow, there’s nonetheless hope. In the event you discover somebody with an unused spot on their allow, they can provide it to you. This occurs pretty usually when somebody will get a bunch allow after which a member of the group has to drop out.

In my case, I really utilized to the each day Half Dome lottery a minimum of eight days in a row, and by no means received a allow for any of these days! My time at Yosemite was working out, so I made a decision to hike all the best way up there and see if anybody had a spare allow I’d snag.

Certain sufficient, after an hour or two of ready, alongside got here a center aged lady who took one have a look at the Sub Dome and Half Dome, and determined there was no manner she was climbing up there. She was variety sufficient to speak to the park ranger and provides me her allow, after which up I went!

Clearly there’s no assure you’ll get a allow like this, however it labored for me, and I’ve seen it work for a bunch of different individuals in the identical boat, so if the lottery isn’t understanding for you then it’s undoubtedly one thing value making an attempt as a final resort!

 

Half Dome Through Glacier Level & Panorama Path

One other manner you are able to do the Half Dome hike is to begin at Glacier Level and hike alongside the Panorama Path, passing Illilouette Falls and finally connecting with the John Muir Path above Nevada Falls.

That is an unusual route and it’s lovely, with plenty of views of Half Dome alongside the best way. Nonetheless, it’s more durable than going the traditional route from the Mist Path. You’re taking a look at nearly 21 miles roundtrip, and practically 6,000 ft of elevation acquire. Yikes.

You’d assume this is able to be a neater route because you’re beginning excessive up there at Glacier Level, however sadly there’s a ton of elevation loss happening to Nevada Falls, and it’s important to make that up on the best way again.

Nonetheless, you probably have a buddy to drop you off at Glacier Level after which decide you up later at Yosemite Valley, then that may very well be a great way to do it: hike to Half Dome from the Panorama Path, after which hike down the Mist Path or John Muir Path afterwards. You’d be taking a look at 18.5 miles roundtrip and three,700 ft of elevation acquire when you do it like that, which isn’t unhealthy in any respect.

It might be 2 miles longer than going the traditional path to Half Dome on the Mist Path, however you’d shave off 1,600 ft of elevation acquire, plus you get to see some totally different views of Yosemite! It’s one thing to contemplate if you can also make the logistics be just right for you.

 

Extra U.S. Nationwide Park Journey Guides

Thanks for wanting! I hope you loved this journey information for the Half Dome path in Yosemite Nationwide Park, California.

Don’t overlook to take a look at my different United States mountain climbing guides earlier than you go!