Conquer Half Dome - Find Your Own Secluded Glen
If there is a hike in a lifetime you need to try it is the Half Dome Hike. This is the most difficult and insane hike in Yosemite Valley. Many will try and fail. You need to train for months if you are not good hiking shape. If you make it to the top you will see a sight that few in the world will ever witness in their lives.
Hike to the top of Half Dome, a huge half round rock sitting on top of a mountain with the world's tallest vertical drop of almost 5,000 feet. Half Dome sits over 8,800 feet above see level.
To see the awe inspiring feet, look at this picture where it shows Half Dome sitting on top of the valley below. The tiny buildings nestled among the trees in the valley below is the village center.
Warning
This is one of the most physically demanding day hike in Yosemite and around the world. You have to be in good physical condition and mindset to do this. On a scale of 1 to 10, this rates as a 10 or even an 11. It is best to train for the endurance and strength necessary for the hike. You will need lots of upper body strength to ascend the last 400 feet in addition to the lower body strength for the distance of the hike.
Hike Distance
Shortest is Mist Trail at 14.2 miles (22.7 km)
John Muir Trail - 16.5 miles (26.5 km)
Glacier Point - 20.0 miles (32.0 km)
Little Yosemite Campground - 7 miles (11 km), of course this means you are camping there and you need a wilderness permit to do this.
Hike Time: Approximately 10 to 15 hours
What To Bring
Light and warm hiking jacket
Hiking sticks - extra helpful on the way down
Hiking boots
Water - A backpack water bag or a large refillable bottle.
Portable water filter
Hat
Sunglasses
Put on sunscreen
Permits
You need a permit to hike Half Dome now. Gone are the days where any one can just show up and hike as the park service wants to limit the number of people who disturbs the area. These are handed out by lottery towards the end of March.
You will need an additional permit called a wilderness permit if you want to camp at Little Yosemite Campgrounds. This is ideal if you want to beat the day hikers to the steel cables at the base of the backside for that crucial last 400 feet.
How to get there
The Half Dome trailhead is at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. Take Highway 140 until you reach Yosemite Valley. Once in the valley, follow the signs that take you to Curry Village. Within Curry Village there will be signs for trailhead parking. Go past Curry Village and to the trailhead parking lot. There are a few dozen bear proof storage lockers for your food or any other scented goods. These usually fill up fast so try getting there early.
You can take the free Yosemite Shuttle to most trailheads. However, you if you want a day break early morning start for Half Dome you can't use the shuttles because they don't start running until 7 am.
Camp
Bathrooms
At Happy Isles just on the side of the river from the trailhead is a bathroom. This is the only bathroom for a while so keep that in mind.
There is a bathroom just below Vernal Fall. This is your last chance for a bathroom with plumbing.
After that there are outhouses above Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and Little Yosemite Campground.
Trailhead
The trail head starts near Happy Isles. You will be taking the John Muir Trail up to Half Dome. The Mist Trail is part of this trail so do not let that confuse. This is because there are two waterfalls you will see along the way and for most people the waterfalls are where their journey ends. For you, the waterfalls are mere way points on your path to conquering the most exciting and dangerous hike in Yosemite Valley.
Start walking through paved areas and large wide steeps divided by logs. This will be a busy part of the hike as there are people who are just strolling to Vernal Fall for the day in addition to those hiking all the way up. There are some bins for garbage here and then that is it so keep that in mind. Everything you bring up the mountain you should take down with you.
The Major Length of the John Muir Trail
The trail becomes steep quickly with a lot of steep steps. Keep climbing until you reach Vernal Fall.
You will reach Vernal Fall in a few miles. Stop to take pictures as you are now high enough to see many parts of the valley. Plus this is the last bathroom with plumbing so use it now if you need. You will see a number of people hanging out here because this is the end of the journey for them as many will go back down after ascending to Vernal Fall. That's not you.
Vernal Falls has an elevation of 3,327 feet from see level at the top of the falls with a 318 feet drop. The longest drop is 240 feet.
You will pushing ahead towards the second water fall. Keep going on the trail as it curves and touches near the river. This is where a water filter will be useful as this is likely your last source of fresh water and you won't have to carry as much water. Fill up here and push on ahead. Plus take pictures of the sweeping Yosemite Park vistas and panoramas.
It gets steeper at parts and the trail zig zags up some slopes. Stay on trail as it is marked by small rocks. Don't run up the middle as that would be a fine and just bad for the natural scene of the valley. Keep your impact minimal so everyone can enjoy Yosemite now and into the future.
As you past the second waterfall, Nevada Falls, there are more forest and here there are some small pools of water that bubbles up from underground that people have filled up with water if you have a water filter. Some of them even have small golden flakes in them. These are hit or miss so keep that in mind. After Nevada Falls, you are slightly past the midway point and have a while to go.
Nevada Falls has an elevation of 5,971 feet from the top and it has a height of 594 feet with the longest drop at 480 feet.
Keep hiking for a bit and you will reach the last mile. As you round the last mile of the hike you will see a lot of rock and the final bend will reveal the back side of half dome. It can be quite intimidating as you see the long cables and planks with the people ascending it looking like ants. There are a lot of flat rocks here so it is often a good time to take a break.
For some perspective, see below for the two waterfalls and their relative position to each other and Half Dome on your hike.
The Final Stretch And Climb
As you get to the base of Half Dome you will see the ladder and a small rock depression to the right. There are hundreds of used gloves here that you can just pick up a pair for yourself if you did not bring a pair. It is best to bring your pair because those used gloves may not be there. Wait your turn and start ascending this unique stairway to the sky.
Note, if there are storm clouds or it had rained under an hour or so before do not ascend. Rain makes the chain cable and planks very slippery and that is dangerous for you and those below you. Lightning is dangerous because Half Dome is one of the world's tallest lightning rods if you think about its height and shape.
You ascend on the right side and descend on the left. Be patient as there are people who climb at different speeds. Plus there is a small outcrop three quarters of the way up that requires some strength to get over the hump. Once you do you made it!
At The Top Of Half Dome
Most people never realize or see that the top of Half Dome is pretty large, almost the size of several football fields and flat in some parts. You feel like you are on the moon or a different planet because when stand in the middle you only see rock around you and sky above. You can venture near the edge but be extra careful!
The view is astounding as you see the whole Yosemite Valley in all directions if you walk around the top. You do have to walk as it is quite a wide area up here as mentioned.
Congratulations you have ascended the highest vertical drop surface in the world! The Half Dome hike is an 11 of out 10 for insanity level.
Now the journey back down. Descend the ropes on the left. Don't be like this one kid we saw one time who went down on the outside of the rope. Not sure if it was a dare, or they thought it was cool or they were just flat out impatient. But is the risk to your life worth it? I think not.
Once you get back down return the used gloves to the pile of used gloves. Put your own gloves away if you brought them.
The Descent
This is where hiking sticks are extra helpful. The descent is steep and you can be sliding hard in some places. This is also where hiking boots are helpful. If you are wearing tennis shoes be prepared to have blisters especially if they are too large upfront. Blisters will happen even if they are snug fit tennis shoes because of the small gap in front.
When you get back to the second waterfall and after you will have a choice. Most will go the regular trail. However, there is a horse trail that takes longer as it zig zags down the mountain but it is much easier on the feet as it is flatter. This horse trail has long flat dirt rectangular patches that descend in steps divided and framed by small rocks.
Timing is important. You need to reach the summit by 3:30 pm or so or else you will most likely not make it down the mountain by nightfall and that can be dangerous. There are no lights so it is super dangerous to descend in the dark. Also you want to make it back by the time the last shuttle picks up at the trail head or you will to walk an extra mile or so back to the other parking lots.
The great thing about this hike is that it is a wonderful excuse to eat a lot. And hungry you will be.
You can eat several hamburgers and a hot dog at the local convenience store restaurant.
Hike to the top of Half Dome, a huge half round rock sitting on top of a mountain with the world's tallest vertical drop of almost 5,000 feet. Half Dome sits over 8,800 feet above see level.
 |
| Half Dome |
Warning
This is one of the most physically demanding day hike in Yosemite and around the world. You have to be in good physical condition and mindset to do this. On a scale of 1 to 10, this rates as a 10 or even an 11. It is best to train for the endurance and strength necessary for the hike. You will need lots of upper body strength to ascend the last 400 feet in addition to the lower body strength for the distance of the hike.
Hike Distance
Shortest is Mist Trail at 14.2 miles (22.7 km)
John Muir Trail - 16.5 miles (26.5 km)
Glacier Point - 20.0 miles (32.0 km)
Little Yosemite Campground - 7 miles (11 km), of course this means you are camping there and you need a wilderness permit to do this.
Hike Time: Approximately 10 to 15 hours
What To Bring
Light and warm hiking jacket
Hiking sticks - extra helpful on the way down
Hiking boots
Water - A backpack water bag or a large refillable bottle.
Portable water filter
Hat
Sunglasses
Put on sunscreen
Permits
You need a permit to hike Half Dome now. Gone are the days where any one can just show up and hike as the park service wants to limit the number of people who disturbs the area. These are handed out by lottery towards the end of March.
You will need an additional permit called a wilderness permit if you want to camp at Little Yosemite Campgrounds. This is ideal if you want to beat the day hikers to the steel cables at the base of the backside for that crucial last 400 feet.
How to get there
The Half Dome trailhead is at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. Take Highway 140 until you reach Yosemite Valley. Once in the valley, follow the signs that take you to Curry Village. Within Curry Village there will be signs for trailhead parking. Go past Curry Village and to the trailhead parking lot. There are a few dozen bear proof storage lockers for your food or any other scented goods. These usually fill up fast so try getting there early.
You can take the free Yosemite Shuttle to most trailheads. However, you if you want a day break early morning start for Half Dome you can't use the shuttles because they don't start running until 7 am.
Camp
 |
| Yosemite Valley Map |
Bathrooms
At Happy Isles just on the side of the river from the trailhead is a bathroom. This is the only bathroom for a while so keep that in mind.
There is a bathroom just below Vernal Fall. This is your last chance for a bathroom with plumbing.
After that there are outhouses above Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and Little Yosemite Campground.
Trailhead
 |
| Half Dome Trail |
Start walking through paved areas and large wide steeps divided by logs. This will be a busy part of the hike as there are people who are just strolling to Vernal Fall for the day in addition to those hiking all the way up. There are some bins for garbage here and then that is it so keep that in mind. Everything you bring up the mountain you should take down with you.
The Major Length of the John Muir Trail
 |
| Half Dome |
You will reach Vernal Fall in a few miles. Stop to take pictures as you are now high enough to see many parts of the valley. Plus this is the last bathroom with plumbing so use it now if you need. You will see a number of people hanging out here because this is the end of the journey for them as many will go back down after ascending to Vernal Fall. That's not you.
Vernal Falls has an elevation of 3,327 feet from see level at the top of the falls with a 318 feet drop. The longest drop is 240 feet.
 |
| Waterfall #1 On Your Half Dome Hike - Vernal Falls |
It gets steeper at parts and the trail zig zags up some slopes. Stay on trail as it is marked by small rocks. Don't run up the middle as that would be a fine and just bad for the natural scene of the valley. Keep your impact minimal so everyone can enjoy Yosemite now and into the future.
As you past the second waterfall, Nevada Falls, there are more forest and here there are some small pools of water that bubbles up from underground that people have filled up with water if you have a water filter. Some of them even have small golden flakes in them. These are hit or miss so keep that in mind. After Nevada Falls, you are slightly past the midway point and have a while to go.
Nevada Falls has an elevation of 5,971 feet from the top and it has a height of 594 feet with the longest drop at 480 feet.
 |
| Waterfall #2 On Your Half Dome Hike - Nevada Falls |
For some perspective, see below for the two waterfalls and their relative position to each other and Half Dome on your hike.
 |
| Vernal Falls is on the bottom, Nevada Falls on the top, Half Dome is to the left beyond the picture. |
The Final Stretch And Climb
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| The Final 400 Feet - Steel Rope And Wooden Planks |
Note, if there are storm clouds or it had rained under an hour or so before do not ascend. Rain makes the chain cable and planks very slippery and that is dangerous for you and those below you. Lightning is dangerous because Half Dome is one of the world's tallest lightning rods if you think about its height and shape.
You ascend on the right side and descend on the left. Be patient as there are people who climb at different speeds. Plus there is a small outcrop three quarters of the way up that requires some strength to get over the hump. Once you do you made it!
At The Top Of Half Dome
 |
| At The Edge Of The Top Of Half Dome |
The view is astounding as you see the whole Yosemite Valley in all directions if you walk around the top. You do have to walk as it is quite a wide area up here as mentioned.
Congratulations you have ascended the highest vertical drop surface in the world! The Half Dome hike is an 11 of out 10 for insanity level.
Now the journey back down. Descend the ropes on the left. Don't be like this one kid we saw one time who went down on the outside of the rope. Not sure if it was a dare, or they thought it was cool or they were just flat out impatient. But is the risk to your life worth it? I think not.
Once you get back down return the used gloves to the pile of used gloves. Put your own gloves away if you brought them.
The Descent
 |
| Half Dome In The Top Left. Vernall Fall bottom center and Nevada Fall top right |
This is where hiking sticks are extra helpful. The descent is steep and you can be sliding hard in some places. This is also where hiking boots are helpful. If you are wearing tennis shoes be prepared to have blisters especially if they are too large upfront. Blisters will happen even if they are snug fit tennis shoes because of the small gap in front.
When you get back to the second waterfall and after you will have a choice. Most will go the regular trail. However, there is a horse trail that takes longer as it zig zags down the mountain but it is much easier on the feet as it is flatter. This horse trail has long flat dirt rectangular patches that descend in steps divided and framed by small rocks.
Timing is important. You need to reach the summit by 3:30 pm or so or else you will most likely not make it down the mountain by nightfall and that can be dangerous. There are no lights so it is super dangerous to descend in the dark. Also you want to make it back by the time the last shuttle picks up at the trail head or you will to walk an extra mile or so back to the other parking lots.
The great thing about this hike is that it is a wonderful excuse to eat a lot. And hungry you will be.
You can eat several hamburgers and a hot dog at the local convenience store restaurant.
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