Advertisement: Half Dome hardly needs an advertisement. Some prefer Cloud’s Rest, but I’ve personally found that the panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierras that you can only get atop Half Dome are hard to beat. The difficulty in securing permits for this hike is justified.
More photographs.
Difficulty: 15 miles, 4800 ft. I would recommend starting the hike around 3am or 4am (and make it to the dome at 10am or 11am) for two reasons: you’ll save water by hiking during the cool parts of the day, and you won’t risk having to make a difficult choice if there’s a possibility of afternoon thunderstorms. Note that people have died on Half Dome by climbing outside the chains (e.g. to pass people going slowly), lunging after dropped objects, slipping during rainfall, and electrocution by lightning. Do not ascend if it looks like it may rain.
There are two options for the lower route: the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail. I recommend the Mist Trail going up as it’s more direct and it’s easier going up stairs than down, and the John Muir Trail going down because you will want to have its views in the daylight.
Preparation:You need to apply for a permit via lottery. There is a ranger checking. Bring gloves for holding the chains as you ascend the dome, and understand that they may get a little torn due to the stress. Bring a lot of water, or treat water at the Merced River in Little Yosemite Valley.
Summary: This is a must-do Yosemite hike. 5/5
 |
| Dawn breaks over Liberty Cap as we top Nevada Falls |
 |
| Approaching Half Dome from Sub Dome |
 |
| The view of Little Yosemite Valley from Half Dome |
 |
| The view of Tenaya Canyon from Half Dome |
 |
| The view of Nevada Falls from the John Muir Trail |
More photographs.
Difficulty: 15 miles, 4800 ft. I would recommend starting the hike around 3am or 4am (and make it to the dome at 10am or 11am) for two reasons: you’ll save water by hiking during the cool parts of the day, and you won’t risk having to make a difficult choice if there’s a possibility of afternoon thunderstorms. Note that people have died on Half Dome by climbing outside the chains (e.g. to pass people going slowly), lunging after dropped objects, slipping during rainfall, and electrocution by lightning. Do not ascend if it looks like it may rain.
There are two options for the lower route: the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail. I recommend the Mist Trail going up as it’s more direct and it’s easier going up stairs than down, and the John Muir Trail going down because you will want to have its views in the daylight.
Preparation:You need to apply for a permit via lottery. There is a ranger checking. Bring gloves for holding the chains as you ascend the dome, and understand that they may get a little torn due to the stress. Bring a lot of water, or treat water at the Merced River in Little Yosemite Valley.
Summary: This is a must-do Yosemite hike. 5/5
Comments
Post a Comment