Half Dome
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Major rock formation in Yosemite.
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Jovial-Wanderer
Fremont, CA54 contributions
July 2020 • Friends
Half dome is a gorgeous vista from the valley, and it’s an even better sight from the top.
I hiked this with my brother. This hike is not easy, so we took lots of water.
The most trail showed us many beautiful rainbows. Nevada falls was a great rest stop.
Climbing up the chains in the end was not too difficult. We ran pretty much all the day down and ended up waddling like ducks for a couple of days
I hiked this with my brother. This hike is not easy, so we took lots of water.
The most trail showed us many beautiful rainbows. Nevada falls was a great rest stop.
Climbing up the chains in the end was not too difficult. We ran pretty much all the day down and ended up waddling like ducks for a couple of days
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ssb
Cape May, NJ45 contributions
May 2021
I don't think I'll ever be able to forget how spectacular this natural wonder is. Not to be missed. It is almost as though one can't tear one's eyes away. I've never seen any photo, even Ansel Adams' (which is magnificent) that have done his justice.
Written 21 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RyanIrwin29
Franklin, PA6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Half dome was one of our favorite hikes we’ve ever done. We started at the valley floor and made it up the cables. It can be done in a day, but it’s a serious hike. Need to start before the sun comes up and be prepared for most of the day. Take plenty of water and snacks. Gloves and harnesses are recommended to go up the cables.
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Satyabrata Dam
New Delhi1,760 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Half Dome is the symbol of Yosemite and perhaps the most recognizable feature in the park. You will see it from everywhere in the main valley. The hike through the cable route to the top is fantastic. It takes around 6 hrs up from Curry village. You need permit to climb in summer. In winters there's no permit as it is closed. But I went up anyways.
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James Robinson
Grand Rapids, MN6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Exhausting self guided, self driven hike from camp all the way up to the top of Half Dome and all the way back to camp. They didn’t have tour guides or charge you much (or maybe anything) to hike when I went as a teenager. This would have been May 1998 I believe. Possibly May 1997. I was just 16! Crazy. Great memories. One of the greatest moments of my 43 years. Magical. Bucket list stuff. I believe the whole round trip took over 12 hours and possibly a couple hours more than that. Worth it in every way. Go do this.
Written 17 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Balasubramanian R
Chennai (Madras), India805 contributions
Oct 2022
Half Dome is one of the icon in the Yosemite valley. It is a rock formation in the valley and it is a granite dome. One side is face and the other three sides round. It looks like a dome cut in to half and it is called as half dome.
Written 24 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vellachi8
San Jose, CA32 contributions
July 2020
It’s a really adventurous climb on the half dome. I would say four-stage
1. waterfalls hike you do with enthusiasm and
2.few miles on a regular hike with an elevation then two big challenges,
3. sub dome, Sub dome is more challenging and
4.dome.
Avg. miles shown on our tracker is 18 miles.
1. waterfalls hike you do with enthusiasm and
2.few miles on a regular hike with an elevation then two big challenges,
3. sub dome, Sub dome is more challenging and
4.dome.
Avg. miles shown on our tracker is 18 miles.
Written 28 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gregman1
Wyoming, MI155 contributions
June 2012 • Couples
This entry is not a detailed account of Yosemite's Half Dome Hike. Rather, it is a supplement to all the other accounts found online.
First, hiking to the summit of Half Dome seems like a challenging and fun adventure. I'm here to say it is much, much more. If you plan on doing the day hike, it is a grueling, dangerous venture to reach the top. To begin, I can't believe the park allows anyone with a permit to climb the cables up to the dome. We saw children and many out of shape people attempting the final climb. It seemed dangerous to them and to the poor souls below them, should they lose their grip.
Most accounts of hiking Half Dome concentrate on the final cable climb to the top, an adventure in itself. There are many other challenges waiting for you on this hike, some of them about simple survival. I would not be surprised to find that park rangers and rescue crews have bets on the number of hikers that challenge Darwin's natural selection each season.
At the time of our climb, my age was 53 and my wife's 54. We are in OK shape for our ages. Several times, on the final ascent, we looked at each other and said, "What have we gotten ourselves into?". We had prepared for for months, by hiking hills and distances, and setting our treadmill to full incline for long workout sessions. It was not enough for us. After seeing young folks and experienced hikers bounding down and up the trail, chatting and laughing, we decided we should have done this hike years ago.
After our pre-hike research, we figured the complete hike from the valley floor would take ten to twelve hours. It took us fourteen. However, we took the slightly longer John Muir Trail on the way down to save what was left of our knees.
I cannot stress enough the need for water. You don't want to carry all the water you will need, and the last potable water station is far from Half Dome. From the trailhead on the Yosemite Valley floor, to the top of Nevada Falls, the first waterfall, you climb about 2,000 feet in about two miles. This part alone is grueling, yet beautiful. Halfway up, at the base of Vernal Falls is the last fountain to fill water bottles and backpack bladders. It will still be early morning (you should start by 5:30 AM), but your body needs to be hydrated all day. We easily went through two quarts by then.
After this you enter Little Yosemite Valley. It becomes flat for a mile, but sandy and hot. It follows the Merced River, but you are out of luck if you do not have a water purifier. Next is the vertical climb up the backside of Half Dome. It is almost two miles of uphill hiking through mostly shaded forest in the morning. But beware, on the way down the sun will be shining straight down and the shade will have disappeared. It will be midday, dusty, and hot on the way down. There is no water here. Luckily, We spotted a trickling spring to fill our bottles and packs. A pair of teenagers appeared and asked if they could drink from it as they were really thirsty and out of water. For them, it would have been another three miles of dusty hiking to a water station. I showed them how the water purifier works and let them pump all the water they needed. Along came another hiker and we helped him out, too.
After hiking seven miles, mostly uphill, you reach the sub dome section, before the famous cables. At the base will be a park ranger with an iPad to check permits, and a .45 on his hip for bears, rattlesnakes, and crazy hikers with high altitude sickness that might have gone off their meds. Hey, who said it hasn't happened?
The sub dome is a vertical ascent in the glaring sun, consisting of many rock steps and some scrambling across steep granite flat rock. This section is dangerous for several reasons. The first is when you decide to take a rest and look around at the awesome panoramic view. It would not be improbable to start to wobble and fall if not holding onto the rock face or hiking poles. The view is so glorious and overwhelming, and the angle of the mountainside so steep, that it is easy to become disoriented.
When you reach out your hand to hold onto terra firma to steady yourself, be sure to check out the nooks and crannies on the rocks. This is where the rattlesnakes hide. The ranger would have warned you about this natural attraction.
Climbing the cables? It is scary and exciting. You must use you arms and upper body, more than we were prepared for. My arms felt like jelly after the cable climb and this is when I became most concerned about getting down. You will meet climbers making their way down and communicate who is moving and who is making way. Be sure everything is secure on your body, as falling objects can kill someone below. More than once we were poked by hiking poles protruding from their strapped positions on other's backpacks.
Hiking to Half Dome and climbing the cables was a bucket list event for us and we got our tee shirts, but we would not repeat the adventure, a least not at our age.
First, hiking to the summit of Half Dome seems like a challenging and fun adventure. I'm here to say it is much, much more. If you plan on doing the day hike, it is a grueling, dangerous venture to reach the top. To begin, I can't believe the park allows anyone with a permit to climb the cables up to the dome. We saw children and many out of shape people attempting the final climb. It seemed dangerous to them and to the poor souls below them, should they lose their grip.
Most accounts of hiking Half Dome concentrate on the final cable climb to the top, an adventure in itself. There are many other challenges waiting for you on this hike, some of them about simple survival. I would not be surprised to find that park rangers and rescue crews have bets on the number of hikers that challenge Darwin's natural selection each season.
At the time of our climb, my age was 53 and my wife's 54. We are in OK shape for our ages. Several times, on the final ascent, we looked at each other and said, "What have we gotten ourselves into?". We had prepared for for months, by hiking hills and distances, and setting our treadmill to full incline for long workout sessions. It was not enough for us. After seeing young folks and experienced hikers bounding down and up the trail, chatting and laughing, we decided we should have done this hike years ago.
After our pre-hike research, we figured the complete hike from the valley floor would take ten to twelve hours. It took us fourteen. However, we took the slightly longer John Muir Trail on the way down to save what was left of our knees.
I cannot stress enough the need for water. You don't want to carry all the water you will need, and the last potable water station is far from Half Dome. From the trailhead on the Yosemite Valley floor, to the top of Nevada Falls, the first waterfall, you climb about 2,000 feet in about two miles. This part alone is grueling, yet beautiful. Halfway up, at the base of Vernal Falls is the last fountain to fill water bottles and backpack bladders. It will still be early morning (you should start by 5:30 AM), but your body needs to be hydrated all day. We easily went through two quarts by then.
After this you enter Little Yosemite Valley. It becomes flat for a mile, but sandy and hot. It follows the Merced River, but you are out of luck if you do not have a water purifier. Next is the vertical climb up the backside of Half Dome. It is almost two miles of uphill hiking through mostly shaded forest in the morning. But beware, on the way down the sun will be shining straight down and the shade will have disappeared. It will be midday, dusty, and hot on the way down. There is no water here. Luckily, We spotted a trickling spring to fill our bottles and packs. A pair of teenagers appeared and asked if they could drink from it as they were really thirsty and out of water. For them, it would have been another three miles of dusty hiking to a water station. I showed them how the water purifier works and let them pump all the water they needed. Along came another hiker and we helped him out, too.
After hiking seven miles, mostly uphill, you reach the sub dome section, before the famous cables. At the base will be a park ranger with an iPad to check permits, and a .45 on his hip for bears, rattlesnakes, and crazy hikers with high altitude sickness that might have gone off their meds. Hey, who said it hasn't happened?
The sub dome is a vertical ascent in the glaring sun, consisting of many rock steps and some scrambling across steep granite flat rock. This section is dangerous for several reasons. The first is when you decide to take a rest and look around at the awesome panoramic view. It would not be improbable to start to wobble and fall if not holding onto the rock face or hiking poles. The view is so glorious and overwhelming, and the angle of the mountainside so steep, that it is easy to become disoriented.
When you reach out your hand to hold onto terra firma to steady yourself, be sure to check out the nooks and crannies on the rocks. This is where the rattlesnakes hide. The ranger would have warned you about this natural attraction.
Climbing the cables? It is scary and exciting. You must use you arms and upper body, more than we were prepared for. My arms felt like jelly after the cable climb and this is when I became most concerned about getting down. You will meet climbers making their way down and communicate who is moving and who is making way. Be sure everything is secure on your body, as falling objects can kill someone below. More than once we were poked by hiking poles protruding from their strapped positions on other's backpacks.
Hiking to Half Dome and climbing the cables was a bucket list event for us and we got our tee shirts, but we would not repeat the adventure, a least not at our age.
Written 30 June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cthenn
Walnut Creek, CA66 contributions
This was the worst, most terrible, difficult, uncomfortable, hardest thing I've ever put my body through, but it left me with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment I've never felt before. I'm not sure why people (me) do things to themselves like this, only to say "Yeah, I've done that", but I digress...
The Half Dome Hike (HDH) is damn near 20 miles round trip, and almost 5000' elevation gain. It took us nearly 10 hours to do it, waking up at 5:30 in the morning to start. Still excited to do this? Well you should be, because everything you go through is worth it the moment you reach the top and look 4800' straight down to the valley floor.
I recommend going up the mist trail, even though it is basically a 2 mile long granite staircase. It's shorter than the Muir Trail, which saves time (important on the way up). The scenery along the way is very nice, but every time you look up at HD, you realize how far you have to go (distance, and UP!!!). The hike itself is brutally hard, because after you've burned up your legs making it to the top of Nevada Falls, you still have about 4 miles and 2800' to go. Next comes the long steep uphill hike through the woods (2 miles at about 17%) which takes you to the exposed granite shoulder of HD. This is yet another series of granite steps which takes you up to the dreaded cables. This portion is even steeper, at about 38% for a quarter mile. And at 8000', you will really feel it! It's also rather exposed, and one false step could cost you!
The famous last 400' of HD is the cable section. I wasn't afraid of heights until I did this hike! If you don't feel alive while clinging to a sheer granite rock face by a 1-inch cable and trusting your life to the stickiness of your boot soles, you either have a death wish, or nerves of solid steel. This portion is about an eigth of a mile in distance, while gaining 400' vertical. It works out to be about 65%!!!!! By comparison, the steepest streets in SF are about half that. Climbing the cables for me was more of a mental challenge. There are portions where you are literally grabbing the cables over your head and have to scramble non-stop between the wooden planks set up about 12' apart on the rock. If you were to stop halfway on some of these sections, you'd probably be hanging in the air. (Check out the "profile" photo I've posted. It is no joke, look at the mountains in the background...they are level!) Not only is it incredibly steep, but since the route is only about 3' wide, it's been worn down over the years by the thousands of hikers who have used it. It is basically like climbing up a granite countertop, it is THAT smooth! If you lose your grip, you are dead, no doubt about it.
HOWEVER...all that being said, it is an experience you will never ever forget. It IS dangerous, but every year thousands of visitors make it to the top, and rarely is anyone killed. Making it to the top gave me a high like nothing else. The feeling is really indescribable, a euphoria so great, I almost felt like I could fly. Though I was nearly delirious with exhaustion, I felt nothing for about half the hike back. But by the time I made it to Nevada Falls, the feeling had worn off, and I wanted to just curl up and sleep right there. But I still had almost 3 miles to go...and those were the 3 hardest miles I've ever walked. It took us probably 2 hours to cover that last 3 miles.
Overall, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend attempting this hike. Be sure you start really early, carry at least 3 liters of water and a filter pump or bottle for additional water if you need to filter the river water. Don't take fancy lunches...I just packed 3 clif bars, 2 bananas, and a pack of salami, cheese, and crackers. You really have to be in decent shape, and have decent boots in order to complete this hike. Other than that, bring your sense of adventure, your will power and determination...you'll need it!
The Half Dome Hike (HDH) is damn near 20 miles round trip, and almost 5000' elevation gain. It took us nearly 10 hours to do it, waking up at 5:30 in the morning to start. Still excited to do this? Well you should be, because everything you go through is worth it the moment you reach the top and look 4800' straight down to the valley floor.
I recommend going up the mist trail, even though it is basically a 2 mile long granite staircase. It's shorter than the Muir Trail, which saves time (important on the way up). The scenery along the way is very nice, but every time you look up at HD, you realize how far you have to go (distance, and UP!!!). The hike itself is brutally hard, because after you've burned up your legs making it to the top of Nevada Falls, you still have about 4 miles and 2800' to go. Next comes the long steep uphill hike through the woods (2 miles at about 17%) which takes you to the exposed granite shoulder of HD. This is yet another series of granite steps which takes you up to the dreaded cables. This portion is even steeper, at about 38% for a quarter mile. And at 8000', you will really feel it! It's also rather exposed, and one false step could cost you!
The famous last 400' of HD is the cable section. I wasn't afraid of heights until I did this hike! If you don't feel alive while clinging to a sheer granite rock face by a 1-inch cable and trusting your life to the stickiness of your boot soles, you either have a death wish, or nerves of solid steel. This portion is about an eigth of a mile in distance, while gaining 400' vertical. It works out to be about 65%!!!!! By comparison, the steepest streets in SF are about half that. Climbing the cables for me was more of a mental challenge. There are portions where you are literally grabbing the cables over your head and have to scramble non-stop between the wooden planks set up about 12' apart on the rock. If you were to stop halfway on some of these sections, you'd probably be hanging in the air. (Check out the "profile" photo I've posted. It is no joke, look at the mountains in the background...they are level!) Not only is it incredibly steep, but since the route is only about 3' wide, it's been worn down over the years by the thousands of hikers who have used it. It is basically like climbing up a granite countertop, it is THAT smooth! If you lose your grip, you are dead, no doubt about it.
HOWEVER...all that being said, it is an experience you will never ever forget. It IS dangerous, but every year thousands of visitors make it to the top, and rarely is anyone killed. Making it to the top gave me a high like nothing else. The feeling is really indescribable, a euphoria so great, I almost felt like I could fly. Though I was nearly delirious with exhaustion, I felt nothing for about half the hike back. But by the time I made it to Nevada Falls, the feeling had worn off, and I wanted to just curl up and sleep right there. But I still had almost 3 miles to go...and those were the 3 hardest miles I've ever walked. It took us probably 2 hours to cover that last 3 miles.
Overall, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend attempting this hike. Be sure you start really early, carry at least 3 liters of water and a filter pump or bottle for additional water if you need to filter the river water. Don't take fancy lunches...I just packed 3 clif bars, 2 bananas, and a pack of salami, cheese, and crackers. You really have to be in decent shape, and have decent boots in order to complete this hike. Other than that, bring your sense of adventure, your will power and determination...you'll need it!
Written 26 December 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PM_Calif
Saratoga, CA34 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
We just did the Yosemite Half Dome hike and thought of sharing our experience..Hope this helps others to plan.
a) Should you do it? ABSOLUTEY..though it is rated as one of top 10 dangerous hikes in US, its a must to do..esp if you are in CA
b) Preparation : Need to be in a decent to good physical condition to undertake this effort. Endurance, Flexibility and mental toughness is key. Prepare by regularly hiking some decent slopes in the neighborhood (cover at least 4-6 miles).
Passes: We applied in March and got the passes in April. Apply the day the lottery opens (OR asap). http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm
c) Where do you stay in Yosemite: We stayed in the Curry Village Tent Cabins. Value for money plus very conveniently located. You start the hike from the Trailhead and Curry Village is probably less than a mile from the trailhead. Restrooms/Showers are common and they provide towels and beds. The place is very well maintained. Net-net it is highly recommended that you stay inside the park.
d) Duration: Being above-average hikers it took us almost 11.5 hrs for the hike alone. You have to add breaks and rest and hence it will probably come to 12-12.5 hrs. Start by 5 am (latest) to avoid crowd at the top. I will give the milestones/things to see in another section.
e) What to carry for hike: Hiking Boots, good socks and Gloves (MUST MUST) and make sure the gloves cover your fingers. Don't use the biking and weightlifting ones. People do leave behind gloves at the bottom of the cable but better to take your own. Make your backpack as light as possible. Take a Camelpack, Gatorade and at least 4-5 bottles of water. The last place to get water is Nevada Falls and that is around 3 hrs away from the top. Its very important to stay hydrated,,Also take Bananas, Sugar (e.g. cakes) and Protein Bars. Carry a small towel, paper tissues, toilet paper. You will not have any restrooms etc for almost 6 hrs so prepare to use nature. Wear light clothes but the check the weather for rain and cold. Carry a light jacket accordingly (else 2 layers are good enough). Also get some blister pads and a small first aid kid.
Camera: Do not carry any big camera. Always travel light. Your smartphone cameras are good enough. And Go Pro's with head or chest strap will be a huge bonus while climbing the cable.
Key milestones; We started at 5:30. Reached Vernal Falls in 45 mins. Fill water/restroom. From there take the John Muir trail (DO NOT take the Mist trail). John Muir trail is slightly longer but it will help you preserve energy for later. Next stop is Nevada Falls and it will take around 1-1.5 hrs to reach here. This is the last point for water/bathroom. Great place to see the falls/surroundings. From Nevada Falls its around 2-2.5 hrs to reach the base of the Quarter dome. This is where the Ranger will check your pass (from Lottery). Watch out for the markings to Half Dome. Esp near Clark Point (between Vernal and Nevada falls) there will be a board with hand written marking for Half Dome. From Nevada Falls the route we go straight to Quarter Dome. In this stretch preserve your energy judiciously as you want to be fresh when you get to Quarter Dome. We did a 20 min hike - 2 min break. Quarter Dome can be very tricky and personally I thought this was more challenging than Half Dome. There is a small stretch at the end where you have to scramble on rocks as there is no marked trail. Once you reach the base of the cables, take a 5-10 min break to relax and watch the surroundings. We reached the base of the cable at 10:30. Started on the cables at 10:45 and took us 20 mins to reach the top since there was not much crowd.
Once on the top, relax and take photos. We stayed for an hour and then started down. The downward journey is more challenging. It took us almost 2.5 hrs to get back to Nevada Falls. From here take the Mist Trail. Tricky climbing down and you will realize why you should avoid this wile going up. Lot of steps/steeps. Great waterfalls and scenery.
At the end of the hike: At the end of the hike take a precautionary Advil or Motrin to avoid pain/cramps. Head to Curry Village and load yourself with Carbs and Sugar. You would have lost close to 3-4K calories during the hike.
Key takeaways: Stay hydrated, relax and hike, take lots of photos, enjoy the journey and don't rush to get to the end. And you will have a great time. You will be very tired at the end but will be glad that you got to the top of Half Dome :)
Enjoy and hope this helps..
a) Should you do it? ABSOLUTEY..though it is rated as one of top 10 dangerous hikes in US, its a must to do..esp if you are in CA
b) Preparation : Need to be in a decent to good physical condition to undertake this effort. Endurance, Flexibility and mental toughness is key. Prepare by regularly hiking some decent slopes in the neighborhood (cover at least 4-6 miles).
Passes: We applied in March and got the passes in April. Apply the day the lottery opens (OR asap). http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm
c) Where do you stay in Yosemite: We stayed in the Curry Village Tent Cabins. Value for money plus very conveniently located. You start the hike from the Trailhead and Curry Village is probably less than a mile from the trailhead. Restrooms/Showers are common and they provide towels and beds. The place is very well maintained. Net-net it is highly recommended that you stay inside the park.
d) Duration: Being above-average hikers it took us almost 11.5 hrs for the hike alone. You have to add breaks and rest and hence it will probably come to 12-12.5 hrs. Start by 5 am (latest) to avoid crowd at the top. I will give the milestones/things to see in another section.
e) What to carry for hike: Hiking Boots, good socks and Gloves (MUST MUST) and make sure the gloves cover your fingers. Don't use the biking and weightlifting ones. People do leave behind gloves at the bottom of the cable but better to take your own. Make your backpack as light as possible. Take a Camelpack, Gatorade and at least 4-5 bottles of water. The last place to get water is Nevada Falls and that is around 3 hrs away from the top. Its very important to stay hydrated,,Also take Bananas, Sugar (e.g. cakes) and Protein Bars. Carry a small towel, paper tissues, toilet paper. You will not have any restrooms etc for almost 6 hrs so prepare to use nature. Wear light clothes but the check the weather for rain and cold. Carry a light jacket accordingly (else 2 layers are good enough). Also get some blister pads and a small first aid kid.
Camera: Do not carry any big camera. Always travel light. Your smartphone cameras are good enough. And Go Pro's with head or chest strap will be a huge bonus while climbing the cable.
Key milestones; We started at 5:30. Reached Vernal Falls in 45 mins. Fill water/restroom. From there take the John Muir trail (DO NOT take the Mist trail). John Muir trail is slightly longer but it will help you preserve energy for later. Next stop is Nevada Falls and it will take around 1-1.5 hrs to reach here. This is the last point for water/bathroom. Great place to see the falls/surroundings. From Nevada Falls its around 2-2.5 hrs to reach the base of the Quarter dome. This is where the Ranger will check your pass (from Lottery). Watch out for the markings to Half Dome. Esp near Clark Point (between Vernal and Nevada falls) there will be a board with hand written marking for Half Dome. From Nevada Falls the route we go straight to Quarter Dome. In this stretch preserve your energy judiciously as you want to be fresh when you get to Quarter Dome. We did a 20 min hike - 2 min break. Quarter Dome can be very tricky and personally I thought this was more challenging than Half Dome. There is a small stretch at the end where you have to scramble on rocks as there is no marked trail. Once you reach the base of the cables, take a 5-10 min break to relax and watch the surroundings. We reached the base of the cable at 10:30. Started on the cables at 10:45 and took us 20 mins to reach the top since there was not much crowd.
Once on the top, relax and take photos. We stayed for an hour and then started down. The downward journey is more challenging. It took us almost 2.5 hrs to get back to Nevada Falls. From here take the Mist Trail. Tricky climbing down and you will realize why you should avoid this wile going up. Lot of steps/steeps. Great waterfalls and scenery.
At the end of the hike: At the end of the hike take a precautionary Advil or Motrin to avoid pain/cramps. Head to Curry Village and load yourself with Carbs and Sugar. You would have lost close to 3-4K calories during the hike.
Key takeaways: Stay hydrated, relax and hike, take lots of photos, enjoy the journey and don't rush to get to the end. And you will have a great time. You will be very tired at the end but will be glad that you got to the top of Half Dome :)
Enjoy and hope this helps..
Written 2 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen G
Springfield, Missouri
What time are the hiking permits valid. As in what time can you start the ascent or what would be the latest you could start the ascent. I'm assuming the park ranger doesn't live there and hikes up on a daily basis to check permits.
Written 15 May 2021
In case anyone sees Jen G's attempts to break the law in a National Park (with a Federal Court in Yosemite Valley!), get a permit. The rangers don't 'live' at the permit check station but they are camped nearby. Either follow the rules or visit someplace else.
Written 9 August 2024
I received 2 permits to climb Half Dome on June 12th of this year. I am trying to swap the permit to the week prior, any day from May 31st to June 5th. Let me know if you have permits within that time frame and are willing to swap. Thank you in advance!
Written 25 April 2019
Does anyone know which canvas tents (at Half Dome) are:
-the most secluded?
-the most hilly terrain?
Thank you in advance :-)
Written 26 February 2019
I'd start with whether you can get into the park, and then what is available. Only one tent site now in Yosemite Valley plus 2 others, as I write on 5 March 2019. Winter. Latest info on their website which I tried to share with you but TA will not allow. (Imagine)
National Parks website can be found easily, if not here.
Written 5 March 2019
Hello
We are 3 adults and one 7 year old boy driving from Orange County all the way to Yosemite Park at then end of December. We are staying 3 nights in Sequoia National Park and 3 nights in Yosemite national park. I am looking for top activities to do in winter. I know it’s hard for my 7 year old son to hike in the snow, so my friends can do the hiking without us. Can you give me some ideas what we can do together and what are the experiences my friends don’t want to miss?
Written 7 December 2018
Hello
We are 3 adults and one 7 year old boy driving from Orange County all the way to Yosemite Park at then end of December. We are staying 3 nights in Sequoia National Park and 3 nights in Yosemite national park. I am looking for top activities to do in winter. I know it’s hard for my 7 year old son to hike in the snow, so my friends can do the hiking without us. Can you give me some ideas what we can do together and what are the experiences my friends don’t want to miss?
Written 7 December 2018
I don't know any little kids that don't like playing in the snow! You do know that there's a ski resort in Yosemite...don't you? Take him skiing/boarding or to just tube down the hill.
Try an internet search for "travelyosemite." Then check out the WINTER link in the menu.
Written 9 December 2018
Bom dia ! Pelo que li a respeito, a caminhada e subida ao Half Dome é um passeio para o dia inteiro, caminhando aproximadamente 25km. Gostaria de detalhes sobre a trilha , tais como : é uma trilha de chão batido ou de pedras soltas e cascalho? A trilha passa por meio das árvores ? Existem pontos de apoio no trajeto, como banheiros e acesso a agua potável? Enfim , queria mensurar melhor a preparação do passeio ao Yosemite. Estive lá uma vez, mas foi um bate e volta saindo de SF e não pude aproveitar nada, pois a duração do passeio foi super curta. Desde já agradeço a colaboração !
Written 28 October 2018
Hi
I recommend that you use the National Park Service page for many details about the reservation only Half Dome hike. You need to enter the lottery for a permit to make this hike next year.
I also recommend that you read the Half Dome topic in the Top Questions on the right side of the Yosemite forum page.
My 3rd recommendation is to search for MrHalfDome This person loves hiking Half Dome and has created a great resource.
-> is it a beaten dirt trail or loose rocks and gravel? Does the trail pass through the trees? Are there points of support on the way, such as toilets and access to drinking water? {Google translation}
Yes, it's paved in one section, it's dirt in some sections, it's loose rocks on dirt in some sections, and it's slippery granite for the final ascent.
Yes, some of it is in the trees. Some of the hike is alongside waterfalls. And some is out in the open.
Yes, there are a few places with toilets and drinking water at lower elevations. But you should still carry lots of water with you.
Many folks begin around 5:30 am.
Written 28 October 2018
Hi. I’m from the uk and plan on visiting California to do Yosemite half dome. If I book a guided walk will my permit be included?
B
Written 20 June 2018
Is the guided hike to half dome through an outside tour agency? If so, yes it’s possible that the permit will be included. Would ask the tour agency directly.
Written 21 June 2018
First time this Summer. Biggest question. Am I good with just gloves? Do you suggest a harness or not?
Written 12 May 2018
Gloves are a must, but you may want a harness to clip in when you are resting (as you will need to). The cables can get crowded and you may be forced to step outside the cables. Try to avoid doing so. The trail is EXTREMELY steep and the granite is polished in places leaving little in the way of traction. Great effort will be required to keep from slipping downwards. Clipping in all the way up and down is not practical, but it is better to have the harness and not use it than it is to not have it and wish you did. Congratulations on securing a rare permit!
Written 5 June 2018
How crowded is Yosemite in early September after Labor Day
Written 28 March 2018
Hi
This is the seldom viewed Q&A feature for Half Dome.
General questions like yours will get immediate attention if you ask on the active Yosemite forum.
Yosemite is still quite busy in September. Expect it to be crowded pretty much like June or maybe early July. August is the busiest time.
Written 11 April 2018
Since my friend and I are Seniors, can we drive through Yosemite and see the Dome and falls? Thanks for any suggestions.
Written 26 March 2018
Hi
These are great questions to ask on the TripAdvisor forum. (This is a Q&A feature about the big rock!)
When you post a new thread on that forum, include your travel dates & interests. If you want to start with some research, I recommend the Top Questions on the right side of the Yosemite forum page.
Some seniors are backpacking, some are traveling with an extended family group, some are just buddies on a lightly active sight-seeing trip, and some are something else. If you share information about your travel style, that will help forum members to give you the most relevant replies.
Written 26 March 2018
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