Yosemite is known for one of its most recognizable landmarks, Half Dome. More than 50,000 hikers climb this attractive dome every single year. The top of Half Dome has a 2,695 meters total elevation and sits at 4,800 feet above the valley’s floor. Hiking this granite dome is considered to be Yosemite’s most memorable and most challenging experience. People will get the chance to experience the area’s famous hiking trails, behold the beauty of the Nevada and Vernal waterfalls, and enjoy the views of the unique Sequoia trees through the shady forests.However, the most stunning views of Yosemite are discovered after climbing the Half Dome cables and reaching the very top. Here is what to know and how to plan to take Yosemite’s most challenging hike, climbing the Half Dome.
What To Know Before Climbing Half Dome
For people to get the possibility to hike the sub-dome and the Half Dome cables, they must obtain a permit. Those are awarded in a preseason lottery for the entire summer hiking season. No more than 300 permits are issued per day. Those are split into 225 permits for day hikers and 75 licenses for backpackers. Yosemite National Park also makes people aware that traveling on Sub Dome and Half Dome is dangerous during and after lightning and rainstorms. They warn that deaths and serious injuries have already occurred from falls on wet and slick rocks and because of lightning strikes to hikers on exposed terrain.
In fact, more than 20 people have died when hiking Half Dome because of failed base jumps, being struck by lightning, falling off the cables, or having a heart attack. Because the popularity of Half Dome is growing, the probability of being awarded a lottery permit is decreasing since the park continues to issue a maximum of 300 tickets per day.
Moreover, people who are afraid of hikes must not climb Half Dome. Only those with an excellent level of physical fitness must hike the Half Dome because they will have to rise more than 5,500 feet. Also, children should not be doing this hike, and the cables must not be climbed when rain clouds are in the area.
A Guide For Hikers To Climbing Half Dome
Those willing to hike Half Dome need to begin at the Happy Isles via the Mist Trail. This is not for beginner hikers since those who want to climb the Half Dome via the cables will need to go for a 15 miles roundtrip and an elevation gain of 4,800 feet. Moreover, hikers need to have proper footwear since they will be climbing one of America’s most challenging hikes. Additionally, gloves are essential for climbing the cables. The Half Dome has only one drinking fountain at the Vernal Fall Footbridge, and this is why hikers must stock up on water when hiking the dome.
People will pass by the Vernal Falls and then up next to the Nevada Fall when walking the Mist Trail. Next is the forest of Sequoia trees, which is relatively easy to hike. The next part, which is the Subdome, is difficult to climb because of its vast stairs. However, at the top of Subdome, people get astonishing views of the Half Dome cables. The trip from the Mist Trail to the top of the sub dome takes around 4 hours. After that is when the real fun begins. Climbing the Half Dome cables is complicated with its steep incline and slick surfaces. People need to climb 400 feet at the Half Dome cables. This is where people can get the most amazing views of Yosemite.
A Guide For Rock Climbers When Visiting Half Dome
Unlike hikers, rock climbers have two options to start their trip when climbing Half Dome. They can either begin by taking the Happy Isles via the Mist Trail through Little Valley or taking the Happy Isles past Mirror Lake via the Death Slabs. The second option is more complex and requires skilled route finding. Moreover, the route is steeper than that of the first option, and fixed lines are used. Hikers and rock climbers are requested not to litter when climbing Half Dome to preserve the historical area for generations to come.
Moreover, visitors are requested to avoid erosion by using all main trails. Fires should only be started at existing fire rings. People must also note that camping is prohibited on the base of any wall in Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome. Climbing down the Half Dome requires that people get back down to the Mist Trail and then to the Yosemite Valley. When reaching the Nevada Fall, people have the option of hiking down the Mist Trail by retracing their steps to the valley floor or taking the Muir Trail, which adds an extra 1.5 miles to the trip but is less steep than the other trail.
- Cost: Even though permits are issued to lucky winners and in limited numbers, they are not free of charge. People who wish to hike up Half Dome will have to pay $20 per person for every permit they win.