Hike Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and a great challenge to many hikers. Despite an 1865 report declaring that it was "perfectly inaccessible, being probably the only one of the prominent points about the Yosemite which never has been, and never will be, trodden by human foot," George Anderson reached the summit in 1875, in the process laying the predecessor to today's cable route. Today, thousands of people reach the summit, and it is considered an exciting, arduous hike.
On the 14- to 16-mile round-trip you will be gaining elevation (for a total of 4,800 feet) most of your way to the top of Half Dome. Most would say the reward is worth the effort. Along the way, you'll see outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and--from the shoulder and summit--panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.
I'm glad I still have it in me to make the journey. This marks the fourth time I have climbed it. For me the first 3 miles are beautiful, with tremendous views of granite domes, canyons and walls, and of waterfalls and misty trails. The next 5 miles are ok, I would not consider them particularly scenic. However the final climb up the cables and the view from the top is worth the effort it takes, I'm sure I'll want to see it again in another 3-4 years. This year was a first for Scott, Doug and Karin's friend Ben. Here are some pictures of the journey.
Happy and Energetic
Miles and Kilometers
Vernal Falls
Nevada Falls
Gentle Ben?
Half Dome
The Cables
Peering over the edge.
A dizzying view.
Views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains
Cooling off on the way down
Standing in the Mist Trail - 2 miles to the finish.
My favorite hiking partner
9 comments:
So beautiful. I love those mountains. I have been missing nature, lately. (I'm still trying to figure out what Texas' Yosemite is. I don't think it exists.) It looks like you guys had a really fun time.
Really loved the photos. The falls looks so pretty always, and you saw a bear!! Fun. Looks like it was a good day!
You are a hard core hiker...
Those are some amazing views!
The bear looked a little too close for comfort!
Seeing Tolumne Meadows on the mileage sign brought back a week's worth of memories! I still want to come out and do the whole trail!
I want to do this! Sign me up for your Half Dome training boot camp.
Check.
Kelly, I thought of you on this day. I wish so much that we lived close by each other. I would love to have you as a hiking partner. In your honor I listened to "Oh, Jean" on the last mile to the finish.
I guess that looks okay, if you like all that outdoorsy type stuff.
J
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