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Top of Half Dome Hike, Yosemite National Park, CA

  • Address Happy Isles Shuttle Stop #16
    Yosemite National Park
    Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
    United States
  • Phone number+1 209 372 0200
Yosemite National Park Travel Deals

If you are in very good shape and willing to spend a long day hiking, the difficult trek to the top of Half Dome may be for you. It is considered extremely strenuous, with an elevation gain of almost 5,000 feet. Start at Happy Isle Shuttle Stop Number 16 and work your way through the crowds visiting Vernal Falls, and begin a series of switchbacks to the top. The trail rises and falls a fair amount until you get close to Nevada Falls and from there the trail continues to Half Dome. Be warned, however, that the last 200 yards up the back of the dome require you to use steel cable handrails as you scramble up. Roughly 600 people make this trek every day in the summer, but it is not easy. Be sure to bring water, and wear a hat as well as comfortable walking shoes or boots. The trail may be closed in winter. Since this hike can take up to 12 hours to complete, it is recommended that you start early in the morning. For your safety it is best to complete this hike before dark. Check website for more information.

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TravelMuse Reviews ( 1 Review ) Top

Cyril

A world top 10 hike!

(Rating: 5) by Cyril on June 4, 2008

This is a grueling experience and one of the longer hikes I'll probably ever do, but it is absolutely a must-do before you die! The trip from the valley floor takes you through two majestic waterfalls along a beautiful river and provides sweeping vistas. The 360 view from the top is awe-inspiring and well worth the last ascent! If you leave early enough, you can have lunch up there - it's great! I recommend to take some iodine pills so you can refill your water bottles from the river along the way and avoid carrying too much weight uphill.

yelp Reviews ( 3 Reviews see all ) Top

Shannon A.

(Rating: 4.0) 

by Shannon A. on August 7, 2009

This is my favorite place in the world. We had a great trip. This year was a bit odd though. The employees and people are not NEARLY as friendly as in the...

Bill K.

(Rating: 4.0) 

by Bill K. on August 6, 2009

-We came around 6-7am and there was already a line, so definitely come early if you don't have a reservation! -Lembert dome is a cool hike from here. If I...

Caitlin C.

(Rating: 5.0) 

by Caitlin C. on June 29, 2009

My first time in Yosemite, that I can remember anyway, we decided to just wing it and hope to get a spot at one of the campgrounds that offers 'first come...

Yahoo Travel Reviews ( 11 Reviews see all ) Top

Half Domer-AMAZING.

 by  thefirstbase00  on  2008-09-02

This hike will be etched in my memory for as long as I live. I went for my senior trip and we were really unaware of what exactly the hike was...

If conquered Half Dome so can you!

 by  A Yahoo! Contributor  on  2008-06-19

When you reach the cables Half Dome's going to intimidate everything and then some out of you. Just keep a positive mentality and dont give up....

A walk well worth making

 by  A Yahoo! Contributor  on  2007-08-02

Things to bringWater: 5 liters were what I needed. Im in good shape but a big water drinker. If I left later than 7AM I might have needed mor

Not to be underestimated.

 by  bayoak300  on  2007-06-17

Awesome hike but try to go on a weekday to avoid the traffic jams at the cables, my group had to wait almost one hour just to get to where the ...

A must trip !

 by  A Yahoo! Contributor  on  2006-07-30

Hello, I would like to advise anyone who is making the trip that if you start the hike at Glacier Point, the views are better than when start...

Hope your in shape

 by  A Yahoo! Contributor  on  2006-01-02

You dont always have the best senery up to the top, but once you are aat the top it is one of the most incredible views you will ever see. All...

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