Half Dome

Possibly the most ‘iconic’ of all Yosemite’s features and hikes.

The leads through lovely forests to emerge to tackle the 400 sheer(ish) cable-assisted feet up the great granite side of Half Dome, which guards the point where the Yosemite Valley divides into the Little Yosemite Valley and the Tenaya Canyon, to be transfixed by the extraordinary views at its top at 8,836ft, some 4,800 sheer feet above the valley floor.

A dangerous walk, despite the cable-help, especially in wet conditions. Take care and be prepared – indeed, be up to it! Absolutely not for those with any vertigo issues!

Very popular (up to 1,000 hikers a day), so you will be nose-to-bum up the final ascent, so not to everyone’s taste (so to speak) and marked down by Walkopedia accordingly. Reminiscent of the steep slog up Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia when that was permissible.

A long, tough hike, 14 to 16 miles return, gaining some 1,460m from the valley floor and back. Assume 10 – 12 hrs for this walk, in part because of the crowded trails. If fit and outside high season, it will take less time.

See the excellent https://www.yosemitehikes.com/yosemite-valley/half-dome/half-dome.htm for more information.

See our Yosemite page for more general and practical information and photos.

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