Half Dome - Day and Section Hikes - page 6

2 Half Dome
S CENERY :
T RAIL CONDITION :
C HILDREN :
D IFFICULTY :
S OLITUDE :
D ISTANCE : 16.5 miles
H IKING TIME : 8-12 hours
O UTSTANDING FEATURES : Vernal and Nevada falls, stupendous views of Yosemite Val-
ley, steel cables at top (late May-mid-October; do not attempt hike if cables are down)
For many, Half Dome defines the Yosemite landscape; this stunning granite monolith
appears in more scrapbooks worldwide than virtually any other peak. Reigning su-
premely over the valley floor at 8,842 feet, its looming form is unmistakable as it
beckons hikers to a lofty 360-degree panorama. On the must-do list of nearly every
California hiker, this is a challenging and long journey that features rushing rivers,
turbulent waterfalls, and steep granite walls. The hike first ascends past Vernal and
Nevada Falls to Little Yosemite Valley, plateaus briefly, then continues rising. The
last 400 feet of the climb are the most memorable, as they include the infamous Half
Dome cables that carry you up the final exposed pitch. But the real prize is the jaw-
dropping view once you arrive, which should help you forget nearly all the pain of
this 5,000-foot ascent.
DIRECTIONS: Yosemite can be entered via four main gateways: The B IG O AK F LAT
R OAD E NTRANCE is on CA 120 West (Big Oak Flat Road) and is the closest western
access to Tuolumne Meadows; the A RCH R OCK E NTRANCE on CA 140 (El Portal
Road) is east of Merced and the safest bet in inclement weather, as it receives the least
amount of snowfall; the S OUTH E NTRANCE is on CA 41 (Wawona Road), north of
Fresno; and the weather-dependent T IOGA P ASS E NTRANCE is on CA 120 East (Tioga
Road) and is the closest eastern access to Tuolumne Meadows. Tioga Road is closed
during the winter months due to snow, and sometimes doesn't open until June or
July. While the first three entrances are generally open year-round, all roads are sub-
ject to closure; check with the park service by phone at [phone] or visit
www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm to determine current conditions.