Date
25 August 2007
Where
Yosemite National park, California, USA
Pictures & Movies
picture album - (Pictures taken Sjouke & Bertran)
movie 1 - 360 movie from the top of Half Dome
movie 2 - a peek into the valley from the edge of Half Dome
With
Sjouke and Bertran
Details
summit(s): Half Dome (2693m)
ascent: 1444m descent: 1444m
from: Curry Village (Yosemite valley)
time: 10 hour round trip (including breaks)
what to bring:
- Minimum 3 liters of water
- Sunscreen !
- GLOVES !!!!!!
- Proper Hiking shoes
- Camera
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This must be one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. However one should not underestimate the length and elevation gain, especially during the extremely hot conditions that we encountered (37°C - 98°F). The guidelines on the official website are pretty accurate. Especially if you stay on top of Half Dome and / or you have to wait in line on the cables, 10 hours is the minimum time it will take to get back down to the valley. Nevertheless, the views on top are breathtaking.
We left Curry village at 05:15hrs in the dark and it was not until the start of the steep ascent to Vernal Fall (via the Mist trail) before it was completely light. It took us about an hour to reach the top of Vernal where we had our breakfast.
From Vernal Fall the trail continues via Emerald Pool to Nevada Fall. Finally here we saw the first sun rays illuminating the big walls on the opposite side of the valley.
From the top of Nevada fall the trail flattens out and the hike takes you through the wooded area over the John Muir trail. However it doesn't take long before you gain altitude again which accumulates in the ascent of the shoulder of Half Dome. Initially it is a very steep switch back trail before you reach the granite top, which is exposed and good hiking boots are a must to my point of view. Also from here on there is no hiding anymore from the sun. During this part many people (dressed in jeans) came down. Apparently they had spend the night on Half Dome and watched the sunrise, not a bad idea for the next time!
From here on the views are beautiful! Of course there is the impressive Dome with the steel cable track, but also the views towards Tenaya Canyon and towards the South.
We reached the cables around 09:00hrs and after some preparations (putting on sunscreen, gloves and hat) we started the final leg. The final 122m (400 ft) of ascent are steeply up the rock between two steel cables used as handholds.
After about 15 minutes we reached the top and to our surprise we were all alone! Surely something not many people will see. From the top there is an astonishing 360° view. You look down on North Dome, the little ants on the valley floor 1400 meters down and El Capitan in the distance.
Inevitably you will want to stand on the "Diving Board" which is the protruding rock. WOW !!!!!
After about 45 minutes we went back down the cable track (which is fun). However there were already so many people. Leaving early is a must if you want to enjoy, this was clear by now.
Further down I was amazed by the people coming up. Some of them in jeans, sneakers, with obvious fear of heights and only carrying minimum amounts of water. To be honest I am surprised that not more accidents happen and I seriously wonder how many of these people that make it to the top actually enjoy the whole experience.
The trail down to Nevada Falls is the same. In the stream on top of the falls we had our lunch break and splashed water on our heads to escape from the hear. Although only just midday, the temperature was soaring. From there we took the longer trail (via the horse trail) back down to the valley. From here you have plenty of time to enjoy the views to the Falls, Liberty Cap and of course Half Dome.
15:15hrs and we were back in Curry village. A quick shower and even quicker to the Pizza Terras for a (or many) well deserved Yosemite Pale Ale (recommended). On the way back to the tent one final picture of Half Dome (that day) in the sun set. A perfect day, never to be forgotten. Thanks Sjouke!
Links
Yosemite National Park - wikipedia entry
Hiking Half Dome - Government webpage about hiking the Half Dome
Vernal Fall - wikipedia entry
Nevada Fall - wikipedia entry
Half Dome - wikipedia entry
Mist Trail - wikipedia entry
Tenaya Canyon - wikipedia entry