Hiking Yosemite's Half Dome

HIKING YOSEMITE'S DOME TREK: WATCH THE VIDEO

The hike from Yosemite Valley to the summit of Half Dome is a long way up and a long way down. Be realistic about your physical conditioning for the climb and be well-prepared for the journey. Whether you do it in a day or more, make sure you have sufficient food and water, the proper footwear, clothing and other equipment and perhaps a pair of gloves to ease your way along the cables to and from the steep summit of Half Dome. Check in advance for weather conditions and other warnings and guidance from the Park Service. I’ve traveled over this route many times and have frequently encountered people suffering and struggling because of their lack of forethought and planning. In late 2006 and early 2007 three people died in falls from Half Dome, sometimes wearing the wrong shoes and other times slipping on the slick and steep rock following a rain. During the summer, crowding on the cables can also lead to problems. On the other hand, for those who are genuinely ready, the Yosemite Valley to Half Dome hike can be wonderfully memorable. For some people, as it was for me long ago, the Half Dome trek becomes the first of many trips into the backcountry and high places of Yosemite. Half Dome can be a gateway to years of happy wandering in the Alpine footsteps of John Muir.