READERS COMMENTS

Did this hike Yesterday; midnight hike. We left at 11PM and got up to sub-dome at 4:30 am with ample food, rest, water breaks. As we headed up the SD, the clouds looked to be coming in so we headed back down to wait it out to see if they passed; around 5:30 a couple guys from the group hiked up and checked, after directing to another group headed up earlier the clouds, it looked to be clear for awhile. We headed up and got to the cables by 6 and all nine of us were up by 6:20; the skies still clear, and the sun about to rise. It was absolutely amazing in every way possible. We stayed up for a few hours to have breakfast and watch the sunrise.

This hike CAN be dangerous, it's just being smart about your own actions and what's a smart thing to do. Go with a group that has some experienced hikers, we went up with six experienced hikers, one who had never climbed HD, and three who have never climbed HD or any thing to this level. The hike is in physical demand for there is a lot of elevation climb and the steps can be hard on the joints.

The clouds weren't omnious, but we weren't about to risk our lives; be smart. We stayed at the top for about 4 hours and headed down around 10:30. By the time we started trekking down the sub; clouds were moving in fast. We warned everyone going up because an hour later in the LYV, it was pouring. By mist trail: thunder, lightning, hail, and a slippery trail being shared by hundreds at 3PM. Even then the Mist Trail becomes very dangerous with all the traffic and i just don't understand the need of parents to keep trekking up the trail with the winds coming in too and their children wearing shirts and shorts.

In short, be smart, pack the necessary items, plenty of water; more than enough.

The midnight hike was perfect because we couldn't see what was ahead of us-nothing to deter our motivation--with a perfectly cloudless and star filled sky. THe most difficult thing about this hike during our breaks was how cold it actually was, I brought probably 5 different kinds of layers and went through every one of them in different mix and matches. It added some weight to my pack but so glad I brought every piece.
Posted: Sep 25, 2011 Sam, California

I've hiked Half Dome several times. The first time I was in my 40's started at 5AM at Happy Isles and returned by 3PM. Fortunately there was only 1 person hiking down Half Dome when I started up and I hiked down the Dome before there were any crowds. On top I could see a huge fire just outside of YV. I got down to the campground and found the Valley exits closed. The next morning the rangers came by and said everyone had one hour to get out. There was fire close to the car and smoke everywhere during a scary ride out.
My last hike to HD was done in 2009 in May. I started from Little Yosemite Valley and was up and down to LYV by 1 PM. Though no rain was forecast, it poured from 2PM to 4 PM. I did the count from flash to thunder and when it got to 1 I was very scared. I packed up and hiked out after the rain stopped and rain into two young fellows that were starting up Half Dome when the lightning started to hit. They ran down not making the peak but happy to be alive. Start early, get down early. Take some minimal survival gear, thermal blanket, etc. You can't trust Mother Nature.
Posted: Sep 24, 2011 DFox

Honestly I've walked on wet granite and it is really, really frightening. I had two hiking poles and it didn't matter, I could have lost my footing at any moment. Just don't do it. If it's wet, just go back and try it another day. It's tough enough when you're on regular granite that is well worn. 18 people have died this year in Yosemite because they took stupid and unnecessary risks. No hike is worth losing your life.
Posted: Sep 06, 2011 Hiker

I went up HD a month ago in July, 2011. Left the TH at 5 AM and was back down by noon. The permit system is done entirely on-line, with no first-come, first- serve daily permits. The limit is 400/day, many of whom I think do not get to HD because of the elevation gain. The NPS is doing an environmental assessment to determine future management.

Have no doubts about the danger of this hike. Having done eight of Backpacker's ten most dangerous hikes, I think HD is by far the most dangerous. It is a strenuous hike to get to the base of the cables, and the cables are a steep 35- 40 degree 400 feet to the top. The granite is well worn by the thousands of shoes/boots that have gone up and down it. 35-40 degrees may not sound like that steep, but doing it on polished granite while hanging on to steel cables, passing or waiting on other users going up or down the cables, and the exposure, will get the attention of most hikers. My admittedly small snapshot of seven users going up the cables after I got down, included two who were "scared sh----ss" (their words) and one who came back down after getting perhaps a quarter of the way up. And, coming back down will be scarier than going up for most people. If you plan to go up, start early with the right equipment and water, be in good shape, wear the correct footwear, watch the weather, and take your own leather gloves for the cables. The pile of used gloves at the base of the cables could be subject to wind removal - take your own that fit. Watching the weather is especially important. A hiker died coming down the cables a few days after I went up, and probably fell because the granite was slick from a recent storm, according to the NPS.

However, after watching so many hikers over the years who overestimate their abilities, are ignorant about the right equipment and footwear, and the males who are driven by testosteronic ego to do stupid things, my recommendation to the NPS is to remove the cables. I think the human race apparently just ain't that smart and some will screw it up and die. Rocky Mountain NP removed a set of cables on the North Face of Long's Peak several decades ago - Yosemite should do the same.
Posted: Aug 11, 2011 bud phillips

I have summited Half Dome, four times, during my life time. The last time was in June of 2010, at the age of 60 years. This is a very strenuous hike, requiring stamina and perserverance. Each time, I started at Glacier Point and ended at Happy Isles. I paced myself, particularly taking my time to climb the subdome. These are a must: ample water, very good hiking boots, small flashlight, mosquito repellant, food, a hiking buddy, and,by all means, a camera.
Posted: Aug 04, 2011 Gary Ungricht

I loved this hike but only got as far as the cables and so didn't make the final ascent. I'm a distance hiker but to be honest I wasn't fully aware how strenuous this would be and I just didn't have it in me. I'm sure all involved need shows of patience but I didn't want to be the gasping and stalling one who frustrated those behind me. That was back in 1999 and I enjoyed the hike so much I feel no regret about not making the final push.
Posted: Jul 01, 2011 Simon

This is one of the most enjoyable and most rewarding hikes in the U.S. With plenty of elevation gained and lost during the hike, it is definitely not for the faint of heart or the under-equipped/under-fit.
I had the privilege of hiking the entire 17-something miles in one day, though I finished it at around 9pm. Plenty of water and energy rich food is always of great assistance, especially just after the summit is gained. Also, good broken-in footwear is a must, as the climb and descent is both long, and arduous. For those who have succeeded, and made it to the top of Half Dome, (and back) my hat goes off to you- you have indeed had a wonderful experience, and it will stay with you for a lifetime.
See you on the trail!!!
Posted: Jan 03, 2011 Shane

Half Dome is one of my favorite hikes in the country, but dangerous? No. If Backpacker was really serious about dangerous hikes, they would include White Pinnacle Peak (Red Rock Canyon) way more exposure than Angels Landing without any chains.
Posted: Dec 31, 2010 Branch Whitney

As of 2010, Half Dome has a permit system for anyone attempting the climb from Friday - Sunday. I believe the limit is 700 or 800 people per day. So Monday is now the "crazy" day. I have seen people attempting the climb with no water wearing flip-flops.
Posted: Dec 30, 2010 Lyn G

We climbed half-dome after camping overnight at Little Yosemite Valley. That eliminated the arduous climb from the valley floor and the first 2000+ ft. of elevation gain on the same day as climbing the cables. We left camp at 7 a.m. the next morning and were back before 2 p.m. That included an hour for lunch on the top of Half Dome. We took our time and beat the crowds up and down the cables. The next morning we hiked down the mist trail in plenty of time to take pictures and be down for a great lunch. I would not consider climbing Half Dome any other way. You can also get to Little Yosemite Valley from Happy Isle--a strenuous climb with full pack--but there is no rush the first day. Or you can come via Tuoulumne Meadows on the John Muir Trail (or Tenaya Lake) and spend two or three days getting to Little Yosemite Valley. We used the Yosemite transit system to take us to Toulumne Meadows.
Posted: Dec 30, 2010 Phil R

I hiked to the top of Half Dome in late June of this year. Although I wanted to depart earlier, I didn't arrive at the trailhead til about 11:00. No matter; I'm a very experienced hiker and climber, and there was no threat of t-storms or even a cloud in the sky. I do wish I would have kept my pack a little lighter, though. I arrived at the top at about 5 PM, which was great, because I was one of the few people up there. Seeing the view from the top with the late afternoon sun was amazing. Part of my extra weight was a bottle of still-cold beer that I brought to the top with me--breathtaking.....the price to pay was having to hike the last 3 miles out in the dark, but I just took my time and placed my feet carefully.
Posted: Oct 07, 2010 Cliff

Incredible day hike encompassing magnificent scenery and providing considerable physical and mental challenge. The views of Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls early in the morning are amazing. Also, if you can summit well before noon when the sky is not hazy, the 360 degree views at the top are beyond description. I have done this with each of my two boys. At the time, they were 14 and 22. It was a great bonding experience for us. Downside Other than the 4850 feet of vertical climb and the mental challenge presented by the steps of Subdome and the cables at Half Dome, there is no down side. Comment In my opinion, this is the ultimate day hike in America. It is a tough hike. You will be tired at the end, however the scenery and the sense of accomplishment are well worth it. A few recommendations: First, make sure that you arrive at the trail head early. You will want to summit a good bit before noon to avoid the conjestion on the cables, avoid afternoon thunderstorm possibilities and to experience the clearest haze-free sky at the top. Remember, you will have a half mile walk from the closest parking lot to the actual trail head so don't forget to factor that in. Second, make sure that you adequately prepare. I did a great deal of distance walking starting about 60 - 90 days before going. Additionally, at least once a week I spent at least 30 minutes walking up/down steps. A local football stadium works great. If you live at sea level , like we do, make sure that you acclimate prior to dolng the hike. We spent our first day on Tioga Road and did a great hike, Lembert Dome and Dog Lake, prior to doing HD. Next, enjoy the hike. You may have a tendency to want to get back down once you've summited. Admittedly, the cables and Subdome will test your mental resolve, however...the views are fantastic at the top; enjoy them and rest up a bit. Also, the scenery on the way up and down is spectacular. You're not in a race. We've made it both times in 9 - 10 hours which provided plenty of time at the top and in between. Fourth, we took the Mist trail up and down. Most people don't recommend this. For us, it shortened the distance by 2.4 miles (1.2 miles each way). As mentioned earlier, we did a great deal of stair climbing prior to going so our knees were conditioned. We didn't experience any knee pain. On my first trip, we came down on the Muir trail which was beat up and pretty hard on us. I believe that the Mist trail is in much better shape and no harder on you than the Muir trail. Lastly, you may want to consider soaking your feet in the 40 degree water of the Merced River on the way down. There are plenty of places to do this. I can't tell you how refreshed we were afterwards.
I hope that this helps and wish you the best.
Posted: Sep 18, 2010 Hugh Mobile, AL

I hiked Half Dome in 2003 at age 70. Great Hike! I Started from the Valley floor at 5:30am and was on the top at 11:35am. I spent a hour wandering around the 13 acres that is the area on top, looked over the edge from "devil diving board", had lunch then followed a terrified 14year old and his uncle down the cables. I was back at my car at 5:15, a 19 mile hike. A thrill of a lifetime. I may do it again in 2013 when I'm 80. If you are planning on climbing Half dome, be forewarned, it is a dangerous hike...
Posted: Aug 06, 2010 Olin Batchelor

I did this as 60 year old with an old buddy.
We both were in good shape, we were running
up to 10 miles/day before we began this trip. My
advice: start before dawn, pace yourself, only bring
water and stuff like Cliff Bars and Gu on the all
day trip up. We made it to
the top and got back to the valley at sunset. Worth
every step!
Posted: Jan 19, 2010 runsfearless@gmail.com

I did the Half Dome hike 5 times when I was younger. Me and a friend would plan Sierra backpacking trips each summer and start the season with a trip up HD in early June. You should always be in good shape for this hike. I was there this last summer and am now 50, and did just the Mist trail to the top of Vernal falls and knew then that I was in no shape for the trip up Half Dome, so new plans were made. Of the 5 previous trips the best one was when we did Clouds rest and Half Dome in one day. We left the valley floor at 9:00 pm under a full moon. We had to use flashlights until we reached to top of Vernal falls then the moon was casting shadows, and we only needed the flashlights briefly to keep on trail. We got to Clouds rest at 4:00 am and watched the sunrise, then headed to Half Dome. 26 total miles and we made it down to Happy Isle in time for root beer floats at the icecream stand (no longer there). We were exhausted, but were prepared and knew our limitations (one friend had to turn back before HD).
Posted: Jan 04, 2010 Dave N

I've climbed Half Dome twice, once in my 40's and again in my 50's. But I did it the easy way.......as a backpacking trip with a stay at Little Yosemite Valley backpacker camp. Makes for a much more enjoyable trip with far less people, as I was climbing down when the day hikers were going up. The first a short trip starting at Glacier Point, the second, a longer, more scenic trip from Tuolumne Meadows, with stops at Vogelsang and Merced Lakes. However you plan on getting to the top, enjoy, the views are astounding!
Posted: Dec 31, 2009 Steve Brum

I climbed HD a couple of times when I was younger (the older I get the better I used to be!) Party of six including a cute little red-haired girl. Started from the valley before daylight, made it up the cables a bit after noon. It was great, sitting on the edge eating lunch, throwing off snowballs, enjoying the warmth, until the sun went away. That's when the fun began. Soon, we noticed there was a buzzing sound coming from the steel rod at the summit, and the hair on our arms was standing up. The little red-haired girl had the most astounding 'fro, like a strawberry blonde halo around her head. We beat feet down the cables, which I realize was not a good place to be either. The first strike hit the pole on the peak when we were about two thirds of the way down. There were maybe a dozen people still up there when we reached the saddle. We made it back to the valley floor in about two hours, hurried along by rain and then hail.

The second time I went up was in September. A roommate and I planned to summit as a side-trip as we backpacked to Merced Lake. Dropped our packs, headed up to the top, did a quick tag of the summit marker and scurried back down. Wind chill must have been far below freezing, and the snow started on the way back down. Picked up our gear, got back on the trail and decided that the inch that had already accumulated convinced us to retreat, and try Merced Lake another day. We met a couple of guys still headed into the back country, with what was left of their gear lashed together over their shoulders. Victims of valley bears, they were still aimed up the trail, figuring they could catch enough fish to get by. We gave them most of our food, wished them better luck, and headed home.
Posted: Dec 31, 2009 Rick Woods

So amazed that I've done three of the hikes listed! This one was by far my favorite. Main advice start early, the first time we got a late start and hit the backside of half dome around noon and roasted, it was unbelievably hot that day. Also bring gloves, like biking gloves, the cables get hot in the sun and it is tough on your hands. Made it about halfway up the first time when I watched someones water bottle fall out of their pocket and tumble down, chickened out and turned around.

The second time we did this we decided to start from the panoramic trail and went down the mist trail in order to bypass going up the mist trail, I would recommend this to anyone worried about their fitness level that really wants to get to the top of half dome and doesn't care about the route because you start at a higher elevation than vernal and nevada falls so you actually descend the first five miles. we actually backpacked it this time and headed out really early the next day and made it to the top before sunrise! this is an amazing hike good luck!

p.s. try electric peak in yellowstone for another crazy adventure!

Posted: Oct 27, 2009 Kara

This was our 2nd time going up to Half Dome and now I realize how dangerous it can be when it is crowded. There was a one hour wait to get on the cables and to get up to the top people were holding on for about 2 HOURS as they waited to take a step! (It is very difficult to hold on that long if your feet are slipping on the rock if you don't get to rest your feet on the wood plank (every 13 ft).) We were up one third of the way when a girl decided to move from inside the cable area to the outside since it was crowded. She lost her footing and slipped. She tumbled about 10 feet when 2 guys heroically stopped her falling by grabbing on to her shirt/hair and sliding their foot in her way. She was able to stop from tumbling and was still conscious. Those 2 guys risked their lives otherwise she would have been dead and could have taken them out also. People were being so impatient and climbing on the outside of the cables and having the nerve to tell the hikers who were on the inside (and waited their turn) to move over. We got down after we saw the girl fall and the rain clouds were coming in.
This time we had caribiners and harness we made out of a rope. Definitely use a harness (store bought) and have 2 caribiners to clip on and off , this way you will always be hooked up to the cable. People may think using this is the sissy way but believe me after seeing people slipping and sliding, wearing Vans tennis shoes (insane)and pushing people out of the way, the danger increases. When it is crowded if one person falls it will be like a domino affect and you will get knocked off with them if they tumble on to you. Please read a good article: 10 survival tips for Half Dome. Bring at least 2 liters of water (camel back), head lamp, food, good hiking shoes, rubber gloves (garden gloves are slippery), and a caribiner with a harness. Don't climb with water bottles and stuff falling out of your pockets. Better to stay overnight at the campsite or leave at 5am on a weekday. I will NEVER do it again on a weekend. People were acting like animals and getting up to the top at all costs. It was really sad to see and no one seem to care about the girl who fell afterwards to make sure she was okay. In addition, everyone ignored the rainclouds coming. Once your up on the cable for 2 hours the weather could have gotten worse and then people would have been panicking to get down and slip for sure. Please do your homework before you go to Half Dome and don't risk your life unnecessarily.












Posted: Aug 26, 2009 Steve

I did this hike on a Thursday in September `06. Started late, 7am, but got to the top at 11:50, with no line at the bottom of the cables. But the danger is real. There is a staircase cut into the granite before the cables, and it's easy to slip here. And both of my legs cramped up twice on the cables. The first cramp, I made the mistake of looking to the right . . . and saw Tenaya Canyon, obscured by a 48-degree wall of granite . . . and said to myself, "Okay, this is real, not the movies, not practice." So: Don't push yourself, pace yourself. Hiking for several miles nonstop on a hilly trail is good training (e.g., the upper trail at the Lafayette Reservoir, if you're near San Francisco). Wear gloves on the cables, they give more traction and protect your hands. Wear two socks per foot. And more water than you think you'll need (I didn't have enough). But it's doable; I did it for the first time at age 40, and I got back at 4:45 - 9-3/4 hours - including an hour's lunch at the top. It's a fantastic trail. Just know what you're getting into.
Posted: May 15, 2009 Ron

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