I actually did this not knowing anything about it or knowing what I was in for. But that’s usually how I like to do things…the less I know the better! I definitely like suprises and I don’t want to know how hard something is because I like to find out for myself! I hiked this in June 2004 with my boyfriend, his sister and her husband (I have to say they were the one’s that talked my boyfriend and I into doing it!) We are all pretty athletic people, so it really wasn’t that hard for us. My boyfriend’s sister and husband did go a bit faster than us, so they probably hiked it in 6 hrs or so…we ended hiking it in about 8 hours. We left early in the morning and took snacks, water etc. There are places to get water if you have a purifier. All in all, it was a fabulous experience and well worth it! But I have to say it was eaiser for me going up (although the cable part is a bit frightening) than it was coming down!!! It hurt my knees!
People who have done this
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How to hike half dome
It made me
Accomplished
 "Epic"
How I did it: Me and my buddy started by heading out fairly early (around 10 am) from the backpackers campground by mirror lake (or rather, puddle ;P). We started to drive to our trail head 30 mi. away at Glacier Point. About 20 minutes into it, on our way up the hill to the point, our radiator split :'(. We attempted to use all our spare coolant to just make it to the top but it was no good. Locking the jeep and loading up our 120 pound backpacks onto our roughly 140 pound bodies we started to walk up the hill with our thumbs outstretched and our pleading faces on the ready for the sound of an engine. About 6 hours after we departed and and 2 hitch's later we made it to our trailhead. Then we faced our toughest decision. It was a 12 mile hike to the next backpackers campground and it was already nearing 5 o'clock. Feet blistered from a week of hiking we set out through the evening and night to the campground. Being too tired to even set up our tents I cannot remember what time it was when we got there. After a day of rest and relaxation we made our way up to half dome. It was beautiful!!!! I would recommend this to anyone!! But for your own sake PLEEEAAASE make sure you have the proper equipment and a sturdy, reliable car. =D Lessons & tips: Make sure your engine can handle the journey ;P Resources: The right equipment, amazing friendly people and of course a good friend. |
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More "How I Did It" stories
How I did it: The three of us get up early, packed up dry food & water, and started hiking early in the morning. Being hiking down to Grand Canyon from south rim before, we just take our time to enjoy the view and don't rush our journey to half dome. It is pretty cloudy day and as it closer to the top, we got lots of fog. The visibility is pretty bad when we reached the bottom of the half dome. We discussed whether to climb … Read how I did it…
How I did it: I went with someone who really wanted to do this and needed the mental & physical push. Oh, and some sanity in testy weather... Hiked to Little Yosemite and camped there for the night, then ascended the dome and hiked back to car the next day. Read how I did it…
MissMonica79 is watching Oprah
How I did it: We started early and when we got to the tough parts, I had the resolve to keep going. I didn't give myself any reason to stop. Drink water, keep a good pace, snack often. Read how I did it…
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Michael consistency
i would also like to backpack thru other parts of the park too
so I can camp with some nice cuddly bears before going up Half Dome.
Yvette Z. is ready to focus on the climbing wall
I attempted on Friday Oct. 3, 2008. I got real close. One mile to the summit and then I couldn’t go any further. It killed me to have to turn around and go back. Even though I failed this time, I’m not giving up. I will try again in the summer.
Went to Yosemite National Park on a trip around southwest America in July 2005. We saw half dome, but at the time we weren’t aware that you could hike up it (and, as I understand, the chains are only up at certain times of the year).
We are hoping to go back some time in the future and cross it off the list!
Well worth the effort. I did this hike three weeks ago and am still feeling on top of the world!!!!!!!!
kaleni315 is trying to get my life in order
I want to be able to be fit enough to do this without dying!
Yvette Z. is ready to focus on the climbing wall
I’ve been invited to hike Half Dome with my REI co-workers in October. That gives me 3 months to get ready!!!!
It rained, snow, sleet and slush as I trudge my way to the top. Got to the base of cable however could not see the top of half dome. It was windy on the top. For a moment I thought I could do it. Just only a few feet away from my goal. Next time
