Half Dome

Ever since we saw Half Dome for the first time, we knew we would do anything to try to reach its top!

A steep, almost vertical wall of Half Dome seems unreachable!! The Half Dome top (2693 meters above sea level) remained unavailable for people until 70s of XIX. Today, the 13-km long trail is well-maintained and can be hiked by any average fitness level mountain-lover.

Half Dome and we are about to hike it!

Before you reach the summit…

If you want to reach the Half Dome top, you need to climb the cables. To do so, you should obtain a permit from the National Park Service. Due to safety reasons, there is a limited number of people that can reach the summit per day, and it’s only 400 people. The conditions are difficult and there have been people who died while climbing the cables that’s why it’s very important to be careful and hike in good weather conditions, only! You can apply for the permin on-line on a Yosemite’s Park website a long time in advance, or try your luck and get a permit early in the morning, the day before. There’s a small number of permits available on last notice, as well. You may get a fine if you try to hike without approval.

Half Dome cables

Half Dome cables

We made it, last part of the hike

We started the hike at midnight…

We started the hike around midnight in order to reach the Half Dome top to admire the sunrise. The trail goes up and up, sometimes very steep, and sometimes just through the forest. Since we hiked at night, we couldn’t see the Valley and the beauty of the park on our way up. We only could hear the sound of the water, stream and waterfalls around. Once we got closer to the summit, the trail became much more difficult and steep. We could only imagine by listenig to the wind how high we actually are. Before we reached the cables, we climbed the stairs for about 2 hours and that part of the hike was quite demanding! After that, we “only” had to climb the cables. Before you start your last ascent, you can “borrow” the gloves that lie just at the beginning of the cable-trail. It’s a very good idea to use them as you hold yourself very tight to the lines while slowly moving towards the top. To be honest, it is a scary part. We did it in a team and we all had the same impressions. It was well worth it, though!

The California’s sky is amazing, especially in August. We could see the meteor’s shower going crazy while we were climbing the Half Dome. We had to pay attention to the cables but the whole scenery was just breathtaking!

Take some warm clothes to wear once you reach the summit. It’s very windy and you’ll be wet after the intensive hike! The whole way up took us around 6 hours. We made it in time to see the spectacular sunrise. We could finally see the awe-inspiring, extraordinary Valley that surrounds you from every angle. You can take some incredible photos while sitting on the edge with toes hanging just above the abyss. No worries, it’s pretty solid, and a picture on a top is a must for everyone who conquered this majestic rock formation!

Half Dome sunrise

Descent

Sadly, it’s time to start our way down. First, you need to make it to the bottom of the cables. Then, it’s getting a bit easier yet it’s steep almost all the way down. Now we can truly admire the beauty around us. Waterfalls, rainbows, mist in the air with the sunshine. Something we will never forget! The last part of the hike down it called the “Mist Trail. You continue your walk along the river and there are 2 stunning waterfalls to enjoy: Nevada and Vernal. Wonderful!

To sum up, it’s the adventure of a life time to hike Half Dome and the beauty of Yosemite is one of the finnest on the planet!

On the top

Proud to be on the top of Half Dome

This photo is a must while on the top

Overlooking the valley

Vernal Fall

Mist trail

Nevada Fall, Yosemite

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Glacier Point

Glacier Point, together with Yosemite Valley is the most popular and beautiful part of the Yosemite Park. It’s fairly easy to get there as the road is very well marked yet be careful, because it’s quite winding and steep, at times! On our way up, you can also choose to park your car right next to the start of the trail towards Sentinel Dome and Taft Point. Before the road reaches its dead end, you will find one more, amazing place. A Yosemite’s “must” called Glacier Point. This lookout shows the whole valley of Yosemite with the magnificent Half Dome and its marvelous waterfalls: Vernal and Nevada.

In the far, yet not too far, distance you can see a massive Sierra Nevada Range. It’s absolutely an awe-inspiring experience. Only five more minutes by car and you are at the actual, one and only Glacier point.

U-shaped Valley

Once you reach the egde of the lookout area, you will be surprised to see an enormous u-shaped, post glacial valley. To the left, you will notice the Yosemite Fall which flows especially after snowy winters and is visable in the beginning of the summer. By the end of August, it can disappear.  To the right, the valley seems to be isolated by the 900-meter tall and steep face of Half Dome. If you are into mountains in general, the view will stay in your hearts forever! It’s really hard to describe the beauty of Yosemite Valley and even the photographs don’t do it justice! We tried our best capturing the essence of this Yosemite’s paradise so don’t hesitate to watch the pictures below!

Magnificent Half Dome

Waterfalls: Nevada and Vernal

Favourite NP in the world

Awesome scenery

Glacier Point and the Yosemite Valley

Glacier Point

Glacier Point

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Beautiful Yosemite!

According to Mike, the trail that takes you to both: Sentinel Dome and Taft Point is simply the best in Yosemite National Park. It’s not very popular but if you plan your visit to the Park, include it in your itinerary. It’s easy to miss the starting points as the trail begins just next to the small parking lot, by the road heading to Glacier Point. You can start your hike by going left or right.

No worries, the whole trail makes a nice loope so you get to see both amazing locations! We recommend that you first turn right. The hike begins with a flat path through the pleasant forest and it’s hard to imagine how wonderful it will be just after another 40 minutes. Once you reach the top of Sentinel Dome you will easly spot Half Dome with the Yosemite Valley in its full glory on one side, on the other El Captain with the Merced River disappearing in the far distance. Wondeful! That’s the place where you realize, I need to take a panorama!

Beware of Mountain Lions!

On our way up, we saw the Mountain Lions warning! You could think that since the trail is pretty popular you won’t be bothered by the presence of these carnivors. However, the National Park Servise Staff advice to keep an eye on your children at all times. And remember, “if a big cat attacks, fight back”.

Mountain Lion…

Are you afraid of heights?

After Sentinel Dome, it’s time to discover Taft Point, a place which will help you decide if you are afraid of heights, or not. Just in case you were wondering…

Stay alert…

There are no protection railings and you can get to the edge of the rocks as close as you with to. The feeling of sitting just above the abyss with your legs hanging… priceless. The views are stunning! You may shout or sing and there will be an echo reponding quite a few times before the sound disappears. You can clearly see the majestic El Captain towering just on the opposite side of the Valley. Taft Point is an easy but definitely very exciting hike that we think should be on everyone’s bucketlist while visiting Yosemite National Park. If you love taking pictures, come early to get the good light conditions. In the evening your photos will be against the sun, still pretty, of course! Take a look at our gallery below.

the art of the shadows

Sitting on the edge...

Beautiful rocks, beautiful Yosemite Valley

Are you afraid of heights?

One step forward....

Taft Point

Sentinel Dome Hike

Yosemite NP

Kayote in Yosemite

Hello There, trail to Taft point in Yosemite

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