How long does it take to hike Yosemite Half Dome?
10 to 12 hours
Most hikers take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back; some take longer. If you plan on hiking during the day, it’s smart to leave around sunrise (or earlier) and then have a non-negotiable turn-around time.
Can you hike Half Dome as a beginner?
Climbing Half Dome isn’t an adventure recommended for complete beginner hikers (though it is a great motivation goal to get you hiking more). The cable route is considered one of the most dangerous hikes in a U.S. national park. All this being said, this is a totally safe hike as long as you’re properly trained!
What time should you start hiking Half Dome?
If you’re new to hiking and not sure how conditioned you are, aim to start around 4-5am. You may be starting your hike in the dark, but it’s much better than ending your hike in the dark. The first time I hiked Half Dome it took me nearly 7 hours just to make it to Little Yosemite Valley.
Where do you start the hike to Half Dome?
The hike starts on the Mist Trail. The closest parking is the Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking, located just past the Half Dome Village. From this parking lot, it is a half-mile walk down a service road to the Happy Isles Bridge and the start of the hike.
How difficult is Half Dome hike?
The trail to Half Dome from Yosemite Valley is an extremely steep and strenuous hike covering over 14-16 miles. Hikers gain 4,800 feet of elevation along the trail that passes highlights such as Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, before reaching the cables on Half Dome’s steep granite domes.
Do you need a harness for Half Dome?
Do I Need A Harness? Most people do not use a harness to climb Half Dome. That said, some do and it’s the optimal way to ensure safety (and peace of mind) while ascending and descending the cables. If heights make you nervous, we highly recommend wearing a harness or not attempting this section of the hike.
How do you physically prepare for Half Dome?
How to Train For Half Dome
- Work your way up to a 15 mile hike by adding 1-2 miles onto your longest hike every week.
- Feel comfortable climbing at least 4,000 feet in one day.
- Do some pulling exercises like seated rows for a few weeks before the hike.
- Try to spend some time at altitude before you hike Half Dome.
Do I need a harness for Half Dome?
Do you need gloves for Half Dome?
Gloves: Proper gloves are a must on the Half Dome Cables. Any hardware store will carry nitrile utility work gloves that would be suitable for this hike. Nitrile coated gloves are lightweight and work best. Latex gloves with extra ‘rubberized’ grip are very good too, but some people are allergic to latex.
How difficult is the Half Dome hike?
Do you clip in on Half Dome?
If you’re nervous, but still confident you can complete Half Dome, you can wear a harness with a carabiner to clip into the cables.
What should I eat before Half Dome hike?
Eat hearty before and after.
Think light on food. Bring things that pack a lot of calories for the weight, like Clif Bars, chocolate covered almonds or snack mix. You’ll be expending a lot of calories, but you’ll also be lugging around the weight and it’s only a day. You don’t really need that multi-course meal.
Should I bring a harness to Half Dome?
Do I need a harness to climb Half Dome?
Do you need gloves to hike Half Dome?