Half Dome hike
September 15, 1996
We got up at 4 AM in the morning to climb up Half Dome (2,693 m / 8,836 ft). A long but quite easy hike.
Well, I did not write anything about the descent (besides the information that one should start early to avoid darkness). There is one desolate thing in particular I left out in my review. On our way back we were forced to a halt between Vernal Falls and the starting point of the trip. Two climbers had had an accident and were carried back to the valley. In the very moment when they came across us one of them collapsed. They tried to reanimate him but sad to say they did not manage to bring him back. He died on the spot.
Having been witness of this incident has made me more thankful for many things. Life in general, many great experiences in particular. Life truly is a gift.
Hiking Half Dome, Yosemite NP
Yosemite NP is a paradise for hikers. In 1996 my cousin and I spent some days there and chose to go for the summit of Half Dome. It is probably one of the most famous day hikes in the U.S. Considering the fact that the total elevation gain is 4,800 feet (1463 m) it is a pretty long hike (17 miles/27.4 km round-trip). Duration: 10 to 12 hours (for ordinary mortals).
We set out for the ramble very early in the morning (flashlights required!) to avoid the crowds on the trail. Starting point was the Nature Center at Happy Isles close to the Upper Pines Campground.
We followed the "Mist trail" along the Merced River. On our way we passed the beautiful Vernal Fall (317 feet/97 m)). Then we climbed up the granite stairway (steep and slippery!) and continued to the higher Nevada Fall (594 ft/181 m). Then we turned into Little Yosemite Valley. We were still alone on the trail when we reached the northeast ridge of Half Dome. The final 900 feet of the hike to the summit are a little bit tricky - for the simple reason that the rock is quite steep. Two cables are running up to serve as handholds. When we did the hike gloves where provided at the base of the ascent. Better bring your own pair to protect your hands. With gloves "climbing" up (and down!) was no problem.
We reached the summit arround 11 am. The view from the top was - simply put - glorious! It is definitely worth a visit.
Enjoy the view but do not forget to start the descent in time. The way back is longer and more strenuous than many people expect. In addition to that it gets very dark in the valley after sunset.
We set out for the ramble very early in the morning (flashlights required!) to avoid the crowds on the trail. Starting point was the Nature Center at Happy Isles close to the Upper Pines Campground.
We followed the "Mist trail" along the Merced River. On our way we passed the beautiful Vernal Fall (317 feet/97 m)). Then we climbed up the granite stairway (steep and slippery!) and continued to the higher Nevada Fall (594 ft/181 m). Then we turned into Little Yosemite Valley. We were still alone on the trail when we reached the northeast ridge of Half Dome. The final 900 feet of the hike to the summit are a little bit tricky - for the simple reason that the rock is quite steep. Two cables are running up to serve as handholds. When we did the hike gloves where provided at the base of the ascent. Better bring your own pair to protect your hands. With gloves "climbing" up (and down!) was no problem.
We reached the summit arround 11 am. The view from the top was - simply put - glorious! It is definitely worth a visit.
Enjoy the view but do not forget to start the descent in time. The way back is longer and more strenuous than many people expect. In addition to that it gets very dark in the valley after sunset.
The descent
Enjoying the view
The final 900 feet
Vernal Fall
Half Dome from Glacier Point
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