We began at the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls.
If you don't want to do the entire trek to Half Dome, a nice short family hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls can be done. Its 3 miles round trip to Vernal Falls and 7 miles round trip to Nevada Falls. From Nevada Falls you can either go back down by the John Muir trail, or go back the way you came on the Mist Trail. The John Muir Trail is a little easier, however longer and has horses on it. So if you don't mind jumping the poop piles you can go this way.
I'm sure many of you have heard about the many tragic deaths that have occurred in Yosemite this past year. Many of them were near or on Vernal Falls. Hikers need to have a deep respect for the water near this falls. There are signs and fences which are ignored by many which lead to such horrific accidents. There is a huge change in the water depending on the time of year, and also undercurrents which people are not aware of. During my visits to Vernal Falls, look at how different it looked depending on the time of year.
Here is my visit during the fall/later summer:
Vernal Falls
Vernal Falls
Top of Vernal Falls
Looking down from the top of Vernal Falls
Here it is during the early summer:
Amazing the difference!
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All that to be said, please be careful and follow the signs! After passing Vernal Falls you will continue to hike up in elevation towards Nevada Falls.
All that to be said, please be careful and follow the signs! After passing Vernal Falls you will continue to hike up in elevation towards Nevada Falls.
This is where the trail either branches off and you can go down the John Muir Trail or head back the way you came, or continue on towards Half Dome! After Nevada Falls it will flatten out for a short period as you walk through the woods. Its encouraging to see a sign like this for only 2 miles left, however don't be fooled! It seems the most difficult part is yet to come!
Right before the dome is a section of steep switchbacks along the mountains edge. I remember feeling really tired at this point and was nervous about being a little dizzy so close to the ledge of the mountain. Make sure you have plenty of water for this part!
Surviving the Dome:
1. Gloves: leather or heavy duty with grips- not winter (cables will rip regular cotton)
2. Mountaineering harness and clips-clip yourself to cables
3. Permit: a permit now needs to be purchased to climb Half Dome.
4. Water: bring plenty of water or a filter. It gets very hot on this trail!
5. Food and snacks
6. Best gripping shoes you have! The dome is slippery and steep!
7. Headlamp if you leave early
8. Poncho: if hiking early in the summer vernal falls will get you soaked!9. Toilet paper: there are only a couple rest stops along the way.
10. Pepper spray: we ran into bear and coyote on this hike
11. Work out the arm muscles! You are using so much upper body strength to pull yourself up the cables since your feet are slipping so much. My arms were shaking by the time I reached the top.
Be prepared to wait as you make your ascent up the cables. People go at all different speeds and its important to be careful and not push people out of the way. Many deaths are caused by people slipping without harnesses on, or being pushed off the cables. Do not attempt to climb if there is a storm coming nearby or if it is raining. The dome is already slippery and will be hazardous if wet.
Here's a good picture showing the wood platforms placed every 10-15 feet or so. You can use these to rest or steady yourself on the steep incline.
This guy is using the mountaineering harness and clips. While you would have to clip in and out at every pole, this would help to ensure you wouldn't slip off.
The summit is a flat platform with great views in all directions. This ledge is a common photo spot.
Hope this information helps any of you waiting to attempt your first climb up Half Dome! It has definitely been one of my favorite hikes I've done so far.
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