Half Dome Summit Adventure via John Muir Trail

Half Dome was an extremely fun and strenuous hike. We stayed at Curry Village the night before our hike. Started our hike at 5:30am and made it to the top of the Mist Trail and Vernal Falls at 6:45am. I brought almost 1 gallon of water and a 24oz. Gatorade for some flavor and electrolytes. The weather was pleasant for much of the hike so we didn’t sweat much until the sun got a little higher in the sky. Lots of trees and shade until you get to Sub Dome, which is the most difficult part of the hike in my opinion. Made it to the permit area before the entrance of Sub Dome at 10:45am and there was no park ranger checking permits. Took about 30-45 minutes to get to the base of the cables from there. The cables looked a bit daunting from afar, but once you get up to them, it’s really not too bad. We didn’t use any harnesses and never felt unsafe ascending or descending the cables. Spent about 30 minutes at the top taking in the views, and started the trek back down the mountain. Took the John Muir Trail down instead of the Mist Trail since it’s supposed to be easier on your legs and you get some incredible views of the Valley. Got back to the car at 5:30pm, so about a 12-hour hike all said and done. Our watches showed 20 miles round trip, but Curry Village is about 1.5 miles from the trailhead each way. I would recommend bringing at least 1 gallon of water, lots of snacks, climbing gloves, collapsible poles, and good hiking boots. If you are unsuccessful in the seasonal or daily lotteries, I would just plan a trip to do the hike between the 1st of October and the day the cables get dropped. We never saw a park ranger going up or down the mountain, so I assume they may not be checking permits toward the en of the season. $280 fine for hiking Sub Dome and the cables without a permit, but may be worth it if it’s your only option.

One of the craziest hikes I've done! 25 km. Bring lots of water. Cables are not as hard as they look! Hiking the subdome is harder, trust me! Start early, 5 am!

Half Dome….. it’s a thing of beauty and an absolute must to go and see and even climb if you’re capable and have the time..!! A magnificent world famous mountain that basks in its own glory in Yosemite Valley quietly partnering up with its neighbour El Capitan. What a spectacular partnership these two beasts are, just patiently waiting to be climbed and explored. Go see Half Dome and its mate El Capitan…. They’re simply amazing.

If you have a wilderness backpacking permit for this area, you are eligible for HalfDome permit to purchase as well. I saw a many backpackers, leaving their packs at the beginning of the HalfDome Trail, which was our original idea as well. Huge advice, if you do so all of your smelly things: food, snacks, cosmetics, sanitizers, wipes and trash must be in a bear canister, otherwise all your gear will be chewed through by chipmunks and squirrels. (Happened to many). Also, rope hanging won’t hurt. We were lucky to start our hike from little Yosemite Valley campground, which is a lot closer than most people do when they hike from Yosemite Valley itself. I can’t really complain about the distance that we needed to hike. It’s a moderate hike to the Sub Dome, and extremely challenging up to the HalfDome. The challenge for me was facing heights and managing passing the crowd on cables. Harness will give you a piece of mind for sure, if you have one take it! Gloves are must have!!! it will be very sunny and hot, extra water and covering your skin will help to prevent overheating. Super rewarding to be at the top of this mountain , I would do it again in a heartbeat! ❤️

The best hike i have been on. We didn’t win a lottery permit but fortunately, nobody asked for permit. So don’t give up and ask people around the trailhead if they have some available permits for their groups. Around 8 hours hike. Approximately 28km, 1500m elevation gain. Bring enough water and snacks. Gloves i can recommend. Toilets available during the journey.