Although initially Half Dome was described as “perfectly inaccessible” by Josiah Whitney of the California Geological Survey in 1865, the dome has since been ascended by rock climbers and hikers from various approaches. Some of the legendary rock climbers of Camp 4 in the Yosemite Valley first scaled the vertical face of Half Dome in the 1950s.If you’re an outdoor enthusiast seeking a rush of adrenaline and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, look no further than off-the-beaten-path hiking trai...With such beautiful trails all around us, it’s no wonder so many people are getting outside to explore. But before you hit the trails, you need to make sure you have the right gear... Follow the John Muir Trail to the Half Dome Trail or take the Mist Trail shortcut to Half Dome Trail. We recommend the Mist Trail shortcut, it's a spectacular walk. Take the Half Dome Trail to the base of the Sub-dome. There is a ranger at the base of the Sub-dome waiting to check your permit. If you don't have a permit, this is the farthest ... The cables are the most infamous part of the Half Dome hike. It’s what tens of thousands of people are entering the Half Dome permit lottery for every year. You’re climbing up a giant, steep rock, completely exposed, thousands of feet above everything around you with views in every direction. Not to mention the adrenaline-inducing ...When it comes to outdoor gear, there are few brands that are as trusted as The North Face. If you’re looking for a jacket that will keep you warm and dry on your next hike or campi...Learn how to hike Half Dome, a granite peak with a thrilling cables section and panoramic views of the Yosemite valley. Find out how to get …Jul 13, 2015 ... I strongly believe that the best time to hike Half Dome is for the sunrise. You go up the cables in darkness so there's no oh shit factor from ...Bring a daypack to carry your gloves, camera/phone, snacks, water, and other gear while climbing Half Dome. If you’re going to be doing Half Dome as a day hike, a 28 to 35L backpack is enough to carry all the essentials you need. One of the best of the best-selling backpacks is the Osprey Skimmer 28 Hydration Pack (for women). Follow the John Muir Trail to the Half Dome Trail or take the Mist Trail shortcut to Half Dome Trail. We recommend the Mist Trail shortcut, it's a spectacular walk. Take the Half Dome Trail to the base of the Sub-dome. There is a ranger at the base of the Sub-dome waiting to check your permit. If you don't have a permit, this is the farthest ... Michigan is a nature lover’s paradise, with its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Michigan boasts an extensive network of hiking trails that wind through its picturesque f...Apr 14, 2023 · Along the way, you'll see outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and--from the shoulder and summit--panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra. 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 ... Nov 8, 2016 ... The Half Dome hike is one of Yosemite National Park's most popular attractions, and with good reason: Millions of Yosemite Valley visitors ...The Half Dome Hiking Trail. Once you’ve secured your permit and prepared for the journey, it’s time to hit the trail. The hike to Half Dome is a spectacular adventure, offering stunning scenery and unique challenges. In this section, I will guide you through the trail, from its starting point at Happy Isles to the exhilarating ascent up the ... Half Dome cables installation may be delayed Warning: Due to heavy winter snowpack, the Half Dome Cables may be put in place later than scheduled. In previous years with heavy snow (but less than this year), the cables went up in early to late June. A maximum of 300 people are allowed (about 225 day hikers and 75 backpackers) each day on the Half Dome Trail beyond the base of the subdome. Permits are distributed by lottery via Recreation.gov, with one preseason lottery with an application period in March and daily lotteries during the hiking season.The cables are the most infamous part of the Half Dome hike. It’s what tens of thousands of people are entering the Half Dome permit lottery for every year. You’re climbing up a giant, steep rock, completely exposed, thousands of feet above everything around you with views in every direction. Not to mention the adrenaline-inducing ... The Half Dome Hike in Yosemite National Park is easily among the most iconic and challenging in the United States. This hike will test you physically and mentally as you climb the last quarter-mile of trail and ascend the sheer flank of Half Dome using bolted cables. The hike up this Yosemite icon features incredible mountain and valley views, wildflowers, waterfalls, old-growth sequoias, and ... Half Dome hike, Yosemite National Park . Join group. Tess Becker · March 3, 2010 · going to hike Half Dome in May 2010.... Like. Comment. Share. Bob Henry · January 2, 2010 · tried to take my kids, many summers ago. ha ha ha! Like. Comment. Share. Jill Popeney · November 19 ...A day hike permit allows hikers to summit Half Dome in a day without camping along the trail. The majority of the hike to Half Dome is going uphill with very few flat areas. While the day hike is one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite, it is strenuous so be prepared for it! Below is a summary of the day hike permit process (updated in …When it comes to outdoor gear, there are few brands that are as trusted as The North Face. If you’re looking for a jacket that will keep you warm and dry on your next hike or campi...It’s what makes people want to hike Half Dome. Towering nearly 5,000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor at an altitude of 8,839 feet, it is in a …Dome mountains form when large globs of magma float up from beneath the crust and push up surface rocks, creating a rounded swelling in the crust. Once the magma cools, it creates ...There are basically two options for hiking up to Half Dome if you are planning on starting from Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. You can do it all in one day, which means walking 16 plus miles, and climbing up 4,800 feet and then back down. Break up the hike in two days, and camp overnight at Little Yosemite Valley, which is approximately … Ascend world-famous Half Dome. Reconnect with your family or friends privately—away from your Ipad, laptop, and phone signal. Turnkey Yosemite hiking experience with private, certified guides to help. Tour begins from your hotel’s front door in San Francisco. Private from Day 1. Looking for the perfect pair of New Balance hiking shoes for women? You’re in luck! We’ve got some great tips that’ll help you learn how to choose the perfect pair. There are many ...Apr 8, 2021 · CleverHiker Trip Guides. Standing 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, Half Dome is without a doubt a US National Park icon. The route to the summit traverses some of the park’s most popular and spectacular hiking trails. The most exhilarating part of the hike — hauling yourself up the cables to the summit of Half Dome — is a challenge you ... Although most mosques feature domes, the dome is purely a decorative and traditional architectural structure with no symbolic or other spiritual meaning, according to About.com. Ot...Jul 5, 2016 ... But for my own experience, I hiked Half Dome last summer and didn't find it super difficult. It's 4,800 feet in elevation and takes 15 to 18 ...Jun 28, 2019 ... Hiking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park · Distance: 16.4 Miles roundtrip via Mist Trail · Elevation Gain/Loss: Around 5500 feet · Time: 11-...Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and is one of the most popular, and most photographed peaks in the entirety of Yosemite National Park. Hiking to the top of such an iconic peak is a special experience. However, it is no easy feat to get there. There are a few different trails that lead to the top of Half Dome, including the John Muir Trail, but the …Learn how to hike Half Dome, a strenuous but rewarding day hike in Yosemite National Park. Find out how to get permits, when to go, what to bring, and more …Although initially Half Dome was described as “perfectly inaccessible” by Josiah Whitney of the California Geological Survey in 1865, the dome has since been ascended by rock climbers and hikers from various approaches. Some of the legendary rock climbers of Camp 4 in the Yosemite Valley first scaled the vertical face of Half Dome in the 1950s. Half Dome is the ultimate Yosemite day hike - the one you can't die without doing, and the one you're most likely to die while doing. The hike up this Yosemite icon features incredible mountain and valley views, wildflowers, waterfalls, old-growth sequoias, and fascinating glimpses of some of California's most dynamic geological history. The hike begins at the Happy Isles Trailhead and goes by ... Ascend world-famous Half Dome. Reconnect with your family or friends privately—away from your Ipad, laptop, and phone signal. Turnkey Yosemite hiking experience with private, certified guides to help. Tour begins from your hotel’s front door in San Francisco. Private from Day 1. Mesmerizing. From the moment you drive into Yosemite National Park and lay your eyes on El Capitan with Half Dome in the distance, you will instantly have goosebumps. Between the valley floor to the mountain peaks, Yosemite is an absolutely remarkable park. The hike to Half Dome is one of the National Park Service’s most …Just a few hours outdoors in the wrong type of shoe will show you how important the right hiking boots and shoes can be. Here are the best. We may be compensated when you click on ... Half Dome. Half Dome is one of the most iconic mountains in the entire United States. Rising to 2,696 m above sea level, it grants stunning views of Yosemite Valley. It is known for the sheer face on one side. The best views of Half Dome are from Yosemite Valley, particularly Glacier Point. Getting to the top is a bucket-list adventure for many ... The total hike to Half Dome involves about 14 miles roundtrip on foot – 16 if you count the walk from the parking lot to the trailhead. As such, many people opt to break the hike up over two days and camp at Little Yosemite backpacking campground, an hour beyond Nevada Falls. In addition to its length, the hike gains almost 5,000ft in ...Corte Madera Mountain Hike. Nestled in San Diego's backcountry is Corte Madera, a 500-foot sheer cliff face known as “San Diego's Half Dome.”. In this guide, I'll show you how to hike to the top: no cables or scary parts included. I'll also include a side trip to Los Pinos Mountain, home to a fire tower since 1925.To hike Half Dome, the trail is about 14 to 16 miles long and features elevation gains totaling 4,800 feet (for reference, the elevation gain on the Mist Trail is between 1,000 and 2,000 feet ...Jul 5, 2016 ... But for my own experience, I hiked Half Dome last summer and didn't find it super difficult. It's 4,800 feet in elevation and takes 15 to 18 ...Depending on the route, Half Dome is either a really long and arduous day hike or a really hard half-day hike (for layover backpackers). Yosemite opens the cables from May through October and ...Apr 8, 2021 · CleverHiker Trip Guides. Standing 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, Half Dome is without a doubt a US National Park icon. The route to the summit traverses some of the park’s most popular and spectacular hiking trails. The most exhilarating part of the hike — hauling yourself up the cables to the summit of Half Dome — is a challenge you ... Jul 31, 2023 · Water | Having enough water for this hike is so crucial. Aim for the following amounts: 1 gallon (4 liters) total if hiking to the top of Half Dome. 2 liters if hiking only to the top of Nevada Falls. A 3L water reservoir + 2 extra bottles of water = ideal. As the Half Dome hike grows in popularity, your chance of scoring a Half Dome permit decreases. In 2016, there was a 25% chance you would be awarded a permit. Compare that to 2015, with a 35% success rate and 2014 with a 45% success rate. In 2017, there were 26,963 applications, with a 25% success rate.Haiti, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Caribbean,” is a hidden gem for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. While the country is known for its rich history and vibrant ...Great overnight site with direct access to Half Dome for a next-day hike. Incredible views of Yosemite from the top of Half Dome. Set up camp right next to a peaceful river you can dunk into after a long trek and of course a nice water source. The hike to the valley features two waterfalls and amazing scenery. First things first.Half Dome, one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic landmarks, stands tall at 8,846 feet and offers hikers a challenging yet rewarding journey to its summit. …Have you ever been on a hike and come across someone wearing the most perfect North Face gear and thought to yourself, “I wish I knew how to shop for the North Face like that perso...Half Dome is one of the most well-known rocks in Yosemite, perhaps even in the entire United States. Its sheer face gives it the appearance of being a large rock that’s been cut in half – hence the name Half Dome. Spectacular to see in person, Half Dome rises 4,737 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 8,844 feet above ...Table of Contents. 5 Best Hiking Shoes for Half Dome. Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe. KEEN Men’s Targhee 2 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoe. Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot. Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Shoe. Mark Nason Men’s Smart Block-Half …Learn how to hike Half Dome, the iconic granite dome in Yosemite Valley, with a steep and strenuous trail, cables, and stunning views. Find out how to …The half dome hike is 14-16 miles long, strenuous, and has a 4,800 foot elevation gain. Getting Started: The Half Dome Permit Process. The hike is so popular that the park restricts permits to just 300 per day: 75 for backpackers and 225 for day hikers. For the best chance to snag a permit, you’ll want to plan ahead and enter the permit ...Jul 31, 2023 · 21 ESSENTIAL HALF DOME TIPS FOR HIKE DAY 1. The Half Dome hike round-trip distance is ~18 miles or longer. Of course, this depends on where your starting point is (more on this at tip #20), but you shouldn’t be expecting a hike shorter than 17 miles. My last hike equated to about 48,000 steps. The trail is challenging. The waterfalls it passes are gorgeous. The final ascent is heart-pounding. And the views from the top are glorious. But hiking Half Dome is not for everyone. Starting from Yosemite Valley, the trail to Half Dome’s 8,839-foot summit is 14.2 miles long (21.7 km). Excellent hikers can summit in 5-6 hours. Half Dome is the ultimate Yosemite day hike - the one you can't die without doing, and the one you're most likely to die while doing. The hike up this Yosemite icon features incredible mountain and valley views, wildflowers, waterfalls, old-growth sequoias, and fascinating glimpses of some of California's most dynamic geological history. The hike begins at the …Half Dome Day Hike Key Information. Trailhead: Trailhead Parking—this is the parking lot for the Mist Trail, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and the John Muir Trail (JMT). Hike End: Trailhead Parking Hike Type: Out & back Length: around 17 miles / 27 km round trip Time: 12 hours (with many stops for photos and time enjoying the view at the top!) Ascent: …Nov 8, 2016 ... The Half Dome hike is one of Yosemite National Park's most popular attractions, and with good reason: Millions of Yosemite Valley visitors ...Dec 3, 2021 · Read more about the Half Dome hike. Camping on the Way to Half Dome. The first camping available is at the Little Yosemite Valley Campground: camping is not permitted between Yosemite Valley and Little Yosemite Valley. If you would like to camp in a dispersed wilderness setting, you must camp at or beyond the Half Dome/John Muir Trail junction ... gwynandami. 28.5K. 109.6K. Hiking the Half Dome summit at 8,839ft (2,694m) 😳 Nestled at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California, the Half Dome is a famous rock formation named for its unique shape: on one side is a sheer face, while the other three are round and smooth, giving it an appearance of a dome cut ...Looking for the ultimate guide to the Half Dome hike? Discover everything you need to know about this challenging adventure, from preparation tips to breathtaking views. Total Distance of The Trail: 17 miles or 27.4 kilometers. Half Dome Elevation: 4,800 feet (1,600 meters) from Yosemite Valley. Total Hiking Time: 10 to 14 hours. Difficulty Level: It is very challenging. The trail is long, steep toward the start and end, and more dangerous than most Yosemite climbs. The best time to hike Half Dome is right after Memorial Day after the rangers have secured the cables to the mountain. It's best to avoid holidays and weekends ...Half Dome isn't technically part of the John Muir Trail. From where I camped it was a 5 mile side-trip. Being so close to the JMT though lots of people take the ...Half Dome via the John Muir Trail Topographic Map Poster, Yosemite National Park Trail Hiking, California Printable Poster Topographic Map. (7) $28.80. $32.00 (10% off) FREE shipping. Add to cart. More like this. NEW! Yosemite Half Dome Crewneck Sweatshirt.The cables are the most infamous part of the Half Dome hike. It’s what tens of thousands of people are entering the Half Dome permit lottery for every year. You’re climbing up a giant, steep rock, completely exposed, thousands of feet above everything around you with views in every direction. Not to mention the adrenaline-inducing ...This Half Dome Hiking Guide recommends a three to six month program of cardio training. Any activities that may include hiking, walking, running, cycling, treadmill, stair climbing, elliptical machine, or swimming would be ideal. Remember to gradually increase your workload as your date gets closer. A permit is required to hike to Half Dome seven days per week when the cables are up. A maximum of 300 people are allowed (about 225 day hikers and 75 backpackers) each day on the Half Dome Trail beyond the base of the subdome. Permits are distributed by lottery via Recreation.gov, with one preseason lottery with an application period in March ... Hiking is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important to have the right gear. Shopping for hiking gear can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s i...Along the way, you'll see outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and--from the shoulder and summit--panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra. 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 …The Half Dome day hike in Yosemite National Park is widely recognized as a challenging and strenuous endeavor. It requires a significant level of physical fitness, mental determination, and ...Feb 21, 2023 · Soon you will be high enough on the trail to see stunning views of Yosemite Valley, waterfalls, and Half Dome. As you hike along the Mist Trail you will come across two amazing water falls. At 1,000 feet (300 meters) you will reach the top of Vernal Falls and at about 1,900 feet (580 meters) you will be a the top of Nevada Falls. 1 gallon (4 liters) if hiking to the top of Half Dome 2 quarts (2 liters) if hiking only to the top of Nevada Fall 1 quart (1 liter) if hiking only to the top of Vernal Fall. For Rock Climbers. Climbers typically approach Half Dome from one of two ways: Happy Isles via the Mist Trail through Little Valley (about 8-miles to shoulder of Half Dome).Soon you will be high enough on the trail to see stunning views of Yosemite Valley, waterfalls, and Half Dome. As you hike along the Mist Trail you will come across two amazing water falls. At 1,000 feet (300 meters) you will reach the top of Vernal Falls and at about 1,900 feet (580 meters) you will be a the top of Nevada Falls.It began as an idea. On a whim, Anthony and I applied for the Half Dome Cable climb permits for Sunday, July 18th, 2021. This 10-14hr hike is considered one of the hardest hikes Yosemite has to offer. Word on the street was that the acceptance rate for permits is very low. To our surprise, one of our two lottery entries won!Epic sporting is a term that has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It refers to sports and activities that are not only physically challenging but also ...15 Tips For Your First Time Hiking Half Dome — Inked with Wanderlust. Discover essential tips for conquering Half Dome on your first attempt. Our expert guide provides 15 tips to help ensure a successful and memorable hike on Yosemite's infamous Half Dome. Don't miss out on this ultimate hiking experience.It’s a really adventurous climb on the half dome. I would say four-stage. 1. waterfalls hike you do with enthusiasm and. 2.few miles on a regular hike with an elevation then two big challenges, 3. sub dome, Sub dome is more challenging and. 4.dome. Avg. miles shown on our tracker is 18 miles. Written July 28, 2020. Half Dome is a serious endurance hike taking you 4,800 feet above the Yosemite Valley to spectacular views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, the Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra. This is one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic hikes. Here's how my hike went: I stayed at Upper Pines Campground, which is very ideal for a Half Dome hike, since the Happy Isles trailhead is only about a 10-minute walk from the Campground. I originally intended to get up at 5:00am and leave at 5:30am from my campsite. Unfortunately my friend got a bit drunk the night before and was not in the ...Ascend world-famous Half Dome. Reconnect with your family or friends privately—away from your Ipad, laptop, and phone signal. Turnkey Yosemite hiking experience with private, certified guides to help. Tour begins from your hotel’s front door in …HIKING HALF DOME: WHAT TO EXPECT Rising 4,800 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite icon …The best hiking trails inside big cities, in New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Edinburgh, Hong Kong, Chicago, Montreal, Philadelphia, Indianapolis. As the weather begins to wa...To hike Half Dome, the trail is about 14 to 16 miles long and features elevation gains totaling 4,800 feet (for reference, the elevation gain on the Mist Trail is between 1,000 and 2,000 feet ...Rock salt storage facilities are dome-shaped so trucks can easily enter and exit the storage area without obstacles like trusses or roof supports, according to the BBC and the Dome...A day hike permit allows hikers to summit Half Dome in a day without camping along the trail. The majority of the hike to Half Dome is going uphill with very few flat areas. While the day hike is one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite, it is strenuous so be prepared for it! Below is a summary of the day hike permit process (updated in …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. For instance, if you haven't reached the top of Half Dome by 3:30 pm, you will turn around.The journey to Half Dome in Yosemite offers hikers two primary routes: Mist Trail . This is the more direct route, covering about 14 to 16 miles round-trip, depending on the exact trailhead start. The trail begins in Yosemite Valley near the Happy Isles Nature Center. Mist Trail is aptly named, as it leads hikers up a set of steep granite ...Dec 24, 2022 · In decades of hiking, no trail has elicited emotions in us like the Half Dome hike did. This stunning trail takes you past some of Yosemite greatest highlights, leaving you in awe of this beautiful valley and then - after 10 miles of uphill hiking - presents you with a challenge that will likely scare the life out of you. Just a few hours outdoors in the wrong type of shoe will show you how important the right hiking boots and shoes can be. Here are the best. We may be compensated when you click on ...
By: PA Half Dome - South Ascent at Tiadaghton State Forest in Slate Run, Pennsylvania is a strenuous 3.4-mile out-and-back trek that climbs Half Dome Mountain along the most-difficult path to the summit. This hike includes views and waterfalls, but is meant only for the experienced hiker as this technically-difficult and dangerous hike poses .... Meal prep chicken
Oct 7, 2023 · The Half Dome hike is the single most epic hike in California’s Yosemite National Park, with a thrilling and scary cables section at the end of the trail that leads you to panoramic views of the entire Yosemite valley! Half Dome is normally accessed by the popular Mist Trail, where you’ll get to see two big waterfalls, giant sequoia trees ... What makes the Half Dome hike challenging isn’t solely the hike itself. Sure, it involves 14 miles of hiking and nearly 5,000 feet of climbing (not to mention the final 400 foot ascent up the steep cable section), taking most people an average of 10-12 hours (that’s a long day on the trail!).. But even before all that, your first challenge is getting the … Follow the John Muir Trail to the Half Dome Trail or take the Mist Trail shortcut to Half Dome Trail. We recommend the Mist Trail shortcut, it's a spectacular walk. Take the Half Dome Trail to the base of the Sub-dome. There is a ranger at the base of the Sub-dome waiting to check your permit. If you don't have a permit, this is the farthest ... Oct 7, 2015 ... If you're questioning whether your Chacos can handle Half Dome, the answer is yes... so long as your feet are used to the straps and you've done ... Half Dome Summit in One Day $305. Embark on a journey of self discovery during this life altering experience on Half Dome, Yosemite’s most iconic peak. Half Dome Day Hike . Summiting Half Dome is a major accomplishment, and our Guided Half Dome Hikes provide preparation, trail knowledge, coaching, and the benefit of added security for anyone ... Along the way, you'll see outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and--from the shoulder and summit--panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra. 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 ...Day Hiking Half Dome. Embarking on the Half Dome day hike is a 14-mile trek with 4800 feet of elevation gain. Hiking Half Dome usually takes around 10-12 hours to complete. While physically grueling, it’s worth every step due to its stunning scenery and sweeping views.Along the way, you'll see outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and--from the shoulder and summit--panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra. 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 ...This Half Dome Hiking Guide recommends a three to six month program of cardio training. Any activities that may include hiking, walking, running, cycling, treadmill, stair climbing, elliptical machine, or swimming would be ideal. Remember to gradually increase your workload as your date gets closer.As many as a thousand hikers a day once packed onto the trail to climb Half Dome's backside on summer weekends, creating unpleasant crowding and dangerous conditions. In 2010, the park started requiring all hikers to get a permit in advance, limiting the Half Dome Trail to 300 day-hikers and 100 backpackers per day.5 Tips for the Half Dome Hike. It takes about 15 minutes just to get from the parking lot to the start of the trail, so don’t count that as part of your 16 miles! The first stretch is a paved, steady uphill path for about a half-hour that will take you to the water station. This is the one and only chance to refill your water bottles on this ...The Half Dome Cable Route hike runs from the valley floor to the top of the dome in 8.2 mi (13 km) (via the Mist Trail), with 4,800 ft (1,460 m) of elevation gain. The length and difficulty of the trail used to keep it less crowded than other park trails, but in recent years the trail traffic has grown to as many as 800 people a day. ...Learn everything you need to know about hiking Half Dome, one of the most challenging and famous trails in Yosemite National Park. Find out how to … The length of the Half Dome hike is between 14 and 16 miles round trip. The length of the Half Dome trail depends on your route. If you hike the Mist Trail both ways, the hike is about 14 miles round trip. If you take the John Muir trail on the way down (a popular option), your hike is closer to 16 miles round trip but much easier on your knees. .