Trail Guide - Half Dome Trail

Half Dome is probably Yosemite's most iconic feature, and its grueling hike a destination for many people park visitors. I have yet to tackle the hike myself, but hope to in the near future. The primary approach is to make the trip in one lengthy day-trip, and climbing about 4800 vertical feet over the course of 7 miles to reach the summit. All told it's a 14 mile trek round-trip. The first 2000 feet and 2.5 miles take you up the Mist Trail, giving up-close and personal views of Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall on the way up - worthy hike on its own. The route via the Mist Trail is shown in orange below.

Alternately, some people opt to hike to Half Dome from Glacier Point. This route starts at higher elevation, but much of that is lost, only to be climbed again on the way to the merger with the top of the Mist Trail. The route is about 3 miles longer in each direction and, when returning at the end of the hike that descent at the beginning becomes and ascent at the end. Ultimately, it's not likely to feel any easier, and I assume that's why the majority of hikers opt for the Mist Trail approach.

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