Hiking Half Dome // Yosemite National Park

3 years ago, I was over 400 pounds and practically bed bound. At that point, I decided to set hiking this as a goal to help save my life. I have trained every single day since then and lost 200 pounds for this hike. I will make my attempt at the cables next summer. Thank you so much for uploading this and helping my preparation. You helped save a life.

First time I climbed it was back in 1963 just out of high school. No lines, permits, just go whenever you wanted. Climbed it 4 more times over the years, the last was in 1992. Could hardly walk for 2 days after the one. Just be at the trail head at 6 am, brings lots of water & do it while you are still young. Back in the 60's we didn't even think to bring a camera, times sure have changed. Thanks for bringing us along, brought back some good memories.

I'm 72 y.o. and I hiked to half dome for the first time with my adult daughter two Summers ago when I was 70. It was July 31 and she had unexpectedly won the park drawing. I have been hiking, jogging, and hunting all my life so I was glad to go! We took the John Muir trail. My pace is slower than hers but she didn't mind. I'd love to go again before I'm too old.

Well done guys. Myself and my brother hiked half dome in July. We flew up the cables but it began to light rain/mist for a bit while we were on top. We made it down but it was extremely slippy from even a little moisture. We couldn't wait at the top until it fully dried as apparently there was a risk of lightning. The greatest hike of my life but just a touch scary to say the least.

I did the Half Dome hike about 5 years ago, also in the month of August like you. You're right, it's HOT! There's very little overhanging brush or trees for shade. You need to bring more water than you think. I was an inexperienced hiker at that time, poorly prepared. I drank about 4 liters in the first few hours alone! I had to borrow water from others in my group. My suggestions if you're hiking Half Dome in Summer: 1] Take very little supplies as possible to make room for water. You won't need as much food as you think because the overwhelming pain in your body will suppress your appetite! 2] Trail mix is good because its light in weight and carries plenty of calories and salt, which is what you need. 3] Avoid bringing heavy equipment like cameras/tripods/shovels/survival gear/spare shoes...etc. Save this weight for water instead. 4] Do bring hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and more water 5] If you're an inexperienced hiker like I was, then think twice about this hike. There are no roads for a vehicle to come pick you up in the event of an emergency. You will have to be carried by people or be taken away with a medevac helicopter. At least once during my hike I had to stop because my legs turned hard as wooden logs. They were extremely painful. I had to rigorously massage my legs for 30 minutes to get my circulation back. That was a scary experience for me.

I did the Half Dome hike way back in 1987 with my Air Force buddies. A lot more rugged back then! I don't remember too many nice concrete stairs. The area before the cables is part of what's called Quarter Dome. Back then it was really a free-for-all hiking over that area. Lots and lots of huge rocks and people took multiple paths. Glad to see they made improvements. Also there was not as many rails around the dangerous areas. You had to be very careful walking around the falls. We went in early May and the falls were running at max. The steep trails were slick and the rain from the falls keep you soaking wet! Also, no permits were required back then. One of the most challenging things I've ever done. Glad I did it when I was young. LOL

Did this hike last may. Got the overnight/wilderness permit. Hiked up to camp set up our tent and ate lunch then did half dome. We had the whole dome to ourselves not a single person was going up that late in the evening and made it back to camp around dusk to eat dinner. Perfect setup. Perfect weather and solitude. Made it down the mountain before 10am and before the majority of the foot traffic. I highly recommend this!

I watched this video one day during my lunch break and decided to do vanlife with my husband. We are now six months away from quitting our jobs and embarking on our adventure :’) thank you!

Everyone needs an experience like that, when you're broken and dehydrated on the trail. It's a very hard lesson but one you will certainly not forget.

Mid August in the Sierras, yup, going to need a lot of water. Drink lots of water just before you leave (bathrooms at Vernal Falls bridge). Bring 2L to start and 1L empty. Fill everything after you get past Nevada Falls and drink as much as you can. You'll have 3L for the next 7-8 miles up and back to the same refill point. That should be plenty for even a hot day. If you can go in a cooler month you'll need less water and won't have to say hike at midnight. On the return path, I'd return via the JMT. Easier on the knees, a bit longer but I think you wind up making up the time.

Do you pay to get up there and climb the half dome? Just curious

Did this climb a few years ago with a friend. I got stuck on one of the steep sections when this lady panicked and froze. She was pretty scared and could not move which caused a bit of a bottleneck. Not a fun place to get stuck! Everything worked out as she found the courage to make her way back down. Such a long day but worth it! Thanks for including the fact that going downhill is one of the hardest parts of the hike. Many don’t get that until they are experiencing it for themselves. One last thing, go Chiefs!

Did she brush her teeth

Glad y’all made it

How stable are the cables?

How to obtain a permit?

Great video! Ty

I need to take the bus? or I can park there in the near?

What’s the best time of year to go?

Do you know if you are allow to clip yourself to the cables when you’re resting or climbing? Thanks for sharing your video.