How
difficult and dangerous is a hike to and climb up Half Dome? It
is not for the faint of heart, nor those who have difficulty with
a long day of hiking or steep heights.
Below
are images of the Hoedl/Fabijanic one-day roundtrip hike from
the Yosemite Valley to the peak of Half Dome. Below each photo
is a brief narrative. To the right of this text is a FOX News
Report that premiered on July 19, 2007 concerning the safety of
a typical climb up the cables of the famous Half Dome in Yosemite
National Park.
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Half
Dome Hike and Climb on June 17, 2003 |
Since
we brought our families to enjoy Yosemite National Park, we chose
to stay at the Cedar Lodge (on Highway 140), just 8 miles from
the entrance of Yosemite. Leaving the Lodge at 4:00 am on June
17, we proceeded to the Happy Isles parking lot (Shuttle Stop
#16) in Yosemite and prepared for our hike/climb (4035 ft. elevation).
We brought day packs, enough food for 3 snacks and 2 meals (sandwiches,
fig newtons, varied fruit) and trekking poles.
We
followed the trail from Happy Isles parking lot, crossed a bridge
across the Merced River and continued along the trail that led
us along the north side of Merced River. Happy Isles marks the
beginning of the John Muir Trail, which eventually can lead you
to its 211-mile conclusion at Mt. Whitney, south of Yosemite National
Park. All photos below were taken with an Olympus 2.1 megapizel
digital camera.
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LEFT:
A view of the Merced River from the initial bridge out of the Happy
Isles (5:00 am). In June, the water in the Merced River, from Nevada
Fall through the Yosemite Valley, was moving rapidly.
RIGHT:
Chuck Fabijanic on the trail along the north side of the Merced
River. This trail continues for one mile and then divides into the
Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail. The Mist Trail will take you
directly to the top of Vernal Fall. We chose the John Muir Trail
on the journey up and the Mist Trail on the journey down. This portion
of the trail will lead you through black oak and pine forest among
enormous lichen-draped boulders. |
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LEFT:
Short of the John Muir and Mist Trails intersection, we
crossed the Merced River again. From this view, I was able to photograph
the early morning moon that was just above the valley wall.
RIGHT:
Lee Hoedl, showing early morning sleep in his eyes as he poses at
the bridge crossing the Merced River. 317-foot Vernal Fall can be
seen upstream. At this bridge crossing, there is a water fountain
and restrooms - take advantage of both. |
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LEFT:Chuck
Fabijanic also showing signs of "early morning" at the
Merced River bridge crossing. Vernal Fall can be seen in the distance.
"Vernal" is Latin for springtime.
RIGHT:
Helpful warning signs outlining the dangers of the rapid
waters and local wildlife (black bears). At this point, we were
on the south side of the Merced River, entering into a series of
switchbacks on the John Muir Trail that allows us access further
up the valley wall. |
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LEFT:
Along the switchbacks of the John Muir Trail, a look upward demonstrates
the immensity of the Yosemite Valley and its formation.
RIGHT:
A view back at the switchbacks of the John Muir Trail;
a challenging climb to Vernal Fall. The early morning shadows along
the valley wall were helpful in keeping the temperatures cool. |
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LEFT:
Another view of Chuck Fabijanic as we continue to climb the switchbacks
of the John Muir Trail, moving away from the Merced River. This
portion of the John Muir Trail is approximately 1.3 miles.
RIGHT:
Approximately 1.3 miles further, we arrived at a point on the trail
near Clark Point. Lee Hoedl takes a moment to pose with Liberty
Cap (7076 ft.) and Nevada Fall in the background. "Nevada"
is Spanish for snowy. |
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LEFT:
Chuck Fabijanic poses at the same point - a wonderful location to
watch the sun rise behind Nevada Fall and Liberty Cap.
RIGHT:
Signs along the foot trail gives you accurate distances to various
sites along the climb to Half Dome. Nevada Fall in seen in the distance.
From this point, it is approximately 1.2 miles to Nevada Fall. |
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LEFT:
Looking just ot the north of Nevada Fall, you will be able to see
impressive natural monuments of Mt. Broderick (6706 ft.) on the
left and Liberty Cap on the right.
RIGHT:
The portion of the John Muir Trail ahead (approximately 1 mile)
is usually closed during the winter months due to hazardous conditions.
In June, the water continues to run along this portion of the trail
and hikers should continue to watch their step during this segment. |
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LEFT:
Along the 1-mile stretch, you will be allowed phenomenal
viewing of Liberty Cap and Nevada Fall - be sure to take some pictures
for your memory book.
RIGHT:
The remaining .2-mile trail to Nevada Fall can be littered
with temporary streems, a reminder of the winter months. |
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LEFT:
The John Muir Trail eventually arrives to Nevada Fall,
3.5 miles from Happy Isles parking lot. For those doing a hike just
to Nevada Fall, it is considered about a 5-6 hour round-trip with
2000 ft. of elevation gain (via Mist Trail). When we arrived to
Nevada Fall, the sun finally rose above the horizon and there were
only two other individuals heading to Half Dome.
RIGHT:
A view of Nevada Fall from the top of the water fall (5907
ft. elevation). The roar of the waterfall was so loud, it was difficult
to hear each other talk. We stopped here for our first snack of
fig newtons and apples. |
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LEFT:
Another view of the Nevada Fall from the top (bridge across).
The Merced River, from this point, flows to Vernal Fall and continues
down into the Yosemite Valley. Be sure to fill your water containers
at this point - there is only 1-2 water refills above this point.
RIGHT:
A view of the trail leading out of the Nevada Fall area. It continues
north for a short distance, through crumbled rock formation, and
then east through a sandy stretch along the Merced River. Approximately
1.4 miles ahead is Little Yosemite Valley (6100 ft. elevation).
Rather than taking the shortcut (John Muir Trail) to the Half Dome
Trail, just before Little Yosemite Valley Campground, head into
LYVC and fill up on water and use the restrooms. |
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LEFT:
Approximately .75-mile from Littl Yosemite Valley, hikers will encounter
a series of gradual switchbacks through the wooded ridge on which
Half Dome is located.
RIGHT:
Within this wooded ridge, you are able to catch a glimpse of the
backside (southeast) of Half Dome. Enjoy this portion of the hike
- this is the most serene portion of the hike/climb. |
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LEFT:
Along the trail to Half Dome, you are able to see how fire has affected
this particular area. It is unknown if this was a natural fire or
a managed burn. Regardless, the trees tower over the trail.
RIGHT:
This view is of the final sloping switchback before the gentle hike
upward to the shoulder of Half Dome. |
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LEFT:
One last look back at the where the actual trail ends and
the granite portion of the climb begins.
RIGHT:
The first full view of Half Dome as you exit the wooded trail and
begin your scramble over the granite slopes leading to the Dome
itself. |
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LEFT:
Chuck Fabijanic rests under one of the only trees on the
granite slopes leading to Half Dome.
RIGHT:
A view of the Sierra Nevada mountains from approximately 7000 ft.
elevation. |
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LEFT:
A view of the distant Yosemite Valley at the beginning
of the shoulder of Half Dome. The final 900 ft of trail is a very
steep climb up the east side of Half Dome. The first 500 feet of
trail are up the east shoulder of Half Dome. There is a warning
sign at this point that encourages hikers not to
proceed if bad weather threatens. Two individuals died on Half Dome
in 2007 for this very reason.
RIGHT:
Another view from the switchbacks on the shoulder of Half Dome.
The switchbacks can become very steep and on sometimes slippery
gravel up and over the crest of the shoulder. |
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LEFT:
A view from the shoulder switchbacks before arriving to the side
of Half Dome.
RIGHT:
Following several obvious, and some subtle, switchbacks on the shoulder,
we arrived to cables of Half Dome. The cables of Half Dome are positioned
up the side of Half Dome (the final 400 feet) to assist climbers
to the top. |
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LEFT:
The infamous cables up the side of Half Dome. We arrived
before noon and before the cables became crowded with groups. A
very large pile of available gloves sit at the base of the cables.
but we brought our own gloves.
RIGHT:
Standing at the base of the cables is probably the most intimidating
moment for any person along the entire hike/climb. Put on a pair
of gloves, take a deep breath, and you're on your way... |
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LEFT:
There is nothing more "break-taking" than stopping
on the cables on the side of Half Dome and taking a picture of a
friend.
RIGHT:
Lee Hoedl sitting on the sheer outcropping on the very top of Half
Dome (8836 ft. elevation). |
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LEFT:
C huck Fabijanic follows suit and sits out on the same sheer outcropping...
do I hear crumbling rock underneath?
RIGHT:
Another view of the sheer outcropping and face of Half Dome; the
Yosemite Valley rests peacefully below.
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LEFT:
A view of Yosemite Valley from the very edge of Half Dome.
RIGHT:
A view across the very top (flatter portion) of Half Dome, scattered
with climbers. Yosemite Valley spreads out below to the south of
Half Dome like a map, with El Capitan at its west end. North Dome
and Clouds Rest flank the bare and smooth Tenaya Canyon to the northeast.
Farther east, Merced Canyon points toward the Cathedral Range, and
the colorful Clark Range is visible to the southeast. Southwest
of Half Dome, across Yosemite Valley, is Glacier Point in all its
beauty. |
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LEFT:
Life cannot be hindered, even on the granite stone of Half Dome.
RIGHT:
The only visible sign of any human presence at 5000 ft. above
Yosemite Valley and 8800 ft. above sea level: an anonymous group
effort at a cairn.
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LEFT:
A view of Chuck Fabijanic on top of Half Dome, with the distant
Yosemite Valley walls behind him.
RIGHT:
A view of the sheer outcropping of Half Dome, from a distance, on
top of the granite dome. |
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LEFT:
Chuck Fabijanic and Lee Hoedl take one final moment to
revel in the majesty of 8800 ft above sea level, before going back
down the famous cables.
RIGHT:
The
final view of the cables, from the top of Half Dome, before they
drop off almost vertically down the side of the massive granite
rock.
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LEFT:
Chuck Fabijanic takes one final look up, while on Half
Dome's shoulder, at the famous climbing cables.
RIGHT:
Following his third trip up and down Half Dome, Lee Hoedl reflects
on the moment before the long hike back to Yosemite Valley 5000
ft. below. |
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LEFT:
A view of the western Sierra Nevada mountains while on top of the
shoulder of Half Dome; descending on the climb.
RIGHT:
A view, looking downward, of the Half Dome shoulder. You should
be able to see individuals coming up the rock formation - it's a
very precarious path to follow up and down to Half Dome. Yosemite
Valley can be seen on the left side of the photo. |
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LEFT:
One final view of Half Dome from the shoulder pathway.
RIGHT:
One final view of Half Dome from the beginning of the trail back
down to Yosemite Valley. |
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LEFT:
One final view of Half Dome from the beginning of the trail back
down to Yosemite Valley.
RIGHT:
Another view of the phenomenal ecosystem of the Yosemite National
Park. |
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LEFT:
2 miles behind us as we continue down the 8.6-mile trail
(one-way) to Yosemite Valley.
RIGHT:
A rather active black bear along the trail between Half Dome and
Little Yosemite Valley; this particular bear found a momentarily
abandoned backpack along the trail and decided to drag it to a safe
distance and tear it to shreds. |
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LEFT:
Hiking back down toward Nevada Fall, the Merced River will
be on your left.
RIGHT:
Just before Nevada Fall, there are small water pools of slower water
where day hikers often stop to eat, rest and swim. We stopped to
have a late lunch and treat ourselves to a well-deserved soaking
of our feet in the cold Merced River water. |
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LEFT:
We chose to hike down the Mist Trail, which leaves Nevada
Fall on the north side and follows along the Merced River down to
the Yosemite Valley floor. Here is an image of Nevada Fall from
the north side.
RIGHT:
A view directly down at Nevada Fall. |
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LEFT:
Another view of the 594-foot Nevada Fall, looking straight
down.
RIGHT:
The top of the Mist Trail is a series of broken granite steps that
is referred to as the Giant Staircase. The trail upward is strenuous
and the trail downward is not easily navigatable. |
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LEFT:
A view downward of the steep switchbacks of the Giant Staircase,
along the Mist Trail. In this area, there is very little shade to
cool from the afternoon sun.
RIGHT:
A view of Nevada Fall. |
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LEFT:
Along the Giant Staircase are wonderful views of the 594-foot
Nevada Fall. In the early spring, you will come to understand why
the trail is called the "Mist" Trail.
RIGHT:
Another view of 594-foot Nevada Fall from the Giant Staircase.
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LEFT:
Chuck Fabijanic, leading the hike down the Mist Trail and through
the Giant Staircase.
RIGHT:
A view of the bottom of Nevadal Fall. |
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LEFT:
The water of the Merced River calms down as it distances
itself from Nevada Fall. A portion of the Mist Trail finds itself
in a canopy of trees before crossing over the Merced River (via
bridge). In this area, the water is calmer in an area called the
Emerald Pool. This photo was taken on the bridge of the water coming
down the Merced River from above.
RIGHT:
This photo was taken on the bridge of the water going past
us and downstream toward Vernal Fall. |
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LEFT:
Once you've crossed over the bridge to the south side of
the Merced River, the water is deceptively calm and there is a wonderful
slanted granite ramp to the water called the Silver Apron. Hikers
are always tempted to enjoy the waters here, but be careful as just
ahead is the 317-foot Vernal Fall. There are guard rails at the
top of Vernal Fall in which to capture photos like this one on the
left.
RIGHT:
A view of Vernal Fall from the top and further down the Merced River. |
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LEFT:
A view beyond Vernal Fall and down into Yosemite Valley.
RIGHT:
There is a steep lining of stairs along the granite wall
that take you down to the lower part of Vernal Fall. Often there
are at least a few rainbows created due to the enormous amount of
mist created by Vernal Fall. Be prepared, as Vernal Fall can be
so deafening you can't hear others speaking next to you. As well,
be careful of your footing as the mist causes the steps along this
portion of the trail to be very slippery. We encountered more hikers
going up this trail than down it. In our opinion, it was a good
idea to use the John Muir Trail in the morning and the Mist Trail
in the afternoon due to traffic. As well, the mist cooled us off
after a long day of hiking. |
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LEFT:
A distant view of Vernal Fall from the bridge we passed over in
the early hours of the same day.
RIGHT:
Lee Hoedl, relaxed after the 17-mile hike and climb. |
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LEFT:
Chuck Fabijanic, enjoying the final moments of the day's
hike.
RIGHT:
The Merced River streaming past the bridge below Vernal
Fall. |
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LEFT:
Finally, the Mist Trail connects up to the trailhead at Happy Isles.
A view upstream from the bridge at the trailhead.
RIGHT:
A view downstream from the bridge at the trailhead. |
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