Hiking to Half Dome is one of the most rewarding experience in Yosemite National Park. It is a Quartz Mennonite Batholith in the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. It is known for its rock formation and stand tall at nearly 8,800 feet above sea level.
You might be wondering why it is called Half Dome? The reason why it is called half dome is because of its sheer face that looks like a large rock cut into half. Back in the days, the solidified magma chamber got exposed and cut in half by erosion.
Nowadays, the granite dome formation is one of the most popular tourist destination in Yosemite, not if the United States. It contains some hiking trails that can amaze you in so many levels. There are suitable for all ages and level of expertise. With that being said let’s begin the hiking to Half Dome.
Hiking To Half Dome: The Best Hiking Trails In Yosemite National Park That Lead To Half Dome.
The half dome raises 4,737 above the Yosemite Valley. Therefore, it can easily be seen from many vantage points. The most popular spots where you can see it from the car are the Tunnel View and Glacier Point. You should definitely pay them a visit to have an incredible view of the place.
How Long Is The Hike To Half Dome?
Hiking to Half Dome takes about 6 to 10 hours back and forth. It depends on what trails you take and how many stops you take along the way. Therefore, it is a good idea to arrive early. The best time of the day to hike to Half Dome is after sunrise. Continue reading this article to learn more about it.
1. Mist Trail:
When it comes to hiking to Half Dome, Mist Trail can be the best because it gives some amazing view of half dome while also pass through two enchanting waterfalls. The Nevada fall is about 900 feet (300 meters) and the Vernal Fall is 594 feet (181 m) high at the Merced River.
The reasons why Mist trail is one of the most rewarding hiking to half dome is that it contains some waterfall that you can hike. The hiking round trip to Vernal fall is 3 miles (4.8 km), and 7 miles (11 km) to Nevada fall. The other reason is that it contains a lush greenery and beautiful nature. You will also hike along the Merced River.
The hike trail considered moderate in difficulty, so it is suitable for all level of stamina and experience, It is 5.5 miles round trip hike that takes 3-6 hours to finish, so make sure to arrive early.
Note: the best time to visit Mist trail is during its peak season: April to June. You should also visit our article for the best hiking gadgets.
2. Happy Isles Trailhead:
The Happy Isles Trailhead is another amazing hiking to Half Dome. It is located in the southeastern side of Yosemite Valley and about a mile east of Curry Village (Half Dome Village). You will pass through a Narrow Georges that passes through the Merced River.
One advantage of hiking the Happy Isles Trailhead is that it has a vantage spot for the Vernal Fall. Once you walk farther to the trails you can have a beautiful view of the majestic Liberty Cap and Mount Broderick peaks.
Happy Isles Trailhead is about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) round trip from the trailhead. However, if you start at the curry village, it takes about 2.5 miles (4 km). The trailhead is considered moderate in difficulty, so anyone can hike it.
3. John Muir Trail:
After finishing hiking the Happy Isles Trailhead or the Mist Trail, you would go back from the John Muir Trail. It is another amazing  hiking to waterfall. It also gives you an enchanted view of the granite cliffs. You would be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Half Dome. By now, you can probably see why hiking to Half Dome is magical and out of this world.
The John Muir Trail is one of the longest hike trail in the United States. It is about 211 miles in length and passes many important land marks such as Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. However, the hiking to Half Dome is short and sweat to the point. It is 27,2 from miles from Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley.
Hiking to Half Dome is one of the most rewarding experience in the whole country of the United States. Therefore, you should climb to half dome for a panoramic view of Yosemite National Park and Yosemite Valley.
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