The straight and steep path to the top of Half Dome © Shutterstock
Half Dome is one of Yosemite’s iconic landscapes. So renowned that its image resides on the California state quarter alongside images of John Muir and the California condor. This famous granite dome is situated at the east end of Yosemite Valley where it rises some 4,800 feet above the valley floor. Up until the 1870s, Half Dome was declared “perfectly inaccessible.” Seeking to access the inaccessible, George Anderson constructed his own route to its summit by drilling and placing iron eyebolts into the smooth granite surface, completing the first successful ascent in 1875.
Today, the dome is accessed by more than a dozen rock climbing routes and a hiking path along its rounded east face. Hikers are aided by metal cables strung between steel polls. Without these cables the final 700-foot ascent would be impossible. They are removed during winter and are usually installed before Memorial Day weekend (May) and taken down around Columbus Day (October). The hike to Half Dome should be taken seriously. Three separate routes reach its eastern face. They range from 14 – 16.3 miles (roundtrip). The trek gains nearly 4,800 feet in elevation. All hikers expecting to scale Half Dome require a permit. Permits, good for up to four hikers, cost $1.50 (to cover the processing fee) and are only available by calling (877) 444-6777 or clicking www.recreation.gov. Enjoy the trip; this is one of the best hikes in the world.