Where is half dome

The Tuolumne ice field fed not only the trunk glacier that moved down the Tuolumne River canyon through the Within years, Yosemite has moved from great obscurity to worldwide fame as one of the most visited of our national parks.

As a remarkable place where people can enjoy unparalleled scenes of natural beauty and where many easily observed geologic features are concentrated, the park is rivaled by few other areas on the planet. The majesty and The problem of the origin of the Yosemite Valley inherently demands a solution in quantitative terms. Its essence is, To what extent is the valley a product of glacial action, to what extent a product of stream erosion?

The principal result of the investigations upon which this report is based is the determination within narrow limits of the After more than three years of monitoring the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park, scientists have new insights into a potentially important mechanism that can trigger rockfalls in the park. Although many conditions can trigger rockfalls, some rockfalls are more likely to happen in the hottest part of the day, during the hottest part of the year.

Yosemite National Park and USGS scientists, in collaboration with academic geologists, recently completed a comprehensive study of rockfall hazard and risk in Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite National Park geologist Greg Stock and USGS civil engineer Brian Collins download data from instruments measuring how much granitic exfoliation sheets move from daily temperature variations as a precursor to rock fall.

In this panorama, Yosemite Falls may be seen on the left and Half Dome on the right. Yosemite Falls is the tallest known waterfall in North America, with a total plunge of 2, ft m.

Half Dome is a granite dome, part of the Sierra Nevada batholith. In this image, a manzanita shrub may be seen with Half Dome behind it. Manzanitas are evergreen shrubs with orange or red bark. In this image, all three sections of Yosemite Falls can be seen. Yosemite Falls is the highest measured waterfall in North America at 2, ft m in height. Yosemite Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls within Yosemite National Park. In this image, the Moon may be seen in panorama rising over Half Dome.

Half Dome is a granite dome, rising about 4, ft 1, m above the surrounding valley. It is part of the Sierra Nevada batholith and is one of Yosemite National Park's most famous features. In this image, the Moon may be seen in detail rising over Half Dome. In this image, the Moon may be seen rising over Half Dome. In this image, Half Dome may be seen from the base of Cathedral Spires.

Skip to main content. Search Search. Apply Filter. What is a landslide and what causes one? A landslide is defined as the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope. Landslides are a type of "mass wasting," which denotes any down-slope movement of soil and rock under the direct influence of gravity.

The term "landslide" encompasses five modes of slope movement: falls, topples, slides, spreads, and flows. These are further The Anderson rope didn't last long in the harsh winters and was unusable in a few years.

He died of pneumonia in and is buried under a granite rock in the park cemetery. Two adventuresome men, A. Phimeas Procter and Alden Sampson, took it upon themselves to replace the rope by dangerously lassoing the few remaining spikes. Other replacements were successful to varying degrees due to the winter snows until Hall McAllister, a San Franciscan and a member of the Sierra Club, offered to pay for the erection of the cable system to the summit of Half Dome.

It was completed in and given to the park. It was suggested that it be called "McAllister's Cable Route," but that didn't catch on. In honor of the accomplishment, a small wooden arch was erected at the bottom of Sub Dome. You can still see the stone block remnants of the base of the arch. It is right where the rangers check for permits. Being made of wood, the arch didn't last long in the rough winters of the Sierra. To remember Anderson, the work crew erected the following plaque at the arch.

It's also gone. This is where you will find out if you trained hard enough. Although there is often a pile of old discarded gloves near the start of the cables, they are junk. Good thing you brought your own. Focus on the immediate feet in front of you. Stay to the right side; the route is over years old and is worn smooth.

It's a 2-way system with people coming down on your left. Just lean to your right to let them pass. Crouch and keep your feet flat to maximize friction. It will be hard to use your legs at the degree angle so pull yourself up using your back, shoulder and core muscles. If you use both cables, your small pectorals will have to do most of the work, so the single cable rappel method is recommended. Go from board to board and rest. Pin your foot against the pole to brace yourself until the next board is available.

Try not to get stuck between boards as this will make for a harder climb. Don't gaze out if you are afraid of heights. There are 68 poles pairs to the top. They are merely resting in holes - they will come out if you pull up. The 2 x 4 boards are loosely strapped and can unnerve you. The cables are not one continuous run and will be loose near attachment points. You will need to step over some discontinuities in the rock surface.

If the crowd is thin, you should be able to get to the top in about a half hour. If you arrive late, you probably have to wait in line; it could take nearly an hour to reach the top. There is no one in charge and no rules. Be polite but keep moving. People may suffer anxiety attacks.

It's OK to politely pass them. As you ascend the cables, keep your eyes open for holes in the granite. The cables were replaced in and Today there is interest in locating the actual holes that Anderson drilled with the intent of possibly nominating the Half Dome cables to the National Register of Historic Places. The use of a homemade harness with clips is not recommended. If you fall you may slide down while hitting your head and garroting your body. If you intend to use a harness, get a real mountain climbing one that goes around your waist and thighs.

You also need two shock corded straps with 2 caribiners. The rig is called a "via ferrata. It will take a very long time. If you feel you cannot get up the cables, consider not doing it. Congratulations on making it to the top! Take the time to rest and enjoy the incredible views. Standing on top of Yosemite will surely make the climb worth the pain.

Heading down the cables is much easier than coming up, so once you've rested begin your descent back to the valley floor. On your way home, if you are running out of time to get back to the valley safely, then use the Mist Trail.

It is a bit over a mile shorter. The Mist Trail will be a challenge for your knees but it will save you a lot of time. It may be wet so use caution. The fall is almost feet high. The river can be very dangerous with smooth rocks, so keep out! A good cool foot soak is fine. For a nice side trip, go down below the bridge where the fall starts to drop and look up at it. There is a protective railing, so it is safe. You can see the water as it jets out before heading down.

Next, cross the bridge and continue on the JMT. You will pass an intersection with the Panorama Trail to your left that leads past Illilouette Fall and on to Glacier Point - a long way. Another day. The cliff area with water seeping out of it is has been called both the Ice Wall and the Rock Cut.

When the trail was built, dynamite was used to blast the path out of the rock. In decades past, people could use ice axes and climb the ice flow during winter. This is no longer permitted. Hike along the cliff and look back at Nevada Fall for a superb view. To the left of Nevada Fall is Liberty Cap. It got its name from its resemblance to the knitted caps worn as far back as the Romans. They were worn by commoners and stood for Liberty.

During the French revolution against the monarchy, the people wore Caps of Liberty to show solidarity. Between the fall and Liberty Cap is the Upper Mist Trail - that rubble field is what you went up in the morning!

It was originally a horse zig-zag trail that suffered constant rockfalls and was almost abandoned. Behind Liberty Cap is a small valley containing Lost Lake - a large marshy area. This is the way to the Diving Board and a wall climb called Snake Dike. This is only for experts. The region between Lost Lake and the Diving Board becomes very rugged with talus, cliffs, gullies and dense forests of Manzanita.

Look to the left further and you will see Mt. Broderick then the backside of Half Dome. You can make out Sub Dome and the saddle. The cables are just out of view. Grizzly Peak is the last formation as you pan towards the valley. Continue down the switchbacks - 29 of them to the bottom. Not too long after leaving the Ice Wall you will rapidly descend and soon approach a trail split at Clark Point.

This route would make for a real long day. Clark Point was named for Galen Clark. When he was 39 he caught tuberculosis and moved to the Sierra forest to live with his ailment - but he recovered. He discovered the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees and served for 24 years as the "guardian" of the park in the years before the formal National Park Service was formed.

He later wrote a few books about the park. He was instrumental in work that led to the Yosemite Grant that was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln in This gave the federal lands of the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to the state of California for "public use, resort, and recreation This overlook affords a good view of Nevada Fall and the canyon across the river. From here continue down the never-ending switchbacks. Your knees will be thankful that you did not have to go down the Mist Trail.

After reading the signage at Clark Point, go to the left and continue down an uneventful trail that is occasionally traveled by sure-footed pack animals. Give them the right-of-way. These are very intelligent mules and horses that can find their way back home by leaving little trail markers behind them.

Watch your step. Soon you will hear the rushing Merced. You will eventually reach a metal sign that instructs foot traffic to take a right fork. Left is for pack animals and that way would add a lot of distance before you got back to Happy Isles. Next you will pass Register Rock and rejoin the lower Mist Trail. The footbridge will be crowded and you are very close to the end of your trip. Best option is the trailhead parking lot. Trailhead lot has bear-proof storage lockers if you want to store stuff you don't need to take up the trail.

Bears will break into cars with food, etc. If trailhead lot is full, park at Curry Village, which is near east end of Southside Drive. Call then dial 3 then 5 The Yosemite public information office is open from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific time closed for lunch.

If the ranger is already on the line, you'll be returned to the main menu. If the ranger is not there, you can leave a message and they'll return your call. This trail is possible as a single day hike only if you get a very early start.

You could break the trail into two day backpacking adventure by staying at Little Yosemite Valley campground. The cable route to the summit is open between May and October. Check the NPS website for exact dates, which are weather dependent. Tips while using the cables: Take your time and be patient with slower hikers. Allow faster hikers to pass you when possible.

Remain on the inside of the cables Do not attempt the ascent if storm clouds are in the area, the ground is wet the cables and rock become very slick when wet; most accidents on the cables occur during wet conditions Bring well broken-in boots with good ankle support and good traction.

Some of the most common injuries Half Dome hikers suffer are blisters and ankle injuries; good footwear is the best way to prevent these problems. Also recommend gloves be used on the cables. No trash service on trails. Pack out all trash. When possible, help park rangers by picking up trash that you encounter on the trail. Bearproof trash cans are available at trailheads. Have plenty of water. NPS recommends: 1 gallon 4 liters if hiking to the top of Half Dome 2 quarts 2 liters if hiking only to the top of Nevada Fall 1 quart 1 liter if hiking only to the top of Vernal Fall The only treated water on the trail is available summer only at a drinking fountain at the Vernal Fall Footbridge less than a mile from the trailhead.

Merced River water is available up to Little Yosemite Valley, however treat water by boiling, using iodine, or using giardia-rated water filter Check Recreation.

Park your car and take the shuttle to stop number 16, Happy Isles. Head eastward along the paved path that leads along the northern bank of the Merced River. Even better once you've reached the Curry Village vicinity of the valley, look for the signs for trailhead parking.

You are allowed to drive past the "service vehicles only" signs if you're going to the trailhead parking. Reviews 3, Sort by:. Mary Starrs.

November 10, How are the conditions? Any snow? November 9, Walking Great! Half Dome was FUN, cables are down be careful! Lots of people. Hyunchul Jeong. November 6, Great, only dozen people were at half dome. Huw Bevan. Rachel Kobelt. November 5, Solo Her. November 2, Hiking Fee Great! Maya Hawj. Sarah Alyousfi. Nas Dastmalchi. October 30, Lorena Klahr. October 25, Hiking Great! Looking to hike w a group Weds! Lorepana hotmail. Don Van Creveld. October 23, Well marked trail.

Beautiful views. Sub dome was a challenge. Rory Shields. Micah McClain. October 22, Kyle Hines. October 21, Michael Harlow. October 20, Pat Byrd. October 18, Christopher Landadio. October 17, Shad Thomas. October 15, Springer Schwartz. October 14, Ignacio Martinez. October 11, Hiking Rocky. Christian Deisz. October 9, Great hike - but tough on the knees. Laura Dearness. David Coe. Wish we had a permit. Michael Benzinger.

Lynette Martinez. Fabulous weather. Ha Evans. Gunnar Sturman. October 8, Brett Tortorici. Off trail Rocky Scramble. Shaza Banna. Show more reviews Showing results 1 - 30 of Add photos of this trail Photos help others preview the trail. Upload photos about this trail to inspire others. Show more photos Showing results 1 - 56 of Share your route with others Help other users find their next route. Upload your activity and inspire others. Luke Javed.

November 11, Jordyn Hord. August Schaeffer. Evan Dorste. November 7, Marco Cobian. Ji Hwang. Jacob Ede. Jacob Boudreaux. TJ Sweeney. Take a virtual tour to Glacier Point. To enjoy full functionality and stability on this website please view in Google Chrome or Firefox , thank you!

Discover Half Dome. Category: Yosemite Attractions. Region: Yosemite Valley. Get Directions. Launch Virtual Tour. Square Ft: 0 - 1, Sign Up Now. Download Visitor Guide.