Oh Yosemite🙏 I’ve traversed every corner, every elevation of that park. The 80s and 90s it’s all I did. July 1987 was the first time I hiked to Half Dome. My kids were mid teens. We did it in one day. Should have left earlier cause it was dark by the time we got back. Great memories. My husband and I got married on Sentinel Dome and honeymooned at Tenaya Lake Sept 1988. Love that Park. It’s in my soul. But I live in Montana now and my husband is gone. Glad I have the memories. Thanks for the vid‼️
@@sunnyday7843MT is wonderful‼️ We’re the 4th largest state in the country geographically but our population just recently exceeded 1M. So still wonderful but growing. The beauty is unparalleled. Love it❣️
I hiked up to Half Dome twice back in the 90s, the first time I had to turn around at the base of the cables because of a storm heading in, but the next year I went back and finished the hike. I took the Mist Trail on the way back down knowing I would get soaked! Both hikes were very memorable! I visited Yosemite Valley over a dozen times when I resided in CA. I hiked virtually every trail the valley had to offer. The most difficult one I did was up to Glacier Point. Those were the best of times for me. I’m 79 now and moved to Kansas, but I still enjoy hiking on occasion! Nice video btw’ 😎
I started my week in that valley from Glacier Point. Went up the mist trail and spent a night in Little Yosemite Valley, up Half Dome then back down to the valley for a week. Did that a couple years in a row. Met a cool Ranger that showed us where the real Indian caves are. Spent a day crawling through tunnels until we came out in a giant cavern with petroglyphs and gringing stones. Lots to see in that amazing valley.
The log at 12:18. My wife and I hiked all night on a full moon and then slept under that very log, 15 years ago. The next day we peaked half dome and it about killed me. I found climbing down easier. Almost didn’t do it but my wife said I would regret not doing it. No permit needed then. A giant pile of gloves to use at the bottom of the cables. Almost died of thirst going back down the trails. 61 years old now.
Oh wow, that sounds like a pretty memorable hike. How interesting that you were able to stopped that same downed tree. I ran out of water within a few hundred yards of the end of the trail. Lucked out and planned just the right amount. There is still a decent pile of glove at the bottom even though the NPS says don't leave your gloves. Thanks for watching!!!
@@prospectoverland Yeah, some guy gave us a bottle of water. We were dangerously dry. Dropped to my knees at one point, like in the movies, lol. I remember a fresh water well at the bottom of the trail, for the public. Best drink I ever had. Poured it all over myself. Time goes fast, keep living while you’re young.
Oh man, I had zero interest in setting all that up again and try to shower and cook and all that stuff. The hotel was the best $$$ ever spent that night haha. Thanks for watching!!!!
@@jerrygreene1493then they would also have to teach everyone how to properly use them and then assume the liability when someone doesn’t use it properly. It’s the climbers responsibility to provide their own gear.
@@larryh7202 Correct, if the park supplies those it will save lives. The park should also promote safety with more bolts on snake dike, and some descent route markers on climbs like Royal Arches. Your honor: my client incorrectly clipped the supplied safety harness, we seek damages. Judge: So would your damages be worse without the free safety harness? Case dismissed, frivolous.
We did this hike a few days ago. Got a glorious day. The cables for us were not scary, but people who fear heights or lack upper body strength will struggle on it. Last year, we hiked Kragbolton in Norway. Scariest hike of our lives stepping out on that rock with exhausted legs. Overall .. half Dome is one of the best hikes in the US.
I've done half-dome three times and downhill is so much more painful than hiking up. Anyone attempting it needs to account for the trip down taking longer than expected and being just as hard if not worse than the hike up.
Yes 10000% true. We jammed up to the base of HD without much problem at all. Nice consistent pace. Coming down all the miles of steep steps and hills was way more difficult.
Any hike is harder going down. You’re putting your body weight on your knees and ankle with every downhill step. Going up you have other muscles helping go up. But on the way down every step is a controlled fall and adding the acceleration of gravity plus your body weight is painful. I used to live by the eastern Sierra and every hike I did was painful going down.
As someone whose hiked this six times, I can confindently say that the most physically difficult part of the hike for me, and most of the people with whom I've hiked, is stugglling down the trail for the last couple miles. At that point your muscles are almost completely spen - kot's of temporary leg and knee issues are experienced. So, Kimmy, if it's any comfort to you, you're not alone in that part of the experience. 🤠
I've attempted Half Dome twice. I seriously suffer from vertigo and fear of heights. Both attempts I had to stop on the way up the sub-dome at the same spot both times. Keeping my eyes on the trail at one switch back there was absolutely nothing on my left side for over 1000 feet and I felt that I was starting to lean into the abyss and had to flatten myself to the rocks behind me. That was it for me. I turned around and waited for my group at the base. If I made it to the cables I doubt I would have been able to go up. Congrats on making it to the top. By the way the "Mist Trail" takes you to the top of "Vernal Fall".
I’d recommend the manitou incline. My husband and I are both terrified of heights, but the incline is bearable if you just keep moving upwards. Plus, I got down & crawled up the stairs during the worst part.
I've done this hike six times (would've been 7, except one time we could see lightening in the distance so we turned around at the bottom of the cables). The first time, back in 1979, three friends and I lugged up a full-sized old school metal iglo cooler, and our packpacks with tents and sleeping bags. Back then you could legally camp on top. There were about a dozen people who spent the night. It was fun watching many dozens of people in the valley flashing their flashlights up at us to say "hi".
Half Dome, Mt. Whitney, Grand Canyon North Rim. All epic hikes with a lot of elevation gain that require maximum effort and really test you if you are beyond your 20s. Well done guys!
Thank you!! Whitney will be our next big hike but we are going to do some training hikes first at those elevations and some over night trail camping trips.
I did Whitney and Half Dome while in my 30's- Whitney was really tough for the elevation. We got buzzed by an F-14 at the summit, such an awesome sight!
While stationed at Ft. Ord near Monterey, CA my group of 5 GI's took a weekend leave driving to Yosemite in1960. I was age 22 and in tip top shape due to Army training. Three of us wanted to climb Half Dome and off we went. Half way up two guys went back down and eager me went on up. They told me to hurry so I did. Half running, half fast walking I made it to the top. I crawled to the edge photographing the valley 4,737 feet below. I took a quick and very good look at the sights shown in the Video. I made it down in record time to join my impatient friends who fortunately waited for me. Trying to attempt climbing the Dome could be just as courageous as going to the top. It's all for the adventure
I know it, sooooo sad! We only saw one couple who had harnesses. Almost no one uses them. If we ever do it again I will be taking some sort or clip in device.
Make SURE not to find yourself on wet rock up there. Pretest your shoes for that possibility (I take spare shoes, light but better for wet rock). Wear gloves. Wear a harness. I have been told before "you are going to look like a noob!!" My answer was: "And???"
Truly a bucket list adventure...I did it in the late 80's when I was 21 years old...and our experience was very similar to yours...it kicked our ass as we did NOTHING to prepare for it. We ran out of food about 2/3rds of the way up...my buddy ate it all...I begged for trail mix for hours...ugh. And upon getting back after leaving at 4:30am and getting back at 5-6pm...we just fell into our tents and slept until noon the next day...then rented inner tubes and floated down the river all day easing our aching muscles in the freezing water!!! GREAT times....
What a beautiful couple you are. And such a beautiful post. I just happened to rise early, this morning and there the both o f your lovely faces were. I love the adventure you are on and it is very inspiring. I once had the opportunity to stay in a cabin in yosemite that a x owned and missed out when we broke up. But one can only see how wonderful this National Park is from just seeing it through the eyes of youtuber's like yourselves. We'll I hope the experience has been amazing for our lives here on Mother Earth certainly comes with some steep challenges. But if we could all be fearless like tbe both of you, I'm sure the rewards would be worth it. I admire the both of you for taking the leap of faith and just doing it. God bless your journey together and may you have much explicit fun. Journey On! 🎉😊❤
Thanks for showing your overland to Half Dome. 1n 1994, I was able to go halfway to Half Dome. I have a ton of respect for anyone who could complete the hike, let alone that dangerous climb. FYI, a 21-year old girl died there last week by falling on the ropped section. So, always be safe...in your travels with nature. Thank God for your hands! They may be a little red, but they kept you alive! Great job!
Isn't that view at the top just EPIC? I've been up there twice now, and both times, I hiked all the way down craving a slice of pepperoni pizza and an ice-cold Pepsi. That's what pushed me forward! LOL. Glad you two did it at least once. Bucket list item for sure!
Hiked half dome with a dear friend. Realized we left too late when we got to the top, coming back was a challenge in the dark got to our tent and passed out 16 - 17 miles!
Yosemite brings back vivid memories back in the 70's as a kid with my parents and back then, you could randomly visit the park without reservations. Obviously, alot has changed since then. Yosemite and Kauai are the most beautiful places I have ever visited. For the hiking elite, the Kalalau trail in Kauai is a 22 mile round trip that has to be one of the most breath taking and difficult hikes in the US. Really enjoyed your video.
I've climbed it maybe 10 times. Met my wife on the first attempt, (successful) , back in 1969. I've mostly climbed it during hikes on the JMT, but a few times just for the HD experience. I've climbed it twice from Tenaya canyon side, (once the cables were down, but we made it up hauling ourselves up on the cables, (they are still there, just lying on the surface. ). I'm too old to do it now. It is a great trip. But there are lots of other great hikes in and around the park. About 4 of the ascents, the air was not that great (smoke and smog) and couldn't see that much. I remember seeing a couple jets (military) zooming up the canyon BELOW us. They can't do that anymore thankfully!
Enjoyed the video. I've done half dome 3 times in my 20's and 30's before you needed a permit. Its a fantastic hike. Some people start up the cables and can't do it. One woman needed help getting down after starting up. At the top some people crawl to look over the ledge. There is triangular ledge you can stand on and its 2000 ft down on either side. I did that but didn't want anyone near me! great pic with sweaty palms. There is a warning at the bottom not to go up top if you see clouds on the horizon. A friend and I saw them a long way off and went up. Up top we started getting a static shock passing the camera. My friends hair started to stand up on his head. We got off fast at the base of the cables. I went to touch a metal pipe that was broken off. I got a big crack of static about 1/2 a foot away from touching it.
Myself and 8 other family and friends did Yosemite in 1995, 29 years ago! We did Half Dome and back in one day as well. We had more snow leading up to sub dome which made it rarely treacherous. I had to watch my friends feet on the way down, any glance otherwise flip my stomach. We took so long, we hiked from dark until dark. PS wear thin gloves on the cables, avoids rope burns.
wow that sounds like quiet the adventure with the snow. Yes, we just about did dark to dark. Maybe a hour or two short of sundown. I was sore for days after this. what a great memory for all 8 of you to talk about for the rest of your life.
I did it off season. No permit required and no traffic jams. No one else on the cables while I was on the dome, but when I got down there were some other people who were about to go up.
That's awesome. We didn't get a pic and kind of regret not taking one. I don't think I would have stood on it but my wife would have. Maybe that can be our motivation for doing it again some day. Thanks for watching.
The first time I got a pic taken at the end of that rock I made the mistake of looking down over the side, and nearly toppled off. I quickly got off of it with total vertigo, and had to sit for a few minutes to collect myself. Since then I focus solely on the rock surface when out on that damn thing.
Yeah that’s seems like a more enjoyable process and pace. But we only do truck camping and don’t have the equipment to do trail camping. We might start venturing into that in the future. Thanks for watching.
Personally I used a safety harness and carabiner, definitely gave me more confidence going down, knowing that I was strapped in, I slipped a few times and the safety harness probably saved my life, even just standing and leaning with the harness not having to hold on was nice
@@prospectoverland I've done it a few times, and had some failures, I bring water purifier make sure to fill up at Vernal, there is also a semi-secret place to get water just before sub-dome, called sunrise creek, also trekking poles are a hug bonus in my opinion , especially coming down when you are tired, you can leave those and extra gear before the final climb to sub dome, either whtere the ranger is, or at that camps above vernal, enjoy
@@DanOhPhotography vast majority don’t. I saw one person with a simple harness and clip. Not sure why that’s the norm, I will certainly use one if we ever go back.
@@prospectoverland Yes. Glad to hear you will if you ever return though your husband said he won’t. LOL. Though we live in a free country and do whatever we want and there are free style climbers but for joe average climber should wear harness since it is so slippery.
I've taken both of my daughters up the top of Half Dome. They were 12 and 11 at the time of the hike. I'm a big fan of wearing a harness on the cable route for safety.
@@prospectoverland It was so worth it! You can see the ease of using them here. I filmed it too so my daughter would never forget- czcams.com/video/RUv-IkZ4MFg/video.html
I’m 65 and first did half dome in my 20’s. We camped up top. It was legal back then. Been up 5 times since but the crowds and permits sure are a turn off now. Still an epic day you should do at least once- if you can score a permit!
I was 13 or 14 the first time I climbed half though I’ve done it three times it’s not that bad if you’re afraid of heights, it could be a little bit iffy. I’ve went up with the cables down before. The secret to coming down and having to wait is get as close to a pole as you can that way you have a place to rest your foot, and you can stand there forever if you need to
Yeah it was crazy difficult physically but the heights made that last section not enjoyable. But being on the top of HD was worth the few minutes of fear.
It's amusing what people call verticle. Been there, did that and being cautious, hydrated in shape with good shoes, it is not that extreme of an ordeal
I am terriied of heights. I won the lottery for half dome a few years ago. I backed out a week before we were supposed to go. I just couldn't grasp the idea of doing this. I'm impressed that you did this.
I did that hike with team from work back in 80's. The hike back was the worst part. My feet felt like hamburger. There were woman in high heels on the trial up; we laughed! I dodn't think my knee can handle it today, but I'd love to do with my grown up kids. Thanks for sharing
Just stumbled across your videos, and I'm going to go off a complete tangent: I had the same sort of bump on my nose in my 20s, and it turned out to be trichoepithelioma, slow growing cancer. I looked back at your previous videos and it's about the same growth rate. Get a biopsy if you haven't already.
Hiked Half Dome in the early 80's during a high water year- started before sunrise and wanted to shoot some images (Ektachrome) off the leading edge. To keep us humble, we were passed going up by a trail runner- I was told they did the full stretch often to stay in shape! The falls were incredible (only Vernal and Nevada are there- it's called the ''Mist Trail''). Could not, for the life of me, will myself near it standing so I crawled over but only within 3'-- so intimidating! It was a long hike down, but well worth it. Got down in the dark- so hungry and tired, but a must for anyone who loves the grand scene- Yosemite! I'll always remember it-
That’s a lot of how I felt. Scared and overwhelmed by the sheer drop off but so happy with the accomplishment at the end of the very long day. Thanks for watching.
I felt the same way when we hiked to delicate arch in Moab. Hard hike but worth it and will not be doing it again. 2 old people died by falling off the cliff when we went so its not an easy hike. I wanted to do half dome when I was younger and never did. Its videos for me now lol.
Thanks for filming the hike to half dome. I would NEVER climb half Dome because I’m scared of height but I would hike to half dome base. The hike to half Dome looks beautiful. Also thanks for being real and showing yoir fears and reserves about hiking 18 miles….,very relatable! Keep it up!
Thank you so much, I appreciate you watching and glad you liked the video. Yes I would do the hike to sub dome again. It was amazing. I just don’t think I care about going up and down the cables again. Unfortunately, still need a half dome permit to even do the sub dome section 🤷♂️
@@gary22pcb The Panorama Trail from Glacier Pt down to the valley floor at Happy Isles is the best hike in Yosemite. You get the Nevada and Vernal on the way down. 11 miles of the best views that the day trippers will never see. Us locals enjoy it to ourselves.
@@user-ei3ml8jo1s Start in Happy Isles. Walk over to the 4 Mile Trail and go up that to Glacier Point. Then take the Panorama Trail to the Mist Trail. And then back down to Happy Isles. 16 miles 4,500 elevation gain. I call it "The Grand Tour".
@user-ei3ml8jo1s That is also good. I lived in Fresno for 11 years and always hit the Sequoias, Redwoods, and Yosemite. I always enjoyed hiking to fire lookouts too. I miss being there.
Did this hike starting from Glacier Point which saved a whole lot of uphill on the way there. Had a 70yo lady give me a jar of peanut butter so she could lighten her pack before climbing the cables 😅
My husband and I have a little Winnebago that we have taken from New Hampshire to Yellowstone. Not sure if we have the energy to keep going to CA. Years ago I wanted to hike Half Dome but my kids researched it and said: "NO YOU ARE NOT." Same for Angels Landing. (Those kids just aren't any fun. :-)) It's too risky now and more importantly, it's not 'calling' me. I have to disagree with comments: "It was tough and scary but so worth it." No it isn't. I would be haunted for the rest of my life if I saw someone fall. I would jump off a bridge if I saw my husband fall. I'll stick to the waterfalls in Yellowstone and the jaw dropping wonder of Devils Tower. We hiked around it, just 2.5 miles. But glad you two had a great time. Happy Trails.
This hike is an incredible accomplishment and a must do for anyone into the outdoors. I found hiking poles to be helpful, especially on the way down. I have a bad knee, and the poles help reduce some of the weight and impact. Yosemite is my favorite place on Earth, especially when you can hike above the valley and leave 95% of the crowd behind. Great video!
Yes we should have used our poles a lot more. Only used them for maybe a mile on the decline. We paid for that mistake. I really like upper Yosemite by Tiago pass, the crowds are non existent. Thanks for watching!!
@@prospectoverland yeah one of my first backpacking trips in the park was to Young Lakes. So cool being way back there with very few others. Next time you’re in Yosemite Valley, a challenging but more isolated and still amazing hike is the Four Mile Trail to Panorama Trail Loop. Not nearly as hard as Half Dome, but still a full day.
You did the right thing by starting early. Using a harness would not be practical because of the posts that the cables goes through, you would have to continually disconnect and reconnect. It would also hold up people a lot and that is dangerous in itself. I've seen people going on the outside of the cables and that is dangerous. Stay within them and constantly have a grip on them with at least one hand at all times. It's also good to take gloves for this purpose.
Thanks for the honest review. It looks so stunning up there and while I love hiking and in shape I won’t be climbing half dome 😂 like you, terrified of heights and not worth the risk to me. But hiking the other areas and seeing waterfalls would be amazing and on my bucket list.
I made that day hike 3 times before permits were required. The last time I came down from Nevada Falls almost in tears because of my knees! I knew it would be my last time but it's a Bucket List thing to do. hooray you guys made it.
Actually getting the permits 6 month’s in advance and having base camp at North Pines campground. Waking up at 5 am and in the hike before 6 am towards Vernal Falls and setting up mid campsite at Little Yosemite gives you time to recuperate from the hike up Misty Falls towards Little Yosemite. Then wake up at 5 am be on the trail towards 1/2 Dome by 6 am wear a double set of hiking gloves (the ones at Home Depot/Lowes for labor/hardware work well). Then hike back down to mid camp at Little Yosemite camp pack it up and if possible go back down the John Muir Trail it’s easier on your feet, there’s fresh water near the river and flushable toilets 🚽 just make sure you don’t get stung by bees 🐝
Sounds like a more enjoyable version than ours. Take your time and camp 👍. Yeah we went down JMT and yes, better than going back down all the mist trail steps. Didn’t see any bees. Thanks for watching.
Wow I remember doing that hike back when you didn’t need a permit I loved it but by the time I got back I thought I was going to die lol it was the opposite for me the cables seemed a lot easier coming down then going up I was in my late 40,s glad I did it then I don’t think I can do it now.
We are in our 30’s and so sore for a couple days after this. I was certainly worried for some of the much older folks trying it. Or even some of the younger folks that were just clearly unprepared.
Thanks for sharing your Halfdome journey. I've made the trek twice back in the early 2000's before the lottery system and as you say it was epic and 'twice' in a lifetime bucket list adventure for me. I have some great pictures out on the ridge that juts out at the top and likely won't forget those experiences with my hiking buddies. I was even confronted by a smallish black bear which probably weighed three or four times my weight. It was after the hike when brushing my teeth before bedtime and I was so tired that if it charged me, I'm sure I'd be toast! 😅
I hiked back in the 90’s no permits needed back then. I did but bring enough water and nearly died on the hike back but a friendly hiker gave me a sprite!!! It was worth it but I probably would not do it again!
Haha yep, just regular peeps. And thank you! We hope to do Whitney as our next bucket list hike but that won’t be for a bit. We are going to train for that one.
Did this hike with my dad and two brothers. Was an amazing hike and experience. I think you guys documented what to expect really well. There are a lot of people that shouldn't be hiking this trail that do though. The cables are sketch, I'd recommend having some sort of safety system going down if you can. Hardest hike I've done but well worth it.
That's an awesome memory for the three of you. I love that we will have this memory the rest of our lives. I think if we ever did it again I would bring some sort of minimal harness to clip in. Not worth slipping. And yes, there were a decent amount of people that had no business being up there. They were cramped laying on the rocks, throwing up etc and they forget that's only half way. You still have to go back the 8 miles to finish.
@@prospectoverland I was in the best shape of my life, but I had just torn my hamstring the wenesday before. It sucked, but it was something we were doing togther after my mom passed so I wasn't going to miss it. My brother didn't believe me until I showed him the giant black bruise from my butt to my Knee. Only two of us made it to the top. Dad is terrified of heights and older brother wasn't in great shape at the time. Cool that you guys have this memory documented. We have a few cool pics from ours.
Awww thanks. We appreciate you watching and commenting. Dont have a time line just yet but we will be doing some other popular hikes over fall and spring next year we are looking forward to and will be filming.
I totally appreciate your dislike of heights. I froze about half way up a 100' tall fire watch tower. Stairs treads were open grid design (u can see thru em). Got passed by a 7 yr old & descended slowly back down to earth, slightly defeated by being outgunned by said 7 year old ~ Funny thing is I remember loving heights, climbing tall trees, etc., as a kid.
During our recent climb up the cables to Half Dome, we slept in a hotel (Yosemite Cedar Lodge just outside the park) the night before. We all woke up and began hiking at 5am. It was nice to have a good night's sleep on a comfortable mattress the night before. By the time we made it back to the hotel, it was already nightfall. It was pretty spectacular sleep that night.
Awesome - love Yoesemite. I still remember the first time I've done that hike...going up wasn't hard but coming down is what killed my hips. It got pretty difficult as I was getting lower. You think there was a lot of people on the cables, imagine how it was before they started limiting the amount of people that can hike it each day - it was nuts. Really need to do it again.
Yeah I can’t imagine back when it wasn’t regulated to a fixed amount of people. It must have been nut, and just straight up unsafe on those cables. But yes, the descent was rough physically, the knees and joints took a beating with all that stepping down. Congrats on your accomplishment of doing it whenever that was.
Jealous~! I tried last summer x2, failed to get the ticket lottery both times. However, even reaching to the base of the subdome, made me so refreshed and relaxing. I got healed (mentally and psychologically, not physically, of course! lol) but thx for sharing your experience up there at half donme! Wish to be there again! :D
In a similar way, I've found hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon can actually be worse than coming back up. Unless you're doing it in the summer heat - which is something no one should do, but many attempt anyway.
I made it to the top with some college buddies back in the late 90’s. We all had kids so with our “dad bods” we did the best we could to train for 6 months and prepare for the hike. We camped where we could walk to the trail and were on it before sunrise. We beat the crowds and were on the cables with few people. We spent some time at the top and went down the cables in light traffic. We did run out of water about 2-3 miles before our campsite but that made the ice cold beers even better. And I would not do it again.
We live 2 hours west and visit the park often. ( never in the summer season) Even though my wife and I still hike and surf, at 65 years old, we have no desire to put ourselves through that ordeal. I’m with you on the whole height thing as well. Not so much a fear of heights; more like a fear of falling to my death! Lol Thanks for taking us there.👍
You two are way too awesome!! I am also slightly acrophobic. I would rather wrestle a mama grizzly than climb a ladder. I did climb Mt. Whitney which was an incredible climb for me. There was one section we had to walk over and it was ice with a 1,000 foot drop off ledge.
I did HD before the permit were required. The cable trail was so crowded that, coming down, we went outside the cables and “rappelled” down (hanging onto the cable for dear life!)
My knee would start burning on the way down, so we’d go down the Muir Trail instead of the Mist Trail. A little longer, but, since it’s a pack trail, it’s a more gradual decline.
I hiked Half Dome when I was about 15, encountered a bear on the trail up. I've developed a fear of height over the years, so I won't be doing that again. Maybe hard to believe, but the cables look in better shape now.
I just hiked half dome 4 days ago. It’s a long treacherous hike up to the top. The hike is challenging but the view up on top of Half Dome isn’t great. There are way better views up on top ie Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, and spectacular Glacier Point imo
Yes we did go down the JMT switch backs. Certainly better than the wet trail. The upper section of JMT was closed due to a rock fall. Thanks for watching.
Just looking for info on the "ledge trail" to Glacier Point. It started in Camp Curry, was 3/4 mile long, one way only and 16 yrs of age to use it. I heard it traveled along the ledge that the "firefall" landed on. I hiked many trails , including the "loop trail" from Happy Isles over Vernal, Nevada Falls, Vogelsange Pass, Tualame Meadows, Glen Aulin +++ back to Yosemite valley. That was in 1955? After I was 16, I no longer vacationed with my parents to Yosemite. My loss. We live in Oakhurst now, but hiking is not on the list anymore. e
We absolutely love Tuolomne Meadow. One of our favorite parts of Yosemite NP. We did that section last year. Oh we stayed in Oakhurst after this half dome hike at one of the brand new hotels. Was a very nice area. Thanks for watching.
I’m glad you all had a great time! I was also able to do half dome a few days after you and going down was definitely worse! By the way I’m the one you met at tunnel view with the crying baby lol! Sick rig man, keep the videos coming!
Hey man!! Yeah I remember. Thats rad, glad ya got to do it. Down was for sure the difficult part. All those miles of down hill and thousands of steep steps was tricky!!!
I hiked it years ago it’s a bunch of friends. I told them I had no interest in the cable part and I waited for them to get back. I am still glad I didn’t do it. They were stuck for over an hour because someone panicked and would not move 😬
Still an awesome hike and good for you for recognizing your limitation with the fear and just waiting for them. No shame in that whatsoever. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I bet! We ended up returning on the JMT and didn’t come down Mist Trail otherwise it would have felt great at the end of the hike. Thanks for watching.
I’ve hiked it twice in my life, and as amazing an experience it was, I doubt I’ll do it again. Not good enough shape anymore, and I had symptoms of heat exhaustion from another time up Yosemite Falls in 100° F heat. I’d be happy to hike to the top of Vernal and Nevada Falls again though!
Well twice is awfully good. I wouldn’t mind going to sub dome again, just not sure I need to do the cable section again. I’ll wait at the bottom while friends or whoever go to the top. We will have to go back and just enjoy the water fall sections. We didn’t have time to stop and enjoy, had to keep moving down the trail. Man those temps sound like they were awful. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Going up is always easier. Same with Yosemite falls. I hope you didn't go down Mist Trail. There is an easier way. On the way down, I'm always saying "last time." Then you finish and it was awesome. First time I hiked Yosemite Falls, I drank a full beer when I got back to Curry and it never touched my throat. It just went down.
Trust your instinct! We hiked to the bottom of cable 15 yrs ago but decided to not go up due to the risk and lack of preparation on our part. Wearing running shoes with no gloves! Legs remained sore for a week after!
We had good hiking shoes and gloves. So our equipment prep was good…only thing not ready was my fear of heights. But figured I’d push through that and be happy I did by the end of it. I was sore for days. Thanks for watching.
The Yosemite campground ranger said, "You have to go", in that no nonsense steely-eyed past her prime glare (when I asked to extend my stay). Fine...I drove around until I found a employee I could reason with, for a out-of-the-way spot to 'nitch it' in my van. Bro employee asked me if I had a tent...(yes..! I have my trusty Moss..) you're all set he said, ..go to camp 4 where all the climbers stay, they share camp spots so pitch your tent there, fill out the card and then you can sleep in your van. Cool! Off I go, (great advise.. just as he told me). I wanted to check on my tent before turning in for the night to make sure I had done everything right. When I was doing the walk around my tent, I said hello to these two climbers cooking at the table. I walk over to meet these guys, and started off by saying, "You guys are NUTS!!!" We launched into a conversation that resulted in a challenge for to me to join them do do a Tyrolean traverse 2,500' off the ground out to the Lost Arrow Spire the following morning. He said the rope can hold the weight of a Toyota truck, and he could get me off the rope if I black out from fear...what's your excuse now??!! I had none. To this day, my memories of dangling out there 1/2 mile off the ground, doing one of the most iconic traverses in the world my first 10 minutes of climbing... will forever be the cherry on my sundae. ✍))) Yellow Bird is also my favorite sauce*
Massive well done for doing that. 👏🏻 A great video. Really enjoyed watching. There is no way I could do the coming down bit. I even struggle going downhill on an easy walk called the seven sisters here in England. Love to you both. Rob
A good long hike, but with so many other options there's no reason to do it again, especially with limited reservations available. We just did it for the second time (~25 years later), since our kids hadn't done it. It was during the heat wave in July, with the valley getting to 106, so my sister had us at the trailhead before 3am...which meant using headlamps for all of the mist trail. It was quiet at the top, with just backpackers there. But the heat hit on the lower section, and going down into the valley was tough.
Wow those temps sounds terrible to deal with. If we ever did it again I think I would copy some of the folks we talked to on the trail and leave at midnight. Summit the dome for sunrise. Then hike back in the mid morning to avoid any sort of heat.
@@prospectoverland It's not an easy hike, and the footing just isn't great for doing in the dark. My sister had started at 4am the year before, so thought it was a good idea. But then while hiking she talked about getting lost in the dark a couple times, and we nearly lost the trail a few times. There was just enough light that I was able to turn off my headlamp on an easy section at 5am. I wouldn't suggest anyone start before then, which then gives a tiny bit of light 1 mile in when you are off the paved section. Each person is different, but lack of light on a rocky stair step climb and lack of sleep is tough to make up for. If you really really want the sunrise, backpack up to the camp the day before, and then the remaining hike is a lot shorter and easier. We talked to many people who did that, some doing the JMT, one doing the PCT, and a few that just couldn't get normal half dome permits but were able to get backpacking permits and then the special add-on for half dome.
@@giro994 that’s a good consideration about the low lighting and climbing those stairs. Now that I’ve done it and have a track saved on all trails I wouldn’t think I would get lost but good point about footing and being hard to see. We aren’t overnight backpackers but might start trying that for some of these bigger hikes. I have some good friends that’s do multi day stuff on the trail so I’ll maybe tag along with them to learn a few times.
Oh Yosemite🙏 I’ve traversed every corner, every elevation of that park. The 80s and 90s it’s all I did. July 1987 was the first time I hiked to Half Dome. My kids were mid teens. We did it in one day. Should have left earlier cause it was dark by the time we got back. Great memories. My husband and I got married on Sentinel Dome and honeymooned at Tenaya Lake Sept 1988. Love that Park. It’s in my soul. But I live in Montana now and my husband is gone. Glad I have the memories. Thanks for the vid‼️
❤
How do you like MT?
@@sunnyday7843MT is wonderful‼️ We’re the 4th largest state in the country geographically but our population just recently exceeded 1M. So still wonderful but growing. The beauty is unparalleled. Love it❣️
@@user-sj8mf8jn1z amazing story ❤️🙏🏼
I hiked up to Half Dome twice back in the 90s, the first time I had to turn around at the base of the cables because of a storm heading in, but the next year I went back and finished the hike. I took the Mist Trail on the way back down knowing I would get soaked! Both hikes were very memorable! I visited Yosemite Valley over a dozen times when I resided in CA. I hiked virtually every trail the valley had to offer. The most difficult one I did was up to Glacier Point. Those were the best of times for me. I’m 79 now and moved to Kansas, but I still enjoy hiking on occasion! Nice video btw’ 😎
You made it to 79....nice.
What trail did you use to get to Glacier point? The "ledge trail?"
Was that the Four mile Trail to Glacier Point? Great trail.
You are clearly incredible ♥️
I started my week in that valley from Glacier Point. Went up the mist trail and spent a night in Little Yosemite Valley, up Half Dome then back down to the valley for a week. Did that a couple years in a row. Met a cool Ranger that showed us where the real Indian caves are. Spent a day crawling through tunnels until we came out in a giant cavern with petroglyphs and gringing stones. Lots to see in that amazing valley.
The log at 12:18. My wife and I hiked all night on a full moon and then slept under that very log, 15 years ago. The next day we peaked half dome and it about killed me. I found climbing down easier. Almost didn’t do it but my wife said I would regret not doing it. No permit needed then. A giant pile of gloves to use at the bottom of the cables. Almost died of thirst going back down the trails. 61 years old now.
Oh wow, that sounds like a pretty memorable hike. How interesting that you were able to stopped that same downed tree. I ran out of water within a few hundred yards of the end of the trail. Lucked out and planned just the right amount. There is still a decent pile of glove at the bottom even though the NPS says don't leave your gloves. Thanks for watching!!!
@@prospectoverland Yeah, some guy gave us a bottle of water. We were dangerously dry. Dropped to my knees at one point, like in the movies, lol. I remember a fresh water well at the bottom of the trail, for the public. Best drink I ever had. Poured it all over myself. Time goes fast, keep living while you’re young.
@@joegibson6041keep living while you are young….aint that the truth
@@loridavis5699yeah…and stay away from drugs that sap your motivation to go on adventures like this.
That water foundtain at the Happy Isles trailhead - literal lifesaver!
Love at the end how you bailed on the campsite and went to a hotel. That's my kind of camping.
Oh man, I had zero interest in setting all that up again and try to shower and cook and all that stuff. The hotel was the best $$$ ever spent that night haha. Thanks for watching!!!!
@@prospectoverland Parks Dept. needs to provide use and return harnesses at the base of the cables. Girl just died on slippery descent.
@@jerrygreene1493then they would also have to teach everyone how to properly use them and then assume the liability when someone doesn’t use it properly. It’s the climbers responsibility to provide their own gear.
@@larryh7202 Correct, if the park supplies those it will save lives. The park should also promote safety with more bolts on snake dike, and some descent route markers on climbs like Royal Arches. Your honor: my client incorrectly clipped the supplied safety harness, we seek damages. Judge: So would your damages be worse without the free safety harness? Case dismissed, frivolous.
We did this hike a few days ago. Got a glorious day. The cables for us were not scary, but people who fear heights or lack upper body strength will struggle on it.
Last year, we hiked Kragbolton in Norway. Scariest hike of our lives stepping out on that rock with exhausted legs.
Overall .. half Dome is one of the best hikes in the US.
I've done half-dome three times and downhill is so much more painful than hiking up. Anyone attempting it needs to account for the trip down taking longer than expected and being just as hard if not worse than the hike up.
Yes 10000% true. We jammed up to the base of HD without much problem at all. Nice consistent pace. Coming down all the miles of steep steps and hills was way more difficult.
It is hard on the knees going down, but was far easier for me than going up and I went twice.
I had this same perspective until I started using hiking poles, helps massively with the descent!
Any hike is harder going down. You’re putting your body weight on your knees and ankle with every downhill step. Going up you have other muscles helping go up. But on the way down every step is a controlled fall and adding the acceleration of gravity plus your body weight is painful. I used to live by the eastern Sierra and every hike I did was painful going down.
@@mca8690that makes a lot of sense. Your relieving some of the body weight off your ankles and knees and putting that force on your poles
As someone whose hiked this six times, I can confindently say that the most physically difficult part of the hike for me, and most of the people with whom I've hiked, is stugglling down the trail for the last couple miles. At that point your muscles are almost completely spen - kot's of temporary leg and knee issues are experienced. So, Kimmy, if it's any comfort to you, you're not alone in that part of the experience. 🤠
bring a saucer type sled. coat it with butter and slide down much easier.
I didn't get an early start so it was getting fairly dark when reached the bottom.
I've attempted Half Dome twice. I seriously suffer from vertigo and fear of heights. Both attempts I had to stop on the way up the sub-dome at the same spot both times. Keeping my eyes on the trail at one switch back there was absolutely nothing on my left side for over 1000 feet and I felt that I was starting to lean into the abyss and had to flatten myself to the rocks behind me. That was it for me. I turned around and waited for my group at the base. If I made it to the cables I doubt I would have been able to go up. Congrats on making it to the top.
By the way the "Mist Trail" takes you to the top of "Vernal Fall".
Good move. It can be intimidating. Glad you chose the safe option.
I’d recommend the manitou incline. My husband and I are both terrified of heights, but the incline is bearable if you just keep moving upwards. Plus, I got down & crawled up the stairs during the worst part.
I recommend Claritin allergy non drowsy pills for your vertigo episodes. It works for a family member of mine, hope it works for you.
You're brave for trying and making it as far as you did. Vertigo isn't funny. It's crippling. So I think you did real well to get that far.
no shame. good on you for giving it a shot, great on you for being safe and calling it quits when it's not fun anymore
I've done this hike six times (would've been 7, except one time we could see lightening in the distance so we turned around at the bottom of the cables). The first time, back in 1979, three friends and I lugged up a full-sized old school metal iglo cooler, and our packpacks with tents and sleeping bags. Back then you could legally camp on top. There were about a dozen people who spent the night. It was fun watching many dozens of people in the valley flashing their flashlights up at us to say "hi".
Hm
Camping up on top of Half Dome would be epic
Half Dome, Mt. Whitney, Grand Canyon North Rim. All epic hikes with a lot of elevation gain that require maximum effort and really test you if you are beyond your 20s. Well done guys!
Thank you!! Whitney will be our next big hike but we are going to do some training hikes first at those elevations and some over night trail camping trips.
@@prospectoverland camp at elevation to minimize altitude sickness. Even then might be an issue... fyi
IMO. I am 59. The average person in their 20s can’t do anything rigorous. They are soft.
I did Whitney and Half Dome while in my 30's- Whitney was really tough for the elevation. We got buzzed by an F-14 at the summit, such an awesome sight!
@@ktkt1825 wow that sounds unbelievable reference the F14. Congrats on those two tough hikes. Hope to be able to say the same soon.
While stationed at Ft. Ord near Monterey, CA my group of 5 GI's took a weekend leave driving to Yosemite in1960. I was age 22 and in tip top shape due to Army training. Three of us wanted to climb Half Dome and off we went. Half way up two guys went back down and eager me went on up. They told me to hurry so I did. Half running, half fast walking I made it to the top. I crawled to the edge photographing the valley 4,737 feet below. I took a quick and very good look at the sights shown in the Video. I made it down in record time to join my impatient friends who fortunately waited for me. Trying to attempt climbing the Dome could be just as courageous as going to the top. It's all for the adventure
Great job persevering. You now have a lifetime of memories. One of the most beautiful places on earth.
Thank you! Yes we for sure will never forget this one. Now that we accomplished that we have a list of some other iconic ones we want to attempt.
A 20 year old girl the other day slipped in the rain coming down and plunged to her death. She was with her father. Neither of them had a harness.
I know it, sooooo sad! We only saw one couple who had harnesses. Almost no one uses them. If we ever do it again I will be taking some sort or clip in device.
Make SURE not to find yourself on wet rock up there. Pretest your shoes for that possibility (I take spare shoes, light but better for wet rock). Wear gloves. Wear a harness. I have been told before "you are going to look like a noob!!" My answer was: "And???"
Does anyone have a harness
@@martinep6293looking like a noob is better than dying
@@martinep6293 hmm real hikers/campers come in all shapes and wardrobe! i never care about look during camping!
Truly a bucket list adventure...I did it in the late 80's when I was 21 years old...and our experience was very similar to yours...it kicked our ass as we did NOTHING to prepare for it. We ran out of food about 2/3rds of the way up...my buddy ate it all...I begged for trail mix for hours...ugh. And upon getting back after leaving at 4:30am and getting back at 5-6pm...we just fell into our tents and slept until noon the next day...then rented inner tubes and floated down the river all day easing our aching muscles in the freezing water!!! GREAT times....
What a beautiful couple you are. And such a beautiful post. I just happened to rise early, this morning and there the both o f your lovely faces were. I love the adventure you are on and it is very inspiring. I once had the opportunity to stay in a cabin in yosemite that a x owned and missed out when we broke up. But one can only see how wonderful this National Park is from just seeing it through the eyes of youtuber's like yourselves. We'll I hope the experience has been amazing for our lives here on Mother Earth certainly comes with some steep challenges. But if we could all be fearless like tbe both of you, I'm sure the rewards would be worth it. I admire the both of you for taking the leap of faith and just doing it. God bless your journey together and may you have much explicit fun. Journey On! 🎉😊❤
This hike not for the faint of heart! What an adventure. This video is as close to that half dome as I’ll ever get.
I did it with my 8 year old son. Started at Vermal Falls at about 9:00 AM and we were back in House Keeping by 7:00 PM
Thanks for showing your overland to Half Dome. 1n 1994, I was able to go halfway to Half Dome. I have a ton of respect for anyone who could complete the hike, let alone that dangerous climb. FYI, a 21-year old girl died there last week by falling on the ropped section. So, always be safe...in your travels with nature. Thank God for your hands!
They may be a little red, but they kept you alive! Great job!
Thank you for watching and the supportive kind words. Yes I saw that terrible story, so sad. Appreciate the comment. 🙏
A storm was coming in, the everything was wet. It's more dangerous on the way down, as with any climb.
Isn't that view at the top just EPIC? I've been up there twice now, and both times, I hiked all the way down craving a slice of pepperoni pizza and an ice-cold Pepsi. That's what pushed me forward! LOL. Glad you two did it at least once. Bucket list item for sure!
Hiked half dome with a dear friend. Realized we left too late when we got to the top, coming back was a challenge in the dark got to our tent and passed out 16 - 17 miles!
Yosemite brings back vivid memories back in the 70's as a kid with my parents and back then, you could randomly visit the park without reservations. Obviously, alot has changed since then. Yosemite and Kauai are the most beautiful places I have ever visited. For the hiking elite, the Kalalau trail in Kauai is a 22 mile round trip that has to be one of the most breath taking and difficult hikes in the US. Really enjoyed your video.
We love Hawaii and I will be looking up that hike. Appreciate the tip and watching our video.
@@prospectoverland Thank you for the reply. Looking forward to more of your videos.
I've climbed it maybe 10 times. Met my wife on the first attempt, (successful) , back in 1969. I've mostly climbed it during hikes on the JMT, but a few times just for the HD experience. I've climbed it twice from Tenaya canyon side, (once the cables were down, but we made it up hauling ourselves up on the cables, (they are still there, just lying on the surface. ). I'm too old to do it now. It is a great trip. But there are lots of other great hikes in and around the park. About 4 of the ascents, the air was not that great (smoke and smog) and couldn't see that much. I remember seeing a couple jets (military) zooming up the canyon BELOW us. They can't do that anymore thankfully!
Enjoyed the video. I've done half dome 3 times in my 20's and 30's before you needed a permit. Its a fantastic hike. Some people start up the cables and can't do it. One woman needed help getting down after starting up. At the top some people crawl to look over the ledge. There is triangular ledge you can stand on and its 2000 ft down on either side. I did that but didn't want anyone near me! great pic with sweaty palms. There is a warning at the bottom not to go up top if you see clouds on the horizon. A friend and I saw them a long way off and went up. Up top we started getting a static shock passing the camera. My friends hair started to stand up on his head. We got off fast at the base of the cables. I went to touch a metal pipe that was broken off. I got a big crack of static about 1/2 a foot away from touching it.
OMG!!!! Close call!
Myself and 8 other family and friends did Yosemite in 1995, 29 years ago! We did Half Dome and back in one day as well. We had more snow leading up to sub dome which made it rarely treacherous. I had to watch my friends feet on the way down, any glance otherwise flip my stomach. We took so long, we hiked from dark until dark. PS wear thin gloves on the cables, avoids rope burns.
wow that sounds like quiet the adventure with the snow. Yes, we just about did dark to dark. Maybe a hour or two short of sundown. I was sore for days after this. what a great memory for all 8 of you to talk about for the rest of your life.
I did it off season. No permit required and no traffic jams. No one else on the cables while I was on the dome, but when I got down there were some other people who were about to go up.
That sounds like a pretty pleasant experience then. Nice job. Thanks for watching.
I summited HD in 2017 @ 51 yo with my son who was 19 at the time. Got a nice pic on the 'diving board'. Great time, would totally do it again.
That's awesome. We didn't get a pic and kind of regret not taking one. I don't think I would have stood on it but my wife would have. Maybe that can be our motivation for doing it again some day. Thanks for watching.
Awesome! Almost went too far jumping up high and landing out on diving board. Got the picture Toyota! All time! Almost died. 92’
The first time I got a pic taken at the end of that rock I made the mistake of looking down over the side, and nearly toppled off. I quickly got off of it with total vertigo, and had to sit for a few minutes to collect myself. Since then I focus solely on the rock surface when out on that damn thing.
We always spend the night camping in Little Yosemite Valley and hike up to Half Dome the next morning.
Yeah that’s seems like a more enjoyable process and pace. But we only do truck camping and don’t have the equipment to do trail camping. We might start venturing into that in the future. Thanks for watching.
Personally I used a safety harness and carabiner, definitely gave me more confidence going down, knowing that I was strapped in, I slipped a few times and the safety harness probably saved my life, even just standing and leaning with the harness not having to hold on was nice
That sounds like it would make things much more enjoyable on that section. I’ll probably take a harness if I ever do it again. Thanks for watching.
@@prospectoverland I've done it a few times, and had some failures, I bring water purifier make sure to fill up at Vernal, there is also a semi-secret place to get water just before sub-dome, called sunrise creek, also trekking poles are a hug bonus in my opinion , especially coming down when you are tired, you can leave those and extra gear before the final climb to sub dome, either whtere the ranger is, or at that camps above vernal, enjoy
Slippery on a dry, clear day. I can imagine the day that young lady slipped, and fell during a sudden rain.
It must have been like Ice! Thanks for watching.
I have no plan to climb but do people bring double harness to hook the harness to the cable hand rail to avoid falls?
@@DanOhPhotography vast majority don’t. I saw one person with a simple harness and clip. Not sure why that’s the norm, I will certainly use one if we ever go back.
@@prospectoverland Yes. Glad to hear you will if you ever return though your husband said he won’t. LOL. Though we live in a free country and do whatever we want and there are free style climbers but for joe average climber should wear harness since it is so slippery.
I've taken both of my daughters up the top of Half Dome. They were 12 and 11 at the time of the hike. I'm a big fan of wearing a harness on the cable route for safety.
I think we will for sure next time. I only saw a couple people using them. Would have been worth it for sure.
@@prospectoverland It was so worth it! You can see the ease of using them here. I filmed it too so my daughter would never forget- czcams.com/video/RUv-IkZ4MFg/video.html
@@prospectoverland thought you said you weren't going back...did you change your mind?
@@terrirocklover7957 zero plans to ever do it again. Especially since that poor girl died this last week on it. But if I did, harnesses for sure.
I’m 65 and first did half dome in my 20’s. We camped up top. It was legal back then. Been up 5 times since but the crowds and permits sure are a turn off now. Still an epic day you should do at least once- if you can score a permit!
Wow good for you . 5 times is a big accomplishment. I don’t think I’ll be doing it that many times ever ha. Thanks for watching
I did it once when I was a teenager. Never felt the need to do it again. Going down was harder then going up.
Yes going down was much more physical than going up which was a surprise to us. Thanks for watching!
I was 13 or 14 the first time I climbed half though I’ve done it three times it’s not that bad if you’re afraid of heights, it could be a little bit iffy. I’ve went up with the cables down before. The secret to coming down and having to wait is get as close to a pole as you can that way you have a place to rest your foot, and you can stand there forever if you need to
Yeah it was crazy difficult physically but the heights made that last section not enjoyable. But being on the top of HD was worth the few minutes of fear.
It's amusing what people call verticle. Been there, did that and being cautious, hydrated in shape with good shoes, it is not that extreme of an ordeal
Thanks for watching
I am terriied of heights. I won the lottery for half dome a few years ago. I backed out a week before we were supposed to go. I just couldn't grasp the idea of doing this. I'm impressed that you did this.
Your instinct is your best friend. Good decision!!
I did that hike with team from work back in 80's. The hike back was the worst part. My feet felt like hamburger. There were woman in high heels on the trial up; we laughed! I dodn't think my knee can handle it today, but I'd love to do with my grown up kids. Thanks for sharing
Just stumbled across your videos, and I'm going to go off a complete tangent: I had the same sort of bump on my nose in my 20s, and it turned out to be trichoepithelioma, slow growing cancer. I looked back at your previous videos and it's about the same growth rate. Get a biopsy if you haven't already.
Been the same size for years or even decades. I’ve had it check before. But thanks I’ll keep it in mind.
That was stressful ,i appreciate the hard work You put in .The waterfall was really awesome. I am glad You could accomplish that.
Thank you for the kind words and your appreciation of the effort it took to do the hike and film at the same time. Thanks for watching.
Hiked Half Dome in the early 80's during a high water year- started before sunrise and wanted to shoot some images (Ektachrome) off the leading edge. To keep us humble, we were passed going up by a trail runner- I was told they did the full stretch often to stay in shape! The falls were incredible (only Vernal and Nevada are there- it's called the ''Mist Trail''). Could not, for the life of me, will myself near it standing so I crawled over but only within 3'-- so intimidating! It was a long hike down, but well worth it. Got down in the dark- so hungry and tired, but a must for anyone who loves the grand scene- Yosemite! I'll always remember it-
That’s a lot of how I felt. Scared and overwhelmed by the sheer drop off but so happy with the accomplishment at the end of the very long day. Thanks for watching.
I felt the same way when we hiked to delicate arch in Moab. Hard hike but worth it and will not be doing it again. 2 old people died by falling off the cliff when we went so its not an easy hike. I wanted to do half dome when I was younger and never did. Its videos for me now lol.
Haven’t heard of that hike, I’ll check it out. But wow sounds crazy.
It’s really not that bad hiking to Delicate Arch. Done it numbers of times.
Thanks for filming the hike to half dome. I would NEVER climb half Dome because I’m scared of height but I would hike to half dome base. The hike to half Dome looks beautiful.
Also thanks for being real and showing yoir fears and reserves about hiking 18 miles….,very relatable! Keep it up!
Thank you so much, I appreciate you watching and glad you liked the video.
Yes I would do the hike to sub dome again. It was amazing. I just don’t think I care about going up and down the cables again.
Unfortunately, still need a half dome permit to even do the sub dome section 🤷♂️
Those western national parks are really something.
Lmfao 16:37 most relatable. Def would have chosen a nice air conditioned motel room. 🤣
Hahah thanks. Had zero desire to set up camp again. It was the best $200 hotel I’ve ever spent money on.
This was great. Thanks for sharing your experiences in such an honest and humble way. Definitely impressed you made it up and back!
So awesome you 2! I’m so proud of you both.
I will never do that hike so I will live thru you.👍🏼
"Mist Falls".... it's actually Vernal Falls. Nice vid. Good adventure. My favorite place on planet earth.
Thanks for watching and yeah I guess I swapped the names around a bit, a few people have commented that.
Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. Probably the best hike in Yosemite.
@@gary22pcb The Panorama Trail from Glacier Pt down to the valley floor at Happy Isles is the best hike in Yosemite. You get the Nevada and Vernal on the way down. 11 miles of the best views that the day trippers will never see. Us locals enjoy it to ourselves.
@@user-ei3ml8jo1s Start in Happy Isles. Walk over to the 4 Mile Trail and go up that to Glacier Point. Then take the Panorama Trail to the Mist Trail. And then back down to Happy Isles. 16 miles 4,500 elevation gain. I call it "The Grand Tour".
@user-ei3ml8jo1s That is also good. I lived in Fresno for 11 years and always hit the Sequoias, Redwoods, and Yosemite. I always enjoyed hiking to fire lookouts too. I miss being there.
Did this hike starting from Glacier Point which saved a whole lot of uphill on the way there. Had a 70yo lady give me a jar of peanut butter so she could lighten her pack before climbing the cables 😅
That sounds like a fun more relaxing route.
Just did this last week! Happy I did it, don't ever need to do it again. :P Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
Well congrats to you for completing. Same, I am good….for a long time if ever again. Thanks for watching.
My husband and I have a little Winnebago that we have taken from New Hampshire to Yellowstone. Not sure if we have the energy to keep going to CA. Years ago I wanted to hike Half Dome but my kids researched it and said: "NO YOU ARE NOT." Same for Angels Landing. (Those kids just aren't any fun. :-)) It's too risky now and more importantly, it's not 'calling' me.
I have to disagree with comments: "It was tough and scary but so worth it." No it isn't. I would be haunted for the rest of my life if I saw someone fall. I would jump off a bridge if I saw my husband fall. I'll stick to the waterfalls in Yellowstone and the jaw dropping wonder of Devils Tower. We hiked around it, just 2.5 miles. But glad you two had a great time. Happy Trails.
This hike is an incredible accomplishment and a must do for anyone into the outdoors. I found hiking poles to be helpful, especially on the way down. I have a bad knee, and the poles help reduce some of the weight and impact.
Yosemite is my favorite place on Earth, especially when you can hike above the valley and leave 95% of the crowd behind. Great video!
Yes we should have used our poles a lot more. Only used them for maybe a mile on the decline. We paid for that mistake. I really like upper Yosemite by Tiago pass, the crowds are non existent. Thanks for watching!!
@@prospectoverland yeah one of my first backpacking trips in the park was to Young Lakes. So cool being way back there with very few others.
Next time you’re in Yosemite Valley, a challenging but more isolated and still amazing hike is the Four Mile Trail to Panorama Trail Loop. Not nearly as hard as Half Dome, but still a full day.
@@eonstot thanks for the recommendation. I’ll look it up.
You two are my people. 😊
Hahaha thanks 🙏
Just ran across the video and the channel! Hello, from the Great Smoky Mountains!
Hi!!!! Thanks for watch, appreciate it 👍👍👍
You did the right thing by starting early.
Using a harness would not be practical because of the posts that the cables goes through, you would have to continually disconnect and reconnect. It would also hold up people a lot and that is dangerous in itself. I've seen people going on the outside of the cables and that is dangerous. Stay within them and constantly have a grip on them with at least one hand at all times. It's also good to take gloves for this purpose.
Thanks for the honest review. It looks so stunning up there and while I love hiking and in shape I won’t be climbing half dome 😂 like you, terrified of heights and not worth the risk to me. But hiking the other areas and seeing waterfalls would be amazing and on my bucket list.
The traffic jams on the way down were so scary and I almost had a panic attack!
Yes! Having to hold on for so long while waiting for your chance to make any down hill progress.
Just imahine, , before the permit system, up to 1200 hikers a day would scale Half Dome.
I made that day hike 3 times before permits were required. The last time I came down from Nevada Falls almost in tears because of my knees! I knew it would be my last time but it's a Bucket List thing to do. hooray you guys made it.
Wow 3 times. Thats amazing. Yes the knees and calf’s were screaming by the end.
That was a great video about the hike. You guys are great!
Thank you! Appreciate it 🙏
Actually getting the permits 6 month’s in advance and having base camp at North Pines campground. Waking up at 5 am and in the hike before 6 am towards Vernal Falls and setting up mid campsite at Little Yosemite gives you time to recuperate from the hike up Misty Falls towards Little Yosemite. Then wake up at 5 am be on the trail towards 1/2 Dome by 6 am wear a double set of hiking gloves (the ones at Home Depot/Lowes for labor/hardware work well). Then hike back down to mid camp at Little Yosemite camp pack it up and if possible go back down the John Muir Trail it’s easier on your feet, there’s fresh water near the river and flushable toilets 🚽 just make sure you don’t get stung by bees 🐝
Sounds like a more enjoyable version than ours. Take your time and camp 👍. Yeah we went down JMT and yes, better than going back down all the mist trail steps. Didn’t see any bees. Thanks for watching.
Go up the face no lines or crowds or cables......... It is a very beautiful monolith I'm sure you guys will never forget it. 👍
Magnificent! I love the donkey seen. I love donkeys. 😊 Awesome waterfall seen too. 😊 cool 😎
Although I’m sure they would prefer to not be hauling water jugs, but they couldn’t be working in a more amazing area.
Wow I remember doing that hike back when you didn’t need a permit I loved it but by the time I got back I thought I was going to die lol it was the opposite for me the cables seemed a lot easier coming down then going up I was in my late 40,s glad I did it then I don’t think I can do it now.
We are in our 30’s and so sore for a couple days after this. I was certainly worried for some of the much older folks trying it. Or even some of the younger folks that were just clearly unprepared.
Thanks for sharing your Halfdome journey. I've made the trek twice back in the early 2000's before the lottery system and as you say it was epic and 'twice' in a lifetime bucket list adventure for me. I have some great pictures out on the ridge that juts out at the top and likely won't forget those experiences with my hiking buddies. I was even confronted by a smallish black bear which probably weighed three or four times my weight. It was after the hike when brushing my teeth before bedtime and I was so tired that if it charged me, I'm sure I'd be toast! 😅
Wow awesome job with the two time summit. What a memorable experience. Thanks for watching.
I hiked back in the 90’s no permits needed back then. I did but bring enough water and nearly died on the hike back but a friendly hiker gave me a sprite!!! It was worth it but I probably would not do it again!
So, I think what’s so interesting about u guys, y’all legit just seem like normal people. Yet are doing incredible things.
Haha yep, just regular peeps. And thank you! We hope to do Whitney as our next bucket list hike but that won’t be for a bit. We are going to train for that one.
Did this hike with my dad and two brothers. Was an amazing hike and experience. I think you guys documented what to expect really well. There are a lot of people that shouldn't be hiking this trail that do though. The cables are sketch, I'd recommend having some sort of safety system going down if you can. Hardest hike I've done but well worth it.
That's an awesome memory for the three of you. I love that we will have this memory the rest of our lives. I think if we ever did it again I would bring some sort of minimal harness to clip in. Not worth slipping. And yes, there were a decent amount of people that had no business being up there. They were cramped laying on the rocks, throwing up etc and they forget that's only half way. You still have to go back the 8 miles to finish.
@@prospectoverland I was in the best shape of my life, but I had just torn my hamstring the wenesday before. It sucked, but it was something we were doing togther after my mom passed so I wasn't going to miss it. My brother didn't believe me until I showed him the giant black bruise from my butt to my Knee. Only two of us made it to the top. Dad is terrified of heights and older brother wasn't in great shape at the time. Cool that you guys have this memory documented. We have a few cool pics from ours.
You two are so cute. I'm very proud of you both.great video..thanks for taking us along ❤️
Awww thanks. We appreciate you watching and commenting. Dont have a time line just yet but we will be doing some other popular hikes over fall and spring next year we are looking forward to and will be filming.
I totally appreciate your dislike of heights.
I froze about half way up a 100' tall fire watch tower. Stairs treads were open grid design (u can see thru em).
Got passed by a 7 yr old & descended slowly back down to earth, slightly defeated by being outgunned by said 7 year old ~
Funny thing is I remember loving heights, climbing tall trees, etc., as a kid.
It’s a really inconvenient fear to have haha. Wish I could get over it.
Thanks for watching though! Appreciate it.
Your equilibrium can change with age; I did lots o crazy stuff when younger, including Half Dome @ 14
During our recent climb up the cables to Half Dome, we slept in a hotel (Yosemite Cedar Lodge just outside the park) the night before. We all woke up and began hiking at 5am. It was nice to have a good night's sleep on a comfortable mattress the night before. By the time we made it back to the hotel, it was already nightfall. It was pretty spectacular sleep that night.
Just FYI it’s not called Mist Falls, it’s Vernal Fall…cheers
Yeah I realized now after a few people have commented that I was swapping names around. Thanks for watching.
Awesome - love Yoesemite. I still remember the first time I've done that hike...going up wasn't hard but coming down is what killed my hips. It got pretty difficult as I was getting lower.
You think there was a lot of people on the cables, imagine how it was before they started limiting the amount of people that can hike it each day - it was nuts.
Really need to do it again.
Yeah I can’t imagine back when it wasn’t regulated to a fixed amount of people. It must have been nut, and just straight up unsafe on those cables.
But yes, the descent was rough physically, the knees and joints took a beating with all that stepping down.
Congrats on your accomplishment of doing it whenever that was.
There's no way in hell I would do that..
Jealous~! I tried last summer x2, failed to get the ticket lottery both times. However, even reaching to the base of the subdome, made me so refreshed and relaxing. I got healed (mentally and psychologically, not physically, of course! lol) but thx for sharing your experience up there at half donme! Wish to be there again! :D
In a similar way, I've found hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon can actually be worse than coming back up. Unless you're doing it in the summer heat - which is something no one should do, but many attempt anyway.
I made it to the top with some college buddies back in the late 90’s. We all had kids so with our “dad bods” we did the best we could to train for 6 months and prepare for the hike. We camped where we could walk to the trail and were on it before sunrise. We beat the crowds and were on the cables with few people. We spent some time at the top and went down the cables in light traffic. We did run out of water about 2-3 miles before our campsite but that made the ice cold beers even better. And I would not do it again.
We live 2 hours west and visit the park often. ( never in the summer season) Even though my wife and I still hike and surf, at 65 years old, we have no desire to put ourselves through that ordeal.
I’m with you on the whole height thing as well. Not so much a fear of heights; more like a fear of falling to my death! Lol
Thanks for taking us there.👍
Wear a HARNESS.
Or just watch this video
@@colleensmith3374
Yes! This is enough for me. Lol👌
I agree
Gut instinct is your best friend. Good decision!! You don't have to prove yourself to anyone! ❤️
Id imagine the rock gets more slippery the more people hike up it basically sanding it down down with fine grit
Exactly. It just gets more and more polished.
You two are way too awesome!! I am also slightly acrophobic. I would rather wrestle a mama grizzly than climb a ladder. I did climb Mt. Whitney which was an incredible climb for me. There was one section we had to walk over and it was ice with a 1,000 foot drop off ledge.
Glad to see you overcame your fear of heights. I have that same fear and I'm not so sure I could push thru the way you did. Great job guys!
Thanks Tom. Hope your trip went well last month also.
I did HD before the permit were required.
The cable trail was so crowded that, coming down, we went outside the cables and “rappelled” down (hanging onto the cable for dear life!)
Scary
My knee would start burning on the way down, so we’d go down the Muir Trail instead of the Mist Trail. A little longer, but, since it’s a pack trail, it’s a more gradual decline.
Yeah we came down JMT too instead of mist.
I hiked Half Dome when I was about 15, encountered a bear on the trail up. I've developed a fear of height over the years, so I won't be doing that again. Maybe hard to believe, but the cables look in better shape now.
The cables were in decent shape but the wood board slats between the poles were awfully sketching and loose. Thanks for watching.
Congrats guys and speedy recovery on the aches. Thank you for the awesome tips regarding the bike trails.
I just hiked half dome 4 days ago. It’s a long treacherous hike up to the top. The hike is challenging but the view up on top of Half Dome isn’t great. There are way better views up on top ie Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, and spectacular Glacier Point imo
Good to know, thanks 😊
A little tip when heading back down. Veer off to the John Muir Trail to avoid going down the wet Mist Trail.
Yes we did go down the JMT switch backs. Certainly better than the wet trail. The upper section of JMT was closed due to a rock fall. Thanks for watching.
Great job! Glad you guys did it. Beautiful job capturing Yosemite!
Hey! 👋 Appreciate it!!! Thanks for checking it out.
Just looking for info on the "ledge trail" to Glacier Point. It started in Camp Curry, was 3/4 mile long, one way only and 16 yrs of age to use it. I heard it traveled along the ledge that the "firefall" landed on. I hiked many trails , including the "loop trail" from Happy Isles over Vernal, Nevada Falls, Vogelsange Pass, Tualame Meadows, Glen Aulin +++ back to Yosemite valley. That was in 1955? After I was 16, I no longer vacationed with my parents to Yosemite. My loss. We live in Oakhurst now, but hiking is not on the list anymore.
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We absolutely love Tuolomne Meadow. One of our favorite parts of Yosemite NP. We did that section last year.
Oh we stayed in Oakhurst after this half dome hike at one of the brand new hotels. Was a very nice area.
Thanks for watching.
This looks hard enough already. To think that Alex Honnold climbed from the other side with no rope is insane.
I’m glad you all had a great time! I was also able to do half dome a few days after you and going down was definitely worse! By the way I’m the one you met at tunnel view with the crying baby lol! Sick rig man, keep the videos coming!
Hey man!! Yeah I remember. Thats rad, glad ya got to do it. Down was for sure the difficult part. All those miles of down hill and thousands of steep steps was tricky!!!
Dude you are so lucky I would have stole this dudes girl she's a cutie pie.
This hike is insane
I was insane views but also insane terrain. Happy to have accomplished it.
i hiked twice and the subdome was always scarier than the half dome, esp on the return!
I was more scared of half dome but subdome was physically harder in my personal opinion.
I hiked it years ago it’s a bunch of friends. I told them I had no interest in the cable part and I waited for them to get back. I am still glad I didn’t do it. They were stuck for over an hour because someone panicked and would not move 😬
Still an awesome hike and good for you for recognizing your limitation with the fear and just waiting for them. No shame in that whatsoever. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I remember coming back down from mount baldy and swearing never to do it again….within two months I was training again to go back…I am almost eighty…
awesome vid -thanks for sharing-you two are troopers
Thanks for watching!!! Appreciate it
On a hot day, the mist trail is great because you get wet and cool off. You dry off in about 1/2 hr.
I bet! We ended up returning on the JMT and didn’t come down Mist Trail otherwise it would have felt great at the end of the hike. Thanks for watching.
I’ve hiked it twice in my life, and as amazing an experience it was, I doubt I’ll do it again. Not good enough shape anymore, and I had symptoms of heat exhaustion from another time up Yosemite Falls in 100° F heat. I’d be happy to hike to the top of Vernal and Nevada Falls again though!
Well twice is awfully good. I wouldn’t mind going to sub dome again, just not sure I need to do the cable section again. I’ll wait at the bottom while friends or whoever go to the top. We will have to go back and just enjoy the water fall sections. We didn’t have time to stop and enjoy, had to keep moving down the trail.
Man those temps sound like they were awful. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Going up is always easier. Same with Yosemite falls. I hope you didn't go down Mist Trail. There is an easier way. On the way down, I'm always saying "last time." Then you finish and it was awesome. First time I hiked Yosemite Falls, I drank a full beer when I got back to Curry and it never touched my throat. It just went down.
Trust your instinct! We hiked to the bottom of cable 15 yrs ago but decided to not go up due to the risk and lack of preparation on our part. Wearing running shoes with no gloves! Legs remained sore for a week after!
We had good hiking shoes and gloves. So our equipment prep was good…only thing not ready was my fear of heights. But figured I’d push through that and be happy I did by the end of it. I was sore for days. Thanks for watching.
The Yosemite campground ranger said, "You have to go", in that no nonsense steely-eyed past her prime glare (when I asked to extend my stay). Fine...I drove around until I found a employee I could reason with, for a out-of-the-way spot to 'nitch it' in my van. Bro employee asked me if I had a tent...(yes..! I have my trusty Moss..) you're all set he said, ..go to camp 4 where all the climbers stay, they share camp spots so pitch your tent there, fill out the card and then you can sleep in your van. Cool! Off I go, (great advise.. just as he told me). I wanted to check on my tent before turning in for the night to make sure I had done everything right. When I was doing the walk around my tent, I said hello to these two climbers cooking at the table. I walk over to meet these guys, and started off by saying, "You guys are NUTS!!!" We launched into a conversation that resulted in a challenge for to me to join them do do a Tyrolean traverse 2,500' off the ground out to the Lost Arrow Spire the following morning. He said the rope can hold the weight of a Toyota truck, and he could get me off the rope if I black out from fear...what's your excuse now??!! I had none.
To this day, my memories of dangling out there 1/2 mile off the ground, doing one of the most iconic traverses in the world my first 10 minutes of climbing... will forever be the cherry on my sundae. ✍))) Yellow Bird is also my favorite sauce*
Massive well done for doing that. 👏🏻 A great video. Really enjoyed watching. There is no way I could do the coming down bit. I even struggle going downhill on an easy walk called the seven sisters here in England. Love to you both. Rob
A good long hike, but with so many other options there's no reason to do it again, especially with limited reservations available. We just did it for the second time (~25 years later), since our kids hadn't done it. It was during the heat wave in July, with the valley getting to 106, so my sister had us at the trailhead before 3am...which meant using headlamps for all of the mist trail. It was quiet at the top, with just backpackers there. But the heat hit on the lower section, and going down into the valley was tough.
Wow those temps sounds terrible to deal with. If we ever did it again I think I would copy some of the folks we talked to on the trail and leave at midnight. Summit the dome for sunrise. Then hike back in the mid morning to avoid any sort of heat.
@@prospectoverland It's not an easy hike, and the footing just isn't great for doing in the dark. My sister had started at 4am the year before, so thought it was a good idea. But then while hiking she talked about getting lost in the dark a couple times, and we nearly lost the trail a few times. There was just enough light that I was able to turn off my headlamp on an easy section at 5am. I wouldn't suggest anyone start before then, which then gives a tiny bit of light 1 mile in when you are off the paved section.
Each person is different, but lack of light on a rocky stair step climb and lack of sleep is tough to make up for. If you really really want the sunrise, backpack up to the camp the day before, and then the remaining hike is a lot shorter and easier. We talked to many people who did that, some doing the JMT, one doing the PCT, and a few that just couldn't get normal half dome permits but were able to get backpacking permits and then the special add-on for half dome.
@@giro994 that’s a good consideration about the low lighting and climbing those stairs. Now that I’ve done it and have a track saved on all trails I wouldn’t think I would get lost but good point about footing and being hard to see.
We aren’t overnight backpackers but might start trying that for some of these bigger hikes. I have some good friends that’s do multi day stuff on the trail so I’ll maybe tag along with them to learn a few times.