Difficulty. Rocky, intense incline, lots of fat squirrels. A few wilderness permits are available for those wishing to hike Half Dome and want to stay the night in Little Yosemite Valley. Check out the view at Glacier Point before you do Half Dome, it's really cool to see where you're headed before you go there. At Yosemite, the flames, which are within view of Half Dome, were originally sparked by lightning around July 20 but were not located by park officials until Aug. 14. Yosemite National Park charges a fee to enter. BEWARE of nighttime BLACK BEAR food raids in Little Yosemite Valley! – – –Little Yosemite Valley Hiking along this trail, (or if you camp overnight at Little Yosemite Valley on this trail) you will have a view of the backside of Half Dome: and further up the trail from Little Yosemite Valley to Half Dome and the cables route up, here is a view from the trail: It’s 400 vertical feet of climbing up slick granite, at a 45-degree angle. (Important) If you obtain a wilderness or backpacking permit for Half Dome, YOU MUST camp in the Little Yosemite Valley backpackers campground. Half Dome via Little Yosemite Valley Campsite is a 6.8 mile out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that offers scenic views and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. I used rock climbing shoes and my normally much-faster friend used hiking boots. You can do it!! Le Half Dome (« Demi Dôme » en anglais) est un dôme granitique situé à l’extrémité est de la vallée de Yosemite, sans doute l’élément le plus célèbre de la vallée. The first time I hiked half dome it took me nearly 7 hours just to make it to Little Yosemite Valley. Cloud’s Rest to Little Yosemite Valley; Climbing the Half Dome Cables; california national park. I'm a plant lover, passionate road-tripper, and cookbook author whose expert advice and bestselling books have been featured in TIME, Outside, HGTV, and Food & Wine. Water may not be available along the way, so carry plenty. View of Yosemite Valley from the top of Half Dome. After about a 3 mile hike you will find yourself at the base of Half Dome where you will see two parallel cables pretty much going vertical. Half Dome is situated 1½ miles northwest of Little Yosemite Valley … Hike along the cables to the summit of Half Dome and gaze down almost 5,000 feet into Yosemite Valley… It’s a long day, but for good reason. Please explore responsibly! Soon, we passed Little Yosemite Valley and began our way up to the Sub Dome. Longer than advertised. You can break up this hike up into two or three days by camping overnight in Little Yosemite Campground. Enjoy the site, but not for too long since you still have a ways to go, the views only get better, and the crowds smaller. The day trip is a real grind as you are speculating. I'm a plant lover, passionate road-tripper, and cookbook author whose expert advice and bestselling books have been featured in TIME, Outside, HGTV, and Food & Wine. It’s another morning in paradise waking up between the pines with a coffee in hand. A steep uphill hike leads to Quarter Dome where rangers will check that your wilderness permit includes Half Dome. Itinerary. The youngest Yosemite Valley pluton is the 87-million-year-old Half Dome granodiorite, which makes up most of the rock at Glacier Point, the Royal Arches, and its namesake, Half Dome. More Information for Your Trip to Yosemite: From Little Yosemite Valley, the hike to the summit of Half Dome is 4.1 miles. Day 3 – Little Yosemite Valley Camp and Half Dome Hike Summit. Gloves with grip are essential. As I climbed, the views just got more incredible. Amazing Adventure. Answer 1 of 6: Hi, I'm trying to decide whether is worth taking with me all my camping gear and do the Half Dome as a two days hike. Best hike that I've ever done. The Half Dome hiking season typically runs from the Friday before Memorial Day in May through mid-October. The yellow line marks the ascent from Nevada Fall to the top of Half Dome. This trail climbs from the Yosemite Valley floor to the top of the park’s most famous icon, passing two massive waterfalls along the way. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. The park is an icon and an international travel destination for millions of people every year. The climb to the top is doable and if you’re going to do this trail, might as well do it. A fire rises above Little Yosemite Valley near Yosemite National Park, Calif., Sept. 7, 2014. Take it from someone who (just barely) made it to the top and back, successfully completing this hike requires preparation and stamina. At night we’ll kick back and soak up the beauty next to a warm campfire and those endless High Sierra stars! Cloud’s Rest to Little Yosemite Valley; Climbing the Half Dome Cables; california national park. I have done like 10 days of camping with a 65L. well. Everyone staying in LYV Campground needs to take appropriate measures to ensure no bears are attracted by food in the open. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. The Half Dome Cables This is what you see one you crest the Sub Dome: the iconic cables section of Half Dome. Great hike. Cables were no sweat with rubberized gloves. We did it in the morning when the smoke wasn't so bad and the temperature was cooler. You cannot drive to the Campground to begin your hike. Hiking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is not for the faint of heart. By each minute, we were getting tired from the physical exertion and the lack of sleep. Full fingered thermoplastic rubberized gloves are a must. This should include your hike and overnight at the Campground. Clocking in at 17 miles round trip, 5,457 feet elevation gain, and 10-14 hours to complete, do not underestimate it. The Trail You'll hike more... Backpack to Little Yosemite Valley Campsite and Hike Half Dome, Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls). Tom Bricker says: August 31, 2016 at 9:52 pm . Beautiful day only saw two other guys On the trail. We reached the shoulder, and climb the series of steep switchbacks with big steps carved into the granite. It lies adjacent, to the north of Nevada Fall, on the John Muir Trail at 37°43′43″N 119°31′57″W / 37.72861°N 119.53250°W . Many who head to Little Yosemite Valley are thru-hikers, intent on making the full 211-mile trip to Mt. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! There was a time I was the only person on the cables—both nice and eerie. When you are in the valley, don’t forget to go for a walk through the wooden pathways and take a dip in the Merced River during the summer. The last reliable water source to refill at (with a filter) is the Merced River in Little Yosemite Valley. It's not a heavy commitment like the PCT or AT but it's also no week long vacation from work, backpacking the woods of your local forests either. The level of difficulty will vary from person to person and depend upon both fitness and hiking experience. 10 total. Liberty Cap is a granite dome in Yosemite National Park, California, United States, which lies at the extreme northwestern margin of Little Yosemite Valley. Little Yosemite Valley. Little Yosemite Valley. I summited on a Thursday morning (around 10 am) after spending the night in Little Yosemite Village. Originally we hiked it on 8/21. Will definitely do it again. Toponymie. Length 6.8 miElevation gain 2719 ftRoute type Out & back Given our camping gear's weight I wouldn't like to hike... Yosemite National Park. Little Yosemite Valley is a flat valley at 6200' along the Merced River, above Nevada Falls and upstream from the main Yosemite Valley. There are also two large communal campfire rings and a compost toilet for the entire grounds to use. After years of wanting to do this trip, i finally got a chance to backpack through Yosemite and hike to the top of Half Dome. Half Dome: Backpack Half Dome Via Little Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park, 9/28-30. Kai Schreiber. This means if you want a walk up permit for Friday night, you need to get in line at the Valley Wilderness Center early in the morning on Thursday for the 11 am release. After failing to get wilderness permits the day before our hike we went back to the wilderness center around 8 am the day we wanted to go up and were able to get same day cancellation permits. This article is overall very helpful. This video is a 4-minute "connection" of best short videos taken July 6-7, 2017. Little Yosemite Valley, situated between Half Dome, Liberty Cap and the Cascade Cliffs, and straddling the Merced River, is within close proximity of the national park's main valley. Wow, 20 miles up and back. Little Yosemite Valley lies upstream from Nevada Fall, at an elevation of 6,100 feet (1,860 meters). We ate dinner, relaxed and called it a night. As you become more conditioned, you’ll be much faster (more recently I went again and it only took me about 3-4 hours), but plan accordingly according to your fitness level. This is the perfect overnight option for anyone who wants to get up early and beat the Half Dome crowds. The trail starts at the Happy Isles trailhead, and camping is situated next to a serene river, where you can restock water and relax in the soft sunset light before an early start. actually, you'll take it) to the top of Nevada Fall. On day one, hike the Mist Trail to Little Yosemite Campground (4.3 miles), on day two hike 7 miles round trip to Half Dome, and on day 3 hike back to the Yosemite Valley via the Muir or Mist trails. Half Dome via Little Yosemite Valley Campsite is a 6.8 mile out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that offers scenic views and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. Little Yosemite Valley and Half Dome. Outhouse at Little Yosemite Valley campground. Look for the Happy Isles Trail head and begin your trek towards Little Yosemite Valley (3.8 miles). Set up camp right next to a peaceful river you can dunk into after a long trek and of course a nice water source. There is a bit of smoke on the trail, but visibility was nice today! United States ; California (CA) Yosemite National Park ; Things to Do in Yosemite National Park ; Little Yosemite Valley; Search. Best hike that I've ever done. On day one, hike the Mist Trail to Little Yosemite Campground (4.3 miles), on day two hike 7 miles round trip to Half Dome, and on day 3 hike back to the Yosemite Valley via the Muir or Mist trails. Water may not be available along the way, so carry plenty. Don't forget your camera. As I climbed, the views just got more incredible. When open, you can drive to Glacier Point by traveling on the Wawona Road (the continuation of Highway 41 within the park)either north from Wawona or south from Yosemite Valley. The hike to the valley features two waterfalls and amazing scenery Recommend making this an extended backcountry trip to get away from the crowds. Bring a filter if you don’t want to carry a lot of water. are – it’s the very bottom. This whole thing is amazing. Would definitely recommend! Whitney. Half Dome – 16mi / 25.7km. Made top in 6 hours. Bring a water filter so you don’t have to carry loads of water. HOLY SHIT HAHAH But worth it to get to sub dome, for sure. Half Dome is a granite dome in Yosemite National Park, located in northeastern Mariposa County, California, at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley — possibly Yosemite's most familiar rock formation. Most climbers only visit the far west end, while hiking to or descending from Half Dome. Great overnight site with direct access to Half Dome for a next-day hike. I didn't slip. This section allows you to walk around Half Dome in order to orient you toward the side that can actually be hiked (the side that is facing the valley is a vertical drop that attracts rock climbers from around the world). The cables on Half Dome serve as railings and spaced wooden slats on the rock provide resting spots. Stopped for a swim at Little Yosemite. Coming down was easier for me. 7am is anyway a . Most of the permits—225 per day—are released in spring. We fuel up on a tasty breakfast before continuing our journey towards Half Dome. Overall this is a great overnight trip for an intermediate backpacker. Views include Glacier Point, Illilouette Falls, Yosemite Falls. Stairs going down was brutal. Seasonal amenities include ice skating, bike rentals, swimming pool, rock climbing and guided hikes. Lots of amazing sites and a nice adrenaline rush. Little Yosemite Valley includes a trail to the summit of Half Dome, the High Sierra Camp by Merced Lake, and Clouds Rest spectacular views. Bring LOTS of water, snacks and electrolytes. It also didn’t help that we both knew how tough the Sub Dome was going to be. As you become more conditioned, you’ll be much faster (more recently I went again and it only took me about 3-4 hours), but plan accordingly according to your fitness level. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. By each minute, we were getting tired from the physical exertion and the lack of sleep. The hike up Half Dome itself – on day 2 – is an exciting and highly gratifying experience. The 4.3-mile trail from main Yosemite Valley to Little Yosemite Valley has 2,065 feet of elevation gain, is scenic and popular. I was backpacking, so possibly a bit slower with a heavier pack, but something to keep in mind. You will need to get a wilderness pass by entering the lottery for Half Dome access. Others have their eyes set on Half Dome. I was not aclimated to the altitude and had a raging headache for the limited time I was on top. Anyone who is interested in visiting Little Yosemite Valley can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. Stairs are relentless, but they will end. Reply. Perfect for filtering water and dunking your head after the long hike up Half Dome. Smoky most of the day from the Blue Jay Fire until right before sunset where there was some more visibility. I recommend bringing at least 5-6L during the summer. Yosemite Valley to Half Dome Route. Bring a bear canister or use the communal bear lockers. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. Incredible views of Yosemite from the top of Half Dome. Trailhead: Happy Isles shuttle stop in Yosemite Valley Elevation Change: 4,800 feet (1,463 meters) Most Half Dome Hikers start and finish the hike in Yosemite Valley (elevation 4,000 feet). - Complimentary shuttle services . People usually love it or hate it. Valleys. Watch videos on YouTube to know what to expect regarding the cables- they are tricky. Set up camp right next to a peaceful river you can dunk into after a long trek and of course a nice water source. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Not much shade at that point so bring I would say at least 2 litters of water. Made it to sub dome and decided not to go up to Half Dome - couldn't see much and I was not prepared for that climb! Hiking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is not for the faint of heart. Despite an 1865 report declaring that it was \"perfectly inaccessible, being probably the only one of the prominent points about the Yosemite which never has been, and never will be, trodden by human foot,\" George Anderson reached the summit in 1875, in the process laying the predecessor to today's cable route. Great overnight site with direct access to Half Dome for a next-day hike. Wilderness permits for the trails leading to Little Yosemite Valley are the most difficult to obtain, and a wilderness permit reservation is strongly recommended. Option 2: Another option is to start from Yosemite Valley, but instead of trying to complete Half Dome and back in a day, to instead camp at Little Yosemite. How to reach the trailhead ? The weight of the climbing shoes was worth it for safety. I know it sounds miserable waking up that early but it was 100% worth it. This is definitely the way to do Half Dome! Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and a great challenge to many hikers. Get early to the cables. Part of mist trail was closed 7am-4pm , we took it on the way back after 4 and it was totally fine. If you hate working out and hate the StairMaster even more, the Sub Dome is StairMaster set at the max level. They will likely give you a pass. mile from the Curry Village to the trail head as well. Half Dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. The hike to the valley features two waterfalls and amazing scenery. A fire rises above Little Yosemite Valley near Yosemite National Park, Calif., Sept. 7, 2014. All Trails is deceptive. I was backpacking, so possibly a bit slower with a heavier pack, but something to keep in mind. I have to disagree about the dayhike up Half Dome being "a real grind". I have done half dome both in a day trip and used Little Yosemite Valley as a base camp (and have stayed overnight on half dome!). Yosemite Valley to Half Dome (2-3 days) This strenuous hike begins and ends in Half Dome village, Yosemite Valley. The hike takes you along Tenaya Creek, Mirror Lake, and a boulder-filled canyon. Take it slow if you need to and please be mindful of folks coming back down. The first time I hiked half dome it took me nearly 7 hours just to make it to Little Yosemite Valley. About Author Linda Ly. The trail offers a number of activity options. If you are "just passing thru" on your way to the Half Dome backside Summer cables handrails, you still should be careful with your food and possible litter. It was still worth it. We’ll set up a basecamp in Little Yosemite Valley where we’ll stay for two nights as we attempt the summit of Half Dome high above us. Great for photo... Mirror Lake is a very popular spot in the Yosemite Valley and definitely a must see to check off your explore list. Little Yosemite Valley is displayed on the Half Dome USGS quad topo map. Or you can walk approx 1 . A smaller, mesa-like dome called Mount Broderickstands immediately adjacent to Liberty Cap. View of Half Dome from Yosemite Valley. There is no potable water at this campground but the Merced River is close by and the water is drinkable once treated by boiling, with a giardia-rated filter or iodine. The campsite is large and incredibly beautiful with 30-40 first come first serve sites set amidst the trees, alongside Sunrise Creek and just a couple minute walk from the Merced River. Starting from the floor of the Valley, we’ll attempt to summit Yosemite’s most iconic and awe inspiring landmark: Half Dome! 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