Hike to Half Dome - Yosemite National Park
Hike to Half Dome - Yosemite National Park
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Challenging • September 26, 2021
Hike 14 miles to one of the most iconic natural rocks in the world, Half Dome! Located in Yosemite National Park smiling from above at 4,800 ft from Yosemite Valley. This hike is rated at challenging and serious cardiovascular training before is important. If this is something you have always wanted to check off your list, now is your chance. Join us for this beautiful night hike to watch the sunrise on top of Half Dome!
Camping Trip Weekend & Night Hike to Half Dome - Yosemite National Park
Join us on this 3 day camping trip to Bass Lake, CA and swim in the cool crisp water during the hot day, and make gourmet s’mores over our camp fire before heading on a night hike to Yosemite Valley and up to massive peak, Half Dome. If you are looking to get away, unplug for the weekend, and climb one of the most iconic peaks in the world, then book this adventure now!
Trail synopsis: When arriving to Yosemite Valley, we will be sitting at 4,100 feet in elevation and summit up to Half Dome at 8,845 feet. The trail begins by following the “Wild and Scenic” Merced River past Vernal and Nevada Falls. There, we’ll encounter 400+ steep granite steps along the Mist Trail section, which can be wet in the early season when the waterfalls are full. Once above the waterfalls, the trail is well-graded and travels upwards through mixed conifer forests. We gain 2,842 feet in just the last 3.1 miles to the summit. The last 900 feet is a very steep climb up many more granite stairs and semi-exposed rock slabs on the east side of Half Dome. Cables assist hikers on the final 400 feet. After a few minutes to enjoy the hard-earned summit, we retrace the entire route, ideally reaching the trailhead by 2:00pm for a celebratory meal and drink by the Merced River.
What To Bring
Plan to bring the following items in a small daypack for your guided hike:
3 Liters (at least) of water per person
Lunch & plenty of hearty snacks for the day
A warm layer and/or rainshell (it can be windy/chilly on top of Half Dome)
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Gloves for the Cable Route (gardening gloves work great)
Camera (optional)
Trip Itinerary:
TBD:
2:00 pm - Check in to Campsite, Near Bass Lake
6:00 pm - BBQ, and Brews
9:00 pm - Start Packing up and Get Ready for Drive to Valley
10:30pm - Arrive to Yosemite Valley
Park Cars, Get gear ready, and rest before hike.
Sunday, August 30, 2020
12:00 am - Start Hike to Half Dome
1:00 am - Arrive to Vernal Falls / Snack & Water Break
2:30 am - Arrive to Nevada Falls / Snack & Water Break
Training & Preparation
To ensure the most enjoyable and successful experience out on the trail, we recommend a thorough training plan leading up to your day trip, focusing on:
•Endurance, cardio, and aerobic activities
•Core and leg strength (don't forget those abs and quads)!
•Cycling, running, step-master or stairs are great cross-training
•Include hilly terrain and steep climbs whenever possible
5:30 am - Arrive to Base of Half Dome
6:30 am - Arrive to top of Half Dome
9:00am - Hike out to Yosemite Valley
2:00 pm - Lunch & Swim by Merced River
5:30pm - Head back (start drive) to Bass Lake Campground
7:00pm - Arrive at Campground
TBD:
8:00am - Breakfast & Coffee
12:00pm - Check out and depart our ways
(Everything is subject to change, due to any unforeseen circumstances)
Travel & Logistics
Your trip begins and ends in our Campsite near Bass Lake (Info will be emailed to you upon booking confirmation). You will need your own vehicle or transportation for this day. Traffic can be heavy during the peak months of summer. You'll be meeting us in the campsite. Directions will be sent to you upon registration.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
VS Outdoor Co. guides are professional, highly experienced, enjoyable people that will showcase their interpretive and mountain skills in and around Sequoia National Park. They look forward to teaching and guiding you in these spectacular locations as well as getting to know you. Tell your guide your goals and s/he will do their best to meet your needs in a safe and enjoyable manner! Gratuities are accepted and appreciated for a job well done.
For full booking terms and conditions please click here.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Final payments are due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations made 30 days or more prior to trip departure receive a full refund, excluding the non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made 7-29 days prior to trip departure receive 50% refund, excluding the non-refundable deposit. There are no refunds for cancellations made within a week prior to trip departure (0-6 days) or after the trip has begun. No refunds will be made for any unused portions of a trip.