Really nice early season hike. Road to May Lake was not open, which added 1.8 miles each way. Easy trail to May Lake, the social trail to the peak. Post holes through snow on the way up , glissaded down the snow fields on the way back. Early spring flowers. All the expected birds, deer, golden mantles ground squirrels, marmots.
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This route is difficult but rewarding. Take plenty of water and snacks. Stay hydrated!!!
I recommend an overnight maybe two nights. Early May was perfect later summer months could make it more difficult than it already is.
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I like this hike despite the long uphill to come back out. However, the side trail to the arch itself wasn’t my favorite. I much prefer going on to North Dome itself. Lots of shade. Also a few water crossings to be aware of.
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Most amazing hike, beautiful and great exercise. Started 6am from curry village and actually had a total of 20 miles. The trek up sub some was thrilling and the cables to the top of halfdome were amazing.
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Beautiful hike!! Great time with Zoe on the trail! Late start Thursday evening. Full day Friday and Saturday. Hiked out from LYV Sunday morning. Absolutely stunning hike! And loved going over Vogelsang Pass. Beautiful hike and swim spots. My feet hurt and I carried more weight in my pack than normal bc too many snacks and too many clothes. Bug bites were intense. Spider bites maybe got infected? Bite on knee was super red big ring, swollen, and tender to the touch. 16 mosquito bites on right foot and foot is swollen. Also my right ankle is swollen and Zoe says it looks like I twisted my ankle. But it doesn’t hurt and the spider bites are a far bigger concern.
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The area is magnificent, especially towards taft point and glacier point. the hike was a drudge.
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Did this hike on Sept. 20th, 2024. There was snow on the ground in some locations and lots on the mountain tops around from probably a few days ago when there was a cold spell. This hike is rated as difficult but that sounds incorrect. I would rate this hike easy. Very little elevation gain and no technical parts. In comparison, Mt. Dana is rated moderate and it's very hard because of the elevation. Spillway Lake is a beautiful hike, nevertheless
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Good hike, mostly downhill. Started at May Lake trailhead. Plenty of spaces to camp near the end of Snow Creek next to the creek. Took us about 2 hours to do. Plenty of shade.
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Hike up to the big morraine field above the little lake (does it have a name?) that’s actually a golf course more or less.
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Epic views and incredible flowers and gratitude to the trail crew
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As of 2024-04 Cottonwood Meadow Trail is not passable. Some sections are completely overtaken by vegetation and trail there is completely lost. Wait until National Park Service clear the trail. I did pass this this route with a brute force, more than 4 hours of hard Bushwhacking!
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Third times the charm! Took John Muir Trail up. Started before sunrise, ended after sunset. Snow was in patches above 8100ft, completely covering the ground above 9000ft. Spikes were helpful but not required. Excellent conditions and weather. Amazing views from the top!
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What a trail and experience! Some things to consider:
-Permits is the most important aspect for everyone. I tried for 4 days and got on a weekday. My advice is to try a weekday especially Monday on which I hiked . Less people on the hike as well.
-If you aren’t able to score, wait at subdome till 2-3pm or so. I didn’t see any rangers when I returned so I am assuming they leave at that time. However, the downside of climbing at that time is that your return journey will be in the dark. You can also try to ask other hikers if they have availability and many times you find someone.
-This is a strenuous hike! You should be in good condition to climb. Prepare accordingly. I climbed some local peaks of around 1000-1500 ft elevation before the hike and it helped. I also walked at least 7-8 miles daily for 6 days before the hike. To give you an idea of my fitness: I am 34 year old male with of BMI of 27 and I run 10k two-three times a week at a pace of 12-13 minutes.
-Get lots of water. I carried 3L or water in a camelback and two 875ml bottles of Gatorade and two redbulls. I consumed everything on my way back and still had a mile left to the car.
-I highly recommend camping in Yosemite. Hard to drive after such a long hike. I drove from San Jose and left the house at 3am and returned by 12:30am! It’s doable but would NOT recommend it. It’s dangerous to drive when you are so tired. So camp near the trailhead at camping grounds. You can also break the hike up and camp at Little Yosemite Valley which is after the Mist Trail.
-Pack appropriately and lightly. Don’t carry non-essentials.
-At first I wasn’t going to take trekking poles but my brother recommended them and they were SO USEFUL. Highly recommend to use some. I got cheap ones from Walmart and they did the trick.
-Don’t worry about bears. I didn’t see any. Wouldn’t carry a bear canister if it’s just a day hike as it adds weight. Just have snack and meal bars.
-Cables are tough! It involves a lot of arm movements more than legs. Gloves are a must! But it looks more scary when you look from far and are not that back once you start doing them. Take one log at a time and take your time. I took close to half an hour to climb with lots of stops and it’s completely fine. Go slow, plant your feet in a good solid way. You need good shoes - I used Altra lone peak 6 and they were great. I highly recommend them.
-Coming down from the cables - I tried both ways ie going face down or facing up and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND FACING UP. It’s SO MUCH EASIER. Trust me. You have more grip and are more stable plus you don’t have the fear anxiety that you have of looking straight down!
-I went up via the Mist trail and returned via the JMT. It adds a mile but better on your knees.
Those are my few pointers and I hope they help you. In the end, preparation is key. Break the hikes in chunks and have good shoes and lots of water. Take one step at a time and you will make it. Its absolutely worth it. Happy hiking!
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Gorgeous area. Wonderful getting to the lake with minimal crowds. Lots of mosquitoes in august.
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Lots of mosquitos right now. But a nice leg stretch. The “beach” at Glen Aulin is spectacular!
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Not hard! Lots of rolling up and down and water mist if the way. Lots of variety…woods with frequent views of the Cathedral range and later on, of what might be Vogelsang? The waterfalls as awesome really awesome. We did this in the first week of Tioga Road opening in 2023. I imagine the falls are extra powerful and amazing.
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I have hiked up to Clouds Rest several times. My first time was when I was 12 years old. We hiked from Yosemite Valley and camped along Merced River. As a kid I remember it being very windy. The peak has a narrow trail on its peak. I remember my brother and I getting on our knees and crawled on the trail peak. We were scared the wind will blow us over. This hike was in early season beginning in May. In July and August it’s still windy but not as strong. It’s beautiful up there you can see all of Yosemite. I don’t remember seeing any animals not even birds. Bring your binoculars and trail map you can try to name the different places and peaks. Leave backpacks down below in your camp. Kids can hike this with an adult. There are no trees on the top so where a hat and sunscreen. Pack a lunch and eat on the top If I could build a small hut I would build it on top of Clouds rest I have been on the top with snow too. It’s scary too because you might slip and fall off the peak. I love clouds rest I’m to old to hike it. It’s now just a memory.
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Probably our fav in Yosemite. HOT in the valley but much cooler on the steps below Vernal Falls. LOTS of water for late July. We were soaked by top of Mist Trail.
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Pretty awesome. Steep. Go before sun up or as close to. Prepare for traffic jams on the way down.
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Travel with Phill Kim to Chilnualna Lakes. Entered and exited via Chilnualna Falls trailhead. The route was determined with assistance of Yosemite NP ranger and conditions at time.
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Tough one but a great alternative if you don’t get the Half Dome Lottery
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Epic hike with amazing views of half dome, nevada falls, vernal falls. First hike of the trip. Our legs are smoked! The snow melt is unbelievable!
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Straightforward hike to an epic view of Half Dome. Sandwiches and proof photos at the top along with three large, relentless flies and two chubby chipmunks. Way up took the exact same amount of time as the way back. In both cases the 1,000 foot elevation change 1.5 miles in we’re the most taxing part of the journey. Plenty of parking at Sunrise Lakes trailhead Sunday morning in early September.
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Winter snowshoeing hike that occurred in a storm which obscured the view from a very crowded Dewey point. Spent a long night in a beautiful clearing full of fresh powder.
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Challenging and steep hike up and over a saddle to a beautiful view of a lake I’m calling Nestor Lake with a view of the backside of Mt. Hoffman
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Awesome hike via Clouds Rest and Half Dome. Amazing views. Great camping spots. Fantastic swim spot on the Merced River at Little Yosemite Valley.
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Do it! I must be out of shape because I would not label this as an “easy” hike. It’s gorgeous and totally worth the trip but do not be fooled, it is a climb almost the entire way up to the falls and if you hike to the very top look out of Vernal Falls (which I highly recommend doing) it’s a lot of stairs but the reward is not only the views but Emerald Pool.
The mist coming off of the falls in July was glorious. We hiked down about mid way from the granite steps to make sure we got throughly refreshed before we went to the top. Loved every minute of this hike except the stairs back down.. Enjoy and be safe!
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Great hike, went to Lower and Upper Lakes; enjoyed Lower lake better so if pressed for time go there IMO. Lots of mosquitoes in late June so bring repellent. Regardless this hike is totally worth it!
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Tough hike which gets tougher when you get to sub-dome and even tougher when you have to climb the half dome on the cables. Take lots of water and top it off at little Yosemite valley using a filter before heading to the half dome.
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Easy hike with amazing views of half dome at the lake. Cold water nice swim on a hot summer day, bring a swimsuit.
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Difficult but worth all the effort. The sub dome steps seemed more tiring then the cable climb. But the hike back much easier since you’re going downhill.
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Fun scenic climb up the side of the Merced river to a very misty wet section of stairs up next to Vernal Falls and to a beautiful look out at the top and at the bridge above that and from the trail to Clark Point.
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Excellent day! Weather was in the mid 40’s. Some snow patches on the trail but so many people have been through the snow was packed and stable. Not crowded at all.
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Relatively easy xc ski, but long. Allow enough time to get 7 miles up, to get a view! Even better, I’m sure, to go all the way to Glacier Poit but the 7 mile view was great.
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Hiking up vernal falls was steep but no one was around. Most trail is open despite the winter routes signs still up. Once on JMT it’s windy at top by Sunrise.
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It is a longish but easy hike. I don’t know why it lists an elevation gain of 4610 feet 🤔
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Memorizing and fairly easy trail. We’ll kept and beautiful all the way up.
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This hike was a dream come true. Just getting the permit to camp at Little Yosemite Valley is a miraculous achievement in itself. A ranger was there to check permits.
The views were spectacular every step. I highly recommend hiking slow and stopping frequently to soak up the beauty. Spectacular granite formations and Half Dome views most of the hike.
There’s a few opportunities to get water which I recommend filtering along the way as well.
The trail itself is well maintained with a rich history and the craftsmanship of the man made granite steps will give you a sense of pride for the builders. Thank you trail crew.
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Started at 8:30 and got to the top around 11:30, which was perfect because smoke rolled in around noon and completely covered the view of half dome. I still think the hike was worth it, there weren’t many people on the trail when I started so it was a super peaceful woods hike. If you’re starting later in the morning, just know the parking lot is closed for construction right now (October ‘21) and while there’s a decent amount of parking along the road, I’m sure it fills up quickly on busy days!
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This is a spectacular track. Upper Spiller Canyon is off trail and beautiful, and extremely easy to navigate and walk. There are a few possible tent pads uphill from the tarn. There is also a magnificent tent spot in Slide Canyon; one of my top 10 locations in 30+ years of backpacking in the Sierra.
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Enjoyed tis hike a lot only bumped into 2 hikers on the JMT.The Lakes were great,preferred upper Cathedral,Peak was also spectacular,Meadows were vast had it all to myself,Sierra camp was closed got off the JMT made my way to to sunrise Lakes
And on to Clouds rest unfortunately Dixie Fire gloomed the view somewhat,I returned via Tenaya Lake but a beautiful Hike all round I recommend it.Happy Hiking
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Nice hike, good views all the way. Initially of the Tuolumne Meadows area & then then the Tuolumne river closer to Glen Aulin. Fairly easy going, not much elevation change
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Beautiful trail that hits so many of the Yosemite highlights. We spend 4 days leisurely exploring the Beauty of the North rim. Start at Lukens which has pretty easy parking and it is relatively easy to get wilderness permits for this trailhead. Than head south along Yosemite creek to the North rim. Explore El Capitan, Eagle Peak, Yosemite falls and Yosemite Point, North dome, and Indian Arch before exiting the trail at Porcupine.
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This was the second half/ uphill portion of our hike today. It was hot and steep.
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A very enjoyable experience. The hike itself is quite simple, but the surrounding countryside, animals, and vegetation was stunning. The soda springs themselves are quite interesting and there are some good descriptive plaques along the way.
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Six day backpack trip in Yosemite National Park. Starts at the Porcupine Trailhead and culminating with back to back days summering Clouds Rest and Half Dome. Simply epic.
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This has always been one of my favorite hikes and with Covid no crazy crowds on the trail.
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This trail did not disappoint with the views of the valley. We hiked a total of 6 miles, from Sentinel Point trailhead, East to the top of Sentinel Dome, then around the back To Roosevelt Point and Taft Point.
We camped at Bridalveil Creek. There is an "established" camp with flat dirt and a fire ring close to the river. We enjoyed a swim and a quiet night before hiking the remaining 7 miles to Tunnel View trailhead.
On day 2 we saw Dewey Point, Crocker Point, Stanford Point, and Inspiration point. Our favorite was Stanford point. Inspiration point left much to be desired after the other Vista points.
The hike was fairly well balanced in terms of elevation gained and lost, until a little over half a mile past Stanford point, when it began a steep decline to Tunnel View.
The Sentinel Dome/Taft Point section was fairly crowded on a Friday, but past Taft Point, we only saw 3 other hiking groups over the 2 days. It was a quiet, lovey, satisfying intermediate trek.
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Plan for 10ish hours and you’ll be safe. Beautiful view at the top overlooking half dome and the valley. Maybe one of the best views in the park.
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This is my favorite hike in the park. Incredible views throughout the day. Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point. Panorama Trail to Nevada Fall. John Muir trail down to Happy Isles.
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This trail offers amazing the opportunity to see vernal falls up close and personal. You'll cross a lower footbridge and if you continue up you'll see the upper falls. There is a water fountain at the lower footbridge but after that your only option is to filter water from the pools or springs. You'll definitely appreciate having a rain jacket as well because the mist trail lives up to it's name. To reach the upper falls be prepared to climb approximately 600 slippery steps. As of 5/5/21 the falls are flowing at full force.
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Great hike. Could park a bit closer. With the early season spikes/axe/poles would’ve been nice. An earlier start to get to Nevada falls is necessary
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Absolutely gorgeous. Multiples waterfalls including Vernal and Nevada. It isn’t for beginners as it is very steep and include a lot of stairs. The miles are deceptive because the incline raises the difficulty.
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Beautiful. But what isn’t beautiful in Yosemite? Super strenuous 4-5 miles...nearly all uphill, until what feels like a brief reprieve after Clark’s Point and Vernal Falls doing downhill switchbacks (those same switchbacks felt twice as steep and lengthy going back up on the way out!). Wanted to make it to Half Dome, but was a no-go due to time and energy! Plan ahead next time to stop off for a night at the backpacker’s camp at Little Yosemite Valley.
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Awesome hike. Yosemite is a spectacular area full of beautiful sites and wonderful homes for all levels.
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Dude fuck yeah! You want a hike that will kick your ass go do this one.
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Following the Sierra High Route from Lower Young Lake to Roosevelt Lake is a great introduction to off-trail travel. The bearings were easy to follow and the trees in the valley not too dense. The payoff at Roosevelt Lake is beautiful and remote.
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Moderate hike. We started at 3am to beat the rush. We made it to the cables at 10 am so our pace was good. Going down was slow, a climber in front of us going down the cables had a panic attack (yes, it’s kinda scary) and it took us 55 minutes to get down. After climbing down One hiker in our group had a knee injury after climbing down sub-dome. So the next several miles of hiking was slow going in the heat (95+) and very smoky conditions because of fires around the area... oh yeh and we ran out of water... we refilled and kept going (filtration system is a must). We met a park ranger checking tickets near the Yosemite Valley camp... we asked him for meds or a better knee wrap but he was useless and didn’t seem to care much for helping us out... He was a young punk and a total D-bag...
We eventually made it back but it took us 4+ hours longer then planned so my recommendation is plan for an scenario, knee wrap/ braces, pain meds etc... we weren’t new to hiking before this but it really tested us. Overall it was a good time aside from our injury and going down the cable. I’d recommend this hike, just remember to apply for this hike prior to:
https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm
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Beautiful and difficult hike. Fantastic views around Yosemite Park. Started on the Sunrise trail at Tenaya Lake ending on the summit of Clouds Rest.
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This was an ideal trail run / hike combo: 12.5 total miles, about 2800 feet of smooth vertical, and a mind-blowingly beautiful summit ridge. We left the trailhead at 5 am and were the first ones at the summit, which was great because it made it really easy to relax, take pictures and enjoy the view.
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This is a lightly visited area of Yosemite that has burned over in recent years. We were hoping to bag Smith Peak, but hours of surfing over buckthorn ate up our day and wore us out. But there was beauty and solitude, wildlife and wildflowers, so it was worth our while. We returned to our camp near Harden Lake staying high on the ridges until we intersected the trail where it was easier to follow. If I were to do it again I would remain on higher ground after the first saddle (the upper part of the loop on my track).
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We love Ten Lakes and the wilderness in northern Yosemite. May Lake was a bit crowded with day hikers. Plenty of wildlife to see; deer bears, coyote, curious fat little marmots. Trail junction with Glen Aulin is swarming with mosquitos.
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Hike from Quartz Mountain trailhead is pleasant but unremarkable. The lakes however are stunning & well worth the trip.
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Why does the app's version of this hike only show half of the elevation profile but the full round trip distance? Fail Gaia.
★
Stunning views the whole way up. Connected it to Nevada Falls. Went late October which was ideal because there was no spray from the falls and we stayed dry. Downside is the falls are not as full. It is nearly entirely uphill though, so I don’t know why it’s rated as easy, it is listed as difficult according to Yosemite brochure.
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Very challenging final ascent for a somewhat novice. Attempting this summit in October is not recommended. Overall though, there was beautiful scenery, very remote (no people), and refreshing.
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To see fantastic waterfalls of the Toulomne Creek one has to hike to Glen Aulin. A lot of trails work is currently being done, making this very popular, intermediate, hike easier to navigate by the many people who hike this trail. Technically this trail is in the Yosemite Wilderness and the trailhead begins before one enters the Park's Tioga Pass Rd. While this trail does not provide much elevation gain, it provides amazing views that should not be missed.
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A fantastic, difficult, hike in Yosemite National Park, beginning in the Sunrise Parking Trailhead at Tenaya Lake and culminating in Clouds Rest peak with amazing view of Half Dome, the Yosemite Valley, and the wilderness all around us. Very popular trail and destination. This was an out & back hike totaling 12.8 miles and 2,645 Ft of total ascent. The second mile was a steep climb of over 1,000 Ft in a one-mile climb. Many parts of the trail have built-in stone stairs. The last part of the climb is on a somewhat narrow rocky area, but it is wide enough to where 1 or 2 people can walk this section side by side with no fear.
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A very short moderate hike to Lembert Dome ending in walking up the rocky dome on a steep incline. The views from the top are amazing - you can see the Toulomne Meadows as well as other areas in Yosemite National Park and Inyo National Forest near and far. The climb is a bit steep but very doable. And why not climb (much easier climb) to the nearby Dog Dome while you are already there? We did that and enjoyed the solitude provided as almost everyone hikes to the Lembert Dome, ignoring the Dog Dome!
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YOSEMITE TUNNEL VIEW VIA TIOGA PASS. Clouds & storm on Bishop side but boring light once arrived.
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(based on my SUMMERTIME hike in 2019) Great hike if you stay overnight at the Little Yosemite camp. You MUST be conditioned for a very steep and rocky trail going UP, and UP, and UP. Passing the Mist trail part probably is not as difficult as getting up to the Saddle at the Half Dome, which is the smaller mountain before the cables begin. The steps there are very steep and nearly vertical, some are over 13 inch high. Take the hiking poles! Behind the camp, there is one majestic beach. Get a nice, refreshing dip in before you head back to the valley. Bears are more frequent around the camp area. There are bathrooms there. No water. Make sure to bring the water filter with you. I tested the quantity of 7 liters with me, and I did RUN OUT on the way back. This includes one meal cooking water usage. Mini filter is a MUST. Cables part is NOT difficult at all. There is no rush, and you can easily let the faster person pass you as you are taking a break. Mostly, you help and pull yourself up with your hands. Some are using the harness, but it is just a waste of time. Cables will take no more than 30 minutes. You can use hiking shoes or regular sneakers! There is no need for super shoes. Tracktion is a plus. I DO NOT RECOMMEND taking the Upper Yosemite Falls trail hike (starts at Camp 4) before going on Half Dome hike. I would consider it the most difficult one. It is super hot, a lot of open sun areas, very steep with rocky with sand switchbacks (zig-zagging). But the view is rewarding up there! Going back is probably more difficult and you may get blisters, blue toenails, twisted ankles, and hurting bones. It could get painful. I am a runner and a cyclist. Take my advice, take the Half Dome hike, first if it is your main hike. Finally, shoes are your most important equipment. Consider half a size larger than your standard size. Go to your local camp store, try them on. Descending usually is difficult and painful. It is all good until the first twisted ankle, first blister, or damaged toes. Then, the fun is gone and you must deal with the pain with your every step.
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Strenuous but worth it. Amazing view coming over Clouds Rest. Camped in little Yosemite valley area then did the cables early next morning. Unforgettable.
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Strenuous but worth it. The view coming up over clouds rest is incredible. Camping in little Yosemite valley area makes doing the cables in the morning pretty easy. Can’t recommend enough.
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This is a relatively easy 5 mile out and back hike. The day started with rain and we even had some hail on the trail but overall the hike was sunny and warm. Lots of flowers from recent rain. The waterfalls were flowing strong and hard. Great and almost flat hike to intersperse with some of the harder Yosemite climbs.
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