Half Dome
One of the Park's most familiar rock formations and a Yosemite icon.
Plan Around Half Dome
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Half Dome Details
Instantly recognizable, Half Dome is Yosemite's signature landmark and one of world's most starkly beautiful monuments in stone. Rising 4,737 feet from the floor of the Yosemite Valley, Half Dome was known as "Tis-sa-ack," or Cleft Rock, in the native Ahwahnee language. Despite its appearances, the formation's features are not the result of the northwest side of a formerly round dome shearing off. Rather, Half Done is actually part of a ridgeline that is steep on both sides. Half Dome is a formidable challenge to hikers and climbers alike. First summited in 1875 by climber George Anderson, the top of Half Dome can be reached via a 14- to 16-mile, 10- to 12-hour roundtrip hike with 4,800 feet of elevation gain (but some incredible views along the way). The last 400 feet to the summit is aided by a walkway over bare rock made from metal cables. The northwest face of Half Dome is a serious challenge for even the most experienced rock-climbers. The ascent generally takes two days and features routes like the Regular Northwest Face, the first Grade VI climb charted in the United States.
Difficulty
High
Distance
14.0 miles
Estimated time
11 hours
Region
Yosemite Valley
Nearby Parks Around Half Dome
Compare nearby parks around Half Dome when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Half Dome
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Half Dome while the map context is still fresh.
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Half Dome
Aided by the famous cable walk, this is Yosemite's most famous hike, and one of its toughest.
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Half Dome
One of California'ss most familiar rock formations and a Yosemite icon.
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Half Dome Trail
Aided by the famous cable walk, this is Yosemite's most famous hike, and one of its toughest.
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John Muir Trail
This renowned long-distance trail skims the backbone of the High Sierra country.
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Little Yosemite Valley
The lush, shaded, yellow pine forest lining this valley floor is very popular among hikers and backpackers.
