How to prepare for Half Dome Hike in Yosemite National Park - Although I hesitate to use the phrase "bucket list" there are definitely some things in life I want to do. One of them is to hike Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Preparation is key for this grueling adventure.
Yosemite Hike Half Dome Preparation
From Fresno, it is only 45 minutes to Yosemite park gates! In
Though I'd lived in California for 10 years, I had never visited Yosemite. Once we drove thru Tunnel View, I was hooked! This year Dan and I set a goal to hike Half Dome!
How the Permit Process Works
How to prepare for Half Dome hike starts with a permit. They are required for the hike and the window to apply is only open for one month during the year.
You can apply for a permit March 1 - 31, yearly on the National Park Website (click here) The NP service offers a pre-season lottery awarding 225 permits daily.
After applying, the results of the lottery are posted mid-April so you can plan accordingly.
Cable Hike to the Summit
In the picture above see the line that looks likes ants climbing the mountain? Those are not ants, but people using cables that assist in the final ascent to the summit. Dan has hiked Half Dome and to the top of Mount Whitney!
Dan knows his stuff! He is going to make sure we are well trained!
So we've begun hiking in preparation and of course I pack a picnic lunch.
Bagels make a great sandwich for a hike (they are sturdy and don't get squished). Sandwiches filled with fresh veggies and thick slices of cheese. As we continue training, I'll learn what we need for consumption and how to get the best calories for energy.
As a bonus our training preparations will fill our summer with fun hikes and great picnics with terrific nutrition! We will enjoy the most amazing scenery the Sierras have to offer.
Hiking Half Dome Tips
How to Prepare for Half Dome Hike
Permits are required to hike Half Dome! Only 300 hikers are permitted per day. There is a pre-season lottery March 1-31st. You can apply right online, submitting your preference of days. Check back to see if you have been accepted. For more information click here.
It's best to begin your training with a minimum of three months. Hiking Half Dome is exhilarating but also grueling. It is a 14-16 mile hike (depending on where you start) and will take 10-12 hours. Begin your training with short 4-5 mile hikes gradually progressing in length and altitudes. The hike at Half Dome rises 5000 feet from Yosemite Valley floor (8600 feet above sea level).
You'll start the hike early in the morning. By the time you get to the top of Half Dome the weather can increase/decrease several degrees.
A minimum of one gallon per person is recommend or if you carry less bring a water filter. We are going to do both.
For this hike you'll need hiking boots or hiking shoes. Begin breaking them in early. Wear them at every opportunity; around the house, a walk around the neighborhood. Comfortable? Start wearing them on your hikes!
Invest in quality socks that wick the water away from your feet. This will (hopefully) save you from blisters.
Light jacket, gloves, a sunhat, sunscreen, extra socks, flashlight with fresh batteries, map, water filter, first aide kit and cell phone (cell phone service may be available in different areas along the trail).
Important - keep your pack as light as possible.
You'll be expelling a lot of energy during this 12 hour hike. On your practice hikes learn what food best fuels your body!
Grueling, but very do-able! Preparation is key.
Depending upon your endurance it will take 10-12 hours.
This is not a casual day hike - it's strenuous and demanding.
Yes, currently there are 9 reported deaths. Common sense and preparation are essential for this adventure. If there is lightening, don't attempt the summit. The cables can be slippery and are steep.
Hungry for more adventure? Be sure to read the Lois and Clark Expedition where you'll see more of my Dad's Photoshop handiwork. Love nature's beauty?
Check out Yosemite Park Waterfalls or Explore Mesa Verde to learn all about the Ancient Puebloan People.
Visit Exploring the Eastern Sierras to see a real live (dead?) ghost town!
What are your plans for summer, are you checking anything off your bucket list?
Liza says
Wow! These photos are SO Beautiful! Thanks for sharing them, Debra! Amazing! And thanks for all the great tips, too: packing and planning a trip like this might be ver tricky and your tips are just so useful and informative! 🙂
Bowl Me Over says
I know people do it every day during the summer, but this is totally new to me - it's going to be very exciting and fun Liza!!
Angela says
I'm super excited for you! What an incredible trip that will be!! Always good to be prepared! I love that mango one for trips to the beach.... so refreshing!
Bowl Me Over says
It's really going to be something Angela!! That mango Odwalla is my very favorite! So yummy!!
Julie says
What an amazing trip and I love the delicious snacks that you included. Exactly what you need before such a trek!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Julie! It's fun trying to figure out what works and what we can carry for the hike. It's going to be an amazing opportunity sitting on the top of Half Dome!!
Jennifer A Stewart says
Now that we are in Arizona I have a goal of hiking Camelback mountain. I have attempted 2 times and only made it about 1/2 way. I can't believe how out of shape I was. I am ready to start training as we want to hike into Havasu Falls next year. You need a permit for that as well which will give me the motivation to do the training. Once we do that we will start expanding our horizons and the Half Dome is on my list too!
Bowl Me Over says
How wonderful Jennifer, what great goals - I'm so proud of you! There are many amazing places to visit and hike in Arizona, just think of all the fun you'll have training! I'll keep you posted on our hike. I'm really using visualization because this is going to be a big deal to make it to the top! That and put down my fork to loose 10 pounds before the hike.... I think that's as big a challenge for me. 🙂
Cristi Comes says
Wow that sounds like one grueling but exciting hike! Good luck with all of your training and the hike itself this fall! Very cool that you're going to to do! {client}
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Cristi! We are so excited for this adventure!!
Lois says
Looks like it will be a very hard but fun day. Great juice too. Good luck.
Bowl Me Over says
No doubt it will be challenging but Dan will help me be super prepared. It will be an exciting day!