Location: End of the Half Dome hike Crowd factor: High Best time to go: Morning ... It’s another fairly heft hike but one of the most iconic in Yosemite. The trail to get to Eagle Peak is roughly 5.7 miles (9.25km) long, just over three miles of which is very steep. After that it flattens out almost until the peak when you will have another ...Hiking Half Dome is one of Yosemite National Park’s most thrilling and wild adventures. With a 45-degree slippery granite face and a deadly reputation, it’s hard to believe the …Yosemite Hikes Home » Yosemite Valley » Half Dome » Cable tips The Hazards of Half Dome: Surviving the Cables. The approach to Half Dome is steep and difficult. The last 400 vertical feet (130 meters) up the eastern slope are so sheer that Yosemite staff have installed cables for you to cling to as you pull yourself up.2 days ago · Hiking Half Dome is not for the faint of heart – it’s an extremely strenuous day hike spanning 14+ miles with 5,300+ feet of elevation gain. But you’ll be rewarded with stunning waterfalls along the way and panoramic views of the entire Yosemite Valley and High Sierra from the 8,800-foot summit, so it’s worth the strenuous trek.May 28, 2023 · Hike OVerview: Distance: The round-trip distance of the hike is approximately 16-17 miles (25-27 km). Elevation Gain: The total elevation gain is around 4,800 feet (1,463 meters). Trailhead: The hike starts from Yosemite Valley, typically from the Happy Isles trailhead. Permits: A permit is required to hike Half Dome, regardless of …Rock salt storage facilities are dome-shaped so trucks can easily enter and exit the storage area without obstacles like trusses or roof supports, according to the BBC and the Dome...Oct 10, 2023 · 1K. The infamous Half Dome hike in Yosemite National Park is commonly described as one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. People have died from falling, lightning strikes, heart attacks, avalanches, ice cold rivers, rock climbing mishaps, and even base jumping accidents. Jun 12, 2012 ... The trail route is 14-16 miles, call it 15 taking the JMT up and the Mist Trail on the return. · If it was flat, you could jog it a few hours ...Planning your Half Dome Hike. There are two options for your trip to Yosemite National Park to hike Half Dome: Day hike– complete the 16-mile round trip hike to Half Dome in one day (start at dawn and get back to your car in the evening); Backpacking– break up the hike by camping at Little Yosemite Valley …Nov 19, 2023 · Learn everything you need to know about hiking to Half Dome, one of Yosemite's most challenging and memorable trails. Find out how to get permits, what to bring, and how to climb the subdome and the Half Dome cables. Feb 28, 2024 · The Half Dome Hike in California is one of Yosemite National Parks most well-known & popular hiking trails (and for a good reason). This guide covers absolutely everything you need to know to attempt a safe summit up the trail: from where to park, to what to pack, to training, to even tips-and-tricks for tackling the cables on the Half Dome summit. The most well-known rock formation in Yosemite National Park (perhaps even the United States), Half Dome is one of the most sought after climbs for hikers and rock climbers alike. Half Dome rises 4,737 feet above Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 8,844 feet above sea level. We’ve got some tips for how to get there via our Half Dome Hike page.Oct 10, 2023 · 1K. The infamous Half Dome hike in Yosemite National Park is commonly described as one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. People have died from falling, lightning strikes, heart attacks, avalanches, ice cold rivers, rock climbing mishaps, and even base jumping accidents. Aug 14, 2021 ... It is an iconic feature of Yosemite National Park and is a very popular hiking destination. The final 400 foot ascent up the dome itself is ...12:00 PM. After roaming the meadows of the valley, we made our way up to Glacier Point and gazed over the trail of our hike the following day. 4:00 PM. Then, we hiked to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point for sunset. Sunsets at Taft Point are amazing, because it’s less crowded than Glacier Point.By Michael Lanza. No hike in the country really compares with Yosemite’s Half Dome. The long, very strenuous, challenging, and incredibly scenic day trip to one of the most iconic and sought-after summits in America begins with ascending the Mist Trail through the shower constantly raining down from 317-foot …Hiking Half Dome is not for the faint of heart – it’s an extremely strenuous day hike spanning 14+ miles with 5,300+ feet of elevation gain. But you’ll be rewarded with …Jan 30, 2022 · Hiking Half Dome is a “bucket list” item for many people and is not something to commit to lightly or to go into unprepared. This 8,844 ft tall peak in Yosemite National Park provides incredible views …Along the way, you'll see outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and--from the shoulder and summit--panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra. Most hikers take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back; some take longer. If you plan on hiking during the day, it's smart to leave around sunrise (or ...Jun 26, 2023 ... To complete the 14.5 mile Half Dome Hike, you will begin your ascent at the Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking Lot. During the daytime this ...Pros of day hiking Half Dome: Spectacular views: The summit of Half Dome offers panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, including iconic landmarks like El Capitan and Yosemite Falls.The scenery is awe-inspiring and provides a unique perspective of the park's beauty. Physical challenge: Day hiking Half … Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail. Hard • 4.9 (14704) Yosemite National Park. Photos (35,714) Directions. Print/PDF map. Length 6.4 miElevation gain 2,208 ftRoute type Loop. Explore this 6.4-mile loop trail near Yosemite Valley, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 10 min to complete. 🗺 MAPS & HIKE LINKS: https://bit.ly/half-dome-guide🥾 LATEST GEAR LIST: https://hikingguy.com/best-hiking-gear/♥️ SAY THANKS: https://hikingguy.com/support...Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) loop. Elevation gain: Flat. Difficulty: Easy. Time: 30 minutes. Begin at: Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (shuttle stop #5). Cook's Meadow is also accessible from shuttle stop #6 (Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead). This short, easy walk offers stunning views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock.When it comes to outdoor gear, there are few brands that are as trusted as The North Face. If you’re looking for a jacket that will keep you warm and dry on your next hike or campi...If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a hiking aficionado, you know the importance of having accurate information about elevation changes along your chosen trail. This is where elevat...Sep 14, 2022 · Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular hikes in America. The 14-mile roundtrip hike gains 4,800 feet of elevation, making it a strenuous but rewarding journey. The 14-mile roundtrip hike gains 4,800 feet of elevation, making it a strenuous but rewarding journey.The view of Yosemite Valley from Clouds Rest is just as spectacular as the view from Half Dome – plus Half Dome is in the view! Distance: 14.5 miles (23.3 km) round trip Difficulty: Strenuous Elevation Gain: 1,775 feet (541 meters) Trailhead: Tenaya Lake. At the top of the toughest hikes in Yosemite list is Clouds Rest.California is a geographically diverse state characterized by a variety of landforms. Some major landforms in California are the Yosemite Half Dome, the San Francisco Bay, Death Va...1 day ago · In contrast, the Half Dome hike is one of the hardest, if not the most strenuous hike in Yosemite and will surely give you an adrenaline rush. ... (37 km) round trip along Tenaya Lake, and 7 miles (11 km) round trip from Little Yosemite Valley Campground. The Half Dome elevation is 8,846 feet (2,696 meters), and the total elevation gain is ...Dec 17, 2023 · As the Half Dome hike grows in popularity, your chance of scoring a Half Dome permit decreases. In 2016, there was a 25% chance you would be awarded a permit. Compare that to 2015, with a 35% success rate and 2014 with a 45% success rate. In 2017, there were 26,963 applications, with a 25% success rate.Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images. Half Dome at Yosemite National Park has seen at least 290 accidents and 12 deaths in the past 15 years. In May 2018, a 29-year-old biochemist fell to his death ...Half Dome, one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic landmarks, stands tall at 8,846 feet and offers hikers a challenging yet rewarding journey to its summit. The towering granite rock formation is a popular destination for experienced hikers, attracting thousands each year eager to soak in the breathtaking panoramic views …Up the intensity by performing squat jumps or by holding the squat in the down position for 2-3 seconds. Perform 8-12 reps for 3-4 sets. Hike Half Dome via the Mist Trail | Photo: Bijan Rafie-tari. 5. Cable Rope Rows. Again, this exercise helps your upper body assist with the workload up the cables.Wilderness Trip Planning What do I need a permit for? If you are planning to: go backpacking—that is, hike and spend the night in the Yosemite Wilderness, you need a wilderness permit.; hike the John Muir Trail southbound (starting in Yosemite but ending outside Yosemite), you need a wilderness permit that is eligible for a Donohue Pass … Along the way, you'll see outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and--from the shoulder and summit--panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra. Most hikers take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back; some take longer. If you plan on hiking during the day, it's smart to leave around sunrise (or ... A complete guide to hiking Half Dome in Yosemite responsibly Half Dome trail is one of the more adventurous (and dangerous) hikes in northern California, if not the entire USA. …Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful and popular national parks in the United States. It’s a great place to visit for a vacation, but it can be difficult to find the...Jul 18, 2019 · Climbing the Half Dome Cables in Yosemite National Park. Half Dome Hike is an extremely strenuous & breathtaking 18 mile round trip hike via the mist trail. ... Jun 22, 2008 ... June 22, 2008: Half Dome and its infamous cables Half Dome is one of the most famous hikes in Yosemite National Park, mainly because of the ...Half Dome is a serious endurance hike taking you 4,800 feet above the Yosemite Valley to spectacular views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, the Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra. This is one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic hikes. You must obtain a permit to hike to the summit of Half Dome.Sep 2, 2013 ... Then it continued to climb upward following a series of serious stone steps from Vernal Falls to Nevada Falls. Two of the few falls in Yosemite ...Mar 9, 2023 · Hiking Half Dome is definitely a challenge, but it’s doable for most people with a good level of fitness. The trail is 14-16 miles round-trip (depending on the route you take) and gains about 4,800 feet in elevation. The most challenging (and fun!) part of the hike is the ascent up the cables. Location: End of the Half Dome hike Crowd factor: High Best time to go: Morning ... It’s another fairly heft hike but one of the most iconic in Yosemite. The trail to get to Eagle Peak is roughly 5.7 miles (9.25km) long, just over three miles of which is very steep. After that it flattens out almost until the peak when you will have another ... North Dome Hike. 9.5 miles - Moderate Effort. 4-6 Hours (Total) 2,170 Total Feet of Climbing. Max Elevation of 8,150 feet. No Dogs Allowed. The North Dome hike in Yosemite is a gem in so many ways. It's tough, but not super hard. You enjoy beautiful trails but without the major crowds. Half Dome, one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic landmarks, stands tall at 8,846 feet and offers hikers a challenging yet rewarding journey to its summit. The towering granite rock formation is a popular destination for experienced hikers, attracting thousands each year eager to soak in the breathtaking panoramic views …Oct 10, 2023 · 1K. The infamous Half Dome hike in Yosemite National Park is commonly described as one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. People have died from falling, lightning strikes, heart attacks, avalanches, ice cold rivers, rock climbing mishaps, and even base jumping accidents. Rock salt storage facilities are dome-shaped so trucks can easily enter and exit the storage area without obstacles like trusses or roof supports, according to the BBC and the Dome...Day hiking Half Dome. The Half Dome day hike is a 14 mile trail with 4800 feet of elevation gain. It’s a long day, taking 10 or more hours. The trail is incredibly scenic, as it traverses through Yosemite Valley along the famous Mist Trail, passing the beautiful Vernal and Nevada Falls.Half Dome is one of the most well-known rocks in Yosemite, perhaps even in the entire United States. Its sheer face gives it the appearance of being a large rock that’s been cut in half – hence the name Half Dome. Spectacular to see in person, Half Dome rises 4,737 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 8,844 feet above ...Hiking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is a bucket list experience for many hikers. The 18-mile round-trip journey leads you up 4,737 feet from the valley floor to the iconic granite peak. The hike gets its infamy from the last 400-foot ascent up smooth exposed granite at a 45-degree incline using just two steel cables.The Half Dome hike is the single most epic hike in California’s Yosemite National Park, with a thrilling and scary cables section at the end of the trail that leads …The Half Dome hike is a long walk through some of the most incredible and legendary natural splendors in Yosemite Park, not least among them are the Emerald Pool, the spectacular Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls and the Liberty Cap summit, not to mention the many overlooks from which you can see the Half Dome itself as you gradually approach. …May 26, 2022 · This 14 to 16 mile hike will take you a majority of the day to complete; for most hikers, it takes about 10 to 12 hours. Any long hike is going to wear you down, but Half Dome will even more. The elevation change from the trailhead at the Valley floor to the top of Half Dome is 5,000 feet. May 10, 2022 · The total hike to Half Dome involves about 14 miles roundtrip on foot – 16 if you count the walk from the parking lot to the trailhead. As such, many people opt to break the hike up over two days and camp at Little Yosemite backpacking campground, an hour beyond Nevada Falls. In addition to its length, the hike gains almost 5,000ft in ...The Half Dome cables are down for the season. They are usually available for use starting Memorial Day weekend in May. A permit is required to hike to the top of Half Dome when the cables are up. Crane Flat to Tuolumne Meadows Area. Elizabeth Lake Trailhead (in Tuolumne Meadows Campground) is closed. Start from the visitor center or …The Half Dome hike is a long walk through some of the most incredible and legendary natural splendors in Yosemite Park, not least among them are the Emerald Pool, the spectacular Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls and the Liberty Cap summit, not to mention the many overlooks from which you can see the Half Dome itself as you gradually approach. …Half Dome Cables. During the 16-mile, 12-hour round-trip, you'll gain 4,800 feet as you hike up the smooth granite face. Cables have been installed to provide hikers with additional security, and they serve as guide rails during your climb. Despite their security, you’ll still be hiking on a sheer slab of granite thousands of feet above the ...Dec 13, 2021 · Explorer Chicks at the cables of Half Dome. This post has been reviewed by certified TRX and Kettlebell coach, Ulrike Rosser, supplementing our Explorer Chick Fit program. Every year hopeful Half Dome hikers enter the Yosemite National Park lottery system, eager for their chance at a wilderness permit for this wildly popular hike.. Those …Dome mountains form when large globs of magma float up from beneath the crust and push up surface rocks, creating a rounded swelling in the crust. Once the magma cools, it creates ...Oct 10, 2023 · 1K. The infamous Half Dome hike in Yosemite National Park is commonly described as one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. People have died from falling, lightning strikes, heart attacks, avalanches, ice cold rivers, rock climbing mishaps, and even base jumping accidents. Rising 4,800 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and a highly coveted challenge for many hikers. Of course, as many know, the most iconic …May 10, 2022 · The total hike to Half Dome involves about 14 miles roundtrip on foot – 16 if you count the walk from the parking lot to the trailhead. As such, many people opt to break the hike up over two days and camp at Little Yosemite backpacking campground, an hour beyond Nevada Falls. In addition to its length, the hike gains almost 5,000ft in ...Jul 6, 2018 ... Around 11:45pm, we set out for the Yosemite Valley trailhead parking lot, parked our car and set out up the Mist Trail. The hike up to Half Dome ...Jul 13, 2015 ... 542. Yosemite National Park Half Dome at Sunrise Hike. For the Last Adventurer, the hike that he says he'll never do again and always does ...Jun 10, 2023 ... I already did a bunch of hiking before, but I tried to do a big 10mile+ hike each month leading up to it. I also just did general fitness ... The hike up Half Dome is a major challenge (and a major reward). However, you will need to jump through a few hoops just to reach the trailhead. (Information updated for the 2018 season.) Get a permit (win the lottery) Due to the popularity of the hike up Half Dome, Yosemite National Park has instituted a permit system. Reservations are ... Jun 16, 2021 ... Half Dome Hike/Hiking to Half Dome, An 10 Hour Hike in 100 Seconds! I am trying to showcase the strenuous 10 hour hike (total time elapsed) ...May 11, 2021 · The view of Yosemite Valley from Clouds Rest is just as spectacular as the view from Half Dome – plus Half Dome is in the view! Distance: 14.5 miles (23.3 km) round trip Difficulty: Strenuous Elevation Gain: 1,775 feet (541 meters) Trailhead: Tenaya Lake. At the top of the toughest hikes in Yosemite list is Clouds Rest.Half Dome Summit in One Day $305. Embark on a journey of self discovery during this life altering experience on Half Dome, Yosemite’s most iconic peak. Half Dome Day Hike . Summiting Half Dome is a major accomplishment, and our Guided Half Dome Hikes provide preparation, trail knowledge, coaching, and the benefit of added security for …Perhaps the most challenging conquest in California hiking is reaching the summit of Yosemite National Park's Half Dome. The climax of the hike is effectively a straight-up vertical ascent of 400 ...Half Dome is one of the most well-known rocks in Yosemite, perhaps even in the entire United States. Its sheer face gives it the appearance of being a large rock that’s been cut in half – hence the name Half Dome. Spectacular to see in person, Half Dome rises 4,737 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 8,844 feet above ...Rising 4,800 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and a highly coveted challenge for many hikers. Of course, as many know, the most iconic …Dec 21, 2022 · 2 - Half Dome Difficulty: Hard Distance: 18.3 miles (29.5km) Elevation: 4,665 feet (1,422 metres) Time needed: 8 - 10 hours Location: Yosemite Valley Trailhead: Happy Isles/The Mist Trail Why we love this hike: Until 1875 reaching the peak of Half Dome was deemed unclimbable. Climbing to the top is difficult, but a rewarding challenge. Half Dome is a unique natural attraction and day hike in Yosemite National Park. It is also easily one of the best places to visit in the US if you love outdoor activities. … Half Dome is a serious endurance hike taking you 4,800 feet above the Yosemite Valley to spectacular views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, the Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra. This is one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic hikes. You must obtain a permit to hike to the summit of Half Dome. The commanding views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite's high country are unmatched from any other point in the park. Be sure to bring your camera. ... This easy 2-mile out and back trail takes hikers directly to the base of Half Dome. From there, hikers are rewarded with views of …Oct 10, 2023 · 1K. The infamous Half Dome hike in Yosemite National Park is commonly described as one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. People have died from falling, lightning strikes, heart attacks, avalanches, ice cold rivers, rock climbing mishaps, and even base jumping accidents. There are two cables to climb the last 400 feet to the summit. Every 10-20 feet there are wooden planks to rest and maintain your balance. The cables are about a 45-55 degree grade, and you don’t need any rock climbing gear to climb them. Half Dome cables. We geared up before climbing the cables. Jan 31, 2023 · 1. Half Dome. Best hike for adventurers. 17 miles (27km) round trip, 12-16 hours, strenuous. Half Dome has become the trail for thrill-seeking day-trippers visiting Yosemite National Park. The 4900ft climb is one the most challenging and rewarding hikes in …Half Dome is the ultimate Yosemite day hike - the one you can't die without doing, and the one you're most likely to die while doing. It's got 900 feet (300 meters) worth of spectacular waterfalls at the bottom if you …May 26, 2022 · This 14 to 16 mile hike will take you a majority of the day to complete; for most hikers, it takes about 10 to 12 hours. Any long hike is going to wear you down, but Half Dome will even more. The elevation change from the trailhead at the Valley floor to the top of Half Dome is 5,000 feet. Jun 22, 2008 ... June 22, 2008: Half Dome and its infamous cables Half Dome is one of the most famous hikes in Yosemite National Park, mainly because of the ...Apr 5, 2023 · Yosemite’s Search and Rescue team responds to about 100 calls for help on the hike to Half Dome each year. Many of these calls are from hikers that are ill prepared, dehydrated, or out of shape. Just the approach to the dome can cause significant injury.
Wilderness Trip Planning What do I need a permit for? If you are planning to: go backpacking—that is, hike and spend the night in the Yosemite Wilderness, you need a wilderness permit.; hike the John Muir Trail southbound (starting in Yosemite but ending outside Yosemite), you need a wilderness permit that is eligible for a Donohue Pass …. Soft water cost
Rock salt storage facilities are dome-shaped so trucks can easily enter and exit the storage area without obstacles like trusses or roof supports, according to the BBC and the Dome...Hiking Half Dome is not for the faint of heart – it’s an extremely strenuous day hike spanning 14+ miles with 5,300+ feet of elevation gain. But you’ll be rewarded with … Yosemite National Park. Our most epic Yosemite Hiking Tour! Half Dome in a day consists of a 16-mile round-trip trek that takes all day and ascends nearly 5,000 feet beside two majestic waterfalls and a steep cable route before arriving at the top of the famous 8,842′ granite dome. Trip Highlights: Half Dome. Mist Trail. May 26, 2022 · This 14 to 16 mile hike will take you a majority of the day to complete; for most hikers, it takes about 10 to 12 hours. Any long hike is going to wear you down, but Half Dome will even more. The elevation change from the trailhead at the Valley floor to the top of Half Dome is 5,000 feet.Along the way, you'll see outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and--from the shoulder and summit--panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra. Most hikers take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back; some take longer. If you plan on hiking during the day, it's smart to leave around sunrise (or ...Jun 26, 2023 ... To complete the 14.5 mile Half Dome Hike, you will begin your ascent at the Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking Lot. During the daytime this ...Quick Specs Distance: 16.4 Miles roundtrip via Mist Trail Days Needed: 1-3 days – Most people complete as a long day hike Elevation Gain/Loss: 5,457 ft (1,663 m) …Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and is one of the most popular, and most photographed peaks in the entirety of Yosemite National Park. Hiking to the top of such an iconic peak is a special experience. However, it is no easy feat to get there. There are a few different trails that lead to the top of Half Dome, including the John Muir Trail, but the …The hike up Half Dome, another of Yosemite's iconic sites, is a bucket-list hike, best suited to adventurous hikers. If your idea of a great hike involves a 12-hour, 14-mile round-trip trek, massive elevation gain, cables, and something to write home about, this is the hike for you. This famous hike is a challenging trail, and it requires some ... Hiking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that tests your physical and mental limits while rewarding you with breathtaking views and a deep connection to nature. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or someone new to the world of outdoor adventure, the journey to Half Dome is an achievement to be celebrated. Apr 5, 2023 · Yosemite’s Search and Rescue team responds to about 100 calls for help on the hike to Half Dome each year. Many of these calls are from hikers that are ill prepared, dehydrated, or out of shape. Just the approach to the dome can cause significant injury. Aug 28, 2019 · The Four Mile Trail, in my estimation, is the easiest of Yosemite Valley’s toughest hiking trails, but unlike the other hikes listed here, the views stay consistent throughout the trip. Initially, El Capitan dominates the view. As the trail climbs higher, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Royal Arches, The Sentinel and Tenaya Canyon join the Skyline. Yosemite Hikes Home » Tioga Pass Road » North Dome North Dome. Trail Map · Satellite View · Reviews. Distance: 8.8 miles (14.2 km) round trip Elevation at trailhead: 8,100 feet (2,470 meters) North Dome elevation: 7,540 feet (2,300 meters) Hiking Time: 4 - 6 hours Why Hike to North Dome? You haven't really seen Half Dome (figuratively, at …Feb 22, 2023 · Cables assist hikers on the final 400 feet up Half Dome in Yosemite (: Grant Ordelheide) Half Dome Hike Facts. Half Dome Elevation: 8,842 feet (2,650 meters) Total Elevation Gain: 4,800 feet (1,600 meters) from Yosemite Valley. Best Time to Hike: Early season when the waterfalls are at their fullest from snowmelt. Worst Time to Hike: Any day ... .