Hiking Half Dome // Yosemite National Park

We scored a permit to hike Yosemite's famous Half Dome! We failed to secure a permit multiple times previously through the pre-season lottery and 48-hour lottery before finally getting lucky. This was one of the most physically challenging experiences of both our lives and we definitely made some BIG mistakes.
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Thanks for your support!

[@davidmcallister7836]

3 years ago, I was over 400 pounds and practically bed bound. At that point, I decided to set hiking this as a goal to help save my life. I have trained every single day since then and lost 200 pounds for this hike. I will make my attempt at the cables next summer. Thank you so much for uploading this and helping my preparation. You helped save a life.

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thank you SO much for sharing that! What an awesome story. No matter what happens with the hike, sounds like you've accomplished so much already. Good luck!!

[@mikek379]

I would say good luck but instead I will say, you got this!!

[@davidmcallister7836]

@@mikek379 Thank you! I am walking from Dallas to Fort Worth soon to see how ready I am.

[@souffle3134]

You can absolutely do it! Big shout out for a back wilderness pass and split it up into two days only because it is so incredibly beautiful back up in there. No need for the stress of doing it in one day. just a thought. good luck. Just got off the rock and yes they did a nice job Sharing there experience

[@dajo2824]

Go. Love your message!

[@billmoeller8897]

First time I climbed it was back in 1963 just out of high school. No lines, permits, just go whenever you wanted. Climbed it 4 more times over the years, the last was in 1992. Could hardly walk for 2 days after the one. Just be at the trail head at 6 am, brings lots of water & do it while you are still young. Back in the 60's we didn't even think to bring a camera, times sure have changed. Thanks for bringing us along, brought back some good memories.

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Isn't it wild how much it's changed? I bet it was great not having the lines or permits to worry about. These days, I totally see why they have the lottery system. It's frustrating to apply over and over, but after doing it I can tell it would be a huge safety issue if they allowed more people up there!

[@visit2world]

I love it. But still haven't decided to climb it.

[@billmoeller8897]

@@visit2world If you want a better view, just drive up to Glacier Point. About a 45 minute drive from the valley, compared to the 12 hour hike up & back to the top of Halfdome.

[@visit2world]

@@billmoeller8897 I've been there. I also post on my channel. But still, it cannot compete the happiness to climb it. It has the inner satisfying that I conquer that mountain/Rock/place. I love hiking.

[@2ddw]

@@WorkinfortheWild I hiked it in the mid-90's. While on the cables, someone way up at the top of the cables dropped their water bottle...it went "bonk, bonk, bonk, bonk, bonk, ..." all the way down parallel to the cables and then gradually peeled off and down the back side. Everyone on the cables just FROZE as they all imagined that's what it would be for them...we all started climbing again but very, very slowly and carefully...

[@kathyhallenbeck8976]

I'm 72 y.o. and I hiked to half dome for the first time with my adult daughter two Summers ago when I was 70. It was July 31 and she had unexpectedly won the park drawing. I have been hiking, jogging, and hunting all my life so I was glad to go! We took the John Muir trail. My pace is slower than hers but she didn't mind. I'd love to go again before I'm too old.

[@WorkinfortheWild]

WOW! What an accomplishment. I hope we're in that kind of shape 35 years from now!

[@raymelendez6525]

Age is just a number just enjoy life

[@yeseniag355]

Awesome! That’s all I needed to hear to motivate me!

[@redlush91]

That is insane and so proud of you

[@nan7861]

Awesome. You give me hope. My mother and her father climbed Half Dome when she was a teenager, around 1950. I didn’t get the chance when I was young because my parents moved to the east coast. But Mom and I visited Yosemite in 2010 when she bought a T-shirt which says “I Made It To The Top! Half Dome.” I’m wearing that T-shirt today, and hope to Make It To The Top myself when I retire in a few years.

[@cecerra2]

So beautiful! So thankful you both made it down safely!

[@coachsean9982]

That looks amazing! Thanks for taking us along.

[@hjonpark]

I did the Half Dome hike about 5 years ago, also in the month of August like you. You're right, it's HOT! There's very little overhanging brush or trees for shade. You need to bring more water than you think. I was an inexperienced hiker at that time, poorly prepared. I drank about 4 liters in the first few hours alone! I had to borrow water from others in my group. My suggestions if you're hiking Half Dome in Summer: 1] Take very little supplies as possible to make room for water. You won't need as much food as you think because the overwhelming pain in your body will suppress your appetite! 2] Trail mix is good because its light in weight and carries plenty of calories and salt, which is what you need. 3] Avoid bringing heavy equipment like cameras/tripods/shovels/survival gear/spare shoes...etc. Save this weight for water instead. 4] Do bring hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and more water 5] If you're an inexperienced hiker like I was, then think twice about this hike. There are no roads for a vehicle to come pick you up in the event of an emergency. You will have to be carried by people or be taken away with a medevac helicopter. At least once during my hike I had to stop because my legs turned hard as wooden logs. They were extremely painful. I had to rigorously massage my legs for 30 minutes to get my circulation back. That was a scary experience for me.

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Great advice! I would disagree about the food part, though. I felt like I needed MORE food than I originally expected. Nothing too heavy - but I have a big appetite and felt the need to snack pretty much the entire way to keep my energy up. Dried fruit is a great option in addition to trail mix!

[@MountainHobbler]

I appreciate you guys talking about the negatives and the mistakes. Peaking out must have felt awesome, congrats!

[@jcwm01]

Wow, what a challenging endeavor. Congrats to you both!

[@TheTwoAlpacas]

What a beautiful climb. Congrats on the summit.

[@DavidandSarah]

The waterfall was so beautiful. Very nice hike!

[@stumattingley2855]

Really like this video, honest informative assessment. Awesome job!

[@raghavplr]

Inspirational guys!

[@bdavisk]

Man. I cried tears of shared pain seeing my Guacacoley struggle. Praying for a quick recovery.

[@ml11545]

Great video! Ty

[@briansk8362]

Such a cool video. We’re learning about Yosemite and I showed this to my class. Thank you

[@LEN-iy3ix]

Well done guys. Myself and my brother hiked half dome in July. We flew up the cables but it began to light rain/mist for a bit while we were on top. We made it down but it was extremely slippy from even a little moisture. We couldn't wait at the top until it fully dried as apparently there was a risk of lightning. The greatest hike of my life but just a touch scary to say the least.

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Oh wow that does sound scary. I was thinking on the way up I would not like to be doing that hike with any kind of precipitation. Glad you made it down safely!

[@2ddw]

Yeah, the goal with climbing/hiking peaks in the Sierras is to get to the peak before 1:00 pm at the latest so you can get off before any thunderstorms develop. They usually develop in the afternoon...but not always... I was on top of a Sierra peak one time and I saw my buddy's thinning hair all standing on end like he was touching a Van de Graaf generator. We skeedaddled off that peak real fast like!

[@kathymurphy7217]

Wow, well done! Great advice in the summing up.

[@n.c.467]

I can't thank you enough for making this video. It's the only one I've found that really shows you what is involved in this journey. Your tips are priceless! While I have decided against doing this, I at least made an informed decision because of your efforts!!

[@davidtoney9933]

Great job you two!!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Epic! Awesome stuff!

[@RichWeigel]

Great hike video thanks folks! On my list!

[@showbizvet]

Thanks for the video hike. I could feel your pain, but also feel your triumph :)

[@larrypoole3906]

You guys kicked ass. Great video. Thank you for sharing.

[@LizzDimaano]

Thank you for the video! It was great seeing your experience. I plan on doing the hike next week and I’m pretty nervous, but your video definitely helped ease some of my anxiety ☺️

[@eldahini01]

I do appreciate your sharing. We just came back from Yosemite but didn't visit the top of Half Dome. So wonderful view.

[@weekendhappycamper]

I enjoyed the very useful video. I will visit frequently in the future to learn useful information and fill my bucket list. Thank you

[@Jonnyvids14]

Thank you very much for taking the time to share this. Very helpful.

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thank you for watching!

[@Infinitejoy81]

Very PROUD OF YOU BOTH! We did vernal calls and Nevada and coming down our knees were hurting so much, they felt like jello. So happy to see your video!

[@denisehowell9891]

This is amazing. Thank you for documenting it. I have been trying to get over my fear of those cables.

[@fvsmith]

Smart move, pacing yourself and taking breaks. The view is worth it!

[@leelaural]

great video.....informative....thx for posting.

[@davidsiu1364]

Really good video and thanks for sharing all the info.

[@djjakstarr5370]

Effing awesome you guys! 👏🏼

[@annsegler9189]

Glad y’all made it

[@alanscott6241]

Fantastic video u guys! Views are astounding. God bless 👍😎🙏❤️🇺🇸

[@LourdesGonzalez-gs8jj]

Awesome 😎 hike! Beautiful views at the top of Half Dome!. 💕💕❤️Thank you for the tips of what do and how to prepare for this incredible hike. Thank you for taking us along 🙏🙏🙌🙌

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@puffintravels]

thanks for sharing 😍

[@ervinslens]

Simply master class content!!! Well done folks.

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thank you so much!

[@RachelJ1]

Did this hike last may. Got the overnight/wilderness permit. Hiked up to camp set up our tent and ate lunch then did half dome. We had the whole dome to ourselves not a single person was going up that late in the evening and made it back to camp around dusk to eat dinner. Perfect setup. Perfect weather and solitude. Made it down the mountain before 10am and before the majority of the foot traffic. I highly recommend this!

[@hahaitztiff]

so you were able to drop off your things at camp before hiking up half dome? and how much water did you carry? thanks!

[@RachelJ1]

@@hahaitztiff yup! By the time we got there everyone from the previous night had left so we got a good spot. Pack a lot of water. We brought a filter and filtered at the top of the falls and filtered from the Merced about a quarter mile outside camp. Can’t say exactly how much but definitely went through a good 5 liters each total over the course of the two days.

[@fernandolopez9756]

I have hiked half dome at least ten times when I was in my mid 50s to mid 60s My friend and I stopped that hike when the lottery started. I miss it. My fastest hike was 4 hrs. and 45 min., with 30 min rest at the top. I was a good runner back then. Thanks for bringing those memories back.

[@dallasn16]

Everyone needs an experience like that, when you're broken and dehydrated on the trail. It's a very hard lesson but one you will certainly not forget.

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Totally. It was definitely a learning experience!

[@unjarredoutdoors5513]

Well done, thanks for sharing

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thank you for watching!

[@MelissaAndAlex]

This place looks Amazing

[@jb664q]

Electrolytes too! Great job guys tough hike

[@movingourmind]

Superb. I hope to do this next year for my 50th!

[@HikingWithShawn]

Wow, 17:44 would be pretty intense. I could understand taking it one step at a time. Your heart is more important than the hike. Congrats on making it! Great video!

[@monicalifornia_]

When you said “eventually we made it” and that music started and that VIEW. I literally cried for you guys. What an amazing adventure. You guys are rockstars!!! I would “only” add for future tips. Steer clear of August. 😬

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Aww thank you! It wasn’t super climactic at the time just because of how tired we were. But I’m glad it comes across that way!

[@traveltheusa97]

Nice video, I really want to go to Yosemite and do this hike now!

[@adampugh7771]

Wow. great vid....congrats y'all made it...great views......Thanks a bunch for sharing!

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thank you for watching!

[@markcorbe5103]

This video is really well done, very realistic and anyone looking to take on half dome would benefit from watching this. I did half dome Aug 30, 2022 and it was an incredible experience. We actually camped at Upper pines camp ground which is a great location for this hike - about 5 minute walk to the trailhead. I also agree that the subdome section (after they check for your cable pass, but before you get to the cables) is one of the toughest parts. Making your way down, particularly down the endless steps between nevada falls and vernal falls is also pretty tough. Awesome, awesome experience. Great video!

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thank you! You did it not too long after us, we were there in mid-August! Hope you had a cooler day than we did. Thanks for watching & commenting!

[@paullanda8268]

I'm impressed. good job!

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thanks so much!

[@torstenwennberg4845]

Thanks guys. Great video, not overdone and honest. Appreciated all the observations/comments. Enjoyed the scenery as well.

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thank you for watching!

[@KristinaAdventures]

this is absolutely incredible, what a journey!! so happy you were able to get a permit so you could experience this! thanks for sharing this 😁🙏

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Getting the permit is half the battle! Thanks for watching :)

[@KristinaAdventures]

@@WorkinfortheWild you're very welcome 😇

[@amandastansberry7646]

I watched this video one day during my lunch break and decided to do vanlife with my husband. We are now six months away from quitting our jobs and embarking on our adventure :’) thank you!

[@WorkinfortheWild]

This is my favorite comment of the day! Good luck and congrats!

[@OutdoorGoyo]

good luck!

[@coolertje11]

How's it going currently?

[@amandastansberry7646]

@@coolertje11 hard but worth it!

[@dancinggiraffe6058]

I loved this video, and really enjoyed your comments throughout. Congratulations on making it to the top! I have a bad fear of heights, which is why I never tried to do this myself, but thanks to you, I actually felt as if I were there (minus the fear factor).

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thanks for watching! This would definitely be a tough one for those afraid of heights. We saw a few people in that boat who were still conquering it!

[@mariahn8601]

Wow! Thank u so much for all the heads up. Going up next weekend after turning it down for 10 yrs for other commitments. I have not heard anyone explain the trail n terrain that well. Even thou I live in the middle of our beautiful Majave desert I can't take the heat well. This helps me prepare better for sun n bug protection since I am a magnet for insects. Thanks again.

[@WorkinfortheWild]

That's great to hear! Thanks so much for watching and for the comment. Good luck on the hike!

[@robertupchurch8088]

Don’t Die Signs…😂😂😂😂😂. Wow! Congratulations…Beautiful views!

[@Butterpants1987]

lucky enough to be a native of southern california and used to do an annual half dome hike with my friends. wasnt too bad of a drive for a weekend trip. we stopped doing those two years before covid when we were still in our mid 20s and didnt have families yet. best times of my life.

[@randystraub3012]

Great video, great next-day recap! I've done HD twice; got dehydrated the first time and learned my lesson. Going down the 8+ miles is tough even when adequately hydrated. Breaking the hike into 2 days is a great suggestion. I found your presentation style very refreshing - I'll be back. Thanks!

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thank you! That means a lot! I always try to keep it real and never sugarcoat anything...even if it comes across as negative to some, that's the real experience! We absolutely loved this hike and learned some really valuable lessons.

[@wanderingacres9528]

Doing this hike next month can't wait

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Good luck! I think it would have been great to have more time to prep. We just had the 48 hour window once we found out we won the lottery. You'll love it!

[@JaneDoe-xg3vr]

I would love to do this but I have such horrible anxiety I’m afraid I’d pass out. So glad I got to experience it through you guys 💜 thank you

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thanks for watching! I can definitely see it being tough for anyone afraid of heights or just anxiety in general. I think I'd definitely want to be clipped into the cables if I felt that way.

[@radhavasam]

Thank you. It is very scary. And you both did it, Congratulations :)

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thank you!

[@knobbiesshreaded3137]

Day hikes are a blast, light and fast. Lots of great hikes start in Yosemite. Spent many summers in Camp 4, hiking on rest days. No permits required back in the day.

[@TamonYanagimoto]

sweaty palms watching this!

[@barbarasidelko1682]

Spectacular! Rachel you are a younger me, a much younger me. Between the mosquitoes and the heat. Cole totally get the dehydration. One of the fourteeners we conquered (LaPlata Peak) just about killed me. Ran out of water. So happy you made it. Great video. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Oh wow running out of water on a 14er would be rough! We’ve both tackled 14ers but not in this kind of heat. Thanks for watching!

[@elliswoodall407]

Awesome. I'd like to do that someday

[@tyronesmith3812]

wowww sick invite

[@pabiker7505]

Great video, awesome views. Wish I had the stamina do hike it, but at 66 yrs old, don't think so. Heading to Wyoming in September for backcountry hikes. Nice dogs, love the labs!!

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thanks for watching! Yes, this is definitely a challenging hike. We feel fortunate to have the ability to complete it at this point in our lives. But there are plenty of beautiful hikes that don't require the same amount of work :)

[@pabiker7505]

Put this hike back on my bucket list after seeing the 93 yr old gentleman from Oakland California do it this year. He did it in 2 days like you mentioned. That increases the odds of completing the hike. Applying for permit in March 2024, hope to do hike in September.

[@joelprange3498]

Did it in late September 2018,. I came shuffling back into camp about 12+ hours later. It was a great adventure. When we reached the top there was a woman crying maybe a combination of elation, exhaustion, dehydration, and anxiety about getting down. If you can’t climb down I guess it would be a helicopter rescue? It is a challenge. It is an experiment of working with strangers to safely make the ascent/decent. Sadly, falls happen almost every year. Congratulations on completing it.

[@TimmyCramer]

Whoa.....thar looked epic!! Heading back to San Diego Sunday for a week of beachside camping. Keep having fun! Timmy C Arizona

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thank you! It was absolutely epic

[@jenniferfisher530]

I've always wanted to do this hike and have hiked extensively all over the Sierra. But yes, August is super hot and you need lots of water.

[@beachwoodRR]

A great video. I have done Angels Landing but now I am too old to do any more. So your video was fantastic for me. Not as scary as Angela landing.

[@hossromani]

Excellent video very helpful, despite all the videos on this topic, it was very honest and helpful

[@WorkinfortheWild]

It's true -- there are so many half dome videos here on KZbin! Glad to hear our experience was helpful

[@anthonypalacios7926]

Great video! Half Dome is definitely a hike I would love to do. Through backpacking and hiking, I've learned to supplement electrolytes with water. Finding that balance is key to staying hydrated. Keep it up!

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thank you! We will definitely be carrying electrolyte packets on long hikes from now on. Thanks for watching!

[@2ddw]

@@WorkinfortheWild Personally, if I carry 2 containers of water, I carry 1/2 strength gatorade in one. Just another option.

[@kenhazelbaker4952]

A primo video - you nailed all the amazing nuances. I've done it 6 times - taken about 50 people up as church singles program = 40 yr olds back in 80's - 90's before lotto.. Did it once when cables were not in pipe stands - you had to lift them as a 3 - 4 person group - scarry! Met my wife as one of the group second time. Best time to go is weekend before Memorial day - all the falls are full, mist trail phenomenal misting, foliage green and new. Thanks, great video - better quality than 30 yrs ago. You really covered all aspects. Thanks so much!

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Wow thanks so much! That means a lot. I bet it was totally different back in the 90s. We've heard from a few people who did it with the cables "down". At first I thought that meant the cables were completely gone but then realized it just means they're not in the pipe stands. Would be interesting to give that a try!

[@rayflanders3221]

I Really Like your video. It's a good description of the going up portion. I've done this 3 times now and each time the descent is what is most difficult for me personally . Hiking poles the last time really helped to take some of the weight off my knees on the way down. Also, to reach the top you have to be mentally prepared as much as physically. It's definitely grueling, but the mental prep not only for the cables but the subdome can't be overlooked. My 3rd ascent was because my 15 year old daughter wanted to do the hike in 2018 with her twin 14 year old brothers. I knew the boys could handle it but was a bit concerned she wasn't mentally tough enough. In the months leading up to the hike we watched videos etc, but it's hard to convey just how tough that last portion of the subdome and cables is. She did make it to the top and cried at the top! Each excursion I have done was memorable but I will never forget ascending with my three teenagers. We did Clouds Rest the following year arriving at the top at sunrise. What a sight!

[@kbarnes8953]

😮 I hope your daughter never reads this post about your doubts in her abilities I don’t care that you know her and I don’t but having little faith in her is disrespectful.Noted you didn’t say anything negative about your sons.🤔

[@RichardinNC1]

Good job to accomplish that hike. Half Dome remains my biggest hiking accomplishment. Done at age 35, before permits were required (except for camping). We did it in a day, myself and most of my group took the longer John Muir trail up and back. Some with a later start, took the mist trail up. I agree about the gloves. We went in June, and had snow/ice at the steep section at 7:20. Quite a challenge. We had filters and got more water from a stream on the return. But our hike was so long, we finished in the dark as well as having started just before dawn.

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Oh wow! We knew people would be finishing in the dark as we passed them on our way down. It's a looong day for sure!

[@Jason-Bailey]

I just did angels landing a couple days ago, can't wait to do half dome.

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Awesome! Both are definitely worth it

[@corgisNhorses]

Did Half Dome 30 years ago when I was 40. Before permits. Up and down 13.5 hours. You came off the cables right--backwards. If you miss that obscure artesian well you're screwed for water. Did Cloud's Rest from Tioga Rd. Another magnificent hike. Excellent video!

[@lkubo2418]

I've done it 4 times before permits. On topo map it shows where the spring is, it is not on the main track. The last time I did it, I jog/walked it and used the spring to replenish water. I came a across a young couple who ran out of water, begging for some. I share what I had, but the girl was so delirious that she almost chugged the whole bottle, leaving little for the guy. Going downhill, I didn't need much water, but when I got to the Merced River, I wetted myself to cool off. I would not trust drinking this river water without treating. Great video

[@shashankviswanadha7566]

We had a very similar experience from our hike mid August too. The water in the Merced was very clean that we all drank it without any filters and were absolutely fine!

[@WorkinfortheWild]

After filling up with filtered water we later filled up just straight from the river. Agree, it was just fine. But still would have been smart for us to carry a filter or tablets.

[@2ddw]

@@WorkinfortheWild Yup. Filter and bag adds 3.5 oz. Tablets for a day hike, virtually weightless.

[@mikegrizwold2522]

Did this climb a few years ago with a friend. I got stuck on one of the steep sections when this lady panicked and froze. She was pretty scared and could not move which caused a bit of a bottleneck. Not a fun place to get stuck! Everything worked out as she found the courage to make her way back down. Such a long day but worth it! Thanks for including the fact that going downhill is one of the hardest parts of the hike. Many don’t get that until they are experiencing it for themselves. One last thing, go Chiefs!

[@WorkinfortheWild]

We saw a couple people who were freezing up/panicking. Luckily they had people with them to help them up or down. Really not a great place for nerves to kick in!

[@randymackintosh6559]

...been there...done that...before the days of permits...probably 1985...thanks for the shots...looks much like I remembered it...at the place you stopped to check permits...I discovered my hiking buddy had been grazing our food all day long when he had the food pack, and we basically had no more food!!! After he convinced me not to kill him....I spent the rest of the day begging people I saw eating trail mix or ANYTHING for a bite...quite embarrassing...LOL

[@MrJrbryan]

alright, great vid..I loved the little details that could be of great value to newbies..you two make a great couple...that little blond lady knows how speak on camera: ))

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@RhythmAndStyle]

Nice I'm hoping to get some permit to Half Dome, was there this yr but filled with tourist

[@toel33]

Beautiful and informational video guys! I'm glad you guys made it 😄 Liked the fact that you talked about how exhausting the hike can be. Not every video talks about that but it should most definitely not be underestimated haha! Personally did this hike mid November last year. The weather was good and especially not too warm, no crowds, all with all great circumstances to do this hike. My only mistakes was to start a little too late which made me walk for like 3 hours in the dark back down while tired and without a proper light source. Nevertheless I highly recommend you to try the hike during that time of the year. It's beautiful! Two notes tho: 1) There's less sunligh during the day (which screwed me kinda over). 2) The cables are down and you need some gear/ropes to tie yourself to the cables. It's a bit more dangerous but again, really beautiful during that time of the year. Greetings from Amsterdam 💙

[@WorkinfortheWild]

thanks so much for watching and commenting! I think it would be an interesting experience to hike this with the cables down. Not sure I'd have the guts to do it but you never know! Congrats on finishing it!

[@2ddw]

Clarification: by "the cables are down". They are actually just lying there on the side of the mountain, just not propped up on the metal poles. There are videos on people doing it in winter...but the ice...that would change the risk equation.

[@fcshortzyt2437]

Just get in better shape and youll have more fun on the hike next time 🎉😊

[@WorkinfortheWild]

I'm pretty sure that logic applies to doing anything active lol

[@JimsMusicLegacy]

Really a cool video adventure with great advice toward the end. I've hiked it twice. The first time, I was 19. What a thrill that was. I'm afraid of heights. When I hit the trailhead, I was clean shaved. When I got back, I had a beard down to my knees! That's called fear induced hormones. The second time, I was in my 40's and I didn't make it because we didn't hit the trail until 7 AM (too late) and the hike kicked my butt. I recommend pitching a tent at Little Yosemite and make it a 2 day trip. Water doesn't hydrate enough, you need Gatorade or something with electrolytes.

[@stanstanly3812]

I did the Half Dome hike way back in 1987 with my Air Force buddies. A lot more rugged back then! I don't remember too many nice concrete stairs. The area before the cables is part of what's called Quarter Dome. Back then it was really a free-for-all hiking over that area. Lots and lots of huge rocks and people took multiple paths. Glad to see they made improvements. Also there was not as many rails around the dangerous areas. You had to be very careful walking around the falls. We went in early May and the falls were running at max. The steep trails were slick and the rain from the falls keep you soaking wet! Also, no permits were required back then. One of the most challenging things I've ever done. Glad I did it when I was young. LOL

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Wow! What a cool experience. There is still a section toward the top of quarter dome where the stairs disappear and you can take whichever path looks the best. But not nearly as rugged as what you're describing! Thanks for watching & commenting.

[@williamhintzman8317]

Have Done The cables 2 times. 1st time Single day round trip. That was brutal as you know. Second time we overnited in Little Yosemite Valley and hit the Cables by 9 am the next morning. Went to the Valley floor that same day. Reserve the hikers camp 2 nights so you can leave your gear in the Box during the half dome hike. The 2 Day trip was much more enjoyable. Happy Trails!!!

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Nice! yeah, I think that would be the way to go for sure if we ever did it again. Thank you for watching!

[@MetalockieMusic]

Just did upper Yosemite falls trail and that was extremely difficult. Amazing though. Hoping to do half dome next.

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Awesome! Would have loved to do that one while we were there but just didn't have the time. How were the falls? They were pretty much dried up when we were there.

[@MetalockieMusic]

@@WorkinfortheWild pretty much dry, just a reminder that that's where they are. Place is magical though. I can't wait to return.

[@paytin8]

This is terrifying! Good for you!

[@paulscozzari602]

Did this hike back in 2000, all in one day. Could not walk the next day but it was worth it! If you are not in tip top shape, definitely break the hike up into two days if you can. And as for water, you can only carry so much water before the weight becomes restrictive, so definitely bring water purification tablets with you and get water from the streams.

[@mariapgutierrez9690]

I am not a climber, but thank you for sharing. I should definitely start taking my daily walks I do not think I could ever do this, I get dehydrated by doing simple exercise, not even consistent

[@bergsteiger9152]

You guys are animals! Such a hard hike, I can only compare it to Longs Peak Keyhole route and without the heat. VERY impressive. An electrolyte drink might have helped. Could u walk the next day? 🙂

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Yes! We will definitely be carrying electrolyte packets on long hikes from now on. We have them...not sure why I didn't pack them. Longs Peak is on my bucket list for sure. That's a crazy accomplishment!

[@jamesorr1200]

Thx so much for the great video! I’ve never hiked beyond the Mist Trail, but I really want to do the full hike. Is the Mist Trail the most difficult section, or would you say the rest is just as steep?

[@donnaCR2779]

My husband and I did this over six years ago and we also ran out of water. It was miserable hiking back but would do this again.

[@helgarivers6281]

The best part of the trip was left out, suffering a little is part of hiking. Lol Glad you two made it down safely, dehydration is no joke. Watch out for the heatstroke as well.

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Turning on the camera isn't always top of mind when you're worried about your partner's health and safety, as I was. I also knew it wouldn't help the situation. I think we just wanted to get down as quickly and safely as possible. But I totally get why it would be nice to see the descent!

[@helgarivers6281]

@@WorkinfortheWild One hundred percent right on that.

[@2ddw]

@@WorkinfortheWild When you said at the top of Half Dome that your partner was out of water...my first thought was "uh-oh". I hope others learn from your mistakes...in which case this video is totally worth it.

[@KaliLife619]

Omg my anxiety went through the roof! I would definitely have a panic attack half way up the cables and need to be rescued.😅 Respect for you guys!

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Unfortunately, we saw a bit of that. Not the best place to panic!

[@PhanoftheShow]

hiking in the heat you need to cover your skin and scalp. with UV clothing. thanks for the video, adding this hike to my list

[@WorkinfortheWild]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidlaforce1855]

My wife and I did the trail around 25 years ago, it was very intense and on a 10 scale for rigorous