Hiking Tips: Things I wish I had known before hiking Half Dome.

My attempt at hiking Half Dome was not successful. Here are the things I wish I knew before I attempted to hike it that may have helped me be successful on my attempt. #travel #travelvlog #travelguide #traveltips #hiking #adventure #adventuretravel #outdoors #nationalparks #yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #halfdome #misttrail
0:00 Introduction
0:07 It's Hard
0:43 You Need Energy
1:16 It's Hotter than you think
1:31 Start Earlier than you think
1:55 Mosquitos
2:18 Sub Dome Is Scary
2:34 Reward Yourself
2:53 What Goes Up...
3:06 Soggy Hiking
3:27 Comradery Among Hikers
3:50 Thanks For Watching

[@CBeard849]

I managed to do that day hike successfully 3 times.....and you are right, it is hard!! First....you have to be in decent shape....and I mean physically fit! Second....you have to leave early....before the sun is up. You have to have some gloves with you and the ability to push yourself constantly to make it to the top and back before dark. Do NOT FEAR the cables because they are safer than they look....just go slow and take your time. On top of all that you have to hope for good weather. All of my 3 hikes were done in the 80's and 90's before the permit system.....and I believe the permit system causes people to risk summitting on days they really shouldn't because, well ....the permit. All that being said.....if you can make the hike I highly recommend it because you'll never forget it!! The very last time I made the trip I was not in as good a shape as I had been and my knees were almost bone-on-bone....and the trip down after summitting was excruciating! I bypassed the Mist Trail for the donkey trail and by the time I reached Happy Isle I was literally in tears! I knew it was the last time I would make the trip.....but I was satisfied I had done it 3 times. Now, the only time I get to visit this trail is watching videos like yours and thank you for posting it.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

Yeah I am 49 and a regular hiker. I was not physically ready for it

[@CAHOBBES]

I've left Happy Isles at 8am and returned from top of Half Dome by 4 pm, key is being physically fit. Summitted Half Dome and Clouds Rest multiple time, as well as Mount Whitney.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

@@CAHOBBES doing decent hikes regularly I thought I was more fit than I was

[@jamesrich8463]

I gotta try this in the summer now to see what you guys are talking about. Man vs Mountain.

[@America-Is-Doomed]

As a former member of Yosemite SAR, I appreciate you taking the time to make this informative video. I can't tell you how many times we got called out for people who were horribly unprepared for what they thought was a nice walk in the park.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

I appreciate your comment. I hike fairly often and climb 2000 feet in a couple of the hikes I do but I was not ready. I was smart enough to know when to call it quits though so I didn’t the SAR team.

[@robertturner1308]

I loved hiking Half Dome in a day. One of the best hikes of my life. Guy is right, it not an easy hike. Get in shape first. No mosquitoes 🦟 when I did it but the sun is intense.

[@w.harrison7277]

I used to be a rock climber and I never hiked to Half Dome because I heard so many tales of how brutal it is and particularly how non-climbers who are hikers underestimate how much work it is and get in trouble all the time. I had a friend from Texas who was a gym climber at beginner level. My climbing partner invited him to climb Snake Dyke on Half dome, which shares the walk-off with the Half dome hikers coming back. Snake Dyke is 1000 feet of climbing after a four hour approach. By the time they got to the top of Snake Dyke my Texas friend was so exhausted and freaked by the fact that there's no bolts or protection that he climbed the remaining 2000 feet to the summit on his hands and knees out of terror! Then they had the full walk-off to do. They had started the day at 3am and finally arrived back at Curry at 1am. 22 hours of hell. My Texas friend never climbed again in his life.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

That is terrifying on so many levels

[@HowlinWilf13]

Well done! Concise, to-the-point, and informative.

[@norcalskim1]

Nice vid, lots of good tips. I did the hike this June and for me the hard part was going down - I'm 58 and my knees are fairly wrecked from tennis. My body is just not used to going down steep stairs/grades and it killed my knees. If you have knee issues be sure to take John Muir down to avoid all the steps around Nevada and Vernal Falls. Going up take the steps cause it's amazingly beautiful (and it doesn't hurt). Goint down take Muir, lol. X2 on bring a water filter so you don't have to lug a bunch of water around. Sawyer Squeeze is only like $30 and works perfectly.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

Yeah we did take John Muir down. It was still very hard on me. I don’t have knee issues, but it’s still a leg workout like you don’t see very often

[@a1scoot]

Did that hike once in my early thirties…that was enough for me 😎

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

Yeah at 49 it was pretty rough. I’ve been training, I think I will redeem myself at the Grand Canyon

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

that was super informative!!

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

Thank you

[@RRags]

He ain’t wrong. Very good advice!

[@UDPride]

I agree with all the points (especially the mosquito nets/protection!!) but the food part. In my opinion the last thing you want is to get sick on an extended hike like this and have a stomach ache or the runs or just need to drop a 10lb ballast. I would eat as light as you possibly can the night before so you are not carrying food in your digestive tract This is an exhaustive hike that will put stress on your body so you don't want to carry any more weight or food sloshing inside of you than you need to. The altitude and oxygen is going to also be a stresser on more things than just your wind. That said I would take some extremely high calorie, high carb, high energy snacks that are also easily digestible so you can fuel up as needed -- and ONLY when needed. Nuts, bananas, raisins, if you easily digest PB&J then take a sandwich...if you normally eat and digest those things well. If you do not normally eat energy bars and gels stay as far away from them as possible. Dont ever consume anything your body doesnt normally consume as a matter or your normal diet. You dont want ANY surprises on a long hike like this where help or rescue is unlikely in any reasonable timeframe. I hike and run marathons...less really is more. And remember whatever is in your body you have to carry it up that mountain -- spaghetti and meatballs and all. Leave it back at ground zero and be as light and empty as you can without feeling weak, then fuel up as you go with SMALL but powerful snacks. Only once you get back should you feast. Do you want to be tired and hungry or do you want to have explosive diahhrea and nausea in the middle of nowhere with nothing to wipe your butt with but a pine cone? Physical exertion puts a LOT of stress on your body and your digestive tract will start to rebel against you if its full of food. Finally, know some basic First Aid and bring a First Aid kit for yourself or others for addressing minor issues like twisted ankles, cuts, lip balm, abrasions, sunburn, bug spray, ibuprofin, anti-nausea, etc. Also bring an extra pair of socks. Your first pair will likely be soaked from the water or your foot sweat going up. Your dogs will be barking.

[@alexanderanghel7946]

Did the hike 2 times. Its one of my favorite hikes. The cables at the end are so much fun, but people are so slow!!

[@norcalskim1]

Yeah you get a mix of people, some are not fit enough to go fast, some are dealing with anxiety, etc so you just have to deal. One thing I don't get is the ranger gives a speech about how to correctly use the cables (hand over hand, one cable) but 90% of people TOTALLY ignore the instructions and use both cables, creating even more slowdowns (since you have people going up and down). The whole park was a zoo though lol.

[@alexanderanghel7946]

@norcalskim1 interesting, the first time I did the hike, there were no permits needed and no rangers around. The second time I did it, we needed permits, and there was a ranger there, but he was only checking permits and not really giving directions.

[@terrysullivan1992]

A. Be in very good shape B. Acclimatize at least a day or two C. Back pack to Little Yosemite Valley and stay the night D. Do half dome the next day sans packs, which you can leave in the steel bear proof bins E. Good light weight hiking boots. F. Water, water, water G. the hike down is a calf and knee killer. H. Once back in the Valley, go to the ice cream shop at the Ahwanee for a chocolate Sunday.

[@stevef]

Two things - you can cool off in the big lodge with a double bourbon and make sure you have a harness to attach at Sub Dome. And take your time to enjoy it!

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

Definitely better than curry village. I did have harnesses, but didn’t make it that far

[@truthdefenders-]

Good tips, thnx. I’ve had to stop short of summiting 2 mountains on account of knee issues on one and poor acclimation to altitude on the other. But have no regrets it was awesome to go as high and long as I did. One was Mount Pisco in Peru the other a mountain in Washington, I think it was Baker.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

Thanks, I think the altitude may have been the #1 issue for me. I had just done a hike in April that was 11 miles and 1700 ft elevation climb. And had no issues. Of course that is also. It nearly the elevation change of half dome

[@Renrelo21]

I hike to the Dome twice. Once from the Mist Trail and one from the John Muir. For me, the Sub Dome is worse than the Dome itself. I actually fell on the Sub Dome coming down. Let’s just say that loose sand on granite is not a good mix. Lastly, wear appropriate shoes with good tread! This hike is no joke.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

Man falling on the sub dome. Thats terrifying

[@Renrelo21]

Yes is was simply a matter of loose sand on slick granite. I was very lucky it wasn’t worse than it was. Torn minuscus and broken finger. Lucky girl

[@michaelbisnett4845]

I made the trip in the late 70's and I was in my early twenties. At that age the entire trek seemed long and the elevation gain was impressive, but it wasn't too tough. I guess being young and in decent shape sure made the difference. The older people in our group stopped after the upper falls and waited for our return, I think that was wise on their part. All of the things you mentioned in the video are very important and you did a good job of making people aware of the challenges. If you are older and, more importantly, out of shape don't expect this trek to be doable without some significant pain.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

I do wish I had the opportunity when I was younger to do it. My cross country running son had no issues with the physical part of the climb. I think he could have done it twice.

[@user-hw4kn6wh6p]

Great video! No way I would try that.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

The mist trail was amazing. Still really hard, but doable. If you ever get the chance you should try it.

[@b.g.5869]

There was this chubby guy from California I used to work with to whom I happened to mention Half Dome casually just talking about how scary the final steep assent looked and he claimed it was literally just a walk in the park and he'd done it lots of times. This is someone that would get short of breath walking from his desk to the break room mind you. It is abundantly clear now that there's no way in hell he ever hiked up Half Dome. As for the friendly fellow hikers, I've seen lots of videos with impatient jerks rudely and dangerously leap frogging over others on the chains.

[@UTAH100]

Great tips. I LOVED this hike. We are in shape and did not find it too hard- coming back via the John Muir trail though, after the initial excitement wore off did start to drag. We started out in the dark. We did it in 2019. My wife laughed at me for going to REI and getting harnesses. When we got to the base of it, she requested her harness. The next day a woman died- slipped and fell 500 feet whent the rain set it (sunny day.) It's not joke. It's unfortunate that the NPS discourages the use of harnesses. They save lives. Someone above you could slip and take you off the dome. Yes, I hated sub-dome too. I felt very unsafe. With a harness, I found Half Dome easy. Angels Landing/Zion is awesome too as is Death Valley and the Sand Dunes. Life is an adventure. Oh- and if you have never been to Moab, UT, add it to your list.

[@robertgrochau2680]

I hiked half dome and one thing I did not think of was grip strength for the cables. It took about 45 minutes up on the cables due to so many people. All the while my hands are gripping the cables and pulling myself up... my forearms were on fire and my hands felt like frozen claws.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

Yeah I didn’t make it that far, but I can imagine the death grip I would have on that. Even with the safety harness I was carrying.

[@13jnichols]

We did this hike as a backpack. We didn't think it was too bad. However, we did this when I was in my mid-fifties and I was in good shape.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

So did you break it into 2 days? I think that would be ideal when I go back

[@bobe3250]

I did a lot of hiking and climbing in high school and college. Many times I wished I was down on the ground. I don’t miss that feeling one bit.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

I love the payoffs but yeah there are times i question my hiking decisions

[@CAHOBBES]

? WTF were you flying? At what point did you leave the ground?

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

@@CAHOBBES when he was climbing

[@bobe3250]

@@TheTravelersvacationary He must be drinking. You find a lot of those types on KZbin looking to mix words and fight over anything

[@richardlynch1094]

Bring GLOVES for those frayed metal cables! Ouch!

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

I had gloves and harnesses. I did some research before hand, but still wasn’t ready for that.

[@aliassmithandjones9453]

trekking poles are your friend when hiking downhill

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

I was so tired of holding them at that point I didn’t even my trekking poles even crossed my mind.

[@k1k2lee]

Of Course it Hard what did you expect 🙂 should of also bagged Clouds rest

[@jjames05]

maybe use the hiking poles you brought for the way down....

[@lillygirl7238]

Great comments.

[@jamesrich8463]

I thought it might be cold up in the mountains I guess it can be hot..sunscreen is a must for sure

[@torreyintahoe]

The mist trail is not the shortest route to the top of half dome. The slabs below the NW face are; by many miles.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

Is that climbing the face? Or is there a trail?

[@torreyintahoe]

@@TheTravelersvacationary The slabs take you to the the base of the face at which point you can either climb the face or take the trail east around the formation to the cables. It's not recommended for tourists but it is, by far the most direct route to the top of Half dome.

[@blueyedmule]

Rain/ice/snow/lightning can blow in at a moment's notice. People DIE on this mountain. It's not for the unexperienced and out-of-shape.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

There definitely needs to be respect for the mountain. And tracking of weather. Most of the deaths up there are due to those two things. But I even trained by hiking once or twice a week for 4 months beforehand and still struggled

[@mtadams2009]

Did I hear you incorrectly, you said it took you over five hours to hike two miles. I know it’s hard but that seems insanely hard.

[@w.harrison7277]

Lots of deep step ups that people don't have the muscle power for.

[@mtadams2009]

@@w.harrison7277 I guess. I am 64 years old and do a lot of long distance backpacking. For me when I average a mile an hour I know the trial is hard. I really can’t imagine taking over five hours to hike 2.5 miles. I have actually never hiked anything that hard and I have hiked thousands of miles. I think a sun umbrella would be a nice addition to help with the blazing sun.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

Yeah it’s about 2000 feet climb in that short distance. I took a lot of breaks. Add to that I live at 400 feet above see level and the valley starts at around 4000 feet.

[@mtadams2009]

@@TheTravelersvacationary Well you had a good hike and a fun time it sounds like. You also learned a lot. Each time you go out you will be better prepared for your next adventure. I myself am still learning and I have been doing this for decades. Take care and thanks for sharing your experience.

[@snort455]

gloves for the cables!

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

That is a good one. I was ready for that. If I had made it there

[@mr.bnatural3700]

I can't imagine not wearing a broad hat to keep the sun off your head, neck, ears & face.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

Yeah, and yet most don’t. Including myself. Although most of the hike I was ok finding shade.

[@Joe-ve8yw]

It looks like a nitmare. I love the outdoors but that looks like a

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

The mist trail was tough but I would say worth it. I imagine the dome would be worth it as well

[@Joe-ve8yw]

@@TheTravelersvacationary I used to hike constantly. I lived in the sierras for more than twenty years. One summer I hiked over three hundred miles. Now I'm sixty and my knees are destroyed. I used to hike the sierra buttes every summer cause I love it. Last time I barely made it down

[@TampaBoy]

I am not reading off of a script. I am speaking completely naturally. Awkward!

[@user-ol6by9no4i]

Stupidity and Egoism kill the Fools.

[@User-54631]

It’s not that hard if your fit. A friends wife of mine did the hike at 6 months pregnant.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

Yeah my son, who runs cross country was having no issues for sure.

[@leslieanderson5344]

My suggestion is bring GLOVES!

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

Indeed. I had them, but didn’t make it that far.

[@youtischia]

Good video. But the title isnt quite right. It should be "Things I wish I HAD known...". Can you see that "had" in the sentence and the past particple "known" ? This is how you correctly talk about something wished for in the past. That form is called the past subjunctive. It seems to confuse a lot of Americans on KZbin.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

I am really surprised my wife didn’t catch that, although I have changed the name a couple times recently. Thanks for pointing that out though. I was a music major I can’t actually write 😂

[@Toibur3389]

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[@Andy-Mesa]

4L of water (minimum?!) for a 14 mile hike is ridiculous. I never carried that much water through the entire desert section of the PCT, or any other desert hike except a 2 day dry stretch in Big Bend NP. And Yosemite is anything but dry, even in the driest time of the year. Carry a 1-1.5L bottle and a water filter and you'll be fine.

[@andrewblack7852]

Ac? Lol what? Do you live in a city? I’m sorry for you.

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

The particular day we hiked Half Dome. The high was 103. We were staying in curry village, but visited my parents in their hotel and it was just such a relief I had to recommend it . I do live in a city. One that is very hot and humid in the summer.

[@standingbear998]

do better research

[@TheTravelersvacationary]

The funny thing is I had gone to the lower dome in vr and told my wife that it would trigger a fear of heights. She didn’t want to listen. Lol