If you’re in great shape and like to hike or you like beautiful scenery and the smell of outdoors, then Half Dome Yosemite National Park is a great place for you. Half Dome is a 14-16 mile round-trip hike that has views of Vernal and Nevada falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, High Sierra, and shoulder to summit panoramic views of Yosemite Valley. Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and a great challenge to many hikers. Hikers usually take 10-12 hours to hike. George Anderson reached the summit in 1875, defeating the 1865 report declaring that it was “perfectly inaccessible.”

The nearest campgrounds are Upper, Lower, and North Pines Campgrounds, but reservations are very difficult to get in summer. The nearest campgrounds outside Yosemite Valley that may have some first-come, first-served space are Bridalveil Creek and Tamarack Flat Campgrounds. You have to get a permit in order to go on the hike. Ordering permits online costs $4.50 and on phone is $6.50. Reservations are not needed to enter Yosemite, but they encourage you to get one if staying the night.  They’re planning on cables being up on May 23, 2014 through October 13, 2014.

Half dome cables allow hikers to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing equipment. If you haven’t reached the top of Half Dome by 3:00 p.m. , you will turn around for time sake. The cables usually go back up the Friday before Memorial Day and come down the day after Columbus day. Yosemite is open all year though some areas are closed due to snow throughout November to May. Since 1919, few people have fallen and died on the cables. Injuries are not uncommon for those acting irresponsibly.

Jacob T.’s review of Half Dome on Yelp.com says, “This was an absolutely wonderful experience.  We had two guides, Will and Vince, both were friendly, fun, funny, and very patient.”

Stacey L.’s review says, “One of the scariest things I’ve ever done in my life. Pictures don’t do the cables justice. This hike is intense and not only because of the cable portion.”

For directions from the Sacramento or Stockton area take Highway 99 south to Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced) into Yosemite National Park. Using your GPS is not always right when you’re dealing with Yosemite. If the sign in Yosemite says something different then your GPS, go with the sign in Yosemite.

I highly recommend visiting Half Dome for a wonderful view. Also to clear your head , work out your body, enjoy time with your loved ones, and take lots of pictures!