Half Dome This epic 16-mile hike climbs 4,800 feet on one of Yosemite's most popular and most challenging trails. This trail is the most crowded trail in Yosemite and this day it defiantly lived up to it's reputation. Geographic Scope of the Half Dome Visitor Use Model ‐ Happy Isles to Half Dome Summit..... 3. Take it to Little Yosemite Valley, where hordes of Half Dome hopefuls gather for a shot at peak views similar to the ones you just earned (join them if your backcountry permit allows it). A permit is required for this hike, see below. Half Dome is ranked #4 out of 7 things to do in Yosemite. Yosemite Valley to Half Dome Route. I hadn't really done any research and had no idea how the approach to Half Dome would be so I just chugged along until the climbing ended. On top of Sub-Dome, we could see 9L's headlamp ascend the cables. 9.6 miles to Clouds Rest via Mist Trail : From Happy Isles trail head (4,035 ft) → 0.8 miles to Vernal Falls Bridge → 0.7 miles to top of Vernal Falls (5,044 ft) → 1.3 miles to restrooms near Nevada Falls (5,908 ft) → 2.5 miles to fork (2.0 miles to Half Dome on left; 4.3 miles to Clouds Rest on right) → 4.3 miles to Clouds Rest. One side is a sheer face while the other three sides are smooth and round, making it appear like a dome cut in half. Hi all, I am SOBO from Sunrise on July 6. Half Dome is so close, it seems as though you can reach out and touch it. We followed scores of day hikers up Vernal Falls. Answer 1 of 8: Hey there! Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley. We took the shuttle to Happy Isles, stop #16, and hit the trail at 7:15am (4,040', 0.0mi). One side is a sheer face while the other three sides are smooth and round, making it appear like a dome cut in half. Both Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls are easily seen. This is a hike that requires you to be in shape. It is such a mindblowing place. Little Yosemite Valley, situated between Half Dome, Liberty Cap and the Cascade Cliffs, and straddling the Merced River, is within close proximity of the national park's main valley. Step-by-Step Guide Of Yosemite Half Dome Hiking For enthusiastic hikers, they do not mind when sunrise (even before waking up), travelling 14-16 miles halfway an epic adventure.Indeed, this is Yosemite’s most popular day trip (which is why you need to request pre-authorization). Trip Overview: This backpacking loop itinerary starts/ends within the famous Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park and traverses several of the highlights within the park. This hike will test you physically and mentally as you climb the last quarter-mile of trail and ascend the sheer flank of Half Dome using bolted cables. My first choice on my wilderness permit application, Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley, was denied, so I had to go with an alternate route, Happy Isles to Sunrise. Is the additional distance worth the lower elevation gain? Here are those routes by the destination for each day: Cathedral Lakes –> Sunrise Lakes –> Clouds Rest –> Little Yosemite Valley –> Happy Isles At Happy Isles… I did my first solo backpacking trip and my first trip up Half Dome this weekend. 15.2 mi (24.4 km). Distance: 14.2 miles (22.7 km), round-trip. This picture was taken from a bridge, which is few meters away from the Happy Isles. Continue on the trail, following the signs to Half Dome. It is a well-known rock formation in the park, named for its distinct shape. The Happy Isles Art & Nature Center operates out of here as well. Happy Isles is also the trailhead for popular hiking destinations along the Mist Trail (including Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls) and Half Dome. What is Your opinion about the a/m hike? The granite crest rises more than 4,737 ft (1,444 m) above the valley floor. The Half Dome Hike in Yosemite National Park is easily among the most iconic and challenging in the United States. To hike back down to Happy Isles via the John Muir Trail, continue over the footbridge and onto the JMT. The Mist Trail can be wet in the early season.. Others choose the official JMT, which diverges to the south just beyond the Vernal Fall bridge and offers wonderful panoramic views from its switchbacks. Happy Isles via the Mist Trail through Little Valley (about 8-miles to shoulder of Half Dome). Happy Isles is the trailhead to Vernal and Nevada Falls, Half Dome, Little Yosemite Valley, and the John Muir Trail. At a little less than three miles from Happy Isles you will cross the Merced again (and again by bridge) just a few feet upstream of Nevada Fall. Finally down to Happy Isles at about 4000 feet two and a half miles after that. You can take the Happy Isles trailhead to Vernal and Nevada Falls , Tuolumne Meadows, The High Sierra Loop Trail, many other backcountry locations, and of course the Top of Half Dome. The last 900 feet (275 m) of trail is a very steep climb up the east side of Half Dome. Happy Isles is located where the slope of the Merced River changes from the much steeper upper main stem to the essentially flat Valley floor. You’ll have company on the Mist Trail as you descend beside 594-foot Nevada Fall and 317-foot Vernal Fall to Happy Isles, but you won’t blame anyone for wanting a look at some of America’s finest miles. Where the Merced River courses around two small islands lies Happy Isles, a popular area for picnics, swimming and strolls on marked paths and a small boardwalk over a marshy area. You could go and swim or have fun in the water. Upper Pines Campground: Super nice, convenient to Half Dome (Happy Isles) trailhead - See 180 traveler reviews, 80 candid photos, and great deals for … This option is best for south-facing climbs. Trailhead: Happy Isles shuttle stop in Yosemite Valley Elevation Change: 4,800 feet (1,463 meters) Most Half Dome Hikers start and finish the hike in Yosemite Valley (elevation 4,000 feet). August 21, 2000 Half Dome to Happy Isles and Yosemite Valley Last hurrah ... return to the "real" world 0600-0800 — Half Dome (58°F; calm, clear & cool) I … Starting at Happy Isles, most hikers prefer the Mist Trail which leads up the river to the top of Vernal Fall and then to Nevada Fall. We made it to the cables and it's as crazy steep as it looks. Happy Isles This easy 0.75-mile hike explores a pair of islands in the Merced River at the east end of Yosemite Valley. I was wondering if anyone has ideas for how I could complete the first section of the JMT from Happy Isles (and maybe use my half dome permit) the day before I start my hike at Sunrise (July 5). Plan for a very long day and get an early start. Cables assist hikers on the final 400 ft (122 m). Clearly visible is Tenaya Canyon in front of Half Dome and Little Yosemite Valley behind it. We have two cars available and could arrange this route. Half Dome is a serious endurance hike taking visitors 4800 feet above the Yosemite Valley to spectacular views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra. Half Dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California.It is a well-known rock formation in the park, named for its distinct shape. After looking at the many different routes, we settled on three alternatives that would hit a lot of “major” attractions along the way, including Half Dome and my beloved Cloud’s Rest. Traihead: Happy Isles trailhead, close to Curry Village. The section of Southside drive (Happy Isles Loop Road) at the center of the photo, showing above the parking lot, runs to the Pines Campgrounds , trailhead parking, and a shuttle bus road around to Happy Isles/ trailhead for Vernal mist trail and Nevada falls, a trailhead for Mirror Lake, and the stables. It also marks the start of the John Muir Trail and Mist Trail to several waterfalls and Half Dome. On some maps the road changes name to Happy Isles Loop Road. Along this loop you pass by the beautiful Tenaya Lake, hike over Clouds Rest, take in several great views of Half Dome, and hike through Little Yosemite Valley and the Lost… The first trail day began with hiking out of the valley from Happy Isles. It is a small stream-like area filled with rocks on the sides and trees around the area. Photo: Dean Potter’s Facebook page. Follow the Mist Trail or John Muir Trail to Nevada Fall. A little bit about this picture: The place featured in this picture is called Happy Isles. The hike up this Yosemite icon features incredible mountain and valley views, wildflowers, waterfalls, This hike starts at Happy Isles, the starting point of the famous Half Dome route, and forks off the Half Dome trail to head over to Clouds Rest.This is a long hike with over 6,000 feet of vertical elevation gain, in addition to the 18+ miles of round trip hiking. Begin at Happy Isles. The crowds thinned out after we passed the popular waterfall and made our way to the Little Yosemite Valley campground. Preparation and safety are key to having a fantastic experience. Half Dome Dawn...next chapter. Making it up Sub-Dome is steep but I think the dark made it easier. Half Dome Half Dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. Happy Isles Gaging Station, Yosemite National Park: See reviews, articles, and 8 photos of Happy Isles Gaging Station, ranked No.113 on Tripadvisor among 136 attractions in Yosemite National Park. If you really want to have a spectacular day, you can continue on to Half Dome. Sunrise Creek to Happy Isles to Half Dome/Cloud's Rest “I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” --John Muir: Happy Isles Shuttle Stop is also the start of John Muir Trail and hikes to Half Dome, and the Mist Trail to Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall.Hikers looking for the John Muir Trail head east from the shuttle stop and cross a bridge over the Merced River. Dean Potter took a lesser-known path on his round-trip to the summit of Half Dome in Yosemite. This is a beast of a hike but very, very rewarding for your efforts. 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