HIking Half Dome – What You Need to Know

The cables up the side of Half Dome. It doesn’t look too hard in does it? Looks can be deceiving though. Photo by Sathish.

Avuton wrote in: “A few months ago I have done a hike up to the top of the waterfall and enjoyed it immensely. Since then I’ve wanted to do the half-dome hike. I know this maybe a FAQ so maybe you can point me in the right
direction. I have nearly 0 experience in hiking and I need to know where to start and what I need to spend nights (in a tent) in Yosemite. I guess I need a full on guide 🙂 Pointers? I do plan on doing this alone, I enjoy being by myself hiking. Thanks!”

Thanks for the email Avuton. First off, get a hiking buddy. It’s great to hike alone but Half Dome is wilderness and can pose a serious threat to an inexperienced hiker. You need someone who can go for help if you get in trouble (cell phones don’t work most of the way to the top of Half Dome), let you know when you’re past your limit and just watch out for you.

Once you got a hiking buddy, get this book, One Best Hike: Yosemite’s Half Dome by Rick Deutsch. This is a great book and covers everything you need to know to make the hike to the top of Half Dome. There’s everything from what to bring, where to get water, what food to take, clothes, camping or staying in a hotel, weather, everything! Rick really knows his stuff and he poured every ounce of it into this book. It’s a great guide. and well worth the money.

Hope that answers your question. Have a great trip!