How to prepare for a trip to the Half-Dome in Yosemite National Park?

How To Prepare For Hiking Half Dome

1. Pull-ups. This exercise is a game changer for the cables. ...
2. Weighted Lunges. Lunges are an obvious exercise, but add some dumbbells or kettlebells to the exercise to improve strength and to increase muscular endurance. ...
3. Lateral Bounds. ...
4. Squats. ...
5. Cable Rope Rows. ...
6. Cardio Training. ...
7. Stairs.

1. How do I prepare for Half Dome Yosemite?
2. How hard is it to hike Half Dome?
3. What do I need to know before hiking Half Dome?
4. How long does it take to hike Half Dome in Yosemite?
5. Has anyone died hiking Half Dome?
6. Is the Half Dome hike worth it?
7. Has anyone free soloed Half Dome?
8. Can you hike Half Dome in a day?
9. What should I pack for Half Dome hike?
10. Is Hiking Half Dome scary?
11. Do you need gloves for Half Dome?
12. Can you hike Half Dome without cables?

How do I prepare for Half Dome Yosemite?

How to Train For Half Dome

1. Work your way up to a 15 mile hike by adding 1-2 miles onto your longest hike every week.
2. Feel comfortable climbing at least 4,000 feet in one day.
3. Do some pulling exercises like seated rows for a few weeks before the hike.
4. Try to spend some time at altitude before you hike Half Dome.

How hard is it to hike Half Dome?

The trail to Half Dome from Yosemite Valley is an extremely strenuous hike covering over 17 miles. Hikers gain 4,800 feet of elevation along the trail that passes highlights such as Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, before reaching the cables on Half Dome's steep granite domes.

What do I need to know before hiking Half Dome?

The Hazards of Half Dome: Surviving the Cables

• Wear the grippiest shoes you've got. ...
• Wear gloves. ...
• Clip yourself to the cables as you go. ...
• Take everything out of your backpack's outside pockets... ...
• Don't guzzle a thermos of coffee before you take on the cables. ...
• Be patient and look out for your fellow climbers.

How long does it take to hike Half Dome in Yosemite?

Most hikers take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back; some take longer. If you plan on hiking during the day, it's smart to leave around sunrise (or earlier) and then have a non-negotiable turn-around time. For instance, if you haven't reached the top of Half Dome by 3:30 pm, you will turn around.

Has anyone died hiking Half Dome?

Since 2005, there have been at least 13 deaths, 291 accidents and 140 search-and-rescue missions on Half Dome (2010 data not included). Before 2010, up to 1,200 people per day attempted the climb.

Is the Half Dome hike worth it?

Stunning views. Great hike, well signposted. Leave early to avoid heat of day on ascent and crowds.

Has anyone free soloed Half Dome?

Honnold is the only person to have free solo-climbed El Capitan, and holds the fastest ascent of the Yosemite triple crown, an 18-hour, 50-minute link-up of Mount Watkins, The Nose, and the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome.
...
Alex Honnold.

Can you hike Half Dome in a day?

You Can Hike Half Dome in a Day

The first thing to consider, is getting a permit for a day hike. There are 225 day hiking permits available each day and they are granted by lottery. ... Most hikers take from 10-12 hours to hike Half Dome and back! Check out Tip #7 below for ideas on which Half Dome trailhead to start at.

What should I pack for Half Dome hike?

Here is a typical packing list for the hike:

• High energy foods such as Bars & Nuts.
• About 1 gallon (3.8 l) of water/Gatorade (2l worked for me)
• Sun screen.
• Flash light (head mounted or hand held)
• Layered clothing (based upon weather)
• Hiking shoes or Trail running shoes (more below)
• First aid kit.
• Backpack (more below)

Is Hiking Half Dome scary?

It's tiring, but not frightening. The final granite scramble to the top of the Sub Dome is not really exposed and is nice and grippy (in good weather). Don't let it psyche you out when you see it, it really isn't that bad. The trail is also visually stunning and up there with the best day hikes we've ever done.

Do you need gloves for Half Dome?

Gloves: Proper gloves are a must on the Half Dome Cables. Any hardware store will carry nitrile utility work gloves that would be suitable for this hike. Nitrile coated gloves are lightweight and work best. Latex gloves with extra 'rubberized' grip are very good too, but some people are allergic to latex.

Can you hike Half Dome without cables?

Yes, but according to the official Yosemite website as of August 2016, “The National Park Service strongly discourages hikers from attempting the cable route when the cables are down.” Hikers shouldn't attempt Half Dome without the protective handrails: The route is steep and exposed, and attempting it without the ...