What starts off as a perfectly lovely route through the boulder strewn woods and meadows turns to several iconic viewpoints. The Half Dome cables usually go back up the Friday before Memorial Day (conditions permitting) and come down the day after Columbus Day/before the start of snow.This is maybe the best easy hike in Yosemite, which would make this route easily one of the best easy hikes anywhere in the world. However, injuries are not uncommon for those acting irresponsibly. Since 1919, relatively few people have fallen and died on the cables. It can take 45mins to climb the cables one way - longer if it's crowded. The two metal cables allow runners to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing equipment - the cables are held up by metal poles drilled into the ground at regular intervals, each pair of poles has a wooden plank attached to assist runners. ![]() The most famous part of this trail is the ascent up the cables. You'll eventually emerge from the tree-cover onto solid granite and begin ascending a steep series of switchbacks known as the subdome (before starting the subdome, a ranger will check for your permit, it is a federal offense to even enter the subdome without a permit). The trail steadily climbs to the north-northwest through the forest for roughly a mile before turning west and then southwest toward Half Dome. Both the JMT and Mist Trail will eventually intersect at the compost toilets near Nevada Falls - there will be clear signage indicating the path to continue onto Half Dome. The Mist Trail offers an up close and personal view of both Vernal and Nevada Falls but is steeper than the JMT. You can either stay on the JMT all the way to Half Dome Trail for a longer but mellower run (4mi) or follow the Mist Trail (this is the classic route up to Half Dome, ~2.5mi). Look for signs for either the JMT/ Mist Trail to begin your run. Shuttle service doesn't begin until 7 am, so if you're arriving before that, you can run on the road to the trailhead. Most people begin the run from Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16), which is about a 1/2-mi from the trailhead parking lot or about 3/4-mi past Curry Village (where additional parking is available). ![]() Although the trail is well marked, you should be prepared with a good topographic map and compass and know how to use them. Regardless, each person should carry a flashlight or headlamp with good batteries (runners commonly struggle down the trail after dark because they don't have a flashlight). Check for sunrise and sunset times before you run. For instance, if you haven't reached the top of Half Dome by 3:30 pm, you'll turn around. If you plan on running during the day, it's smart to leave around sunrise (or earlier) and then have a non-negotiable turn-around time. Most people take 10 to 12 hours to run to Half Dome and back some take longer. Along the way, you'll see outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and-from the shoulder and summit-panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra. ![]() Most would say the reward is worth the effort. You'll be gaining elevation (for a total of 4,800 feet) most of your way to the top of Half Dome. The 14-to-16-mile round-trip run to Half Dome is not for you if you're out of shape or unprepared. Drinking untreated river water may cause significant illness. Merced River water is available up to Little Yosemite Valley, however you should treat this water by boiling, using iodine, or using a giardia-rated water filter. The only treated water on the trail is available (summer only) at a drinking fountain at the Vernal Fall Footbridge (less than a mile from the trailhead). Practice LNT princples, and pack out your gloves and trash. There will be portions of the cable where the granite is slippery (not from rain, this is an inherent property) and your boots will not be able to provide any traction so you'll be relying on your arms. ![]() Gloves with excellent grip are strongly recommended for the cables, people have had their bare hands rubbed raw. Some of the most common injuries Half Dome runners suffer are blisters and ankle injuries take preventative measures for known "hotspots." Bring well broken-in footware with good ankle support and good traction.
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