HIKING HALF DOME

Friday. June 8th - Sat. June 9th, 2007   

Each year 4 million people enter Yosemite Valley and every one of them sees Half Dome. A very small percentage of them consider hiking to the top. Of that small percentage, an even smaller percentage make it to the top.

The approximately 15-mile round-trip hike to Half Dome is not for the ill-prepared. We will be gaining approximately 4,800 feet in elevation... but many say that the reward is worth the effort. Along the way, we'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 (well.... assuming we can see in the dark!).

Distance: 14.0 Miles (roundtrip)
Starting Elevation: 4,040 feet
Ending Elevation: 8,836 feet
Elevation Gain:4,796 feet

APPLICATION DEADLINES HAS PASSED. TRIP CLOSED TO MEMBERS!

WHEN YOU APPLY FOR THIS TRIP, PLEASE INDICATE WHICH OPTION YOU PREFER.MAJORITY VOTE WINS.

Most hikers take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back; some take longer. I've taken a vote among our members, and it seems like the overwhelming preference is to hike Half Dome as follows:

"THE MIDNIGHT HIKE": Often described as the most adventurous and rewarding way to tackle Half Dome, we'll start this hike at midnight on Friday, and reach the famous peak right around sunrise on Saturday. The benefits of this particular hike is half the distance under the stars and without the numbing effects of the sun, and taking in the view from ontop o Half Dome as the sun rises in the horizon... avoiding the crowds. The cons are obviously hiking in the dark, when you should be sleeping.

THE PLAN: Google Maps puts Yosemite and a 3-4 hour drive from Santa Clara, and probably 2.5-3 hour drive from the city. The plan is for all interested hikers to meet at a preassigned meeting spot around 9pm (South Bay) or 10pm (Berkeley area) on Friday night. We'll caravan up north, reaching Yosemite around midnight. We'll find parking, grab our gear, and immediately begin making our way to the summit.

INTERESTED?: If you're interested in coming on this hike, PLEASE PLEASE contat us immediately through the "Contact Us" Page on MyLifeFuel.com. We're trying to work out transportation for all hikers and will likely need to put people together. Since a majority of us haven't done this hike before, we want to make sure we have our ducks lined up before tackling this challenging trail :)

The most famous--or infamous--part of the hike is the ascent up the cables. The two metal cables allow hikers to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing equipment. Injuries are not uncommon for those acting irresponsibly. Please remember to take your time and be patient with slower hikers. Allow faster hikers to pass you (when possible.

WHAT TO BRING

Gear: a backpack light hiking shoes sleeping bag and pad flashlight or a headlamp at least 3 liters of water **gloves (for the cables)** food (power bars, sandwiches, etc.) Clothing: 2 pairs socks shorts or pants to hike in light shirt for hiking underwear (sports bra recommended) sunglasses and/or hat with brim.

Toiletries: toothbrush glasses/contact lense solution toilet paper your prescription medications a lightweight bowl spoon/fork and cup pocket knife Other Items: first aid kit extra plastic bags binoculars digital camera

As a general rule, you'll want to pack as lightly as possible.

Directions from San Francisco/Bay area
Distance: 195 mi / 314 km
Time:4-5 hours
Take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced) into Yosemite National Park.

Be prepared to pay for the entrance fee (20 USD per car). Once in the park head to Yosemite Valley. In Yosemite Valley take Southside Drive (one way road) towards Curry Village. Trailhead parking is located about a quarter mile past Curry Village on the right side. You will need to walk down the road towards Happy Isles another half mile to the trailhead.

MAPS http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/images/parkmap508.gif
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/valleymap1000.gif

Restrooms
Flush toilets are available at the Vernal Fall Footbridge (below Vernal Fall). Composting toilets are available near Emerald Pool (above Vernal Fall), near the top of Nevada Fall, and in Little Yosemite Valley. Most of the hike will be without restrooms.