Of all the hiking adventures in Yosemite National Park, probably the single most compelling is the hike to the summit of Half Dome, the 8842-foot granite rock that stands as the Park’s signature landmark. For many, it’s a much anticipated once-in-a-lifetime achievement. The most popular route to Half Dome’s summit is a grueling 16-mile round-trip trek with 10,800 feet in elevation gain and loss. Although the hike is non-technical, with hikers climbing fixed cables up the granite, many would-be hikers are hesitant about this potentially risky trip. How fit should you be? What preparations do you need to make? What should you bring? How should you pace yourself during the day?

 

Author and seasoned Half Dome hiker Rick Deutsch provides the authoritative step-by-step guide to planning and completing this superb one-day hike with safety advice, insider information, detail, and reassurance found nowhere else.