Hiking Half Dome // Yosemite National Park

3 years ago, I was over 400 pounds and practically bed bound. At that point, I decided to set hiking this as a goal to help save my life. I have trained every single day since then and lost 200 pounds for this hike. I will make my attempt at the cables next summer. Thank you so much for uploading this and helping my preparation. You helped save a life.

First time I climbed it was back in 1963 just out of high school. No lines, permits, just go whenever you wanted. Climbed it 4 more times over the years, the last was in 1992. Could hardly walk for 2 days after the one. Just be at the trail head at 6 am, brings lots of water & do it while you are still young. Back in the 60's we didn't even think to bring a camera, times sure have changed. Thanks for bringing us along, brought back some good memories.

I'm 72 y.o. and I hiked to half dome for the first time with my adult daughter two Summers ago when I was 70. It was July 31 and she had unexpectedly won the park drawing. I have been hiking, jogging, and hunting all my life so I was glad to go! We took the John Muir trail. My pace is slower than hers but she didn't mind. I'd love to go again before I'm too old.

I appreciate you guys talking about the negatives and the mistakes. Peaking out must have felt awesome, congrats!

So beautiful! So thankful you both made it down safely!

Wow, what a challenging endeavor. Congrats to you both!

I did the Half Dome hike about 5 years ago, also in the month of August like you. You're right, it's HOT! There's very little overhanging brush or trees for shade. You need to bring more water than you think. I was an inexperienced hiker at that time, poorly prepared. I drank about 4 liters in the first few hours alone! I had to borrow water from others in my group. My suggestions if you're hiking Half Dome in Summer: 1] Take very little supplies as possible to make room for water. You won't need as much food as you think because the overwhelming pain in your body will suppress your appetite! 2] Trail mix is good because its light in weight and carries plenty of calories and salt, which is what you need. 3] Avoid bringing heavy equipment like cameras/tripods/shovels/survival gear/spare shoes...etc. Save this weight for water instead. 4] Do bring hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and more water 5] If you're an inexperienced hiker like I was, then think twice about this hike. There are no roads for a vehicle to come pick you up in the event of an emergency. You will have to be carried by people or be taken away with a medevac helicopter. At least once during my hike I had to stop because my legs turned hard as wooden logs. They were extremely painful. I had to rigorously massage my legs for 30 minutes to get my circulation back. That was a scary experience for me.

That looks amazing! Thanks for taking us along.

I can't thank you enough for making this video. It's the only one I've found that really shows you what is involved in this journey. Your tips are priceless! While I have decided against doing this, I at least made an informed decision because of your efforts!!

I have hiked half dome at least ten times when I was in my mid 50s to mid 60s My friend and I stopped that hike when the lottery started. I miss it. My fastest hike was 4 hrs. and 45 min., with 30 min rest at the top. I was a good runner back then. Thanks for bringing those memories back.

This video is really well done, very realistic and anyone looking to take on half dome would benefit from watching this. I did half dome Aug 30, 2022 and it was an incredible experience. We actually camped at Upper pines camp ground which is a great location for this hike - about 5 minute walk to the trailhead. I also agree that the subdome section (after they check for your cable pass, but before you get to the cables) is one of the toughest parts. Making your way down, particularly down the endless steps between nevada falls and vernal falls is also pretty tough. Awesome, awesome experience. Great video!

Thank you very much for taking the time to share this. Very helpful.

The waterfall was so beautiful. Very nice hike!

Man. I cried tears of shared pain seeing my Guacacoley struggle. Praying for a quick recovery.

Good tips . Thank you , guys

Thanks guys. Great video, not overdone and honest. Appreciated all the observations/comments. Enjoyed the scenery as well.

When you said “eventually we made it” and that music started and that VIEW. I literally cried for you guys. What an amazing adventure. You guys are rockstars!!! I would “only” add for future tips. Steer clear of August. 😬

Did this hike last may. Got the overnight/wilderness permit. Hiked up to camp set up our tent and ate lunch then did half dome. We had the whole dome to ourselves not a single person was going up that late in the evening and made it back to camp around dusk to eat dinner. Perfect setup. Perfect weather and solitude. Made it down the mountain before 10am and before the majority of the foot traffic. I highly recommend this!

Smart move, pacing yourself and taking breaks. The view is worth it!

Awesome 😎 hike! Beautiful views at the top of Half Dome!. 💕💕❤️Thank you for the tips of what do and how to prepare for this incredible hike. Thank you for taking us along 🙏🙏🙌🙌