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Half Dome Trail
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Happy Isles Shuttle Stop #16
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(Yosemite Valley)
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Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
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Phone: +1 209 372 0200
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The trail leading to Half Dome begins from the Happy Isles Trailhead. Hikers should follow Mist Trail along the Merced River to Nevada Falls overlook. Above Nevada Falls follow the John Muir Trail past Liberty Cap, along the Merced River into Little Yosemite Valley. Follow the left side of the fork as it leads through Little Yosemite Valley. In another mile the John Muir Trail splits from the Half Dome Trail. It is two miles to Half Dome summit from this split in the trail. The trail continues to climb to the summit of a nearby dome. Granite stairs were carved along this ascent. They include many switchbacks on an exposed trail with lots of loose gravel. Beyond the stairs the trail traverses the dome then descends slightly to the shoulder of Half Dome where the cable climb begins. This climb leads hikers up a 30 percent grade of smooth granite. There is a cable for individuals going up and one for folks going down. From late May through late October the cable is supported by wooden planks that bring create a bannister-like effect, bringing the cable to waist level. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in this mountainous region from late June through late August. This last portion of the climb should not be attempted if thunderheads loom in the area. A significant amount of exposure is involved in the last half mile of this climb and there is no shelter on the summit.
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