2016 California Vacation
My vacation arose on somewhat short notice when I realized how much PTO time I needed to use or lose before year end. With just under a month to plan I jumped onto the NPS (National Park Service) websites to research Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. I upgraded my AAA memership to take advantage of premier services. And, I purchased my airline tickets and car rental. I would fly into San Francisco, pick up the rental car, do a little city sight-seeing, get overnight accommodations outside of town, and the next day begin my road trip in earnest. The plan was to spend most of my time exploring Yosemite, get acquainted with Sequoia, and enjoy part of the West Coast on my way back up to San Francisco to fly home.
Half Dome from Glacier Point
"Half Dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. It is a well-known rock formation in the park, named for its distinct shape. One side is a sheer face while the other three sides are smooth and round, making it appear like a dome cut in half.[3] The granite crest rises more than 4,737 ft (1,444 m) above the valley floor." (Wikipedia)
Did you know there are several hiking trails to Half Dome? And, did you know there is a cable-assist trail to ascend Half Dome! However, since its the most difficult hike in Yosemite National Park it isn't for the out-of-shape or faint-hearted! Here is the "Half Dome Day Hike" page by the National Park Service (NPS) providing information on ascending Half Dome.
Here is a special page created by Russ Cary titled "Half Dome: Your guide to Yosemite's most demanding day hike" filled with helpful and important information for those who are considering the Half Dome hike and assent. Don't miss the 10 minute YouTube instructional video by Yosemite National Park on hiking Half Dome.
For some real excitement you can follow the assent with Rick Deutsch, and then do the descent with Adam Consalvo.
Do people get injured or in trouble at Yosemite? Yes, all too often because of a lack of preparation or faulty thinking. There is an organization dedicated to rescuing hikers, climbers, and others who fall into trouble called "FRIENDS OF YOSAR: Yosemite Search and Rescue."
