Breath of fresh air.

Hey! This is Jared. Your stuck with me for this post…

 

Back in February, I put my name in a “lottery” to obtain a permit to hike to the summit of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. The last 400 feet of the climb consist of cables and 2x4s fastened to the slick granite rock. A permit is needed to access the cables and complete the hike to the summit. The hike definitely tested my stamina, and the final climb surely tested my nerves. After a few adrenaline pumping slips on the way up and down the cable system, I can say that I conquered Half Dome.

 

A few Half Dome facts:

• Rigorous 18 mi round trip.
• 4,800 feet in elevation climb from trailhead to summit.
• As late as the 1870s, the Half Dome summit was declared "perfectly inaccessible".
• Making the summit accessible are 400 feet of cables. No harness.
• Over 60 deaths have been reported hiking Half Dome or the Mist Trail leading to the summit.
• Located in the Yosemite Valley.
• Half Dome is the inspiration of The North Face logo.

 

Here are some pictures from our hike. Our camp site was pretty great too.

Pic #1: View looking into Yosemite Valley. Pic #2: Half Dome  as we sneak up behind it at sunrise.

Pic #1: Vernal Falls. Pic #2: “the Cables” to reach the summit

Survived on top (the summit) & survived back down (standing on the sub dome).

View from the “sub-dome” (looks fake!)

View while descending back to camp: Half Dome (left) and North Dome (right)

Lucked out with our camp site.