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. The granite crest rises more than 4737ft above the valley floor.GeologyThe impression from the valley floor that this is a round dome that has lost its northwest half is an illusion. From Washburn Point, Half Dome can be seen as a thin ridge of rock, an arête, that is oriented northeast-southwest, with its southeast side almost as steep as its northwest side except for the very top. Although the trend of this ridge, as well as that of Tenaya Canyon, is probably controlled by master joints, 80 percent of the northwest "half" of the original dome may well still be there.On March 28, 2009, a large rock slide of 1,500,000ft3 occurred from Ahwiyah Point. The slide happened at 5:25 a.m. and damaged a large area under the dome. No one was injured, but hundreds of trees were knocked down, and a portion of the Mirror Lake trail was buried. The slide registered on seismographs as an earthquake reaching 2.5 on the Richter Scale.AscentsAs late as the 1870s, Half Dome was described as "perfectly inaccessible" by Josiah Whitney of the California Geological Survey. The summit was finally conquered by George G. Anderson in October 1875, via a route constructed by drilling and placing iron eyebolts into the smooth granite.Using our online itinerary creator, Yosemite National Park attractions like Half Dome can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
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Half Dome Reviews
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One of the majestic views in Yosemite. It is easy to remember and locate in the views throughout the park. Great view of it from Tunnel View. more »
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In a fit and athletic young male and the hike up was easy enough. The cables however was scary. There are gloves at the base you can use- definitely use gloves. Well worth it. If you don't like height... more »
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하프돔 바로 앞에 위치한 하프돔 빌리지에 묵었어요 대부분 밸리를 선호하시지만 방이 없다면 하프돔 빌리지도 추천합니다. 텐트에서 자다가 입돌아간다 하던데 숙소에서 자길 잘했어요 바로 앞에 하프돔도 딱 보이고 아침에 일어나면 more »
Half dome is located directly in front of the half dome village was mostly silent in the Valley if you prefer but the room is half dome village. Go back to sleep in the tent in the mouth was now way well done right in front of half dome is also the only showing in the morning wakesView original
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The Half Dome hike was an AMAZING experience. Once in a lifetime! You do need to be in good shape to complete the hike, it took us about 16 hours. The cables were not as bad as some folks make them out to be, however, you do need to be someone in very good physical condition. Remember to slowly drink water and eat food on the way up and you will be good! The views and accomplishment are more than worth it!!!
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Part of Yosemite National Park attraction. I felt speechless when i saw this. I accomplished one of my dream to visit here. Great spot to shoot sunset here or sunrise. Easy visible when you pass along the road.
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This is a challenging hike, either from the valley, or the Little Yosemite campsite above the falls. Bring more water than you think you need, as there is None on trail for the upper 3 miles, and you will need it. Bring your own work gloves for the cable ascent...and pack them back out!
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Hike to the top takes about 12 hours return and requires a permit to climb the cables. Bring gloves with grip. High elevation is very exposed no shade. Start the hike no later than 4am (use a headlamp) to reach summit before midday and get back before dark. Once in a lifetime experience!
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The magnificence of Half Dome cannot be understated. Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Yosemite Valley and countless other granite domes can be seen from Glacier Point. Late April through early June is the best time to see the falls. Climbing Half Dome, an experience of a life time and an arduous hike, requires a permit.
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