One of the more popular hikes in the United States needs no introduction. The Yosemite valley as seen above and below. Upper Yosemite falls above.
Upper Yosemite Falls up close.
The Yosemite Half dome can be accessed from the Mist Trail, around 9 miles one way to the base of the dome at an elevation gain of around 4400 ft. Add another 380 ft in gain to the summit of the half dome, to end up with a total elevation gain of around 4800 ft. You pass through Vernal falls (pic above) at around 1000 ft on the Mist trail and through Nevada falls (pic below) at around 2000 odd ft. The portion up to this point is a tad steep. But beyond this point is a flat section through the meadows, that serves a good breather.
Nevada falls at the distance (above) and from the Panorama trail lookout (below).
Half dome with sub dome above.
Half dome climbers.
Average time to scale up stays around 240-300 mins while coming down can be a lot less.
I only tried to hike to the second recess in the dome (en route in the pic above) on gloves alone without any protective gear. DO NOT ATTEMPT. Although I carried a harness, sling, carabiners and parachords, after spending 15 mins observing the climbers on the dome, I figured most of the time was spent in releasing and re configuring the Prusik knot at crosslinks through the cables. I decided to call it a hike given it was already 4pm and a group of hikers on the cables were struggling at tying the knot there by potentially slowing down the rest who follow. Overall a fun hike especially through prettier portions by Vernal and Nevada falls, and the later stretch through sub dome and the half dome. Stay safe! Always!