Yosemite Half Dome Hike

Upper Yosemite Falls Yosemite Valley Fall Colors Nevada Falls Vernal Falls Half Dome Hike Sub Dome Cables DownOne 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 Yosemite Valley Fall Colors Nevada Falls Vernal Falls Half Dome Hike Sub Dome Cables Down
Upper Yosemite Falls Yosemite Valley Fall Colors Nevada Falls Vernal Falls Half Dome Hike Sub Dome Cables DownUpper Yosemite Falls Yosemite Valley Fall Colors Nevada Falls Vernal Falls Half Dome Hike Sub Dome Cables DownUpper Yosemite Falls Yosemite Valley Fall Colors Nevada Falls Vernal Falls Half Dome Hike Sub Dome Cables DownUpper Yosemite Falls up close.
Upper Yosemite Falls Yosemite Valley Fall Colors Nevada Falls Vernal Falls Half Dome Hike Sub Dome Cables DownThe 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.
Upper Yosemite Falls Yosemite Valley Fall Colors Nevada Falls Vernal Falls Half Dome Hike Sub Dome Cables DownNevada falls at the distance (above) and from the Panorama trail lookout (below).
Upper Yosemite Falls Yosemite Valley Fall Colors Nevada Falls Vernal Falls Half Dome Hike Sub Dome Cables Down
Upper Yosemite Falls Yosemite Valley Fall Colors Nevada Falls Vernal Falls Half Dome Hike Sub Dome Cables DownHalf dome with sub dome above.
Upper Yosemite Falls Yosemite Valley Fall Colors Nevada Falls Vernal Falls Half Dome Hike Sub Dome Cables DownHalf dome climbers.
Upper Yosemite Falls Yosemite Valley Fall Colors Nevada Falls Vernal Falls Half Dome Hike Sub Dome Cables DownAverage time to scale up stays around 240-300 mins while coming down can be a lot less.
Upper Yosemite Falls Yosemite Valley Fall Colors Nevada Falls Vernal Falls Half Dome Hike Sub Dome Cables Down

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!

Black Butte Hike

Black Butte Mt Shasta California Weed Shasta City Summit Hike Trek I-5
Just north of the town of Mt Shasta is an opportunity for a great work out with some of the most stunning views of the 14K+ feet mountain. Black butte offers an elevation gain of 1800 feet in some 2.4 miles and one of the more rocky trails to hike. It shouldn’t take you more than 75-90 mins (times may vary) if you are fit and hike often. And black butte isn’t really black 🙂
Black Butte Mt Shasta California Weed Shasta City Summit Hike Trek I-5
This was short in September, past the peak of summer. Notice that bald peaks (serious sign of global warming?).
Black Butte Mt Shasta California Weed Shasta City Summit Hike Trek I-5
Close-up of the west face.
Black Butte Mt Shasta California Weed Shasta City Summit Hike Trek I-5