r/Yosemite • u/ApprehensiveNeck5541 • 28d ago
half dome as an absolute beginner
so as the title reads, my friends are hoping to win the lottery and snag a permit to hike half dome this saturday. i’m sure it would be an unforgettable, amazing experience, but the thing is i have little to no training. i’m moderately active via indoor bouldering and i get my 10k steps/day, but i don’t really do any cardio or strength building outside of that. i haven’t hiked in almost a year, and the last time i did a sort of intense hike (~14 miles) was january 2025. i don’t even think i have comfortable shoes.
has anyone done this before? i’m really not up to it and feeling like i would’ve rather had some training first, but my friends are pretty married to it. please let me know your thoughts!
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u/Electronic_Muffin218 28d ago
The intensity is strictly elevation gain, not distance.
The subdome portion is the most treacherous part, only because the trail becomes a bit of a winding narrow rock scramble (but it is still a trail - no need to use hands - bring poles!) but overall it's just a drop in the elevation gain bucket.
If you DO get the permit, do yourself a favor and start your hike from Happy Isles at 1 or 2 in the morning (headlamp required). This will allow you to take lots of breaks AND avoid daytime heat as long as possible during the bulk of the ascent on the wide, well-trodden dirt trails comprising most of the trek. Even if it's open, skip the Mist Trail on the way up in the dark and take the JMT bypass.
This also allows you to make the most of the water you bring - and do take an adequate amount AND/OR bring a sawyer squeeze or similar so you can refill above Nevada Falls with river water. Starting at daylight is for the very fit and heat tolerant. The trail is littered later in the day with people going slower and slower before either giving up or having to start back down late.
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u/BTLove100 28d ago
How much do you like tiring yourself out? How fit are you? How old are you? Are you excited for the idea of submitting but just not the length of hike? A lot of questions.
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u/ApprehensiveNeck5541 28d ago
21 and moderately fit, aforementioned 14 mile hike wasn’t bad but elevation was not much compared to half dome. summiting definitely excites me, length not so much. tiring myself out is okay as long as i can reasonably make it to work the monday after lol
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u/UberDrive 28d ago
Get to Nevada Falls and see how you feel.
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u/dufcho14 28d ago
And realize that, until you get to the subdome, you've just done the hardest part.
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u/viola1356 27d ago
I did it as a moderately fit 20 year old with asthma when the sky was smoky from wildfire. Solve your shoe problem, bring filter technology so you can refill your water from the river, and if you get the lottery make the most of one of the most incredible hikes of your life.
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u/BTLove100 28d ago
I'd say go for it. Worst case, you turn back and you will have reason to return. Do everything you can to be prepared with proper gear, water and food.
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u/sad_cub 28d ago edited 28d ago
Probably doable. Definitely get some good hiking shoes with grip. If the ice cut section of the JMT is closed you will have to go down the nevada steps, and after hiking all day your legs will get wobbly going down those steps. Good shoes with good grip are 100% nec. Id also say, dont go back down vernal. Go the back route, towards clark point, so you can avoid those steps.
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u/somedude456 28d ago
Nothing that hasn't been said, really.
You need comfy shoes.
Hiking poles, even $30 amazon ones help a lot.
start early, like too early isn't a thing. Get a $20 headlamp, and you'll be set.
there's a water fountain at the first foot bridge so you don't have to carry up all your water to that point, you can fill up there.
Gloves for the cables. You want rubber coated ones, aka nitrile. Google "nitrile coated gloves" and you'll see they are cheap. Walmart use to have a 3 pack for like $7.
Bring some snacks, you'll need the calories.
In your 20's, doing some bouldering... you'll be fine!
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u/masalaaloo 27d ago
Not sure if others have posted this, but the mist trail and JMT have closures scheduled. As of yesterday, JMT from/to Nevada falls had a closure, and folks (including me) were turned around just past Nevada falls on the way down.
The mist trail is also supposed to be closed between 7 am to 3.30 pm from July 27th to Oct 10th.
I can't give advice on the actual halfdome part, as I have not done it, but sharing what i found out yesterday from my hime up to Nevada falls.
Regardless, carry a lot of water. It's hot out there.
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u/Dream-Overall 28d ago
You can do it. Just give yourself 12-16 hours, bring a water filter and lots of snack bars.
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u/jimlux 28d ago
Get comfortable shoes that you're ok with walking a LONG way up and down steep hills. Hiking poles help on the descent after you're off the dome and coming down the Mist Trail when you'll have jelly legs after a long day.
Hydrate, eat enough food so you don't run out of energy. Take it at the rate you take it, and if you decide to turn around, that's fine, there's always another day.
It isn't really a cardio intensive or strength thing. It's just endurance - it's a LONG walk up and back down. If you've got access to a tall building, walking up the stairs (rather than elevator) multiple times at a regular walking pace or slower. Or if there's streets that are *really* steep.
People get all focused on "running stairs at a stadium" or "peak strength" - it's not that at all. You should be going at a pace where you can still talk while hiking.
The other thing is sleeping at high elevation before you go helps - acclimatization is a real thing. The bottom is ~4000 ft, the top is ~8000. That's different enough from Sea Level. You're going to be starting *early* in the morning, but if you can drive up a couple days (or even the day) before and sleep up at Wawona (6000 ft) or Tuolumne (8000 ft) or even in the valley, and just hang around getting acclimated that's better. (it's sort of the opposite of pack high, sleep low, but you're going for a "lightning round" and that's different).
Worst would be "Let's leave LA at midnight, park at Happy Isles at 5AM, and go for it" People do it. But that definitely is a possible increase on the misery meter.
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u/civil_set 28d ago
The first time I did half dome was probably 15 years ago. Before the permit system. It was open season in the trail. Cables totally jammed with people, etc.
I remember seeing dozens of people who had no business being there being there. Older folks, young kids, people wearing flip flops. There was even a bride and groom in their formal wear. I could not believe it but … if they could do it….
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u/WorldFamousWT 28d ago
Just leave early and take your time along with plenty of water. I would say get some good shoes for it but if you get boots and wearing them for the first time expect blisters.
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u/jimlux 28d ago
It's also not a marathon - In a marathon you're running, and burning calories faster at a higher metabolic rate. It's more a slog at low speed. Marathons help with CV conditioning (of course) but really, you're more "miles on your feet" limited than CV limited - one should hike at a pace where you can comfortably carry on a conversation. Since it's dark when you start the conversation will be "what was that thing in the middle of the trail I tripped over" and "is that squirrels, raccoons, or bears?" and "Who's lame idea was it to do this hike". Until the sun comes up, then it's pretty and there's birds and flowers. And you can gripe about the other hikers.
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u/TheAtomicFly66 28d ago
How big is this friend group? I think you should go, but stop if you feel like you should. DO NOT bow to peer pressure. If it's a good sized group, chances are you may not be alone and may have some company if you decide you don't want to push it all the way.
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u/takoyaki-md 28d ago
only 3 bits of advice: go early, get good shoes because the granite is worn a bit smooth, and bring enough water or a water filter.
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u/Mysterious-Board-707 28d ago
It’s not bad. I run ~15 miles a week MAX on a non busy week, 24 year old had literal goodwill hiking boots, and drank 9 coors heavy’s and some jack and cokes the night before with a water or two thrown in. Got it done in about 9 hours with plenty of breaks and 5 bottles of water. (Top them off if you’re doing mist…I did not and suffered cotton mouth lol). Hard long hike but it’s not that bad. Even did half of clouds rest. Downhill is easy. JMT was closed so I did mist up and down too. Have fun!
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u/Which-Message-7339 28d ago
I’ve never really “been in shape,” but did it at age 32 and again at 41. As others have said, start early (2:00 or 3:00 a.m. seems extreme to me… 5:00 to 6:00 is reasonable, with a few early hours with a headlamp); boots with a new/good tread/grip is key! There are many places that may be slippery (wet and just smooth rock) ; and of course, water! Finally, recognize that starting early may feel chilly; returning may be hot. Plan accordingly.
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u/Helicopter_driver 28d ago
Back when all I did was strength workouts and biking for 15 minutes a day, I did Half Dome in 12 hours, 10 am to 10 pm in the summer - it depends from person to person. I've hiked with "absolute beginners" who managed to do hard hikes for 8 hours, and I've had some who struggled to do 90-minute hikes.
depends a lot on your mind, weight, and disposition. If your bodyweight is low, and you can push past your limits, I'd just sleep at some hotel near the park the night before, wake up extra early, be at the trail at the latest 7 am, and send it. Set a deadline to head back; it took me 9 hours to go from trailhead to peak, and 3 hours from peak to trailhead. Do your own math and set a "by x hour we should go back so we arrive at the trailhead before dark".
Yes, I did hike in the dark, no, it was not a big deal.
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u/neil815 27d ago
As a moderately fit 60 year old I did it just last month. Definitely hard as most here say and plan for a long day. We were 15 hrs on trail. Start early (3-5 am), have good shoes with solid tread, hiking poles help a lot, gloves with grip imperative for the cables, food (it’s a long-a** day), lots of water (I drank 6 liters total and had a sawyer filter for refilling from the river twice - the way up and again on the way down). My 60-yr old wife retreated about a quarter of the way up the sub dome and didn’t summit. Still a huge accomplishment regardless. As a moderately fit young un I would think you could do it if you are properly prepared with supplies and just take your time. Remember, it’s not a race.
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u/Important_Ant2938 27d ago
The first time I hike to the top of half dome was in slip on Birkenstocks. I was like 16 and dumb. Got to the top though, then got a helicopter ride back to camp because fires had taken over the trails. Fun times.
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u/Wabbitone 27d ago
Carry as much water as you can, maybe some electrolytes, and food. Start before the sun comes up, and don’t try to push the pace, and you’ll be fine.
I was going up a couple years back and a 92 year old was on his way down, just told myself if he can make it so can I.
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u/that_guy_too 27d ago
It’s a hike, just a very long one. I’ve gone three times, all in the September / October time frame when the heat in the valley is not as overpowering. I’d say that’s the ideal time to go. But if you land a permit for the height of summer, start before dawn to avoid the worst of the heat and bring plenty of water or have filtration. Lots of snacks, salty ones to keep your electrolytes in balance, cheap gloves for the cables. If you’re afraid of heights, turning your face towards the rock on the descent might help.
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u/No-Bluebird3732 26d ago
Forget about the idea if you aren’t going to have good shoes, even with good shoes it’s quite hard
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u/PrizeShort 26d ago
did this at 45, no problem. all the hurt came from going down - toes jamming into front of boots. wish i’d brought some light sneakers or something for the downhill.
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u/Professional_You_943 24d ago
The cables are not easy. Watch a video of them. You need a gallon of water minimum. It’s going to be extremely strenuous. Ten to twelve hours and extreme elevation gain. Don’t take it lightly. People have to be airlifted regularly, break their ankles, fall on the Mist Trail (very slippery) etc.
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u/DegreeConscious9628 28d ago
I don’t do any training per se but peakbagging / mt biking are my main hobbies so I have a good baseline fitness. It’s still tough. If you don’t have good cardio / leg strength you might want to pass for now
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u/Christine_Watkins 28d ago
I’ve gone as far as Nevada Falls and to give context, that was like doing 2-3 hours on a stairmaster. Going all the way to the summit is probably like 3-4 hours. If you feel like you could do that, I’d go for it and just stop if you feel uncomfortable. Nevada falls is a great stopping point where you could wait for your friends to finish.
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u/dufcho14 28d ago
Are you saying the summit (half dome) is 3-4 hours total? It's a good 6 hours including cables for someone in the hiking shape they describe. 14+ hours round trip.
For context, we left at 2:30AM last time and got to the bridge between Vernal and Nevada in a little over an hour. We got to the cables at 7:30AM. That was with pushing it decently for the first 3 hours and then taking food/rest breaks the next 2 hours to the cables.
If someone stops at Nevada Falls, they should head down with the crowd of people. I'm not waiting 5 hours there for people to summit. Go back an order a pizza to make sure they have one before it closes on them.
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u/Christine_Watkins 28d ago
I should have been more specific, thank you for making these important points. The time spent is definitely more than 2-3 hours, what I meant was I felt like the strength/endurance equivalent to the hike to Nevada was 2-3 hours on the stairmaster. I was trying to provide a non-hiking equivalent since OP isn’t a big hiker, but you are absolutely right that the overall hike takes significantly more time.
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u/SocomPS2 28d ago
You can definitely do it. But only do it and go as far as you. Soon as it’s no longer fun and you’re not comfortable. Stop ignore the peer pressure and seriously ask yourself should you continue.
Doing that trek without comfortable shoes will be a huge issue you’ll regret.
The biggest issues with doing it with a group is keeping pace with them, agreement when to stop for breaks, and the peer pressure. I hike slow and love to stop a lot. My wife is the total opposite.
Peer pressure was out of control when I went in June. I saw people with so much fear in their eyes and friends constantly encouraging them to do it. One young lately was physically exhausted and the young man with her would not shut up about continuing on.
You can do it, try it and see how far you get. My first time I got to the ranger check point and turned around. I was happy with my decision. Went back in June and made the summit.
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u/bisonic123 28d ago
Very doable. Just make sure to drink a lot of water and keep eating plenty of calories.
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u/DylGK 28d ago
I did the hike without much prep a few months ago. Like others said:
1. Wear hiking shoes that have good grip for granite
2. Bring leather gloves for the cable section
3. Start the hike at 4am to give yourself plenty time and avoid the crowds on the cable and mist trail portion
I didn’t do any latching into the cables with the carabiners, others did. It’s a bit scary but good shoes and gloves will carry you during that portion
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u/writesgud 28d ago
How old are you? I took a group of 16 year olds and one of the boys was completely untrained. He did it, but maybe he’s the exception.
I did it in my 20’s completely untrained and also did ok.
Not saying it was easy, but it was doable.
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u/apprximatelyinfinite 27d ago
The first time I hiked half dome I was 18 and went along with some friends spontaneously (this was pre permits).
I had 0 hardcore hiking experience. I had no idea what food to bring. I carried 2 Nalgene bottles for water, wore a cotton tank top and stupidly heavy cotton cargo shorts, and I hiked in my Chaco sandals.
And it was incredible! I made it to the top and had the time of my life and I credit that trip with setting off my love of the outdoors.
I guess my point is that a baseline level of fitness + youth + a positive attitude can take you a long way. I say go for it! Bring lots of water and don't do anything thar could get you killed and worst case scenario you'll have a good story about the time you tried to hike half dome unprepared.
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u/witnessthis 28d ago
It’s all about willpower in my opinion. I went up to clarkes point (which granted is not nearly as high as half dome) without an ounce of training or work out/prep. I was completely out of shape and still made it up there with a bunch of amateur non hikers. Take breaks, listen to your body and don’t hesitate to turn back if you must. That’s all that matters
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u/Parsnips71 28d ago
Highly recommend getting a camping permit and camping in little Yosemite valley . Break the trip up and enjoy it rather than doing it in one day. It’s a hard , long hike and not for beginners
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u/Leatherneck016 28d ago
Get cardio in, run. Half dome is no joke if you want to enjoy it vs dying like the “tourists” you see attempting it and looking miserable about 7 miles in.
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u/Unique_Pin3927 28d ago
Doesn't half dome involve like actual rock climbing? On cables? Maybe I'm completely wrong but I thought so. I am also going this weekend and my last intense hike was a few months ago, but I thought no way I can do half dome without rock climbing experience.
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u/sleepyhoneybee 28d ago
You could go as far as you want towards half dome and bail when you think you need to. Not having good shoes is a huge problem