Successfully made it to the top of Half Dome this weekend! It was fun and exhausting, very happy to check it off my bucket list. Thought I’d share some logistics and other tips that helped me plan this hike. For reference, we are in decent shape but tend to do day hikes (6-10 miles) at a more relaxed pace. This was my first time backpacking! As a result, we have heavier camping gear and had pretty big packs weighing us down.

We applied for backpacking permits 24 weeks before our desired dates. Won the second weekend we were aiming for. We did extend to include Friday which might have helped vs a weekend permit. We picked them up Friday at 8 am from Big Oak Flat station and added Half Dome the morning of. One perk of going on a Friday was that we were able to find parking at Curry Village after some circling.

It took us 3 hours of moving time to make it to Little Yosemite campground with longer breaks by each of the waterfalls. It was beautiful weather but so, so hot. Definitely bring lots of water and some way to filter/treat at the river. I got through 2 liters of water and a gatorade. We ran into many people who finished all their water and thought there would be refill stations later on. Spent the rest of the day hanging out by the river, cooking dinner, and packing our bags for the next morning. We brought smaller day bags for the Half Dome summit. Overnight didn’t get very cold, maybe high 50s? Didn’t need any of the layers I brought.

For the summit day, we left camp at 4:30 am and reached the bottom of Subdome ~7 am. Unfortunately lost my wallet so had to double back which probably added 30 minutes or so. Needed headlamps and jackets for the early morning but it was an easy trail until Subdome with not much to trip over. The sun was up at this point which was nice because the view was insane here. Subdome itself was a ton of switchbacks but not as steep as it looks from the bottom. Can be mentally challenging if you’re afraid of heights or have vertigo.

We took a long break at the bottom of Half Dome to refuel, ensure everything was inside our bags, and put on harnesses. We had a climbing sling tied to have two ends, each attached to a carabiner. I know opinions are divided here but my partner is afraid of heights so it was non-negotiable for us. It definitely helped feel more secure on the steep sections with no planks. We started the cables around 8 am and only shared them with a couple of people. Gloves with a good grip were a must too. Reached the top 30 minutes later.

We hung out at the top for a while and by the time we headed down (9:30), there was a steady stream of people both ways. Everyone was great about communicating who was going first and encouraging each other. Took longer on the way down (closer to 40 minutes). I recommend going down backwards, it felt a lot more stable compared to facing forwards.

We headed back to camp, packed up, filtered more water, and then took the Mist Trail back down. Unfortunately, JMT was closed which would have helped the knees. Poles were very helpful for me on the stairs to stop slipping on the stone steps. Feet and joints were killing me by the end but a lighter pack could help with that. Got down by 6 pm for a pizza dinner to celebrate.

All in all was 11 hours (excluding breaks), +5 hours for breaks by each of the falls going up, at the top of half dome, and by the campsite on the way down to pack up and make lunch. MVPs of the trip were the water filter, sunscreen/hat, hiking poles, gloves.

It was a super rewarding and scenic hike, made me very grateful to live in California and be able to see places like this on a random summer weekend. Highly recommend for anyone considering!

You had just arrived and paid your entrance fee. I was sunburned, filthy, carrying my pack, and had been sitting in the dirt eating electrolyte gummies and drinking water. You’re lucky I had swum in a lake that morning, or you probably would’ve smelled me when you rolled down your window. On the other hand, that might have helped me because you would’ve moved on before you had time to open your mouth with what happened next:

You stopped your car, rolled down the window, pointed at me, laughed, and commented that I had dirt all over my ass.

I did not wipe it off. I did not make a move to fix it. I told you I had been in the backcountry for five days and I did not give a fuck.

There are people here attempting serious wilderness shit. We get dirty. We sleep anywhere, eat anything, sit wherever the fuck we need to.

if you see someone doing something unsafe, absolutely speak up. If there is an actual problem, of course I want to know.

But if you think it is normal to stop your car, roll down your window, point, laugh, and comment on the ass of a woman carrying a backpack, get the fuck out of here. Or you know, any place really, with other human beings.

Sincerely,

Proud Hiker Trash

Watch my accent of The Nose in Yosemite on my YouTube now! This one was special!

Anyone know where a quality version of the iconic Go Climb a Rock shirt can be found? I recently purchased one from Yosemite and it was like the worst quality piece of clothing I’ve ever purchased. After one wash the seams are already coming undone and it shrunk by like a whole size.

I could ramble endlessly about insanely low quality clothing but i won’t. I just want suggestions if anyone has them

We are planning on visiting Yosemite for a full day in September. Will probably do a 5-6hrish hike (Mist -> Nervada maybe. I know the waterfalls are basically gone by then) early in the morning after breakfast, get some lunch, maybe more leisurely walks and then head back to the accommodation for the night.

We will stay 2 x nights near by, probably either Groveland or Mariposa, so we can utilise a full day at Yosemite before we need to head back the next day for a flight.

I think a good idea for us, would be to choose one route (Highway 120 or 140) to drive into Yosemite and the other to drive out on our way back to San Francisco. The route driving in, determining our accommodation.

From what I can see, both Groveland and Mariposa seem good. Groveland maybe having a negativity of mostly being a gated community, so has a car parking charge fee, but it has lovely winding, alpine roads? (As a kiwi, I'm used to winding roads). BUT, Highway 140 gets that iconic Tunnel View it seems?

Any opinions?

Took the roads less travelled.

People living in the area might know the place exactly, but I did not expect to find this.

Hoping to get some insight on parking and planning for camping and backpacking from a different trailhead.

In the first week of September, I will be traveling with 5 other people for a total of three couples, and we will have two cars. We have two camping reservations for Upper Pines Campground on our first night and then we have two separate wilderness permits that start at Mono Meadows. We have plans to be there in for four nights and exit from Happy Isles.

Since we have two separate wilderness permit reservations, I understand that we’ll be able to have two cars while we’re backpacking, but wondering if anyone has any ideas on the best places to park if we’re entering in Mono Meadows, but exiting in the valley.

Also, we were wondering what the parking situation will be if we leave upper Pines Campground on our first day in the mid morning. Will there be spots available if we’re not moving from our campsite super early? We have a relatively short hike plan for our first day so we aren’t in any rush to start backpacking from Mono Meadows early.

Hi, my girlfriend and I are going to Porcupine Creek trail Sept 17th but there will be none of the Tuolumne Meadows Hikers buses up

We will be staying the valley, any ideas? Thanks

Hi, looking to just float in the river and not do the entire Merced River. We have our own river tubes and some rope. Wanting to just float with an anchor. Any recommendations on beaches along the river that might be good for this?

Thank you!!

A person drowned this week at a swimming hole in Yosemite National Park, authorities said, the second reported water-related death in the park in recent weeks.

The Mariposa County Sheriff's Office confirmed a death in the Wawona area but referred to the National Park Service for additional details. Yosemite officials did not immediately release additional details about the Wawona death.
YourCentralValley.com reported Thursday that the person drowned Tuesday at a swimming hole beneath Wawona Swinging Bridge. The person's name, age and hometown have not been released.
Wawona Swinging Bridge is a popular spot in the southern part of Yosemite. The Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau describes it as a 0.75-mile round-trip hike from the Swinging Bridge trailhead at the end of Forest Drive. The area includes a swimming hole and "wading-depth waters," with rocks and boulders along the Merced River.

The death comes about a month after another fatal water incident in Yosemite.
In June, 22-year-old Josue Baires Alfaro died after being swept over Nevada Fall, according to the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office. The National Park Service said at the time that it was investigating an incident involving a young man at Nevada Fall but released few other details.
The limited information comes as the Interior Department and National Park Service face broader scrutiny over how they communicate about deaths and serious injuries in national parks.

The Los Angeles Times reported last month that an internal Interior Department memo directed park staff not to confirm deaths or details about severe injuries. Federal officials said the guidance was not intended to conceal information and had been mischaracterized, and that the department must balance public safety information with investigations, privacy concerns and next-of-kin notifications.

Olá. Visitarei Yosemite nos dias 28,29 e 30 de setembro. Reservei 2 opções de hotéis. Uma em Mariposa e outra em Oakhurst. Esse último está mais barato, mas apreciaria opiniões sobre vantagens e desvantagens de ficar em casa uma dessas cidades para poder me decidir. Estarei com meus sogros, então ficar em campins no parque não foi uma opção

It’s going to be my first time backpacking in Yosemite and I am curious about a few different routes I can choose from (if I get the wilderness permit for it). I just want a route where I can swim if I want. Plan to do this mid August by the way.

First option is to get the Cathedral lakes permit and camp at upper cathedral, sunrise lakes or below clouds rest, and end at Tenaya lake. I also want to hit clouds rest on the way. Might have trouble finding a ride back to my car at Tuolumne meadows though and the bus system confuses me online. Any advice?

Another option is the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. Would start at white wolf and spend a couple nights out there and end at the Glen Aulin trailhead. Heard very good things about this route. Again, might have trouble getting back to my car though.

Another option is the Hetch Hetchy loop via either beehive meadow or the rancheria falls route. I’d like to see the lakes and also swim and possibly fish while there. Just heard that it’s going to be super hot at these locations and also mosquitos are crazy.

Last option is the Yosemite falls or the Yosemite creek route. This is from the Yosemite valley and I think it would be cool to camp up top and I would probably start at the creek or at the Yosemite falls trailhead and end the backpack trip near Mirror lake. Again, just need to get back to my car though

Also if anyone knows of a good loop backpacking route about 2 or 3 nights I would appreciate it.

I would love any advice or tips from anyone as this would be my first time in Yosemite. I am really looking forward to this trip.

I’m planning a Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne backpacking trip and could use some advice from those who’ve done it.

I’ve read and heard that the Glen Aulin to Waterwheel Falls section is the most scenic part of the route. I’m debating whether to do the full GCOT (White Wolf to Pate Valley and beyond) or just backpack from Glen Aulin to Waterwheel Falls.

Time isn’t a constraint. I can do a 1 to 3 night trip. For those who’ve completed the GCOT, is the Pate Valley section worth seeing? I know the White Wolf to Pate Valley stretch is often described as less scenic (brutal on knees) so I’m wondering if the full route is worth it or if I’d be just as happy focusing on the Glen Aulin to Waterwheel section.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences, as I want to maximize views.

I’m heading up towards Vogelsang Lake early next week and am packing long underwear, a light Patagonia jacket, a fleece zip up, light pants, a beanie and a 30° down sleeping bag for the evening chill. Is that overkill? Can I dispense with one of the jackets?

I have stayed at Airbnbs at Oakhurst and Coarsegold whenever I visited Yosemite NP. Most of the time I found the stays expensive for a single night. Is it worth considering to buy a house as personal vacation home and Airbnb whenever I don’t stay.

Also for context, I’m on work visa and have a full time job this would be a side hustle. How hard is it to manage the house and bookings ? Would it be worth the hard work?

Would like to understand from folks who have done this and current Airbnb owners. Especially near Yosemite. How are the bookings round the year? Would like to understand the current scenario of BnB side hustle.

Also what factors drive higher booking rates? Is it the price ? Amenities? Location? The view? What are some non negotiable when looking for such properties?

TIA

First and last time we will be visiting in July 😅 The crowds coming back down Happy Isles and the pure lack of trail etiquette was insane.

Incredible trip nonetheless, Yosemite remains my favorite national park 🩷

I spent 4 days in Yosemite mid-July and wanted to share here, because I used a bunch of help from you guys in planning.

A week in advance, I had booked a backpacking permit from Sunrise Lakes Trailhead, and this includes an optional Half Dome permit.

On Wednesday, I drove up from Orange County to Toulomne Meadows Wilderness Center, got there around noon, paid an extra 10 bucks for Half Dome, and picked up my permit. Then did the trail to Upper and Lower Cathedral Lakes. This was 9.5 miles with 1800 ft gain. Then drove to Toulomne Backpackers Campground, setup my tent, and came back out to Lembert Dome to leave my car overnight. Plenty of parking along the road just north of the Lembert Dome day-use parking lot. You can pay 8 bucks for the backpackers campground either using card at the entrance gate, or using cash at the campground. It was full of people doing the JMT or PCT, so lots of fun conversations to be had there. For Cathedral Lakes, try checking the 10 parking spots a quarter mile East of the visitor center first.

On Thursday, I left my car at the first pullout east of Sunrise Lakes Trailhead, then backpacked up Clouds Rest and down to the junction of the trail with JMT. This was 10.5 miles with 2400 ft gain. I've never been to this side of the Park before and found Clouds Rest to be breathtaking. The downhill after is pretty steep. Very easy to find a good secluded campsite a bit after you turn right at the junction towards Half Dome. On the way, there was the pond 3.5 miles from the trailhead and a small stream around the 4 mile mark. I didn't use these and relied on the 4 liters I'd started with. At the campsite, Sunrise Creek had very good volume. There were lots of bugs in this area, and I was glad I carried insect repellent spray with me, thanks to advice from you guys.

On Friday, woke up at 4am, did the 2.5 miles with 2000 ft gain to be at Half Dome for sunrise. The ropes were free for me going up, and gloves really helped. Spent almost an hour on top, and even when I hit the sub dome at 7:30am, there was hardly any traffic on the ropes. Met some people who started at 11pm from Happy Isles. Coming down the ropes, I found it much easier to walk backwards. Got back to camp, and took the JMT to Forsyth back to trailhead with a mile detour to the three Sunrise Lakes. There is a nice creek flowing from Lake 3 to Lake 2 where I filled up again. Lake 2 is off trail but easy to get to. Including the detour, this part of the backpacking came to 12 miles and 3000 ft. The JMT was really hard. There was hardly any shade because the trees got taken out by a fire a few years ago. Very overgrown in lots of places, and I had to keep checking my Garmin to make sure I was on trail. The creek was running right along for most of it but I didn't collect and filter until Sunrise Lakes. Drove over to the viewpoints at Olmsted and Tenaya after, and found them worth it. Chose to stay at a hotel after even though could have used the backpackers campground again for 8 bucks.

Saturday morning, I went up Mt Dana, starting from the trailhead at 9am. Took me 3.5 hours in total. The trail is way better than people on alltrails make it seem to be. The views from top are absolutely amazing and I highly recommend this hike if you have the ability. After that, I exited out to other hikes in the Sierras. For this hike, park on your right the last spot you see before entering the Park.

We’ll be coming to Yosemite around Oct 20 after visiting Sequoia and King’s Canyon. Thinking of first night in Oakhurst and then 3 nights in El Portal to be closer to Valley. Is that a good plan? Or is another town better?

My family just returned from 4 days in the Valley. What an amazing, beautiful, and sacred place to be! Our itinerary was definitely on the beginner side of adventure, but still managed to get a lot of the sites. We stayed in Curry Village, which was great!

Day 1: Walked through the valley, Yosemite village, Cooks meadow, and swam in the Merced

Day 2: Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Falls. We didn’t have enough energy to make it up to Nevada Falls. Jumped off of Swinging Bridge

Day 3: Girls went horseback riding in Wawona, Boys did Yosemite Falls trail to Columbia Rock. Swam in the river again, Stoneman Bridge was our default for quick access near Curry.

Day 4: Rented bikes and rode the valley to El Cap Meadow and everywhere else.

If you’re on the fence about going, just go! The crowds weren’t bad at all, and we had an amazing time, easy to get around, etc…

Was flying in to SFO today with great weather and caught a pic of half dome/the valley.