Women's Sports Information Climbing Half Dome Article

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Do the "Dome"
My parents moved to Merced, California in the early 50's and still live in the house that I was born in. Geographically, Merced is considered the Gateway to Yosemite. So, growing up, we visited Yosemite, a lot. One of the most well-known tourist attractions in Yosemite is also one of the most difficult day hikes. The 20-mile trek up Half Dome can be done in a day, but if you are not physically fit, your muscles will probably be sore for a day or two after the hike.

The first time I climbed Half Dome, my parents and neighbors were with me. We took 2 days to complete the trip (spent the night in Little Yosemite Valley which is 5 miles into the hike and requires a wilderness pass). Of the group of 8, seven of us reached the top.

I was 18 years old that first time and have attempted the climb a dozen more times over the following 25 years. I reached the top 10 more times and stopped short twice. The most common reasons for not reaching the top are 1) fear of heights, 2) exhaustion, 3) dehydration, and 4) nightfall.

If you plan to 'do the Dome', I'd like to offer a few tips that I've picked up over the decades. First, begin the hike early in the morning - dark-thirty. I would recommend hitting the trail as the sun comes up. Second, carry a half gallon of water, as well as, purifying tablets for another gallon. And, drink the water before you feel thirsty. Staying hydrated reduces fatigue.

On fatigue, it helps tremendously if you sleep at a high elevation the night before, such as in Yosemite Valley (elevation over 2000 feet). That way your body is already acclimating to the thinner air. The Dome reaches nearly 9000 feet (8842 feet to be exact) and the hike is strenuous in addition to the rising elevation.

Because the hike is demanding, you may grapple with how much food and supplies to bring as to not carry too much weight. I wear a fanny-pack with the following

food items: raw almonds, power bars, apples, baby carrots, and GORP. It's not gourmet food, but I have sustained energy and never feel hungry.

In addition to food, you may want to pack a camera to capture and share the beauty of the scenery along the way and especially from the top of the Dome. It is important to take breaks and also to keep moving at your own pace…'miles to go before I sleep'.

The hike takes all day - if you stop and have lunch - plan on 12 hours. I have completed the hike in under 8 hours, but that was the summer that I was preparing for a marathon. I also did the hike on two consecutive weekends in the summer of 2001. My knees bothered me for a long time after that.

Speaking of aching knees, it is extremely necessary to wear good shoes. I wear running shoes because of their shock absorption, lightweight, and breathability. However, there are a lot of rocks on the trail (could easily sprain an ankle) and comfortable hiking boots are probably safer. Also, the last 100 yards, you are on the rock, literally. Your shoes need to have some grip, as not to slip.

And speaking of grip, you will need gloves to grip the cable for the final 100 yards, too. There has always been a pile of gloves near the beginning of the cables, so don't go out and spend a bunch of money on a new pair. I have used recycled gloves, every time.

A few years ago, Yosemite supported the construction of log-cabin type out-houses along this trail. So, every few miles, you have a little privacy - squatting in the woods can be a big concern for some.

My biggest concern has been finding the time to escape to Yosemite and experience that feeling of mixed reverence and respect and wonder and dread…