AboutJon Expertise I hike Yosemite several times a year & have done all the rim trails. Have done 1/2 Dome 11 times. Familiar with facilities/camping/concessions in the park. I do not do climbing.
Question Further questions about half dome hike:
we're starting out at camp curry and do not want the mist trail/nevada hike; from experience if we take the glacier point trail we have a rough climb uphill back to curry. any other suggestions? i can't tell from maps/books if john muir is the answer because it appears it goes up the mist then branches off near nevada falls.
thank you!
Answer Great questions. Definitely if you are starting from Curry do not go by way of Glacier. Would take a day and a half. Take road to Happy Isles, go across the bridge and follow initiation of Half Dome Trail past Vernal trail. Look for signs to John Muir Trail. It is the best if you want to conserve your energy. You will still go by Nevada Falls. When there, ask the way to the lookout over the Falls. You would not know it is there unless you ask. Then take trail past Little Yosemite camp & up the side of the ridge (long haul, though moderate grade). Once on top you will go across to shoulder of Half Dome which is steep switchbacks, and looks straight up. Once on top go to swail in front of Half Dome. Take dot gloves or gloves with some kind of rubber gripping. Leather or cloth gloves are useless as they slip on the cables. Take your time. Till now you have used your legs, now use your arms. Take plenty of water. I usually take at least 3 quarts, you may want more to share.
Turn around if you feel you do not have the gas to make it. Don't risk getting burned out or sick.
