Expert: Marilyn Maryn - 6/3/2003

Question
Do you have any recommendations on places to stay the night before our half dome hike?  We would like to get an early start so accessability to the main trail head is important.  

Answer
You should stay at one of the hotels within the park - Yosemite Lodge, Curry Village, or the Ahwahnee. Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village are moderate in price, but the Ahwahnee is very expensive. Curry Village is closest to the trailhead, but you will need to drive or take a shuttle from any of the hotels, as it's a little too far to walk unless you're staying at one of the campgrounds. The last time I hiked Half Dome, we stayed at the campground that closest to Happy Isles and walked to the trailhead around 6:30am. We had the campsite for 2 nights so we were able to get the early start after the first night, than were able to relax at camp the 2nd. Hope this helps - Marilyn