Post 3/Final - Half Dome Summit, Oct 2005

Here’s a final post on the Half Dome Summit Hike…the view near and at the top.


This first one is the view of the south face of the Half Dome from Little Yosemite Valley. When we got to the top of the mountain, we learned that there was a group of rock climbers who were making their way up this side while we were on our hike. They are invisible in this photo.



Also visible in this photo is the cable route. It is just to the left of the big pine tree on the right side of the photo, and shows as a faint line on the side of the Dome massif. As we stopped to take this photo, we could make out people up there, but they don’t show up in this view.


The next photo looks at the view that is behind the hiker as he or she approaches the Half Dome’s shoulder – there is a photo looking towards the Dome in Saturday’s post that shows that view. The mountains in the distance are called Clouds Rest.




Next, a rock climber, practicing the sport on the escarpment at the edge of the Dome. The escarpment is visible from the Valley below, but this climber would be invisible from there. The Valley, as seen from this vantage point, is 4,400 feet below! The time of year that we were there is the high season for climbers, as we later learned.




Final photo, the view of the top of the cable route, as you would see it on your approach back down from the peak. From here it appears to disappear off into nowhere…but the climb down is much easier than the climb up. The woods in the distance are part of the hike - characterized by switchbacks and probably 600-800 feet of elevation change.




Last year Chris and I took a recommendation from Hiking Upward, and hiked a three-state route (VA, WV, and MD) starting from the Loudoun Heights trail near Harper’s Ferry. This hike starts with a rigorous climb and traces part of the AT, walks through the old town and follows the C&O Canal for a short time.




After that hike, despite the fact that at one point hikers are on a bridge over the Potomac that also carries highway traffic, we agreed that this Mid-Atlantic trail was possibly as rigorous at the Half Dome summit. Although the views in Yosemite and the incredible Sierra climate are well worth the trip, there is plenty to do and see here in our area. No shortage of natural beauty or outdoor activities here!