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Ascent of Half Dome on 2009-07-11

Climber: Matt Bablitch

Date:

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Ascent Type:

Successful Summit Attained

Peak:

Half Dome

Location:

USA-California

Elevation:

8840 ft / 2694 m

Ascent Trip Report

I tackled this hike solo with an early morning start from the valley floor at 2:45am. The 3/4 waning moon lit up the granite domes as well as Vernal and Nevada Falls. I was worried about getting wet on the mist trail in the middle of the night but it was great as I was sweating pretty hard form the relentless switchbacks. It didnt make me any colder than in the sunlight. This is a very strenous day hike and a great feeling to accomplish this peak as a day hike. Getting out early is key as the heat in the daytime is brutal and the trail also gets very busy, and I mean very busy. At the base of Half dome there is a stretch of steel cables that assists climbers to the summit. Again, early morning is key to avoiding crowds. I summited at 7:10 in the morning and there were already a few people coming down. There were approximately 20 people or so at the top. For a busy tourist hike it is a peak well worth bagging. The hike back down to the valley floor was long and the trail was "crowded" but a little Hennessey made it fully enjoyable.

Summary Total Data

Elevation Gain:

4840 ft / 1475 m

Distance:

16 mi / 25.7 km

Route:

mist trail

Trailhead:

John Muir trailhead at Happy Isles 4000 ft / 1219 m

Route Conditions: