Half Dome

Ryan and I started this hike at about 4 AM when absolutely no one was on the trail, and it was pitch black out. Initially, I was scared there would be bears; people walk on the trail daily, so there was zero. The trail was easy to follow. There was a part where all trails were wrong about where the trail went, but it looks us closer to a waterfall view, so I can’t complain. It was pretty much all uphill, then a flat section, then even more uphill, and the same when going down, a lot of water, but after the sign where there are no more spots to fill water, take advantage of that on the way there and back. I did not realize how warm Yosemite got during the day. Rumor is true that rangers do check permits, but friendly people with extras will always let you join. I got lucky, and the group right behind me had two extras; it was meant to be or something; you can beat the ranger if you leave early enough. The hardest part of this hike is from the base of the subdome to the top of Half Dome. It is a steep walking trail, and the cables are no joke either, of course. It is wake, which makes it a challenging and famous hike. Beyond the cables, it is not a ridiculous hike, with slight preparation of distance, whatnot, and the heat. The summit of Half Dome is enormous, with plenty of space to be with yourself; we went during the fires, so the view was smoky, but Yosemite Valley did not disappoint as one of the American Wonders of the World.