Yosemite National Park Sports & Outdoors Tips by goingsolo Top 5 Page for this destination

Hiking a Dome

Hiking to the top of domes such as Lembert or Pothole Dome is moderately challenging. But the real quest is to get to the top of the most famous of them all- Half Dome.

Theme: Hiking

More climbing

These vertical walls are a climbers paradise. Its no wonder that so many flock to Yosemite to take on the challenge.

Theme: Climbing

More hiking options

Compared to hiking across granite rocks or trails strewn with pebbels, hiking on the dome surfaces is a treat. The smooth glacier carved surface provides excellent traction, making it less likely that you'll fall. The real trick involved in hiking on domes is not to look down, especially if you're afraid of heights.

Theme: Hiking

Rocky trails

Some trails, such as this short one to Bridal Veil Falls, involve crossing over large rocks. Although it looks relatively easy to scramble up and jump from rock to rock, the slippery surfaces make it easy to lose your footing and fall. I saw some people wearing sandals and flip flops do just that and I would advise against it. Throw on a pair of hiking boots or sneakers if you have them before you attempt to cross this slippery path.

Theme: Hiking

Hiking in Yosemite part II

Most of Yosemite's shorter trails are well marked and easy to follow. Some involve scrambling over rocks or steep uphills, but, on the whole, these trails are not too taxing. Plus, the view of the valley below or a thundering cascade of water from above are well worth the effort of a few breathless minutes of struggling up a trail.

Theme: Hiking

Hiking in Yosemite

Yosemite is a hiker's paradise. Even if you don't have the time, experience or inclination to take an extended jaunt through Yosemite's beautiful backcountry, there are hundreds of trails of varying lengths of difficulty in Yosemite Valley and Tuolomne that can be done in an hour or several. There are a few trails the originate from Glacier Point and environs, such as the Taft Point and Sentinel Dome hikes, which are short, relatively easy but extremely rewarding.

Theme: Hiking

Climbing

Many people visit Yosemite for the climbing opportunities. The vertical grantie walls would probably challenge anyone and would hopefully scare off an amateur. But even if you're not into climbing, if you have binoculars with you, take a close look at some of these walls, especially El Capitan, and you can watch the tiny figures inching their way to the top.

Theme: Climbing

Rock scrambling

The route to Bridal Veil Falls. It involves scrambling over large slippery rocks. Lots of fun!

Theme: Climbing

Hiking Half Dome

This is a popular, but pretty strenuous day hike. Half Dome is over 8,000 feet tall. The hike to the summit involves an elevation gain of 4,900 feet over about 8 and a half miles. The final push to the top is steep and rocky; cables have been set up to assist with the ascent and descent.

Although this is on my list of must do things, I wasn't able to squeeze it in since the hike involves at least one very full day. I'm hoping to go back and do this one at a later time and bring back a picture from the top.

Theme: Hiking