Earlier this year, National Geographic came up with an epic list: 100 hikes of a lifetime in the U.S.A. And I’m sure it won’t come as a shock to anyone…California scored a couple of spots on this list, including the ‘Lost Coast Trail’ and the ‘Sierra High Route’. But one captured our attention in particular. Why? Because it should’ve been – and was – an impossible hike.
The Half Dome – a climb unlike any other
Back in 1869, California state geologist Josiah Whitney confidently proclaimed that the towering granite peak of Half Dome would never see a human footprint. He declared it “perfectly inaccessible.” Today, the iconic Yosemite National Park summit proves him wrong about 50,000 times a year.
The demanding journey is an epic 14-mile round-trip test of endurance, that boasts nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain. Far from a casual stroll, the trail guides adventurers up stone steps and past the magnificent cascades of Vernal and Nevada Falls. However, the true test of courage begins just above the tree line.
To reach the point overlooking the lush Yosemite Valley and the rugged Sierra Nevada, climbers must navigate a terrifyingly (and incredibly) steep 400-foot final ascent. It’s only possible by using a pair of steel cables bolted directly into the rock face. Exhilarating? Yes, but definitely a challenge. The elements can turn dangerous in an instant, as slick granite and lightning are a catastrophic mix. Therefore, safety experts strongly urge visitors to begin their trek well before sunrise and immediately turn back at the first sign of inclement weather.
Hiking the Half Dome: know before you go
Because of its immense popularity and risks, access is strictly regulated. The famous cables are only installed seasonally from late May through mid-October. Furthermore, park officials cap summit access at around 300 hikers per day. Securing a spot requires winning a preseason permit lottery held each March, or snagging a pass through daily in-season drawings.
For those lucky and brave enough to conquer the climb, reaching the top yields an extraordinary, unforgettable reward. After all, it didn’t make Nat Geo’s list of 100 hikes of a lifetime for nothing.
