Yosemite - Half Dome

Having left Yosemite Falls, I criss-crossed Merced River, connecting with a trail that took me to Mirror Lake. Being a calm day, the clear lake reflected the surrounding cliffs, providing gorgeous reflection-themed photo opportunities.

Whilst the lake is full during spring and early summer, the rest of the year it dries up and is often referred to as Mirror Meadow, filled with grasses and sandy spots. Taking in my surroundings, I could see Mt Watkins, Washington Column, North Dome, and another perspective of Half Dome which I was heading towards to climb to the top.

The Half Dome climb to the summit is not for the faint of heart. Rising 5,000ft (1,250m) above Yosemite Valley and 8,800ft (2,680m) above sea level, the trail to Half Dome was the longest and steepest hike in the park. There were two major components in climbing the dome. The first was tackling the sub dome which I climbed via steps in a zig-zag fashion. The steps were rugged without handrails for support or balance. As I moved to higher altitude the air got thinner and my breathing harder. Keeping myself in check for altitude sickness, I made sure I drank plenty of water and monitored my physical well being. Any sign of headache or dizziness and I would have had to return to lower altitude.

The next stage was climbing the cables. Two sets of cables are set into the rock with wood plank steps set at intervals. The 400ft (120m) climb was vertical and exposed.

Luckily there were no clouds over my head because in wet weather the rock becomes slick and the cables difficult to hold on to. Getting stuck on the cables would expose me to the risk of lightning and the cables themselves can become electrified. Thankfully, the sky was blue and I could focus on getting to the top. Reaching the summit, I was met with stunning views of the valley and the High Sierra.

Absorbing the beauty of this place, I lined up a series of panoramic shots on my trusty camera before I turned to go back down. Descending those 5,000 vertical feet (1,250m) was surprisingly much harder than going up. The risk of falling or slipping was ever-present but a slow and steady approach saw me back at ground level safe and sound.



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