From here, prepare to make one final climb up some steep switchbacks and granite steps to reach the top!

The Yosemite Mist Trail hike offers beautiful scenery of Yosemite’s astonishing landmarks from start to finish.

There are a few different trails that lead to the top of Half Dome, including the John Muir Trail, but the Mist Trail is the shortest route to the summit.

Only 300 visitors per day are allowed on the seven-mile route to this granite landmark, and only 50 on the summit (permits are by lottery).). The Mist Trail is commonly used as the first leg of the hike up Half Dome. Follow the John Muir Trail to the Half Dome Trail or take the Mist Trail shortcut to Half Dome Trail.We recommend the Mist Trail shortcut, it's a … The length and difficulty of the trail used to keep it less crowded than other park trails, but in recent years the trail traffic has grown to as many as 800 people a day. Distances to Half Dome Village (shortest routes available): 80 miles from Merced, 156 … Follow the John Muir Trail to the Half Dome Trail or take the Mist Trail shortcut to Half Dome Trail.We recommend the Mist Trail shortcut, it's a spectacular walk However, it is less steep than the Mist Trail, which makes it more commonly used for descent. From here (at an elevation of around 8,000 feet), you get a unique side view the daunting dome. Reviews. Start your hike in the early morning, walk from your campground or the visitor center to the trailhead for the John Muir Trail. People endure fatigue, altitude sickness, and dehydration in their determination to stand atop Half Dome's broad 8,836-foot-high crown. The Half Dome Cable Route hike runs from the valley floor to the top of the dome in 8.2 mi (13 km) (via the Mist Trail), with 4,800 ft (1,460 m) of elevation gain. Turn north through tall conifers and ascend Half Dome Trail. [7] The iconic symbol of Yosemite grandeur, Half Dome just begs to be climbed. Sure – but you wont be able to beat the views of some of Yosemite’s favorite attractions, including Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls and Half Dome. On day one, hike the Mist Trail to Little Yosemite Campground (4.3 miles), on day two hike 7 miles round trip to Half Dome, and on day 3 hike back to the Yosemite Valley via the Muir or Mist trails. It's not free of switchbacks, but they are much gentler. You'll Pass Vernal Falls and Little Yosemite Valley Campground en route to summit Half Dome. The trail to Half Dome from Yosemite Valley is an extremely strenuous hike covering over 17 miles. The hike has a distance of approximately 14.2 miles and a total elevation gain of about 4,800 feet. Make sure you remember your permits for the cables (and your gloves). Half Dome Trail. Directions for the Half Dome Hike. Luckily we decided to do a guided tour, because it was 100% worth it! Start your hike in the early morning, walk from your campground or the visitor center to the trailhead for the John Muir Trail. Hikers gain 4,800 feet of elevation along the trail that passes highlights such as Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall , before reaching the cables on Half Dome’s steep granite domes. Continue along the Mist Trail to get a gorgeous view of Nevada Fall. The trail to Half Dome from Yosemite Valley is an extremely strenuous hike covering over 17 miles. Well-known for its recreational difficulty, the Half Dome certainly lives up to its name. Mist Trail – Half Dome Half Dome is easily one of the most beautiful chunks of granite in the entire world. Seasonality. Some hikers may be continuing from the top of Nevada Fall to hike to Half Dome or elsewhere in Yosemite’s wilderness. Walk across bridge at Merced River to trailhead for Mist Trail. The John Muir Trail is longer—approximately 4 miles one-way compared to the Mist Trail’s 2.5 miles (4 km)—so plan accordingly. Half Dome Yosemite Hike via the Mist Trail Drew Robinson | August 3, 2015 August 6, ... Julia and I had permits to hike Half Dome! The Mist Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Yosemite National Park.Is it challenging? The rock was made to be climbed, which is why the Mist Trail to Half Dome sees between 2,500 and 3,00 people every day during weekends in the summer. If you return to the Mist Trail via the middle fork, you'll be coming out just above Vernal Fall. You can hike to both waterfalls all year. After 1.5 miles, you will exit the trees and reach the base of the sub dome below Half Dome. It was a hike and trip too good to pass up based purely on muscle fatigue. Walking beside towering waterfalls, viewing the Valley from the Yosemite Panorama Trail and Glacier Point, and an awesome descent and return to the Valley from the historic 4-mile trail offering incredible views of El Capitan. Directions for the Half Dome Hike.