Yosemite - Half Dome trail

[ArchCenturion]

Hi, I am going to hike up Half Dome tomorrow or friday. Its like 17 miles or so. Has anyone here done this trail?

I would like to know how long this will take, and what i should bring, besides food and water.

Edit 1 My friend will be hiking up with me and my brother, but he has vaginitis in his knee, and I'm not sure if he will be able to make it all the way up.

My brother an I want to see how quickly we could do it. Will he slow us down?

 

[jessicak]

good luck...you're gonna need it

 

[jessicak]

as for how long: 7-14 hours depending on your level of awesomness
what to take: flashlight (in case it gets dark), LOTS of water, power bars/energy bars

leave early in the morning--it's going to be a long hike, and if it starts getting too late, turn around early.

 

[jmcoreymv]

If I were you I'd carry a big knife with me, so you could stab any bears that try to attack you, in the eye.

 

[Dirigible]

Yup, advice given so far is good. Get an early start, bring plenty of food and water and a flashlight. I bring a 100 oz. Camelbak when I do that hike, but that's not enough for me (I sweat and drink a lot). I also bring a water filter, so I don't have to carry too much extra weight. The early start gives you more time, plus it'll hopefully let you avoid the biggest crowds on the cables at the top.

It's a really fun hike. Enjoy!

 

[dainthomas]

Originally posted by: jmcoreymv
If I were you I'd carry a big knife with me, so you could stab any bears that try to attack you, in the eye.

I heard you just have to hit them in the nose. Of course, if the OP is close to a cliff he could just push it off.

 

[ArchCenturion]

Originally posted by: jmcoreymv
If I were you I'd carry a big knife with me, so you could stab any bears that try to attack you, in the eye.

I think i will probably just try to bite his eyes out or kick him in the nuts.

 

[jessicak]

Originally posted by: ArchCenturion

Originally posted by: jmcoreymv
If I were you I'd carry a big knife with me, so you could stab any bears that try to attack you, in the eye.

I think i will probably just try to bite his eyes out or kick him in the nuts.

I think you should just feed jmcoreymv to the bear instead.

 

[mercanucaribe]

Bear spray

 

[Dirigible]

You don't need any of that bear stuff. Remember, you don't need to outrun the bear, you just need to outrun one of the people you're near. And there are plenty of slow people on that trail.

 

[LordMorpheus]

Originally posted by: Dirigible
You don't need any of that bear stuff. Remember, you don't need to outrun the bear, you just need to outrun one of the people you're near. And there are plenty of slow people on that trail.

haha, one of the guys he's with has a bum knee. Perfect!

Remind me to only go hiking in bear territority with people that have health problems in their legs.

 

[ArchCenturion]

I am 100% confident that i can out run almost anybody on that trail.

 

[scott916]

I wouldn't even bother attempting the Half Dome trail with any sort of knee problem. Not only will it be miserable, hiking back down could possibly make any knee problem far worse. It's a very strenuous and rewarding hike if you're in good health, but I wouldn't risk it if you have any issues with your joints.

BTW, vaginitis? Isn't that what happens during a yeast infection? lol...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginitis

 

[Kyteland]

I can usually average 2 mph on a trail which includes breaks for water, food, naps and the view. If you're going with a light pack, I would plan on it taking 10 hours, although you'll probably finish earlier.

Originally posted by: Dirigible
Get an early start.

This is definitely key. And 8 AM isn't "early" when you're trying for a 17 mile day. I'd personally shoot for dawn.

Definitely bring a first aid kit and some joint braces.

 

[Gibsons]

Lots and lots of water, and some aspirin/ibuprofen, especially for your friend with the bum knee.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: ArchCenturion
Hi, I am going to hike up Half Dome tomorrow or friday. Its like 17 miles or so. Has anyone here done this trail?

I would like to know how long this will take, and what i should bring, besides food and water.

Edit 1 My friend will be hiking up with me and my brother, but he has vaginitis in his knee, and I'm not sure if he will be able to make it all the way up.

My brother an I want to see how quickly we could do it. Will he slow us down?

Your brother has a vagina in his knee?

 

[WildHorse]

Take gloves. There are rust-covered wire ropes you shedaddle up the last part to the peak.

Take a camera!

I've been up top several times. You'll love it.

 

[Kaieye]

Remember to watch out for rattlesnakes...

 

[Sid59]

have fun. no other advice to give you.

how the hell does someone have vaginitis of the knee. lol

 

[WildHorse]

ArchCenturion,

So how'd it go???

Did you hike up past the falls to little Yosemite Valley & on up to Half Dome summit ???

 

[scott916]

I'm going with some friends to do Half Dome on 9/3. Hopefully it won't be too crowded. We're staying in El Portal. ArchCenturion, how was your experience?

 

[AgentUnknown]

bring lots of water. We started at 10AM, and did a round trip and got back at 3AM. Unbelievable. Would have gone faster if we had water and didn't stop to rest.

 

[scott916]

holy ******, 3 am? thats pretty tough, what time did you leave the summit? i was planning on bringing my 100oz camelbak along with another liter bottle and some iodine tablets in case we run out of water.

 

[schneiderguy]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Your brother has a vagina in his knee?

thats what i thought when i read it too

 

[ArchCenturion]

Lol, I forgot I made this thread. I never gave any updates.

The trail was really awesome. My friend was unable to go, so it was just me and my brother.

We left lower pines campground at 6:30 and rode our bikes toward the trail. We took a wrong turn, and ended up at a different trail I forget which one. Then we finally found the right trail, parked our bikes and started walking at about 7ish.

It was cold in the early morning. My body was hot, and my hands and face were freezing after about an hour of hiking. We finally made it to the top of HD and ate lunch at 10:50. We screwed around for a bit, and took a few pictures.

Theres a few here
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=38&threadid=1920075&enterthread=y

Then we took off back down the hill at 12:30 and made it back to our campsite at like 3:30. The next day was a bitch because of all the lactic acid in my legs and shoulders. I think everything on my body was sore.

Overall it was a great experience. I am very glad that I can say I've hiked it, and will be doing it again the next time I go there.