Half Dome from the east, looking west

This is the view of Half Dome from the east along the trail that leads to the top of Half Dome. We took two days to reach the top.  On the first day, we hiked past Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall to set up camp in Little Yosemite Valley. This second day we continued the hike, unencumbered by backpacks, to the top. After enjoying some time at the top of Half Dome, we headed back down, packed up our gear, then made it back out to Yosemite Valley. From the other side, the side most people see, it looks like solid rock. From the east side, though, Half Dome looks like a big onion with layers peeling off. That's the way granite erodes, through a process called exfoliation.

Photo of Rick on his way up the cables to the top of Half dome

We heard some other people who were headed to the top exclaim at this view and decide to give up and turn around. Before reaching the base of Half Dome, the trail leads to the "Quarter Dome", also known as the "Sub Dome" seen at the left edge of this image. In some ways, the part of the hike that goes up the Quarter Dome is the scariest part of the hike, because it's steep but there's no railing or cable to hold on to. Plus, hikers are going in both directions. Upon reaching the saddle between the Quarter Dome and Half Dome, you arrive at the base of the cables that lead to the top. Some other hikers made it that far, but after looking up at how steep the way to the top was, decided to head turn around. It is rather intimidating, but we've made it to the top three times...so far.

Remember, it's not just a picture, it's a story!