Half Dome

Yosemite National Park

A long day out to the summit of one of the most iconic mountains in the world.

Trail Running Severe

Distance: 24 km
Ascent: 1.7 km
Descent: 1.7 km
Duration: 4-5 hrs

Low Point: 1.2 km
High Point: 2.7 km
Gradient: 24˚

The Half Dome Trail is challenging and provides a decently long trail run. It courses nearly 1500m above the Yosemite Valley. It offers runners spectacular vantage of many of the valley’s iconic monuments: Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome itself, and views across the Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra mountains.

Half Dome Cables section Photo: Earth Trekkers

Sunset on Half Dome from Glacier Point Photo: Wikipedia

Description

If you run a single route in Yosemite, this should be high on the list!

The trail climbs over 1600m over 20km, and runners should, therefore, be prepared for a rather big day out. Luckily, the route is quite well marked along the way. The trail begins with a stiff climb up to Vernal Falls followed by a second steep climb up to Nevada Falls. From Nevada, the trail continues through the forest past Little Yosemite Campground on steep switchbacks.

This route is famous for the cable section, which climbs the final 120m on Half Dome. This portion of the route is quite steep, strenuous, and exposed. This is a section to take particular care not to fall. From the summit, the trail returns on the same path.

Of particular importance: a permit is required for this trail. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead when wanting to have a day out on the trail rather than showing up, hoping to run on it on a whim.