Half dome yosemite

Half Dome, the iconic granite monolith of Yosemite National Park in the United States, is a challenging climbing destination and symbol of natural landscape.

About this subject

Half Dome is a granite rock formation located at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. Standing at 8,844 feet (2,695 meters) above sea level, its east face is a 2,000-foot (610 m) sheer cliff known as the 'Regular Northwest Face', one of the most famous technical climbs in the world. The name 'Half Dome' derives from its appearance of a dome cut in half, resulting from millions of years of glacial erosion. The rock is composed of Cretaceous granite, dated approximately 87 million years old.

For non-climbers, the Half Dome Trail is a 14-mile (22.5 km) round-trip hike with a 4,800-foot (1,460 m) elevation gain. The final section requires using steel cables installed by the National Park Service to ascend the steep, slick granite slope. Due to high demand, a permit lottery system is required to access the cables during the summer season. The view from the top spans Yosemite Valley, Tenaya Canyon, and Mount Dana.

The formation is an icon of Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Photographer Ansel Adams immortalized Half Dome in his black-and-white images, contributing to the park's preservation. The rock also appears in The North Face logo, symbolizing challenge and adventure. Interestingly, despite its half-dome appearance, geological studies indicate the rock originated as a full dome, but differential erosion sculpted its current shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Half Dome?

Half Dome stands at 8,844 feet (2,695 meters) above sea level.

Do you need a permit to climb Half Dome?

Yes, for the cable route a permit lottery is required, managed by the National Park Service during summer.

What does the name Half Dome mean?

The name comes from its characteristic appearance of a dome cut in half, a result of glacial erosion.