2022-Nov: Half Dome Trail Yosemite-Waterfalls-Fall Foliage/Strenuous/Level 3

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Day 2: HikingOC Annual Fall Foliage Trip in Yosemite National Park. We will hike Half Dome Trail today, a challenging hike. This will be 2022/2023 after first winter snow storm-AUTUMN/WINTER WONDERLAND TRIP IN YOSEMITE https://www.meetup.com/hikingoc/events/289456981/

MEETING TIME: ideally between 7 - 7:30 AM at the trailhead

Difficulty: Level 3 Moderate-Fast Pace for strenuous hike (distance, elevation and altitude) Click on RATING TABLE for more about difficulty levels https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating

***Half Dome hike (without permits/cables down): we may not summit if there are snow and icy***

> > > Distance: 16 miles RT/14 miles RT
> > > Elevation: 4800ft
> > > Difficulty: Strenuous
> > > Time: 6-8 hours round trip

GOOD TO KNOW Wear good traction hiking shoes, hiking poles, water, a light lunch, sunglasses, hat, etc.
Ten Essentials:
https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/messages/boards/thread/9535234

Yosemite Park Map http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/YOSEmap1.pdf and Yosemite Valley Map http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/YOSEmap2.pdf:

Photos from previous years:
July 2010 https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/1009420/16980600/

ABOUT HALF DOME TRAIL: The 14- to 16-mile round-trip hike to Half Dome is not for you if you're out of shape or unprepared. You will be gaining elevation (for a total of 4,800 feet) most of your way to the top of Half Dome. Most would say the reward is worth the effort. Along the way, you'll see outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and--from the shoulder and summit--panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.

Most hikers take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back; some take longer. If you plan on hiking during the day, it's smart to leave around sunrise (or earlier) and then have a non-negotiable turn-around time. For instance, if you haven't reached the top of Half Dome by 3:30 pm, you will turn around. Check for sunrise and sunset times before you hike. Regardless, each person should carry a flashlight or headlamp with good batteries (hikers commonly struggle down the trail after dark because they don't have a flashlight). Although the trail is well marked, you should be prepared with a good topographic map and compass and know how to use them.
Half Dome Cables
The most famous--or infamous--part of the hike is the ascent up the cables. The two metal cables allow hikers to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing equipment. Since 1919, relatively few people have fallen and died on the cables. However, injuries are not uncommon for those acting irresponsibly.

REMINDER:
By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings
***Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, mountain lions or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***

> YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
> YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY