Welcome!

    Yosemite National Park in California is filled with natural treasures. The signature landmark for the park
    is the 8,842-foot  granite rock called Half Dome. Hiking to the top is a strenuous ordeal, taking about 12
    hours. It is one of the most popular  hikes in the park. Until now, there has been little information
    available to help prepare the hiker for this superb one-day  adventure. Typical coverage in other guides
    consists of only one or two pages on the Half Dome hike. The education you get here will prepare you to
    safely complete the hike.

    This is not a rock-climbing or mountaineering guidebook; rather, it is written with the "weekend warrior" in
    mind. Almost  anyone can do this strenuous hike with proper preparation, conditioning and desire.

    The author, Rick Deutsch, a seasoned adventure traveler, will help you every step of the way. This is a big
    hike. It is classed by  the National Park Service as extremely strenuous. The climax is a 425-foot vertical
    challenge  at nearly a 45-degree angle, aided only  by steel cables acting as a banister. The view of  
    Yosemite Valley from nearly 9,000 ft up is awesome and worth the sore muscles you will endure the next
    day.

    One Best Hike: Yosemite’s Half Dome is a great resource that will assist visitors in their preparation.
    113 pages of  user-friendly  advice were gleaned from the author's 21 ascents of Half Dome.

     Special features of the book include:

  •     A geologic and human history of Half Dome.
  •    How to prepare, both conditioning and equipment.
  •    What to bring: food, water concerns, clothing, boots, and hiking gear.
  •    A detailed trail description for the entire 16-mile route, including maps, altitudes,
           elevation profile,  estimated elapsed times, odometer and points of interest.
  •   60 superb photos and graphics of the major sights along the route.

    Member:

Yosemite Association
Yosemite Fund
California State Parks Foundation
Pine Ridge Association (Henry Coe State Park)



    Safety Notice:
    Readers of this book and website are cautioned to take full care and responsibility for their actions when using the advice
    presented.  All suggestions are strictly those of the author, but the reader should employ good common sense,  as not all
    circumstances of potential danger can be anticipated. There is no relationship between Yosemite National Park and the
    author of this website. All text and photos are (c) 2008, Carpe Diem Experience, and may not be reproduced without
    written permission.
One Best Hike: Yosemite's Half Dome
Copyright © 2008 Carpe Diem Experience | All Rights Reserved

Of Note  Word from a Ranger on the trail indicates the cables will be "UP" Thursday of this week.
Road & weather conditions
Call (209) 372-0200   
The Park Reservation            
 telephone number has          
 been changed. Use this:       
         801-559-5000
                                Upcoming Presentations



May 15        Cables up (est)
May 20        REI Berkeley, CA 7 pm
Jun 12         Delta College, Stockton, CA Hiking / Half Dome Class 6-10pm
Jun 12         Delta College, Stockton, CA Hiking Class 6-10 pm
Jun 20         Friends & Family Half Dome Hike
Jun 21         Yosemite LeConte Memorial Lodge, 8 pm