Although we'll always do our best to adhere to this schedule, it is often dictated by factors outside of our control and is therefore subject to change. We will run this trip rain or shine as long as it is safe to do so.

We'll meet in Yosemite Valley at the Happy Isles trailhead. After introductions, packing up our gear and lacing up our boots, we’ll take our time hiking a beautiful stretch of the John Muir Trail to Little Yosemite Valley. Even though the literal high point of the trip is Half Dome, this stretch of trail is simply incredible.

After hiking a mellow mile, we’ll start to climb up the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall. At 317 feet tall, Vernal Fall can be more than impressive, especially during peak runoff. Here, the trail turns into a long series of steep, narrow granite steps that finally climbs to the top of Vernal before delivering huge views of the cascade. We’ll take a break at the top to drink in the scenery before beginning another 2-mile stairmaster routine up to Nevada Fall, where the Merced River plunges 600 feet down to the Emerald Pool. After Nevada Fall, the gradient of the trail will finally relent as we pass Liberty Cap and approach our home for the night, Little Yosemite Valley. In total, we’ll hike 4.3 miles and gain 2,100 feet of elevation on our first day. We’ll make camp near the banks of the Merced River while we unwind for the evening. Later, we’ll prepare for our summit attempt as we enjoy a gourmet backcountry dinner and bed down for a night spent in the shadow of the Half Dome.

The next day, we can have a fairly casual morning. After breakfast we'll pack just enough for the day, and strike out on the trail. The trail to the summit is NOT for the faint of heart, nor is it a cake walk. This hike is 3.5 miles each way, 7 miles round trip, and climbs 2,700 feet from Little Yosemite Valley. This is a steep hike up, offering hundreds of granite steps before the last 400 feet of the Cable Route. The Cable Route offers a healthy amount of exposure as we ascend the bald granite slab step by step.

We’ll enjoy lunch on the summit to fully absorb the 360° views of Yosemite Valley.  We’ll then hike back down to our campsite at Little Yosemite Valley, rest our limbs, maybe go for a swim, or explore around the area, before settling down under the shadow of the iconic dome for another delicious dinner and celebrating our day's achievement by the campfire.

It's not uncommon for people to choose not to ascend the cables. If that's your choice, don't worry. You can relax at the base of the cables and soak in the views while others go to the top and back. No pressure. 

On the last morning, we'll wake and enjoy a leisurely breakfast, soaking in the scenery, before breaking camp and heading back down the JMT trail to the valley where our adventure began.