Summary

• Route: Backpacker’s Campground ⇒ Little Yosemite Valley ⇒ Half Dome ⇒ (reverse to exit)
• Coordinates given are in decimal latitude/longitude (± D.x) and Google Maps is the easiest way to see these coordinates on the map.
  • Positive latitude is north of the equator, and negative longitude is west of the Prime Meridian.
  • If you use topographic maps extensively, it’s worth learning the UTM coordinate system at some point as a complement to latitude/longitude. The Spyglass app is the easiest way to convert among coordinate systems and to confirm your location.

Day 0

• You have the option of entering Yosemite a day before the entry date on the permit and staying at the Backpacker’s Campground: 37.744031, -119.566131

Day 1

• At the park entrance, state that you’re picking up a wilderness permit and present ID. Pay $35 to enter.
• Pick up your wilderness permit from Yosemite Wilderness Center, where you’ll have a chance to chat with a ranger for any questions: 37.748335, -119.586517
• Park at the trailhead parking lot next to Happy Isles / Upper Pines Campground: 37.73495, -119.56648
  • Alternatively, park at Curry Village and take the shuttle in. Worst-case, any unreserved section of road is also allowable.
• Hike in to Little Yosemite Valley campground and set-up base camp: Happy Isles → Little Yosemite Valley, 4.38 miles, 2,832 ft ascent, 725 descent: 37.733044, -119.513888
• Fill water containers for next day at the Merced River. Run water through a proper filter. I recommend adding a chlorine dioxide tablet per liter afterwards as well. (The filter will remove everything except viruses, which the chemical treatment can handle easily with 30 minutes of contact time)
• Enjoy dinner!
• Prepare a lightweight daypack for the next day: carry a trimmed-down version of the 10 Essentials. Many backpacking bags have a detachable daypack feature for this purpose.
• Remember to bring work gloves! Trekking poles are optional if you’re carrying a light load from the campground up. Poles are much more necessary for the day-hike version of Half Dome. Leave No Trace (LNT)!

Day 2

• Give yourself ~1 hour from wake-up to get ready, followed by 2-3 hours hiking time from Little Yosemite Valley → Half Dome: 3.41 miles, 2,679 ft ascent, 189 descent.
• Try to reach the cables by 8-8:30 AM to avoid the crowds, which slow down ascending and add risk when people are passing each other.
• By 11 AM, it will be hot up there, as it’s all exposed.
• Hike back to Little Yosemite Valley by reversing your earlier route, which also takes about 2 hours.
• Rehydrate and enjoy lunch, a swim in the Merced River, etc.