Half Dome Sunrise Hike

Disclaimer. The hike to Yosemite Point is strenuous. Even during the day time under perfect conditions, it is a very difficult hike. The incline in steep, the footing is unsupportive, there are lots of slick rocks where a hiker can easily fall. This is also a lot of elevation gain over, and, without a purification system, you will not find any water along the trail (even with a purification system, you will be hard pressed to find water). One you climb out of the Yosemite Valley and reach the top of Yosemite Falls, the trails can be difficult to follow, especially when there is no light. The author has hiked this trail multiple times before attempting the hike you will read about. Hiking to Yosemite Point in the dark is not recommended and should only be attempted by seasoned and fit hikers are very familiar with the trial.

Narrative

I got a text around 3:30 am asking if I was ready. Seems early but this text was from my neighbor and hiking buddy and was right on time. We planned on leaving before 4:00 am. Time was of the essence. All I had left was to let my dog out, who was understandably confused why I woke him up so early on the weekend to use the bathroom. After a quick bathroom break for my dog, who was eager to get inside the house and back to bed, we loaded up the truck and were on our way.

We calculated that we needed to get to the trailhead around 4:30 am and almost immediately start hiking. We did not have time to waste. Fortunately, everything was going smoothly. We get to the trailhead, grab our bags, get our trekking poles set, turn on our headlamps, and get started on the trail. We had about two hours to hike approximately 4.3 miles and climb 3,700 feet.

Not surprisingly, we were the only hikers on the trail. It seemed like we were the only people awake in Yosemite National Park. We made quick work of the first steep ascent up the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. Before we knew it, Half Dome came within our sights. Half Dome in the moonlight is beautiful. In fact, Yosemite Valley in the moonlight is amazing and easily one of the most underrated parts of the park. There is something tranquil about the quietness and serenity of Yosemite Valley in the early morning hours while the moon is glowing, and it is completely silent.

During the hike we could hear Yosemite Falls and feel the constant elevation gain. However, it was hard to see past the light from our headlamps. Our limited visibility seemed to make the hike fly by and was probably to our benefit. While we could feel the elevation gain it was hard to know how steep it was. Instead, we was focused on moving forward and making great time. We  knew we had a narrow and limited window to get to Yosemite Point.

Before I knew it, we were at the top of Yosemite Falls. Still on track to make it to Yosemite Point on time we continued moving forward but we did not make it far before we noticed two sets of glowing eyes not far from the trail. Stopping in our tracks we were quiet and looked for a few seconds before yelling, clapping, and making as much noise as possible. Whatever animal was out there did not seem phased and stayed put. Not ideal. Hoping we were seeing two deer or bears and not two mountain lions, we began to yell even louder slowly taking a few steps to the glowing eyes. That seemed to do the trick as the two animals disappeared into the darkness. Whatever it was, we hoped we did not see it later down the trail. We still had another mile to go before reaching Yosemite Point.

Dusk was starting to approach, and we quickened our pace. The sun was not up yet but I was beginning to see the slow change from dark to light. Walking faster and faster, we knew we had to get to Yosemite Point at the right time. If we got there too late then the early morning wake-up and the climb up the falls in the darkness would all be for naught.

We crested the last slight incline. Just in time. A little before 6:30 am with some time to spare. The sun had not come up yet. Now the waiting game. After paying attention to the position of the sun in the morning over the last few months, I estimated that it would rise behind Half Dome. I really hoped my prediction was right. Only time would tell.

It was cold, exposed, and windy at Yosemite Point. Temperatures were below freezing. Quickly throwing on another layer, I got my camera out and prepared for the sunrise. Nervous that the sun would not rise behind Half Dome, I prepared myself for the disappointment. Then, we saw the rays beginning to appear. It looked like was going to be spot on. Then over the span of a few minutes the sun rose perfectly behind Half Dome. I could not have asked for a better sunrise. The rays beamed out from the left side of Half Dome shedding light over the Sierra Nevada mountains and breathing life into Yosemite Valley. Watching the sun spread light across the mountain peaks was an awe-inspiring experience and easily one of my favorite moments in Yosemite National Park.

Feeling rejuvenated from a successful climb, our packs felt lighter, and our legs were renewed on our hike down to Yosemite Valley. However, there was still one more surprise in store. As we started our descent from Upper Yosemite Falls, a young black bear crossed the trail, and we got a really good glimpse of it. Maybe this one of the two sets of eyes we saw earlier that morning.

Trail Report 

Trail report coming soon.