TRAVELRAGS

Half Dome

Sight·Yosemite National ParkRecommended by 4 publications
Half Dome
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
“Half Dome is a quartz monzonite batholith at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. It is a well-known rock formation in the park, named for its distinct shape. One side is a sheer face while the other three sides are smooth and round, making it appear like a dome…”
— Wikipedia
Read more on Wikipedia →

In the coverage4 stories

Condé Nast TravelerJul 10

The Best Airbnbs Near Yosemite National Park for a One-of-a-Kind Getaway

Take in mountain views all day long from these homes.

iconic peak in Yosemite

20 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

OutsideMay 21

I Used to Work in Yosemite. This Is What the New No-Reservation Rules Really Do to the Park.

The feds eliminated Yosemite National Park's entry reservation system for 2026, leading to gridlock, towing, and massive lines. But visitors can still make the most of a trip. Here's what to know before you visit this summer.

visible from Curry Village

15 things in this storyRead the full piece at Outside →

Smithsonian MagazineMay 15

These 15 Breathtaking Photos of Yosemite National Park Will Have You Planning Your Next Vacation to the Great Outdoors

The park’s picturesque peaks, wonderful waterfalls and towering trees aren’t just photo opportunities; they’re visual poetry. And they’re just some of the reasons to love Yosemite

5 sights in this story
  • Half DomeSightIt is a well-known rock formation in the park, named for its distinct shape.
  • El CapitanSightThe granite monolith is about 3,000 feet (914 m) from base to summit along its tallest face and is a world-famous…
  • Glacier PointSightstate of California.
  • Yosemite FallsSightLocated in the Sierra Nevada of California, it is a major attraction in the park, especially in late spring when the…
  • Merced RiverSightIt flows from the Sierra Nevada into the San Joaquin Valley and is best known for its steep course through the southern…
Read the full piece at Smithsonian Magazine →

National GeographicFeb 4

Everything you should know about Yosemite National Park

Our expert guide will help you make the most of your visit to this epic California park, home to El Capitan and Half Dome. One of Yosemite National Park’s must-see natural attractions, Yosemite Falls ...

Summit offers panoramic views; 16-mile return hike from valley.

25 things in this story
  • Half DomeSightSummit offers panoramic views; 16-mile return hike from valley.
  • El CapitanSightFamed vertical face for climbing, views from the north rim.
  • Glacier PointSightAccessible by car, offers panoramic views of Yosemite Valley.
  • Yosemite FallsSightHighest waterfall in North America, plunges 2,425 feet.
  • Curry VillageNeighborhoodOffers cabins, tent cabins, rooms, pool, restaurant, and ice rink.
  • John Muir TrailTrail211-mile journey through the High Sierra to Mount Whitney.
  • Badger PassSightWinter sports area for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
  • Sentinel DomeSightOffers vertiginous views from the valley's south rim.
  • Taft PointSightGreat place to watch climbers on El Capitan's vertical face.
  • North DomeSightViews from the north rim require a steep uphill hike.
  • Wawona TunnelSightExiting offers a striking first view of Yosemite Valley.
  • Inspiration PointSightShort trail from Wawona Tunnel for better, less crowded views.
  • Olmsted PointSightGlimpse down Tenaya Canyon to the backside of Half Dome.
  • Lower Yosemite Fall TrailTrailEasy 1-mile walk to the base of the falls.
  • Bridalveil Fall TrailTrailEasy 0.5-mile upgraded route to Bridalveil Fall.
  • Mirror LakeSight2-mile route, reflects Half Dome.
  • Parsons Lodge & Soda Springs TrailTrailEasy 1.4-mile walk across Tuolumne Meadow.
  • Grizzly Giant LoopTrail2-mile loop in Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias.
  • Pacific Crest TrailTrailShares path with JMT for much of its length.
  • Tuolumne MeadowsNeighborhoodHigh country 'Times Square' with visitor center and trails.
  • Hetch HetchySightRemote canyon, now a lake, provides water for San Francisco.
  • Crane FlatSightArea near the western border, gateway to Tuolumne Grove.
  • Four Mile TrailTrail14-mile hike with elevation gains to Glacier Point.
  • Panorama TrailTrailHike down from Glacier Point, part of a 14-mile day.
  • May LakeSightShort 2.4-mile hike off Tioga Road in the high country.
Read the full piece at National Geographic →
More sights in Yosemite National ParkEl Capitan×4Glacier Point×3Yosemite Falls×3Tunnel View×2Upper Cathedral LakeBridal Veil Falls
↑↓ to navigate · Enter to open · Esc to close