Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and a great challenge to many hikers.
A steep climb is well rewarded with close-up views of Upper Yosemite Fall and distant views of Half Dome and other Sierra mountain peaks. Along the hike, enjoy a bird's eye view of Yosemite Valley's meadows and the meandering Merced River.
A short walk will lead you to the base of Bridalveil Fall, allowing you to get an up close view of this often-windswept waterfall.
Royal Arches is considered by many to be one of Yosemite's all-time classics. there are other moderate climbs of superior aesthetic quality, but perhaps it earns it's classic status due to the history behind the climb.
This is a nice out and back hike. There are a few areas of climbing over rocks. A very beautiful area, especially on a fall day in early October.
Most Activities Here:
**Glacier Point Road will be closed in 2022 due to road maintenance.