Lying in the heart of the gorgeous Sierra Nevada mountain range is one of the most popular national parks in the United States and for good reason, Yosemite National Park. Known for the famous and extraordinary Sequoia Trees, mountainous peaks that seem to graze the sky, and dense forest that fills the land, Yosemite is incredible. In today’s post, we are going to highlight one of the most popular attractions in the park, the breathtaking rock formation known as Half Dome, a spectacularly unique peak that rises over 8,800 feet above sea level and nearly 5,000 feet over the valley it rests in. Half Dome is among Yosemite’s most iconic and sought out attractions, drawing millions every year to tackle the hike and reach the summit. Think you’re up for the challenge?

So, why name it “Half Dome” in the first place? Half Dome gets its name from its interesting shape. While one side of the rock is a sheer cliff face with an intimidating, ominous look, the other three sides are smooth and round, giving it the appearance of a dome cut in half, hence the name “Half Dome”. Just gazing upon Half Dome from afar is breathtaking, but to get the full experience, you must scale the peak for yourself. Beware though, while the rock is stunning and the views from the top are jaw-dropping, the hike is not for the faint of heart. Clocking in at roughly 17 miles roundtrip and roughly 10-14 hours, this is a long and strenuous hike.

To successfully tackle this hike, you must be prepared. Map the hike out, make sure you have plenty of supplies, and of course, make sure someone knows where you are and where you plan on traveling. Finally, a versatile and durable pack won’t hurt, and that’s where we come in! Here at Duluth Pack, we are your go-to for preparation with your journey up Half Dome. Whether it’s rocking one of our versatile and compact outdoor packs to store your gear or checking out or our other blog posts for more helpful advice and tips on hiking, traveling safely, etc we are your go-to one-stop-shop for this adventure. Once you are well equipped and prepared for the hike with a clear plan, remember to always follow basic safety guidelines as you make your way up the mountain. Despite its popularity, it is a challenging hike and can push even the most seasoned hikers to their limits. The hike itself is well worth the challenge, leaving you at the summit with pristine views of the valley below it and the surrounding wilderness.

Now that you’ve read on Half Dome and are chomping at the bit to conquer this hike, there are a couple of things to keep in mind before you run off to Yosemite. Number one, you must have a permit to hike Half Dome and these permits are a hot commodity; permits are awarded in a preseason lottery and a maximum of 300 are awarded per day. As the popularity of this hike increases, the chances of being one of the lucky permit recipients decreases. With that said, you absolutely can do your homework, get a permit, and go experience this wondrous hike for yourself.

So, there you have it. A first glance at one of the most stunning natural beauties in the United States. Now, go grab that Duluth Pack, clutch that map, and go trek this hike for yourself. Stay safe and happy travels from your friends here at Duluth Pack.

Happy hiking, friends.