COVID-19 Update from the National Park Service
"We are working to increase access to the park in a phased approach. Yosemite National Park is open with limited services and facilities to those with day-use reservations, reservations for in-park lodging or camping, and wilderness or Half Dome permits."
The Geology
Orginally known as "Tis-sa-ack" - or "Cleft Rock" in the Ahwahnechee language - Half Dome is a granite arête, a narrow ridge of rock separating two valleys. It rises almost 4,800 ft. with a total elevation of 8,844 ft.
Like El Capitan, Sentinal Rock, and other granite formations throughout Yosemite National Park, Half Dome was formed from magma intrusions which solidified underground and formed gigantic structures, likely during the Cretaceous period about 65 million years ago.
Half Dome was once larger than it is today, but it was never a full dome. Scientists have discovered that glaciers most likely carried away around 20% of its formation. And over time, erosion and weathering caused entire sheets of rock to peel off, forming the flat surface we see today.
Orginally known as "Tis-sa-ack" - or "Cleft Rock" in the Ahwahnechee language - Half Dome is a granite arête, a narrow ridge of rock separating two valleys. It rises almost 4,800 ft. with a total elevation of 8,844 ft.
Like El Capitan, Sentinal Rock, and other granite formations throughout Yosemite National Park, Half Dome was formed from magma intrusions which solidified underground and formed gigantic structures, likely during the Cretaceous period about 65 million years ago.
Half Dome was once larger than it is today, but it was never a full dome. Scientists have discovered that glaciers most likely carried away around 20% of its formation. And over time, erosion and weathering caused entire sheets of rock to peel off, forming the flat surface we see today.
Half Dome was once larger than it is today, but it was never a full dome. Scientists have discovered that glaciers most likely carried away around 20% of its formation. And over time, erosion and weathering caused entire sheets of rock to peel off, forming the flat surface we see today.
The Legend of Tis-sa-ack
Native Americans of the Yosemite Valley view Half Dome in a different light. The Legend of Tis-sa-ack tells the legend of its formation.
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"Long, long ago, before the Great Spirit had peopled Ahwahnee, an Indian woman, called Tis-sa-ack, and her husband, Nangas, left the plains of the Merced Valley to cross the high mountains before them. Weary from long days of climbing, and laden with burdens, they reached Ahwahnee at last, parched for water. It had been many days now since they had tasted of water, and eagerly they stumbled on to Ah-wei-ya, or Mirror Lake, where they would refresh themselves.
"Tis-sa-ack, arriving first, set her papoose in its basket on the ground beside her, and, bending over, drank thirstily from the lake. Again and again she filled her basket and drank deeply from it. So great was her thirst that by the time her husband arrived not a basketful of water remained.
"In great anger, Nangas turned upon his wife and began to beat her. Tis-sa-ack, in fright, ran from him, but he pursued her, striking her as he ran. At last, in pain and humiliation, Tis-sa-ack turned upon her husband, and threw her burden basket at him.
"The Great Spirit, angered by all this tumult in his peaceful Ahwahnee, straightway turned them all into stone. Nangas became Washington Column and North Dome. The upturned burden basket, hurled by his weeping wife, became Basket Dome. The forgotten papoose in his basket, became the Royal Arches, while Tis-sa-ack herself became that great monument, Half Dome, which is still streaked with the tears of shame which streamed down her face at her husband’s beating."
The CLimb
In 1870, Josiah Whitney described Half Dome as "perfectly inaccessible". Today, it is one of the most popular formations for rock climbers. Its summit was first reached by George G. Anderson in 1875. His ascent remains one of the most historic in Yosemite.
There are several climbing routes to summit Half Dome. Snake Dike, one of the most classic routes, is one of the most sought after by climbers. According to Climbing Magazine:
"Snake Dike was the second route to penetrate the otherwise blank canvas of Half Dome’s imposing southwest face (after the much harder Salathé Route), and many a Camp 4 naysayer was amazed when Bridwell, et al, returned victorious the same day they left the Valley floor, with tales of easy movement and fun climbing. It didn’t take long for Snake Dike to become a trade route."
The Regular Northwest Face is another popular route, made even more popular after Alex Honnold's free-solo climb.
"Snake Dike was the second route to penetrate the otherwise blank canvas of Half Dome’s imposing southwest face (after the much harder Salathé Route), and many a Camp 4 naysayer was amazed when Bridwell, et al, returned victorious the same day they left the Valley floor, with tales of easy movement and fun climbing. It didn’t take long for Snake Dike to become a trade route."
The Regular Northwest Face is another popular route, made even more popular after Alex Honnold's free-solo climb.
The Hike
Half Dome is hiking heaven, with trails ranging from every skill level. AllTrails.com is an awesome resource for information on every Half Dome trail, including trail descriptions, facility information, hiker reviews, and helpful tips.
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One of our favorite trails is the Mirror Lake trail. This is an easy 5.6 mile hike with spectacular views of Half Dome.
The Design
Our most popular products from the beginning have been our Yosemite National Park patch and sticker, which feature Half Dome in all its glory from one of the most stunning viewpoints in Yosemite. Check 'em out.
