Yosemite N.P. - How to Hike Half Dome (Vlog) 

I'm disabled and I feel like I was there with you both. Great job of documenting your adventure!!

Thanks for the trip down memory lane. A few years ago I thought it would be neat if my boyfriend and I hiked half dome on my 31st birthday. We didn’t apply for a permit until 2 days prior...and we got it. It was meant to be as I ascended with a boyfriend and descended with a fiancé. It was an incredible bonding experience and momentous day for us. Thanks for documenting and sharing your hike!

I am a 63 year old woman with back troubles. I watched your video today and wanted to thank you for sharing your hike with your daughter. I would never be able to physically see those sights with my own eyes, but was so blessed to see them through yours. God bless you and your family.

Looks like you have a wonderful father daughter relationship, your a lucky man to spend such quality time with your family

Made it! Just wanted to make a quick post-trip comment. What an epic hike! Logged 20.5 miles and 5,896’ of elevation gain over the course of close to 13 hours. That was truly an amazing experience. Those cables looked a bit more daunting once I finally laid eyes upon them. Once I was on them and got a feel for it, any anxiety I had went away. No clip on the way up but I did clip on the way down. Holy cow, though. I got stuck for over an hour on the descent of the cables. Even encountered a bear on the trail. The best thing of all was that I got to spend 11 days alone with my wife on just an incredible trip. We went from Vegas to Valley of Fire to The Wave to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and finished it with five days in Yosemite. Speaking of the The Wave. Keep trying that lottery. It was incredible and lived up to the hype.

My favorite comment was when you said how nice people are on the trail and wouldn’t it be nice if people were like that all the time. Amen. Well said. Great video and thank you!!

Easily the best video I've seen regarding hiking Half Dome. Quality work, sir. Thanks for sharing.

You guys did a great job narrating this. I'm not a hiker, but have recently fallen in love with going to different national parks. I really felt like I was on half dome with you guys !! Thank you !!

I’ve always wondered what it would be like to climb Half Dome. Now I know. Thank you. I enjoyed your commentary, too. But the best thing about the video is seeing a father and his daughter bonding over such a challenging - and beautiful - experience. You and your daughter are so fortunate to have each other.

Wow I loved this video. I love that you and your daughter got to share that amazing trip. My Dad died of colon cancer 9 years ago....I would give anything in the world to see him again and climb halfdome together. Watching you both climb it is the next best thing. Thank you for the dream. I love your father daughter love. It warms my heart.💜💜💜

Randy, I’ve lived in the LA area since the 80’s and I recall visiting Yosemite for a hot minute back in the 90’s. I’m a 5 hour drive to Yosemite but was never compelled to visit because...I live 5 hours away and can visit it anytime. After viewing this video in 2020 during the lockdowns, I actually booked a few nights in Yosemite in October 2020. We just came back from a week in Yosemite making it my second visit in 6 months-20 years after the prior visit! I actually purchased the annual inter park pass because I plan to visit more national parks this year and hope to return to Yosemite in fall. Thanks for inspiring me to enjoy the natural beauty of God’s handiwork.

Awesome video, just want to let you know that I saw your video about a year ago. It inspired me so much that I took my family (two teenaged boys and my wife) and we did the same exact hike just last week. Incredible memories made! Thank you guys for the inspiration!!

This. Is. Amazing. I'm so happy for you and your daughter, what an accomplishment! Your video is excellent, I really enjoyed it.

I'm 67 and will never do this hike. I don't think I would have in my younger days. Your video was incredible and to do it with your daughter ? Priceless ! What a story to tell your Grandkids !

Not only you did the half dome, but you share that memory with your daughter. I hope one day I will have that opportunity to share that with my little girl.

I am very impressed with the way that your daughter did this entire hike and looked so calm. This just goes to show that big muscles are not needed, as her skinny frame and a strong desire to see extreme nature, were all that was required. Well done young lady!!

You and your daughter have guts man! That near vertical ascent to half dome was awe inspiring! Congrats!

One of the best RU-vid videos of all time.

As a dad myself, I loved your commentary and attitude to what you're doing. My 11 year old and I are targetting a half-dome attempt having done Nevada falls last time. Thanks for the inspiration.

I highly recommend this hike. You will fondly remember it for a lifetime.

Enjoyed that! Thanks. Did Vernal Falls back in 94. Awesome to see the rest of the hike to Half Dome. We saw a Mountain Lion while having dinner at the Awanee Lodge. Your comment is so true...when hiking, everyone there is for a common goal and It brings out the best in people.

Kudos to Natalie for leaving her comfort zone. Kudos to you for giving her that chance. What a great time to spend together. She will remember long after you are gone.

It is good to leave early like you did. You beat the heat that way. Best to bring enough water like you did. I did it 40 years ago but it took me 3 attempts to do it. I have asthma . Because of the elevation gain it was difficult. Thank you so much for reminding how difficult it was and providing the beautiful journey it was and that I was in God’s land. Joyce

I made it up to nevada falls a few days ago. I thought that was the furthest you could go! it was insanely difficult and tiring for me even at just 21 years old . Incredible work sir, and great filming. It was so nostalgic and heartwarming to see footage like this of the hike even when it was just a few days ago when I was up there. I'm sure coming back to this video in a few months, or years, will have an even stronger effect. This might just be my favorite video on youtube. Thank you. I'm starting to think about when my next trip to yosemite will be just so I can experience this all over again, but then again there are so many other hikes I'd love to do (upper falls comes to mind, as well as the plethora of backpacking experiences outside the valley).... what a beautiful place and what a beautiful experience. Thanks once again.

just watching this is more than enough for me....confirmed that I would never do it myself.

There were several bits in this vid that were triggering my fear of heights!

This is so cool. This is something that your daughter is going to look back on years from now, and be so grateful that she had a dad that wanted to spend time with her and do things together like this.

Your daughter is so brave. You can see how scared she was before she started hiking but she conquered her fear. Probably because she felt safe because she was with her dad! By the way, I just came across your channel a few weeks ago and just noticed one of the videos that you are a pastor? You seem like a very cool pastor in a good way. It’s not like you’re trying hard be cool, you just are. You have an amazing personality and beautiful aura from what I get from your videos 👍🏼

The best hike I've ever done. The cables are a magical and exhilarating experience. I counted 850 or so steps at Vernal Falls. I was so wet that it distracted me from the pain of the steps. This is a great video with helpful commentary.

I lived it when your daughter said I never want to see a cable again. I enjoyed the video.

A place of incredible beauty! If I was to choose one national park to visit in the US, Yosemite would be it. Thank you for showing us such beauty.

I'm getting goosebumps just watching. I could probably make it up but they would have to call a helicopter to get me down.

Excellent adventure to be able to have with child. You guys made a lifelong memory together.

My kid scared the CRUD out of me . Running up to guard rails , skipping over rocks . I was a basket case when we got through with our hike !!!!!

I watched this video for the first time a few years ago, and ever since it has made me more eager to do this hike. I’m happy to say I summited Half Dome for the first time this past Sunday 6/2/24! It was so worth it, and I would love to do it again! Thank you for sharing this video!

Congrats to you and your daughter. I'm always impressed with parents that take their young kids on these challenging hikes (more impressed with the kids). Its such a great confidence builder, teaches self-reliance, and gets them out of their cozy, entitled head-space. I've passed a 12 yr old on the summit of Whitney, and a mother with 2 boys less than 10 heading to Trail Camp (12,000 ft) with full backpacks. On the flip side - I passed a man with his 13 year old son on the way up Whitney Mountaineer's Route - the kid was whining and groaning the entire way. He couldn't get out of his own head-space to appreciate what was all around him, and the timelessness of it. I admired the father, but felt disappointment for the kid. Hopefully, he will look back on the experience with a more open mind and find value in it. My own hiking experiences did a lot for me even in my 50's.

What an amazing 18 mins of pure joy. From the great personality to being a fabolus dad to the adventurous bravery and to the stunning nature. God bless you sir andyour family and thank you for having me experience something I will never ever do😋

what a cool dad! just amazing. I will be visiting Yosemite next week just cant wait! thank you for sharing such cool video...

did this 20 years ago... video brought back memories thanks

Natalie for President! Wish I could get my granddaughter to take some time from her busy life of college and boys (lol) and go on a hiking adventure with me. The cables looked like a real challenge and you two did an awesome job. I really enjoyed seeing the park and Half dome thru your adventure. You are really blessed to have Natalie with you and to be able to cherish fond memories of your adventure together. It just doesn't get any better than that! Happy Trails!

I just did Half Dome yesterday while the cables were down and extremely exhilarating! Used my climbing harness, rope and carabiners to secure myself to the cables. My friend and I were the only ones on top of Half Dome, so worth it!

What a wonderful moment for you and your daughter!!!! Thank you for this video. It was truly beautiful! Just came back from there this weekend. One of my most happy places to be.

I can't tell you how much fun this video was for me to watch. This hike has been a bucket list destination for me for more than 20 years. I wanted to make the hike with my son, but he has Juvenal arthritis, unfortunately not possible. I loved watching you make the hike with your daughter (if shes not your daughter I apologize). I hope to make the hike some day, was so fun watching you make the journey. Thank you for posting.

Seeing Natalie and you pull yourselves up that mountain reminded me of the time I took my girls hiking in the Black Hills. We were on the Lover Leap trail. Girls were about 21 and 13. We knew that the first half mile would be the worst very steep and rocky. My youngest Emily started complaining early and often. Tried to encourage her but there reached a point I lost it and gave her the truck keys and told her to go back. My daughter Rachel and I completed the hike about 3 hours later. That was the day that cost me the father of the year award. Lol. Seriously though that had to have been an epic experience.

Incredible hike! I only made it up to Nevada Falls last year (no half dome permit). But that was beautiful enough. I really could see the smile in your face on top of half dome when you realized what you 2 had accomplished ;-) Thx for showing us this awesome place. Very well documented.

Very cool trip to take your daughter on. She'll remember this for the rest of her life.

Last year I hiked up this trail and was really out of shape. I got to the wires and had to turn around, i was scared. This year I'm in shape and im going this summer with my girlfriend and we will go all the way to the top and i will propose to her! Honestly i'm gonna be more scared of proposing then i will be the wires.

I don’t know why but my heart was pounding hard just watching you guys come back down that half dome rock. Great video!

What a wonderful father/daughter experience! Thank you RU-vid for this video recommendation! Definitely subscribing!

The feeling my body gets watching you guys is insane and I’m at home comfortable lol. You guys are so brave!

I don't know what's better, the hike or the video!!

Great video. Just did it for my 6th time on 09-21-19, but first time at 60 years old. I have done it with my kids several times when they were a little younger than your daughter. It's awesome that you have such a great relationship with your girl!!

Great video, did it with my dad in 04, he died in 12, brought back great memories i remember those steps brutal congrats!!!!

My favorite national park in the world!

Great video. I've done the hike 3 times, wanting to go again. Yosemite can be a lot of fun if planned right. One time I made the mistake going on a busy weekend, which was a poor experience. Go early in the morning, avoid weekends and holidays.

Great video. My father and I ascended Half Dome in the very early '80's.....no permit was needed nor required back then....we just WENT for it on a whim! So glad I did that with my father....the memory has lasted me a lifetime. You've inspired me in your videos to go hike Angel's Landing in Zion...that's on my bucket list. Keep up the great work....you inspire a lot of people. God Bless.

This was such a great video! Thank you for sharing. I am visually impaired and have dreamed of doing this someday but after watching your video and seeing you modestly struggle as experienced as you guys are with hiking I may just have to live vicariously through you :)

2020....what a treat to watch you and your daughter slay that hike!

Awesome video! I subbed. I have nerve problems and don't know what my future holds. I have to see and do this stuff before I can't anymore. I took my daughter all over the Western USA. Spent alot of money and I do not regret any of it. In fact a couple of months ago she thanked me for taking her to these places. Now she has her own family and look forward to travelling.

Nicely done! I've hiked HD twice now, the first time with my Wife, the cables had not been set and were simply laying against the rock. That was harrowing!! We picked up the heavy cables and went up Batman style! We made it, but I would never do that again. Second time was with my Family, and having your kids going up the cables (all properly set, this time) adds a whole 'nother dimension of nervousness! I really enjoyed watching this and remembering the different legs of the journey. What a great memory to have with your Daughter. Thanks!!

After watching this video, I have decided it's better and healthier to watch someone else do this.

this got me so hyped to go out west.

I've hiked it twice, both times before the permit system. First from Happy Isles, with the crowds. The cables were as crowded as a line at Disneyland. We had to go outside the cables on the way down to avoid the people coming up. The second time, we did it as a backpacking trip, starting up at Tenaya Lake, going over Clouds Rest. Day one was 10 miles with full packs. We camped at that junction where the 2 miles to half dome sign is. We left camp intact at 6am, scooted up and made coffee at 8:30am at the top, on a little backpacking stove. No crowds . Broke camp and hiked from there up to Glacier Point. 15 years ago when we were in our late forties. Not bad for a couple of codgers!

Did it yesterday it was amazing!!thank you for your video

My God - what a stunning film! Absolutely awe-inspiring scenery and the photography! Words fail. What a wonderful place the US is.

Great video. I use to think I was in shape until I saw you guys do it with ease. My hands were sweating watching the climb!

I normally don't comment on RU-vid videos but I stumbled across your site a few days ago and been checking them out since I love NPS sites a ton as well. Your videos are really well made, informative and inspirational! In fact, you've got me going down the rabbit hole of looking at the others -- so cool checking out all the places you've been. Keep seeing this great country of ours and keep these videos coming. They're great! :)

How to hike half dome, I'll tell you: One foot in front of the other... over and over again.

Just found your vids. I'm gonna live vicariously through you.

Thank you so much for such a motivating video! This is one of my biggest goals and this video is really really encouraging to watch. Again Thank you so much and congratulations on Summiting Half Dome! ❤️🎉

What an amazing hike. Thank you for taking me with you. This is one hike I could never do because of the heights. Your video gave me the next best thing. Looking forward to following more of your videos!

Well Done! What an amazing hike.

Enjoyed this immensely, especially because doing it with your girl. A cherished memory she'll never forget. Too late for me, my 4 girls are too old now. I was in Yosemite last year, 1 day only, and since coming back (Australia) have watched many you-tubes and also movies Free Solo & The Dawn Wall. Hoping to go back for a proper visit, at least 1 week. What an incredible place. Take care & keep on hiking.

Daughter is such a trooper! Great adventure

Great video of the greatest trial I ever hiked! Life changing and forever in my memories and oh the stories! Year was 1988 21 years old so no cell phones so I don’t really have any visual memories except for one snap shot someone in our group took half way up the cables. No permits needed back then. We got going too late and the last 2 miles were in the dark. But the cables and summiting Half Dome was a n accomplishment I will always remember! It’s also the day I became terrified of hieghts!, on the edge up on top I had this weird, powerful inner feeling of leaping off the edge straight down into the valley. Can’t exp,ain’t it, just turned pale and my buddies asked what’s wrong and I told them I feel like I’m gonna jump. Thankfully they pulled me away from the edge and I was able to get down the cables. But have been afraid of heights ever since! Thanks for the great documenting of this hike! Brought back a lot of memories!, after watching your Grand Canyon trail video I’ve been watching your stuff and came across this one! Superb job!

PLEASE NOTE: The format of this video is a "vlog." In other words, my primary focus was to document our PERSONAL EXPERIENCE and FEELINGS as it pertained to this iconic hike. Of course I reveal the breathtaking splendor of Yosemite, but if that is all you want, this might not be the best selection for you. Peace and thanks to all for the kind comments over the years! AND IF I HIKE THIS AGAIN - start later, filter water and use a carabiner.

Some of my family hiked the cables and said it was thrilling and scary! 😮Great video and now I know what it was all about! Thanks for posting!

You can tell by your shape that hiking the way you do really keeps you tiptop shape amazing

Thanks for the trip down memory lane. It’s been a quiet a while since I made that hike I’m 67 now and I’ll never forget standing on top of half dome. I was 40 when I hiked it but we didn’t need to sign in to hike it, things have really changed I enjoyed your video

So wonderful to see this hike again after 40 years! The Beauty of technology you did a great job and so nice you hiked with your daughter to share this once in a lifetime accomplishment. I did this with a boyfriend and we just decided one day to hike the Dome. We drove up, slept on the side of the road on the way in to the park as so last minute. The next day we hiked the Dome and to this day one of the highlights of my life! From then on was hooked on Yosemite and now my two sons are..thanks agin, great video!

I really enjoyed this vid because I LOVE hiking and because I was supposed to go to Yosemite for my wedding anniversary last month, but it didn't happen because of the lockdown due to COVID-19. I was extremely bummed out but we're hoping to be able to go next year. It's only about a 6 hour drive from where we live here in SoCal. Also, I really enjoyed this vid because it's a father and daughter spending time and enjoying nature and having a wonderful and unforgettable adventure. I wish I had a Dad who did things like this with me. Your daughter will always cherish those memories. Truly awesome. Thanks for sharing this journey with us.

Hello America's Park's! I'm taking another look at your trip to Yosemite National Park and your hike to half dome. This is one of the few National Parks that I haven't been to yet and getting some ideas from this video. WOW! You and your daughter did a truly epic hike. Lord willing my son and I will visit Yosemite this year. Amazing video footage! Great job Randy!

Thank you for this close-up video. I would love to be able to hike that sometime.

Can’t wait to do stuff like this with my daughters

Wow! What a accomplishment!

I'm proud to say I did that day hike from Happy Isles 3 times. It is an awesome experience done with planning and safety in all things. The last trip just about had me in tears on the way back. Do it while you are young....unless you are a Senior Superman!

And to think that Alex Honnald free solo’d a 3000ft wall in the Yosemite. So incredible.

Did the same in may this year, except halfdome. So great to see this again! And big respect for father and daughter !!!!

We were here last year, we didn't get to climb but loved Yosemite, hoping to get back here very very soon, great video, thank you!

This just came up in my feed and I wanted to relive my own hike of Half Dome a bit. Turns out we hiked it on the same day. I can see myself and one brother in the video in the background when you are talking with your daughter at the bottom of the cables after coming down. That was a perfect day to summit Half Dome.

You earned a fan, brilliantly made. Just felt we were right there with you both. God Bless

Bro...this video reminds me of when I first did this hike in the 90s 😅 no permit needed, was sore for 2 days straight!(because going down is more painful) but the views and experience is Unforgettable!!!🙏 thank you and your fam for putting this vid 2gether!😎

Thanks for documenting your ascent to Half Dome. My wife and I visited Yosemite four years ago, and we would love to come back and follow your footsteps. And I can definitely attest to how supportive fellow hikers were when we were there. Thanks again 👍🏼

Well that was a fun video! Thanks for sharing! It's very beautiful there😁❤️👍

I know my limit and this is one hike I will not do. Thanks for this great video, I get to experience it through you.

This was my first real hike. It was amazing. Video doesn't do it justice.

Great father daughter hike and memoirs

You are a great dad to your daughter.

Did this hike about 25 years ago and it was awesome

Thank you for sharing this! My knees were shaking and I wasn't even there!