The Happy Isles Art & Nature Center operates out of here as well. Half Dome is a granite dome 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. I did my first solo backpacking trip and my first trip up Half Dome this weekend. The last 900 feet (275 m) of trail is a very steep climb up the east side of Half Dome. Happy Isles is the trailhead to Vernal and Nevada Falls, Half Dome, Little Yosemite Valley, and the John Muir Trail. The hike up this Yosemite icon features incredible mountain and valley views, wildflowers, waterfalls, My first choice on my wilderness permit application, Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley, was denied, so I had to go with an alternate route, Happy Isles to Sunrise. Continue on the trail, following the signs to Half Dome. If you really want to have a spectacular day, you can continue on to Half Dome. We followed scores of day hikers up Vernal Falls. Hi all, I am SOBO from Sunrise on July 6. A little bit about this picture: The place featured in this picture is called Happy Isles. Step-by-Step Guide Of Yosemite Half Dome Hiking For enthusiastic hikers, they do not mind when sunrise (even before waking up), travelling 14-16 miles halfway an epic adventure.Indeed, this is Yosemite’s most popular day trip (which is why you need to request pre-authorization). We have two cars available and could arrange this route. Cables assist hikers on the final 400 ft (122 m). Here are those routes by the destination for each day: Cathedral Lakes –> Sunrise Lakes –> Clouds Rest –> Little Yosemite Valley –> Happy Isles Happy Isles is also the trailhead for popular hiking destinations along the Mist Trail (including Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls) and Half Dome. Both Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls are easily seen. Where the Merced River courses around two small islands lies Happy Isles, a popular area for picnics, swimming and strolls on marked paths and a small boardwalk over a marshy area. This is a beast of a hike but very, very rewarding for your efforts. This is a hike that requires you to be in shape. It is a small stream-like area filled with rocks on the sides and trees around the area. Happy Isles This easy 0.75-mile hike explores a pair of islands in the Merced River at the east end of Yosemite Valley. To hike back down to Happy Isles via the John Muir Trail, continue over the footbridge and onto the JMT. Dean Potter took a lesser-known path on his round-trip to the summit of Half Dome in Yosemite. August 21, 2000 Half Dome to Happy Isles and Yosemite Valley Last hurrah ... return to the "real" world 0600-0800 — Half Dome (58°F; calm, clear & cool) I … Photo: Dean Potter’s Facebook page. See pictures and our review of Half Dome. Happy Isles via the Mist Trail through Little Valley (about 8-miles to shoulder of Half Dome). 15.2 mi (24.4 km). Half Dome is ranked #4 out of 7 things to do in Yosemite. Starting at Happy Isles, most hikers prefer the Mist Trail which leads up the river to the top of Vernal Fall and then to Nevada Fall. The first trail day began with hiking out of the valley from Happy Isles. At Happy Isles… Begin at Happy Isles. Take it to Little Yosemite Valley, where hordes of Half Dome hopefuls gather for a shot at peak views similar to the ones you just earned (join them if your backcountry permit allows it). Upper Pines Campground: Super nice, convenient to Half Dome (Happy Isles) trailhead - See 180 traveler reviews, 80 candid photos, and great deals for … Half Dome is so close, it seems as though you can reach out and touch it. Follow the Mist Trail or John Muir Trail to Nevada Fall. On top of Sub-Dome, we could see 9L's headlamp ascend the cables. Is the additional distance worth the lower elevation gain? Half Dome Dawn...next chapter. Distance: 14.2 miles (22.7 km), round-trip. You can take the Happy Isles trailhead to Vernal and Nevada Falls , Tuolumne Meadows, The High Sierra Loop Trail, many other backcountry locations, and of course the Top of Half Dome. A permit is required for this hike, see below. Preparation and safety are key to having a fantastic experience. It is such a mindblowing place. Geographic Scope of the Half Dome Visitor Use Model ‐ Happy Isles to Half Dome Summit..... 3. Clearly visible is Tenaya Canyon in front of Half Dome and Little Yosemite Valley behind it. One side is a sheer face while the other three sides are smooth and round, making it appear like a dome cut in half. After looking at the many different routes, we settled on three alternatives that would hit a lot of “major” attractions along the way, including Half Dome and my beloved Cloud’s Rest. It also marks the start of the John Muir Trail and Mist Trail to several waterfalls and Half Dome. The section of Southside drive (Happy Isles Loop Road) at the center of the photo, showing above the parking lot, runs to the Pines Campgrounds , trailhead parking, and a shuttle bus road around to Happy Isles/ trailhead for Vernal mist trail and Nevada falls, a trailhead for Mirror Lake, and the stables. Answer 1 of 8: Hey there! This hike will test you physically and mentally as you climb the last quarter-mile of trail and ascend the sheer flank of Half Dome using bolted cables. Hotéis perto de Happy Isles Gaging Station: Tuolumne Meadows Lodge (13.91 km) Yosemite High Sierra Camps (15.88 km) Housekeeping Camp (13.24 km) The Ahwahnee (12.63 km) Yosemite Valley Lodge (14.71 km) Veja todos os hotéis perto de Happy Isles Gaging Station no Tripadvisor This hike starts at Happy Isles, the starting point of the famous Half Dome route, and forks off the Half Dome trail to head over to Clouds Rest.This is a long hike with over 6,000 feet of vertical elevation gain, in addition to the 18+ miles of round trip hiking. Happy Isles Gaging Station, Yosemite National Park: See reviews, articles, and 8 photos of Happy Isles Gaging Station, ranked No.113 on Tripadvisor among 136 attractions in Yosemite National Park. Little Yosemite Valley, situated between Half Dome, Liberty Cap and the Cascade Cliffs, and straddling the Merced River, is within close proximity of the national park's main valley. Making it up Sub-Dome is steep but I think the dark made it easier. The crowds thinned out after we passed the popular waterfall and made our way to the Little Yosemite Valley campground. As you continue to ascend you will do so in the shadow of the back of Half Dome, Liberty Cap, and Nevada Fall. Half Dome is a serious endurance hike taking visitors 4800 feet above the Yosemite Valley to spectacular views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra. Sunrise Creek to Happy Isles to Half Dome/Cloud's Rest “I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” --John Muir: I was wondering if anyone has ideas for how I could complete the first section of the JMT from Happy Isles (and maybe use my half dome permit) the day before I start my hike at Sunrise (July 5). The granite crest rises more than 4,737 ft (1,444 m) above the valley floor. Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley. Traihead: Happy Isles trailhead, close to Curry Village. At a little less than three miles from Happy Isles you will cross the Merced again (and again by bridge) just a few feet upstream of Nevada Fall. We took the shuttle to Happy Isles, stop #16, and hit the trail at 7:15am (4,040', 0.0mi). Plan for a very long day and get an early start. You could go and swim or have fun in the water. This trail is the most crowded trail in Yosemite and this day it defiantly lived up to it's reputation. It is a well-known rock formation in the park, named for its distinct shape. Along this loop you pass by the beautiful Tenaya Lake, hike over Clouds Rest, take in several great views of Half Dome, and hike through Little Yosemite Valley and the Lost… Half Dome This epic 16-mile hike climbs 4,800 feet on one of Yosemite's most popular and most challenging trails. Happy Isles past Mirror Lake via the “Death Slabs.” This option is best for northwest-facing climbs, but is an advanced option that requires skilled route finding. Half Dome Half Dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. The Half Dome Hike in Yosemite National Park is easily among the most iconic and challenging in the United States. You’ll have company on the Mist Trail as you descend beside 594-foot Nevada Fall and 317-foot Vernal Fall to Happy Isles, but you won’t blame anyone for wanting a look at some of America’s finest miles. Happy Isles is located where the slope of the Merced River changes from the much steeper upper main stem to the essentially flat Valley floor. 9.6 miles to Clouds Rest via Mist Trail : From Happy Isles trail head (4,035 ft) → 0.8 miles to Vernal Falls Bridge → 0.7 miles to top of Vernal Falls (5,044 ft) → 1.3 miles to restrooms near Nevada Falls (5,908 ft) → 2.5 miles to fork (2.0 miles to Half Dome on left; 4.3 miles to Clouds Rest on right) → 4.3 miles to Clouds Rest. Finally down to Happy Isles at about 4000 feet two and a half miles after that. Yosemite Valley to Half Dome Route. Trip Overview: This backpacking loop itinerary starts/ends within the famous Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park and traverses several of the highlights within the park. We made it to the cables and it's as crazy steep as it looks. One side is a sheer face while the other three sides are smooth and round, making it appear like a dome cut in half. The Mist Trail can be wet in the early season.. Others choose the official JMT, which diverges to the south just beyond the Vernal Fall bridge and offers wonderful panoramic views from its switchbacks. Trailhead: Happy Isles shuttle stop in Yosemite Valley Elevation Change: 4,800 feet (1,463 meters) Most Half Dome Hikers start and finish the hike in Yosemite Valley (elevation 4,000 feet). This picture was taken from a bridge, which is few meters away from the Happy Isles. On some maps the road changes name to Happy Isles Loop Road. I hadn't really done any research and had no idea how the approach to Half Dome would be so I just chugged along until the climbing ended. This option is best for south-facing climbs. What is Your opinion about the a/m hike? Happy Isles Shuttle Stop is also the start of John Muir Trail and hikes to Half Dome, and the Mist Trail to Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall.Hikers looking for the John Muir Trail head east from the shuttle stop and cross a bridge over the Merced River. 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