My siblings and I all live in different states, both geographically & life stage-wise (ie, kids/jobs/homes).

We rotate who hosts the Holidays so there is always a change of scenery, but early this year the idea of a summer camping trip started to percolate.

There are so many astounding National Parks in California, but one of the most beautiful & dangerous hikes is Yosemite’s Half Dome.

Sounds perfect!

Provisions and equipment secured, everything was packed into my small car and off we drove Sunday morning at 5:30am. Just 3-1/2 hours later, we entered the park and found a lovely campsite 7200’ elevation above Yosemite Valley at Bridalveil Creek Camp.

After pitching tents and lunching, we drove to Glacier Point for a ‘shadow climb’ and first look at The Dome:

Early-to-bed didn’t get us early-to-rise on Monday, however as we hit the Panorama Trailhead at Glacier by 8am. We’re treated to stunning views across the Valley during the 2 mile hike down to Illilouette Fall and up the Panorama Cliff another 3 miles before joining the John Muir Trail at Nevada Fall at 11:30am. With just 4.5 miles left, we hike switchbacks another three hours before starting the final ascent up 500’ of granite rock steps and boulders that lead to 400’ of cables and our amazing goal.

The funny thing is that after hiking for 7 hours, scaling up only took 20 minutes and was relatively easy!

We celebrated our successful climb with a toast and photos at 4pm. Cool! Then remembered the hike back up to Glacier and quickly headed back down.

With dusk fast approaching, we were hiking almost deserted trails with lights. Needless to say, we did finally find our way back to Glacier Point. At 11pm. And we promptly returned to camp and went to sleep!

The next day, we drove down to Yosemite Fall and later to Bridalveil Fall and had a great time climbing over rocks and taking many more pictures. Much fun was had by All!