Public travel plan
A Source-Faithful 3-Day Half Dome Backpacking Mission
This plan follows the creator’s reported three-day permit window: approach and camp, a day spent recovering at camp, then the Half Dome attempt. The video describes the permit as difficult to obtain and lottery-based, w…
Source videos
Travel inspiration behind this plan
Plan notes
Useful context before you go
This plan follows the creator’s reported three-day permit window: approach and camp, a day spent recovering at camp, then the Half Dome attempt. The video describes the permit as difficult to obtain and lottery-based, with a physical permit collected from a ranger’s office near Glacier Point; it also reports paying $80 for an America the Beautiful pass at that time. The creator describes the hike as roughly 18 miles (about 30 km) and carries food for the backcountry, filters creek water, and stores food in a bear-resistant box. The video emphasizes that wet granite, storms, and lightning make the cable route dangerous; it also shows a ranger checking permits and warning hikers not to leave bags unattended because of chipmunks. Do not treat the creator’s decision to continue while ill and injured as a recommendation.
Itinerary highlights
What is in this plan
Day 1 — Yosemite Valley Approach and Backcountry Camp
The creator drove into the park early, spent time in the valley, then began the backpacking approach and camped before the summit attempt. The video reports an $80 America the Beautiful pass at the time; these estimates exclude travel to Yosemite and personal equipment.
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Yosemite National ParkYosemite National Park, California, USA
The creator reports entering Yosemite in the morning after a three-to-four-hour drive and paying $80 for an America the Beautiful pass. That is the price stated in the video, not a current fee quote.
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Yosemite ValleyYosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California, USA
The creator describes the valley as the park’s busiest area, with concentrated roads, cars, and visitors. Plan for a busier feel here than on the route farther into the wilderness.
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El CapitanEl Capitan, Yosemite National Park, California
The creator points out El Capitan while passing through the valley. Treat it as a brief viewpoint stop on the way toward the hike rather than a separate climbing objective.
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Nevada FallNevada Fall, Yosemite National Park, California
Nevada Falls is identified as a visible landmark from the viewpoint described by the creator. The approach is strenuous; the video notes that the route continues onward toward the Half Dome hike.
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Mist TrailMist Trail, Yosemite National Park, California
The creator names the Mist Trail as part of the Half Dome approach and describes getting soaked by waterfall spray, with slippery footing. Protect electronics and take care on the wet trail.
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Little Yosemite CampgroundLittle Yosemite Campground, Yosemite National Park, California
The creator says the hike proceeds by bus before the trail begins, then heads toward Little Yosemite Campground. The transcript does not identify a specific bus stop, so this item is limited to the named campground destination.
Day 2 — Camp and Recovery Day
The source describes spending an additional day at camp after the creator became unwell. Keep this as a recovery phase, not an extra sightseeing day; the video also describes limited food and no phone signal in the backcountry.
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Little Yosemite CampgroundLittle Yosemite Campground, Yosemite National Park, California
The creator describes pitching a tent near Little Yosemite Campground, storing food in a bear-resistant box, and filtering creek water. The video also recounts seeing bears in the area and a ranger warning about unsecured food; follow the ranger’s instructions and keep food secured.
Day 3 — Sub Dome and the Half Dome Cable Route
The creator’s final attempt proceeds from camp to Sub Dome, then to the Half Dome cables and summit. The source repeatedly warns that storms or wet granite make the exposed climb hazardous, and stresses permit checks, gloves, concentration, and careful movement. The video does not support adding other named stops to this phase.
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Sub DomeSub Dome, Yosemite National Park, California
The creator identifies Sub Dome as the steep section before Half Dome and describes it as demanding and exposed beside the trail. The video urges careful footing and says to turn back if continuing feels unsafe.
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Half Dome CablesHalf Dome Cables, Yosemite National Park, California
At the cable route, the creator describes a steep incline and recommends gloves, keeping both hands engaged, taking small steps, and staying focused. The video warns not to proceed if a thunderstorm is possible or the granite is wet; it also describes permit checks along the way.
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Half DomeHalf Dome, Yosemite National Park, California
The creator reaches the Half Dome summit after climbing the cables and describes strong wind and clear skies at the top. Stay away from exposed edges and leave time and energy for the descent, which the video identifies as especially risky.