Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board How about educating hikers on half dome?

i saw the second half of the climb on the half-dome video and i see what you mean about the sheer grade and heighth of the steps, as well as the exposure. thanks for the heads up. the trail looks far harder than i imagined. looks like a long day but i can't wait -- "because it's there."

You also get a teaser view of the Quarter Dome and Half Dome at a clearing that makes you feel "closer" to the top than you really are. It can easily take another hour from that point as you struggle to get up the steps and then the cables in two-way traffic.