Dome Yosemite's most distinctive feature, Half Dome, dominates the valley view. Half Dome rises 4,733 feet from the valley floor and at 87 million years old, it is the youngest plutonic rock in the valley. A hike to the top of Half Dome provides the physically fit with a strenuous walk, intimidating climb and rewarding view. This trek is not to be undertaken without care and preparation. No one can leave this place unhappy, or so the saying goes.
Bridges connect foot paths to the islands.
Bring a picnic lunch or get a snack at the snack stand. The trails that lead to Vernal and Nevada Falls begin here. In 1913, after a lengthy legal battle, famed Sierra conservationist John Muir lost his fight to save the valley from being dammed. Today a large hydroelectric dam on the site holds water for the City of San Francisco. Studies are now being made as to whether it is feasible to remove the dam and restore Hetch Hetchy to its former wilderness state.