There’s a photo that changed everything for me. I was in high school, flipping through a weathered Ansel Adams photography book in our tiny school library when I first saw that image—Yosemite’s Tunnel View. Majestic granite cliffs, endless forests, and cascading waterfalls—all captured in black and white perfection. I remember whispering to myself, “Maybe, in God’s perfect time, I’ll be able to see this with my very own eyes.”
Years later, not only did I finally stand before that exact view, but I also accomplished something even bigger: I hiked Half Dome.
And let me tell you—this was no easy feat.
The Climb Begins
Together with my friends, we set out early, starting our hike at 7 AM. Our packs were heavy, sleep was minimal (we barely had a few hours the night before), and we knew this was going to be a serious test—not just of strength, but of grit and heart.
The trail to Half Dome is breathtaking and brutal. We walked beside roaring rivers, sometimes with no barricades separating us from the drop. The trail narrowed in places, the switchbacks seemed endless, and the elevation gain was relentless. Every step took effort, every corner revealed another challenge.
But nothing—nothing—could prepare us for the final push.
The Cables & Way Down
The last 400 feet to the summit were the most challenging part of the hike. It transformed from a hike into a climb—an almost vertical ascent, relying only on metal cables and wooden planks drilled into the granite face.
It was terrifying. My hands were sweating, and my heart pounded harder with every pull. One slip could lead to disaster. Despite the fear, we pushed on—helping each other, staying focused, and moving one careful step at a time.
When we finally reached the top, it was beyond anything I could describe. The view, the air, the emotion—it all overwhelmed me. I had dreamed of this moment for years, and now I was standing on top of Half Dome. I wasn’t just admiring the beauty of Yosemite; I was part of it.
The descent was smoother. My friends and I synchronized our movements on the cables, allowing more experienced hikers to pass us. We moved slowly, steadily, and cautiously—just as we needed to.
Sadly, one of our friends was unable to make the final climb. The height was too much for her, and she made the brave choice to stay behind. Still, she made it far, and we were all proud of her for that.
We finally ended our hike at 2 AM. Yes, you read that right—2 AM. We were exhausted, running on adrenaline, sore muscles, and sheer willpower. I’ll admit, though—I got sick afterward. I’m pretty sure it was because of the expired salad I ate (lesson learned).
Full Circle & A Dream Realized
Funny thing—we saw a few people struggling to find their way back down that night. It reminded us of our Mount Wilson hike, when we got lost in the dark during a storm. A kind stranger helped us out then, offering to drive our friend to the car so he could pick us up. That memory stuck with us. So on Half Dome, we did the same—helping those who needed it. It felt like a full-circle moment.
Hiking Half Dome wasn’t just about the trail, the view, or even the summit. It was about proving to myself that dreams—no matter how distant or wild—can come true. With the right people beside you, with faith, courage, and a little bit of stubbornness, you can turn a page in a book into a life-changing memory.
Half Dome challenged me in every way. But it also gave me something I’ll never forget.
This wasn’t just a hike—it was a dream realized.
