California · USA

Yosemite Half Dome

14.5 mile round trip · 8,839 ft summit · June 2023

"A place that instills humility — evoking a profound sense of wonder."

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24 Years in the Making

The lottery finally smiled

The enchanting beauty of Yosemite Valley left an indelible mark on my heart from my very first trip there with my family, which may have been around 24 years ago. The enduring memory is one of a magical place adorned with towering rock walls, the songs of birds, the graceful presence of deer, lush forests, flowing rivers, and the serene embrace of nature.

During my younger days, Yosemite became a frequent pilgrimage — a place I visited as often as eight times a year. Yet one question persisted: had I conquered Half Dome? The permit lottery had eluded me year after year since 2009. But the tides of fortune finally shifted in 2023, and I emerged victorious. With the arrival of June, we were ready.

The Hike

Memories Captured & Frozen in Time

The Half Dome hike is one of the most iconic in North America — beginning at Happy Isles, winding through Nevada and Vernal Falls, ascending through the Sub Dome, and finally reaching the legendary steel cables that carry climbers up the near-vertical final 400 feet to the summit.

We rallied a group of like-minded friends who shared my determination. What followed was one of the most physically demanding and visually breathtaking days of my life — a fitting addition to a growing collection of adventures that push the boundaries of the possible.