half dome hike without car

Question

Hello,

I'll be coming from San Francisco and know i can take the amtrak/yarts combo to the park. I'll be staying in midpines. I read that the shuttle doesn't run very early and i was hoping to start half dome early. How do people get there without a car? Do i just wait for the first shuttle and start later? Uber? Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks

Answer

Hiking Half Dome without a car from Midpines is doable, but it requires careful planning because the hike starts in Yosemite Valley (either from Happy Isles or the Mist Trail), which is a fair distance from Midpines. The main challenge is reaching the trailhead early enough for a full-day hike, especially if you want to start before the first shuttle.

Here are some options and considerations:

YARTS Bus to Yosemite Valley: The YARTS bus connects Midpines to Yosemite Valley. Early buses may get you to Yosemite Valley by 7–8 AM, depending on the schedule. You’ll still have a long hike ahead, so check the YARTS timetable carefully. You may need to plan for a late start if the earliest bus doesn’t get you there at dawn.
First Shuttle from Yosemite Valley: Once in the valley, the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle runs regularly but may not start very early. Most hikers use the shuttle to reach the Happy Isles trailhead for the Mist Trail route or the trailhead for the John Muir Trail route. Early arrival is critical for avoiding crowds.
Ride Shares / Taxis: Using Uber/Lyft or a private taxi from Midpines to Yosemite Valley is possible but can be expensive. It could give you the flexibility to start before shuttle service begins, which is important if you want to maximize daylight for Half Dome.
Overnight in Yosemite Valley: If you want a very early start, some hikers stay the night in the valley (campground or lodge) to be at the trailhead at dawn. This avoids relying on early buses or ride shares.

Additional tips:

Permits: Make sure you have your Half Dome permit, which is required for the cables section.
Start Early: Even with a shuttle or ride share, plan to start your hike as early as possible to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and crowds.
Supplies: Carry plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection. The hike is strenuous (14–16 miles round-trip with 4,800 feet of elevation gain).
Alternative Access: Some hikers do a two-day hike using Little Yosemite Valley or the John Muir Trail to camp overnight, but this requires extra planning and gear.

In summary, without a car, your best options are either coordinating with YARTS and the Yosemite Valley Shuttle for a later start, paying for a ride share/taxi for an early start, or staying overnight in the valley to be first on the trail. Each has pros and cons depending on your flexibility and budget.

half dome hike without car

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