by zippetydude » Thu Aug 17, 2006 9:12 am
Marmot: If you'd like to see both Clouds Rest and Half Dome, consider starting from Tenaya and you'll go past both on the way to the valley floor. The only tricky part is getting back up to Tenaya - I had a friend pick me up this year. Next year, I'll probably go back up the other side on foot, but it was fun this way too.
Starting from Tenaya means you're going downhill or level a lot of the way: I got to Clouds Rest in an hour and change, then was at the top of Half Dome in about 3 hours - that downhill really makes it fast. Of course, you'll want to hang out at the top of Half Dome for a while - and it's nice early in the day because there is hardly anybody there.
The rock stairs going down past Nevada and Vernal falls are kinda rough on the knees, though. Still, some amazing views and it doesn't take all that long - figure about 5-6 hours if you're running (plus time for relaxing and enjoying the views).
z