Half Dome Approach

Name: Half Dome Approach
Rating: 4.0

4.0 ( 1 )

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Trail

1.3 mile 2.0 kilometer point to point
Ascent
Intermediate

Elevation

Ascent: 1,164' 355 m
Descent: 0' 0 m
High: 12,542' 3,823 m
Low: 11,377' 3,468 m

Grade

Avg Slope: 17% (10°)
Max Slope: 26% (15°)

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Trail shared by Jacob Winey

Avalanche risk for Apr 30, 2019: Moderate

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern. Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible.

Full forecast for CAIC: Vail Summit Zone — Brought to you by CO Avalanche Information Center

Avy tweets from @CAICsummit

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Weather

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Current ascent conditions

Unknown See History

Popular ski lines nearby

Harry, dropping into the face with style.

Half Dome Face

0.3 mi 0.5 km • -700 ft Descent • -213.36 m Descent

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Another great view awaits looking back towards Jacque Peak.

Fletcher peak NW couloir

3.2 mi 5.2 km • -2,935 ft Descent • -894.5 m Descent

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Tele turns above Francie's Cabin off the east ridge of Peak 10

Peak 10 Ridge Descents

0.4 mi 0.7 km • -666 ft Descent • -202.93 m Descent

Singletrack Breckenridge, CO

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Point 12,596

0.9 mi 1.4 km • -1,280 ft Descent • -390.07 m Descent

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Mt. Democrat, North Face

0.6 mi 1.0 km • -1,613 ft Descent • -491.76 m Descent

Singletrack Leadville, CO

( 1 )

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“This is an easy approach to some next-level backcountry.”

— Jacob Winey

GPX File

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Description

From Humbug Creek Approach, continue up the creek, staying in the belly of the drainage. After passing treeline, bank left while navigating some boulders and work your way into the left drainage that leads to a saddle to the southeast of half dome. Once you reach the saddle, continue up the ridge until you're at your line. The lines down half dome get less steep the further north you hike.

Beware of cornices! Due to its aspect, this ridge consistently holds large, dangerous cornices off the N-E side.