As late as 1870, Half Dome was considered completely unclimbable, but it may now be ascended in two different ways. Thousands of hikerss reach the top each year by following a trail from the valley floor. The trailhead is only two miles from Half Dome itself, but the circuitous route is 8.5 miles (13.5 kilometers) long. The final ascent is accomplished by following a pair of metal cables raised on posts up the peak's steep but somewhat rounded east face.
Alternatively, several rock climbing routess lead directly from the valley up Half Dome's sheer north face.