Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome, climbing route, Yosemite, USA
The Regular Northwest Face is a climbing route on the northwest side of Half Dome in California. The route follows an established path up rock walls that requires technical climbing across multiple pitches with varying difficulty levels.
This route was established by climbing pioneers in the mid-20th century and has remained one of the preferred ways up Half Dome ever since. It reflects the early development of modern climbing in Yosemite and how climbers learned to read and navigate this famous rock formation.
Start early in the morning to take advantage of daylight and cooler conditions, as this route takes several hours to complete. Bring plenty of water and food since there are few resources available once you begin climbing.
Half Dome is so famous that many expect a simple walk to the top, but the northwest side requires genuine climbing skills and rope experience. Most visitors are surprised to learn that you cannot hike this route, as it demands proper gear and technical knowledge.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
