These Are the Most Popular Destinations for a Romantic Getaway
"Rated the best destination for feeling romantically connected, with breathtaking natural beauty setting the stage for love." - Stacey Leasca
Stacey Leasca
Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeare
"No other landmark in Yosemite is as well recognized and beloved as Half Dome, the steely granite monolith towering 4,347 feet above Yosemite Valley. Geologist Josiah Whitney declared it “inaccessible” in 1870 but was proven wrong only five years later when a climber succeeded in scaling the back of the dome to the summit. Since then, the route has become so popular—and crowded—that the National Park Service was forced to establish a permit lottery in 2011 to keep numbers at a manageable 50,000 or so per year. Though many want to try it, the steep 16-mile hike—including the last 400 feet via cables—is for neither the faint of heart nor weak of limb. If that sounds too challenging, know that there are several spectacular views of Half Dome that require only short hikes or no walking at all. Hike a short distanceto Cook’s Meadow in the valley, take a bus to Glacier Point, or drive to Olmsted Lookout or the Tunnel View overlook on Highway 41."
Plenty of parking. There are lots of bathroom before heading to the Glacier point trail. About 4+ miles from the parking lot. There is a souvenir shop up there to purchase some drinks, ice cream and snacks. It is beautiful up there.
Kyle Grafstrom
Google
10/10 best hike I've ever been on. Super challenging, long distance, hot but the juice was well worth the squeeze. Bucket list hike for sure
Hailey Schow
Google
Not for the faint of heart. This hike is very challenging, especially the last ascent to the top of half dome using cables. Here’s what you need to know:
- bring RUBBER GLOVES to hold onto the cables at the top
- the cables are terrifying and steep and sketchy, but if you’re being smart and slow, you should be just fine.
- I would advise bringing a harness to attach yourself to the cables, just more peace of mind and safety.
- lots of elevation, but a very beautiful and stunning piece of nature.
Manish Thakkar
Google
Half Dome: An amazing journey filled with raw thrill, adventure and intense climbs. Almost 18 miles of round trip hike (took Mist trail going up and John Muir on way back) with over 5K of elevation gains. First 4 miles of steep climb included beautiful views of Vernal and Nevada Falls and then every step got harder. Every switchback steeper. Then came Sub Dome—exposed, punishing, and absolutely terrifying—followed by the infamous cables: an almost vertical ascent with nothing but metal poles and your willpower between you and the summit.
Terrifying. Exhilarating. Absolutely unforgettable. we made it to the top of the Half Dome. Unforgettable views and the feeling of standing on that summit? Beyond words.
KICKING ROCKS CLUB
Google
One hell of a trail, hike, and climb. The pictures really don’t prepare you for how steep the cables are, it was like doing 1000m of rows straight up. Gloves are left at the base for use and the view on top is awesome. About a 6-7 mile round trip hike from Little Yosemite Valley Campground.
Prosun Roy
Google
The Half Dome is a fantastic specimen of natural rock formation. You can see it from several point on the North and South Drives. Those who love to Hike can get up close as well.
Brian Musum
Google
🏔️ Half Dome is so sick, even just looking at it. The way it dominates the landscape is unreal—it doesn’t even seem real until you’re standing there, taking it in. Definitely one of the most iconic views in Yosemite. 🌲
Ihor Syrov
Google
The Mist Trail hike and climbing the Half Dome with cables down is the best and the wildest adventure I've ever done so far.