Half Dome

Half Dome is the significant icon of Yosemite National Park and arguably the most famous and coveted day hike in North America. Looming almost 5,000 feet (1,500m) above Yosemite Valley, the massive granite dome challenges hikers with a grueling, massive elevation gain. The classic route ascends via the dramatic Mist Trail, passing two massive waterfalls, ascending through dense pine forests to Little Yosemite Valley, and finally climbing the stark, exposed rock of Sub Dome. The grand finale is the legendary 'Cables' section—two metal cables suspended by steel poles drilled into the sheer, 45-degree granite face. Hikers should use their upper body strength to pull themselves up the final 400 feet of slick granite to a flat summary that offers scenic views of the entire Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.

Following the historic path used by the Army of the Andes in 1817, this 6-day trans-Andean expedition traverses the central cordillera from Mendoza, Argentina, to the Cajón del Maipo in Chile. The route crosses two significant high-altitude barriers—Portillo Argentino (4,330m) and Paso Piuquenes (4,030m). Hikers move through a high desert landscape of volcanic rock, vast glacial valleys, and the powerful Tunuyán River. The terrain consists primarily of rocky mountain paths, loose scree on the steeper pass approaches, and high-altitude plateaus where exposure to wind and sun is constant.