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    Diving Board Hike

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    7-10h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    20.1 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    1,242 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead

    Hiking the Diving Board Trail is an immersive experience. Put your stamina and navigational skills to the test as you ascend a vertigo-inducing, primitive route to the prominent rock that sits on the west side of the famous Half Dome. Don’t worry, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views for your efforts!

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    Route Description for Diving Board Hike

    The Diving Board Hike is a challenging, yet rewarding, adventure in Yosemite Valley that climbs up the western slope of Half Dome. Though strenuous, there are plenty of awe-inspiring views to keep you motivated as you climb, such as the Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls and the valley below! Note: sections of the path are technical and dangerous, making this trek suitable only for experienced hikers with proper equipment. Additionally, the rocks that line the terrain become incredibly slippery from the mist and after rainfall, so mind your footing. A trail GPS is also necessary to complete this adventure, as the final section to Diving Board Rock is unofficial and unmarked. Yosemite National Park also charges an entrance fee, refer to the NPS website for additional information.

    Embark on your epic adventure along the Diving Board Trail from the Valley Loop Trailhead. From here, track east along the Valley Loop Trail to the John Muir/Mist Trailhead. Here, head south along the John Muir Trail, over the Vernal Falls Footbridge, and onto the Mist Trail. Carefully ascend the vertiginous Mist Trail alongside Vernal Falls and make your way up to Emerald Pool. Revel in the cascades and continue trekking east up the Mist Trail to reach the summit of Nevada Falls. When you eventually arrive at the end of Mist Trail, take the John Muir Trail to the left, before diverting north onto the Snake Dike Approach Trail.

    Follow this path past Liberty Cap, Mount Broderick, and Lost Lake. At the trail’s end, continue north, using the trail GPS to reach the Diving Board. Revel in the knee-buckling views of the Yosemite Valley below and Half Dome above. When you are ready, retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.

    Getting to the Diving Board Hike Trailhead

    The Diving Board Hike departs from the Valley Loop Parking Lot and Trailhead off Happy Isles Loop Road.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      Dispersed Backcountry Camping, Wilderness Permit Required.

    • When to do

      Diving Board Hike April-September

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Poor

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Diving Board Hike Elevation Graph

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    Diving Board Hike Reviews

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