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.