Face and Backside of Half-Dome

Half and Half

If you have ever been to Yosemite National Park in California, you will see the massive granite dome standing majestically at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. This iconic glacier-carved monolith is the most iconic and recognizable symbol of Yosemite.

For the Weekly Photo Challenge, this week’s theme is half-and-half. Here are my two entries of Half Dome from two perspectives.

This shot is the “face” of Half-Dome, representing the face of Yosemite itself as seen from Glacier Point looking eastward. If you look closely, you can make out the shape of a silhouette of a fabled Miwok woman forever etched on Half-Dome’s sheer front.

Half-Dome

This next photo is of Half-Dome taken from Olmstead Point outside of Tuolumne Meadows. This view looks westward offering a unique look at the “backside” of the monolith not always seen or publicized.

Half-Dome-Other-Half

I was lucky that my parents loved to camp and made the two-week trip to Yosemite every year, when we were kids, then teens. As an adult, I try to make the trip every couple of years. I never get tired of visiting and standing beneath the massive peaks looking up in awe at their majesty.

I can truthfully say that I have spent half of my summers in Yosemite National Park. Have you ever been to Yosemite? Add it to your bucket list!


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23 responses to “Face and Backside of Half-Dome”

  1. LifestyleswithLia Avatar
    LifestyleswithLia

    What a marvel of nature! The Half Dome was formed that way or did the rock get sheared off somehow?
    I wish I could say I’ve visited Yosemite! One day! How lovely to have spent so much time camping there:))

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I don’t think anyone really knows. The glaciers definitely smoothed the top and sides. It really is amazing to see the Valley in person!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. LifestyleswithLia Avatar
        LifestyleswithLia

        Oh yes indeed those glaciers were so powerful as they slid by, millions of years ago!! Hope to visit one day in person:))

        Liked by 1 person

  2. We drove through Yosemite many years ago and often stopped and took photos. It was a stunning place and we even saw a bear cross the road in front of us. He/she soon disappear when he/she saw us!

    Great photos Terri. Reminded me of the scenes from the movie ‘2012’.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. How nice you got to visit, and saw a bear! Thank you for your lovely comment!

      Like

  3. Ironically my brother & sister-in-law are there right now and posted that very pic on facebook…it is so impressive in a picture I can only imagine what it must be like in person. How lucky were you to be able to spend so many times there and see it in all it’s glory!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s great about your brother and sister in law! I was very lucky! My daughter just reminded me that yesterday was the 2nd anniversary of when they hiked half dome. Hopefully you will go someday!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. They are celebrating their 40the Wedding Anniversary! That is some hike…and after seeing the pictures it makes me want to see it in person, maybe someday. 😊

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Yes,we visited it on our journey.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. OMG so gorgeous Terri! 💜💙❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Lisa. I’m lucky I now live closer, only 4 hours by car!

      Like

  6. Wow that’s amazing that it’s split in half like that. Very cool.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. These are beautiful views!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I think I half saw the woman.
    Perfect pix, as always, Terri.
    Melinda

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Such a great choice. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Haven’t been to Yosemite since I was little and I know it’s difficult to get in now. But I enjoyed your photos of the two sides/halves.

    janet

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Great photos and some great memories to go with them. Nice!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. phoenixgrey85 Avatar

    Never been unfortunately. I’m pleased I could see the womon in the rock though. :).

    Liked by 1 person

    1. There is a whole legend behind her face but I could not find it online. Glad you could see it. Hmmm, maybe you can add that into your stories 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. phoenixgrey85 Avatar

        Maybe. Always looking for inspiration. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

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About Me

I’m a former university adjunct Professor and retired recreation & parks practitioner living in North-Eastern Washington State near the Idaho border. Second Wind Leisure Perspectives is my blog about living a leisure lifestyle, including photography, friends, fitness, and fun.

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