Sub Dome Spring

[Dave Miller]

I'm headed up to Half Dome Thursday and have been told there is a spring near the base of sub dome. I couldn't find it last time I was there. Can anyone confirm whether the spring exists and where it is?

Thanks a bunch!

[centurycyclist]

Yes, there is a spring. One needs to look carefully as it is not particularly obvious, except when people are crowded around it. It is still in the never-ending forest---when you are heading UP the trail, it is on your left, and there appears to be a little bit of a stream above the trail, but I would not count on that in late Sept. If you are looking, you will find it----it is NOT hidden! Sorry, I do not have any better landmarks, than paying close attention. Hope this is helpful.
When in doubt, carry enough water for that stretch, then pump from the Merced on the way up and down.

[Dave Miller]

Thanks for the heads up. I am planning on bringing enough water, but it would be nice to find the spring for future use. Do you recall if it is much before the sub dome?

Thanks again!

[centurycyclist]

I wish I could remember exactly where it is...I know that I just happen upon it. It is pretty far up the trail, but again, NOT out of the woods.
Have a great hike, and be SAFE!!!

[bill-e-g]

There definitely is a spring. It's north of the trail.
If you look on a USGS map you will see it marked.
There used to be a pipe coming out of the ground,
however, the last time we looked for it I spent about
10 minutes looking for it to no avail. It didn't matter
though because you can filter water regardless.
It a year-round spring. Look for water running across
the trail when the trail heads east-west.
If you have a GPS and USGS map try setting a waypoint.
According to my map the spring is approx:
37 deg. 44' 58" N
119 deg. 30' 50" W

Have fun ... (and let me know if you find the pipe sticking
horiz. out of the ground)

Thanks

[Dave Miller]

Thanks everyone. I'll be looking for it and report if I find it!

[AlmostThere]

It's near some cut logs on the left on the way up the hill - not on the ridge or anywhere near the sub dome. It's a little pool about six-eight inches across that doesn't run anywhere but it looks like pretty good water. We usually fill up at Nevada Falls bridge and haven't needed to take advantage of the spring.

[Dave Miller]

I did find the spring thanks to all the great descriptions. I didn't need to use it, we had plenty of water, but now I know exactly where it is!

It was a great trip up to HD. I hadn't done the Mist Trail up before with a pack on. All was going well until I hit the Granite steps near Nevada Falls. That certainly takes it out of you. I think that was tougher than sub dome! There were relatively few people on Half Dome and no real backup at the cables. The weather was perfect!

Thanks again for your help. I love this forum!!