Half Dome Cables

HalfDome everyone anyone willing to make the sketchy icy trekk to the summit must do so Tremendous views but be prepared for ice wear crampons

Second time climbing half dome although this time the cables were down so the experience was superb.

I’m sure it’s a great hike but good luck getting in! I’ve applied 3 times no luck. We even climbed to the base 8 hours hoping that the rangers would allow us to go. The ranger there said that they’re not banking the permits for the people who didn’t show up. Very strict policy and if you e read on some blog online that the rangers make exceptions not in our case.

She said to ask people for additional spots but after 1h and multiple rejections no one had extra spots.

We went on a Monday morning with, not very busy at all. The lottery system is extremely frustrating for people who actually want to hike. Many people don’t show up and you loose your spot to someone who doesn’t hike.

Best hike of my life! I've done it there times. One time all the way and 2 times partial!

Slightly challenging given the two way traffic but straight forward ascent otherwise. Gloves are especially handy for the descent for braking.

There are 2x4s strung between the pylons for footing and resting which are helpful as traffic sorts itself out. Some folks like to tempt their luck and impatience and try to run outside the cables - there’s no need for it. Chill out, enjoy the climb and give people space.

Background on me: 50 year old female. Lives in Sacramento. In ok shape. Started hiking in March of 2022 when we decided to hike half dome in September. Have done weekend hikes mostly in the Auburn area.

Stayed at the Curry Village lodge. Great location for an early morning wake up and go. We got to the trail parking lot at 5: 00 am. Lots of cars in the parking lot at that time. Had our headlamps, which were a must. It was chilly so we layered up and headed out. Started up the Mist trail and missed out on seeing the waterfall because it was so dark. Not many people on the trail so we were moving fairly quick.

There are bathrooms on the way so make sure you use those even if you think you don’t need to! Once you pass the campground, there aren’t any bathrooms. The trek from the campground to subdome seemed to take forever. I’d have to say that was my least favorite part.

I was very nervous about subdome when I saw it from afar. Once we got to it, it was fine. I am short (5’1”) so some of the steps were high for me. There were some parts with no steps so you had to hoist yourself up and walk up the granite. People were coming down while we were coming up. It was easy to get around people or wait in a corner for them to pass.

For months I’ve been terrified of doing the cables. I bought a harness and the whole bit. I watched videos and probably shouldn’t have. I’ve never worn or used a harness so “wing it”. I was afraid I was going to hold people up because of my lack of harness experience but thankfully another woman was behind me using one and was slower and I was. After a while it was very easy to use. I had a great time going up. I had great gardening gloves that helped grip the cables and made it much easier. I was surprised that the climbing up wasn’t too hard. There were a couple areas where you have to step up, but it wasn’t terrible if you used the cables and poles. People were nice and waiting for the people coming up.

The top of half dome was nice. Unusually flat. We were up there for about a half hour. People were nice and we exchanged taking pictures of each other. A must is to take a picture on the part that looks very scary to go on. People call it the diving board but I understand now that’s on another area of half dome. It seems like it’s narrow but there is a lot of room and I didn’t feel uncomfortable going out on it…And I’m afraid of heights. See pics. We had some snacks then decided to go back down.

I started out going backwards because people said that was better. I found it to be more difficult so I went down forward facing. I used my harness on the way down. It’s definitely a different experience to see the people coming up. Everyone going down is happy…fewer people looking happy going up! We waiting a while so people could come up but it was fine. When we got to about a quarter of the way remaining I felt very comfortable and picked up speed. It was very fun. I was still wearing my harness then about 1/8 left I didn’t use it. Cables were awesome. I wanted to do it again! Funny how the part I dreaded the most was my favorite part.

There were a couple people that looked like they were really struggling and turned around. There was one girl having an anxiety attack and yelling at “mike” that she couldn’t do it.

The walk down sucked after subdome. Having 50 year old joints is no fun. We stopped for snacks and water. Oh yeah water…I had a water pack that held 2 liters. I drank it all before I got to subdome. The BF had one that held 3 liters so I had some of his.

Overall it was a great experience. If you’re worried about the cables, take a harness. If you live in Sacramento and want to borrow mine, you’re welcome to it. It’s a small/‘medium. Message me if you do.

Lastly, Animals we saw: Beautiful owl, ravens, cutest little chipmunks and lizards.

Happy hiking!

Adventurers, hikers.
I want to inform you about the path that leads to the top of half dome.
In the summer season you need permission to climb. If you don't have a permit. They won't let you up. So it is very important to get the permit.
The second Monday in October; It is the last day to climb with permission.
On the 12th and 13th it will be closed because the cables will be lowered.
Which means that you will no longer be able to climb without the appropriate materials. From that date you will need to climb with harnesses. Or wait until next summer to venture out. It is very fun and highly recommended for people who love outdoor adventure. It's worth it. The effort