The half dome cable route is by far one of the most popular hiking attractions in yosemite. Tying into half dome cables supertopo rock climbing. Even as big as half dome looks from the valley, i dont think its evident just how large the top really is. The worst part of the cables was how backed up everything was. The half dome cables take you straight up, but traversing the subdome requires a lot of lateral movement. The main concern isnt damage to half dome, its the safety of the tourists. The trail slowly hooked around the giant monolith, first north, then west, and. This is a picture of the half dome in yosemite, taken around noon in mid june 2006, from the glacier point lookout.
Half dome cables in yosemite national park will be in. Half dome rises 4,737 feet above yosemite valley at an elevation of 8,844 feet above sea level. Once you reach the subdome and summit, you will be blown away by the magnitude and panoramic views of both the yosemite valley and the high sierra. Probably spent as much time waiting in line going up them as i did actually ascending the cables. It is a wellknown rock formation in the park, named for its distinct shape.
A friend of mine asked me to accompany her and her son up the half dome cables and keep her son belayed. Half dome is a serious endurance hike taking visitors 4800 feet above the yosemite valley to spectacular views of vernal and nevada falls, liberty cap, half dome, and panoramic views of yosemite valley and the high sierra. Half dome cable route hike, yosemite national park map and. Undertakers of this trail will be rewarded with views of vernal fall, nevada fall, liberty cap, and of course, half dome. It is far too steep to travel the shortest distance to the summit. Today marks the first day that applications are being taken for the limited number of daily. One side is a sheer face while the other three sides are smooth and round, making it appear like a dome cut in half. Cables on half dome half dome cables half dome cable.
What do i need to climb half dome with cables down. Vernal fall and nevada fall trails includes part of the trail to half dome. I dont know about the rules or what you should do, but i can tell you what i did, though it may be too late to help you. Day use permits cannot be obtained in person through any office in yosemite national park. Most people find this a grueling outing, but you will be rewarded by outstanding views and a great sense of accomplishment. The sub dome is a glorified, mini granite dome that is connected to the back of half dome and serves to. Gopro hero session 5 footage, of my half dome climb this was such an amazing experience. May 31, 2017 the half dome cables in yosemite national park will be in place for visitor use this friday, june 2, 2017. Topping out on the shoulder as light creeps across the sky the final section up the cables looks very intimidating. How half dome formed scenic wonders yosemite cabins. Permits to hike to the top of half dome are required seven days per week when the cables are up as called for in the half dome stewardship plan in order to protect wilderness character, reduce crowding, protect natural and cultural resources, and improve safety.
The hike itself is about 1416 miles roundtrip and hikers should prepare for an elevation gain of about 4,800 feet. Half dome stock photos download 9,289 royalty free photos. This hike will test you physically and mentally as you climb the last quartermile of trail and ascend the sheer flank of half dome using bolted cables. This may not be helpful in your case but i think many people have your problem so this may be helpful for them. If youve done any research into half dome hikes you already know that a permit is required any time the cables are up and that theyre assigned via advance lottery 225 day or last minute lottery 75 day. Hikers wishing to ascend the cables between may 16 and may 22 can apply online at. The most wellknown rock formation in yosemite national park perhaps even the united states, half dome is one of the most sought after climbs for hikers and rock climbers alike. The granite crest rises more than 4,737 ft 1,444 m above the valley floor. Half dome has cables at the summit that are anchored into place in the rock and lifted to hand level with poles. The half dome cable hike will take hikers about 10 12 hours to complete, there and back, depending on skill level and weather.
Technically the cables will still be there, but the posts and planks will be gone. Aim to land on one foot and once you find your balance bound to the other side. Once at the top of sub dome, theres only one way to the summit. People have been struck by lightning while on the half dome cables. Start with your feet together and use your outside foot to leap to the opposite side. Half dome permits for day hikers yosemite national park. The last 400 vertical feet meters up the eastern slope are so sheer that yosemite staff have installed cables for you to cling to as you pull yourself up. First glimpse of half dome 20 near where the previous pic was taken, i have my first glimpse of half dome.
Half dome is arguably the most adventuresome day hike in yosemite. This happened repeatedly mostly during the cretaceous period. The cables are there to help you get up the summit without climbing equipment. Download 9,289 half dome stock photos for free or amazingly low rates. Below is a topo map of the hike starting at the valley floor and continuing to the top of half dome. This is the first fatal accident on the half dome cables since 2010 and the first visitor to. If youre not a rock climber, your hands will probably get tired and may cramp up. Looks like the cables are staying and there will be a permit system. Dr do hd the last week of may, before they start requiring permits. From start to finish this hike is just the ultimate hike. In 1968, when id been climbing about a year, i saw two climbers get up the final pitch of the regular nwf. Mar 02, 2016 after the cables go up for the season usually just before memorial day, an additional 50 half dome permits are released each day, but park numbers show that only about a third of the applicants. Climbing half dome guide discover yosemite national park. You will have to go at a time when the cables are up.
After the cables go up for the season usually just before memorial day, an additional 50 half dome permits are released each day, but park numbers show that only about a third of the applicants. Plus, the granite rock is already slipperyif it is wet, climbing the cables becomes very, very dangerous. Its too steep to hike without falling, so the park service employs a unique metal cable system. I have just read that the cables on half dome will not be installed on 526 as originally planned because of too much snowice. With no where to rest, this could turn into a really unsafe. Please be careful both on the cables and near the rivers. Dont forget your camera and have a safe, enjoyable hike. Half dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of yosemite valley in yosemite national park, california. I figure the cables are already there, so they might as well stay there. Yosemite the half dome cables in yosemite national park will be in place for visitor use on friday, june 2. May 29, 2018 first glimpse of half dome 20 near where the previous pic was taken, i have my first glimpse of half dome. Half dome is generally accessible from late may to october.
The cables are normally up the friday before the last monday in may memorial day and come down the day after the second monday in. When the cables are down, they also remove the 2x4s that you stand on to rest every 10 ft. The classic profile of half dome, recognizable worldwide, sits over the east end of yosemite valley like a distant guardian. As long as the tourists arent damaging half dome and the surrounding area i think its great that it is accessible to people who otherwise wouldnt get to experience it. Every year, rangers are called to assist hundreds of people on the half dome trail hike and the cables on half dome. A compilation of gopro shots of my climb up and down the cables of the mighty half dome. Half dome s final 400foot ascent heads up bare granite inclined between 45 and 60 degrees.
I found the best gloves for the cables at half dome hike. Half dome cables in yosemite national park will be in place. The trails that lead to the cables section of half dome, navigate through some of the most beautiful terrain to be seen anywhere on earth. Half dome was originally called tissaack, meaning cleft rock in the language of the local ahwahnechee people. Half dome via the cables route sierra mountain center. I found the best gloves for the cables at half dome posted on 09292015 by mr half dome rick deutsch if you are a regular here, you know i highly promote the atlas model 370 nitrile coated glove for going updown the half dome cables. Lottery open to score yosemite half dome cable permits sfgate.
Tissaack is also the name of the fourth route on the formation, ascended by royal robbins and don peterson over eight days in october 1969. The half dome hike in yosemite national park is easily among the most iconic and challenging in the united states. If you have heard of the half dome trail, the two things you have probably heard about on this trip are the cables and the sub dome. The trail will be wet and icy in places and visitors planning to ascend half dome are encouraged to be prepared for winter hiking conditions. Half dome cables in yosemite national park to open friday. On half dome, as i mentioned, the angles are low, theres a fair bit of give in the cables and stanchions, and youll probably have a bit of a grip to slow you down. It is an excellent time to go where obtaining a permit is much easier than in the summer time. Half dome permits for day hikers and backpackers are required seven daysper week while the cables are up.
The cables are normally placed on to the half dome trail memorial day weekend in late may and taken down after columbus day in early october. A trip to the top of half dome is more of a pigrimage for those who relish hiking and this book is the guide to get if you want to prepare for this journey. Ap the hike up the granite monolith half dome in yosemite national park is one of the most iconic in the nationwide system, but on friday officials announced approval of a plan that permanently. The projected date for the cables to be up is now fri 62, weather allowing. The trail over the shoulder is steep and steady but not too bad. The cables are usually taken down after columbus day. If it is raining or storm clouds are in the area, do not hike up half dome. The park service considers the half dome hike to be the most strenuous day hike in all of yosemite national park. May 22, 2018 rangers were told that the hiker slipped from the cables and fell to his death. A permit is required if you wish to hike to the top of half dome and a maximum of 300 hikers are allowed each day. Half domes final 400foot ascent heads up bare granite inclined between 45 and 60 degrees. Safety equipment for hiking half dome alpine escape.
The cables to the summit of half dome in yosemite national park will be reset this friday, may 16, 2014. Glaciers cleaved the dome clear in half hence the original indigenous name tisaack or cleft rock in the language of the awahnechee, leaving incredible slab climbs on the sunny southern aspect such as snake dike 5. Below are some guidelines from our friends over at the national park service. Day use permits are required to ascend the half dome cables 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Jul 24, 2016 a compilation of gopro shots of my climb up and down the cables of the mighty half dome. Jun 24, 2019 climb half dome only when the cables are in place. Rangers were told that the hiker slipped from the cables and fell to his death.
Half dome, like the other granite exposures in yosemite, formed from socalled intrusions of magmamolten rockthat solidified underground to form massive granite bodies. Rock climbers watch as hiker plunges from summit at yosemites half dome. I have hiked the half dome trail about 3 times in the last couple of years. The half dome trail became so popular that concerns of traffic, a positive wilderness experience, and environmental degradation necessitated the half dome plan. Cnn a yosemite national park visitor died after falling from the cables at the half dome on thursday morning, according to national park officials. When preparing for this hike, one should be in at least a decent physical condition. The sub dome is a glorified, mini granite dome that is connected to the back of half dome and serves to destroy your legs before you reach the cables. Lottery open to score yosemite half dome cable permits. With only one drinking fountain at the vernal fall footbridge, byow is required.
Half dome cables in place this friday, permit required. Id be scared to death of causing an avalanche, considering the angle on it and considering id have to keep lifting the cable through snow. Call a wilderness ranger at 2093720826 mondayfriday, 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 4. The author, rick deutsch, has climbed half dome 17 times by his own account and certainly knows the route.
I hiked in early october 2015 right before the cables went down. We rise early grab a quick breakfast and head out with light packs to half dome. Half dome cables will remain, hikers still limited january 4, 20 associated press fresno, calif. Yosemite hikes home yosemite valley half dome cable tips the hazards of half dome. This opening date is a week earlier than previously scheduled due to the low snowpack. The cables of half dome played a big part in motivating me to learn to climb. Theyre put in place from may to october, which is when permits are issued. I think the worst part about half dome is the swath of. Just getting around to the edge from where the cables end is a decent walk meaning plenty to explore and tons of room for a well earned break too. Half dome hike via john muir trail outdoor project. Yesterday, 53017, i set out to hike from glacier point to clouds rest, which is right by half dome, and back. For many people a hike to the top of the iconic half dome is the event of a lifetime. Leeder had once been featured in the mercury news when he was 9 years old, in 1997, back when he was an amateur.
Half domes cables are an exciting challenge for many but keep in mind, they are arduous. I found the best gloves for the cables at half dome. This year we decided to do half dome the weekend after the cables went down for the season usually. In reality, you wont encounter anything like a factor 5 fall in all likelihood. Preparation and safety are key to having a fantastic experience. Half dome trail is the most incredible and rewarding hike i have done to date. The half dome cables will be up from friday may 26, 2017 through tuesday october 10.
Oct 12, 2017 gopro hero session 5 footage, of my half dome climb this was such an amazing experience. Tissaack is the name of a mother from a native legend. If half dome is not on your bucket list, it should be. Trail guide yosemite half dome cable hike, 2018 update.
128 43 1009 515 1009 1411 1306 826 743 886 108 1559 708 1337 40 1456 1179 144 150 488 1403 1454 1225 206 843 1154 923 986 1412 1088 26 726 16 1246 363 682 500 1459 1197 1036 612 597