Half Dome

There really is no way to understand Half Dome until you've hiked it yourself and walked up the cables. It is an unbelievable hike through a breathtaking place.

Things kick off at 4:15 when your alarm goes off. You eat a quick breakfast and make any last minute preparations. After driving to the nearest parking lot, its one mile to the trailhead.


The next stop is Vernal Fall by way of the Mist Trail. There are a lot of steps to climb, but an inspiring waterfall to lighten your steps.


The next stop is Nevada Fall, and even more steps.


Finally, things flatten out for a nice stretch through Little Yosemite Valley as the sun rises on the John Muir Trail. You enter a forest and begin your assent to the shoulder of Half Dome. Its clear how much mountain is left and what a challenge it is going to be to push up and over the mountain. With full water bottles from a spring on the side of the trail, its time for the final push over the two remaining obstacles, Sub-dome and the cables.

Sub-dome climbs up the side of Half Dome. It is something like 400 granite steps in the baking sun. You are already fatigued. Because this picture is shot from the top, it doesn't do the steepness of Sub-dome justice, but it was the best shot I had.


Now we are in the saddle between Sub-dome and the Half Dome peak. Ahead, you can see the cables running up the side of the mountain (the line of ants in the photo below). They jump up the mountain at as much as a 60% grade over polished granite. Hand and foot traction is limited.


Things start out relatively flat but quickly steepen in the middle of the climb. Temporary metal poles and weather-worn 2x4's are the only things that hold you to the moutain as you struggle to pull your body up the slope. As your hands slip, adrenaline kicks in and you lock onto the cable with a death grip until your forearms burn with lactic acid. Until you can overcome your fears and relax your muscles, you are pinned by fear to the mountain side gasping for oxygen in the thin air. Finally, you inch up the mountain, one streatch at a time.

The slope narrows and the top of the mountain can be seen!


Well, that's about all there is to making it to the top of Half Dome. This was by far the most challenging thing I've done in the past few years. It was incredibly rewarding and a fantastic bonding experience with your siblings. And yes, there is a nice view from the top.