I have been up three times and one time in October we made it to the top with the poles down and we didn't use a harness. Probably not the smartest thing to do. I was up on top for about 20 minutes before my friends made it up. We were all by ourselves for quite a while. A memory I will never forget. Well done!
My palms are sweating just watching this! Dude you've got balls of steel going up there in the winter and walking so close to the edge. I couldn't even attempt this hike in the summer lol
I’ve done Half Dome 5 times… before they started the permit thing. Pretty awesome seeing you doing off-season… but seeing jump around at the with your crampons… made me kind of nervous. Haha. Nice job.
Ya.........I'd skip the crampon on the cable section. Done it about 10 times now.......1-2 times w/ the cables UP, the rest "off-season" w/ them down. "Down" and "Off-Season" are the ONLY way to go. P.S...........Skip the harness (IMHO)
@@VincentTamer Maybe I should retract that "Skip the harness" as to each his/her own re: safety gear/precautions. Personally, I've always just laid hands on the cable and up/down I go. Just personal preference........Never felt the need for "safety gear".
We descended the down cables before they got put up early in the season after climbing the NW face of HD in three days. Going down those cables was pretty exciting with all the wall gear we had.
I concur with those that mentioned you took unnecessary risks walking on the edge the way you did it. Well done and spectacular filming. All the best in your future adventures
I think people who sit on their butts on the weekends and eat fast food take unnecessary risks. I guess it just depends on how you look at it. Happy trails to you!
@@summitsparrow I couldn’t agree more. I use to follow two UA-camrs that are no longer with us. Both fell down a mountain. The Swiss machine was one, can’t recall the name of the other one.
Excellent video, Joey! And you even stopped to pick up litter! Good for you! Even though I made it to the top in the summer of 2016 at the age of 70, it still gave me a thrill to see you casually walking and jumping along the edge with that ice on those rocks! I can't believe you did the cables with no gloves! Weren't they cold? Good job, young man!
Thanks Gary! Wow, I hope I'm still climbing when I'm 70, that's incredible! It was cold at first but once I got my blood moving I warmed up quickly. Take care!
I've been up 2x, but both summer ascents. I guess it never occurred to me that "Cables Down" just meant that the Poles are not up. The hardest physical part I've always thought was getting to the top of the sub-dome. Watching you go up the ice/snow steps there had me at "nope!" The cable section... we always lock in with a 2 carabiner set up. I suppose you could still do that to prevent rolling off the edge, but a fall would still roll you to the bottom, a disaster.
A carabiner clip-in works well, although a fall on a static line like that could break a pelvis. Some people choose to use no pro at all, which is certainly faster, and I'd argue, a bit more enjoyable. Whatever is your level of comfort, do that, as long as you get up there to the summit and make it back safely! Take care!
Nice View. Filming by yourself is always a challenge. It gets me angry how people leave their trash. It really shows who a person is by throwing it on the ground.
Beautiful film. Quite amazing to bear in mind just how popular Yosemite is and its proximity to the huge metropolitan hubs of California while watching one guy with the mountains to himself! And nice touch with the stray candy wrapper! Its got me in the mood for my wildcamping trip to the Italian Dolomites soon as restrictions are lifted on international travel! Thankyou.
@@summitsparrow It is as spectacular in its own way as Yosemite. I dont do much climbing I'm more a lover of mountains and wild nature. You'd love it there!
Omg! I was scared for you!! Every time you got close to the ledge I could barely watch without being squeamish (sp?) and backing away from the screen 😂. Then I thought you where climbing up /down without anything , just holding onto that cable but thank god u did!
Been up to the top several times.... before permits. Getting older but have one more climb up there. Gonna skip permits and doing cables only. Probably solo.
Great job! I have hiked to the top of Half Dome 3 times, with one time being in October when the cables were down. I also climbed the Snake Dike route on HD. I have to say, seeing this done in snow with crampons takes it to a whole new level! It looks so much steeper than I remember, but if my memory serves me, the last time I was up there was about 17 years ago! Nice video and well done!
Whew Joey! Thank you for the ENJOYABLE hike.Great narration and you provided useful information as well as some absolutely stunning footage! Great video of a superb hike!
What are the ethics out in Yosemite for crampons on non-climbing routes? I can't imagine extended crampon-on-granite is smiled upon, but that is a high use area anyways.
I’m always happy to hear LNT ideas. My thoughts are that if it was a softer rock like sandstone I might be more concerned. These huge granite blocks aren’t exactly delicate; you could bang on them with a sledgehammer and you wouldn’t be able to make a mark. My recommendation is to bring crampons for the subdome section, as a slip there can easily be fatal if it is snow-covered and you slide down to the bottom.
@@summitsparrow Crampons scratch all rock to varying degrees, but I think you've got the right point. Granite is very resilient and it was safer to keep crampons on.
Nice! I spent the winter of 1980 from January to May winter mountaineering Yosemite. Once with a friend from Mariposa we went up to the saddle between Clouds Rest and Half Dome and my friend climbed up using the cables to ascend Half Dome. I chose not too as it was cloudy and Half Dome was covered in them. We also continued on and went to and camped on Clouds Rest's top. That was my last winter in Yosemite. I was 24 years old.
one thing I noticed w the poles is that it might be better for you to go opposite of what youre currently doing, so left pole forward right foot forward etc
Your spike shoes are great for the snow and ice portions of the trail but to climb vertical stone I would think the “sticky rubber” of the sole of the rock climbing shoes would provide better traction.
The act of taking crampons off adds additional risk to the equation because if you drop them down the cliff, without crampons you will not be able to descend the subdome safely when there is snow on that part of the route. You are free to climb it in any way you choose as long as you come back down to tell the tale.
If you slipped up there, you would not come close to surviving. I've done it. You have no idea. You slip, slide, tumble and go over the edge. It is a very long way down.
joey , crampons needed end of October ? Also can you register for a camping spot online where you camped? whats your camera setup?! great hike and stunning video footage! I'm doing this hike soon and your video def inspired me more so.
I camped in Little Yosemite Valley. Right now you need to reserve a permit in advance but if you go later in the year (I went Nov) you just have to fill out a self-issued permit the morning of at the Visitor's Center. I'm glad to hear! Much luck to you on your quest!
Beautiful and excellent video! Was that a Prussik hitch attached to your body harness? Good idea. Do not crampons get kind of slippery on rock? I have been to the top twice, once using only the unfixed cables.
Thanks! I used an autoblock but a prusik can also be used. The autoblock is a little easier to tie. I wasn't sure how much snow would be up there but honestly for the subdome you want to have crampons. It's a great hike and I hope you can go back again a 3rd time!
hey! im looking to do to HD third week of october, did u need a wilderness pass to get into the park during off season? thanks in advance for the info!
Hi Carmen! Half Dome permits are required right now, but according to the NP's website they will be no longer required after Columbus Day (Oct 11th). I went in November 2020. If you want to camp in Little Yosemite Valley, which is not necessary, but I think much more fun, you can fill out a self-issue permit at the Visitors' Center for free. You should be snow-free this time of year. Have fun!
What about may, is it still self-permit or are the reservations in effect? I ask because I know reservations are available in May, but also the cables aren't up yet. For a foreigner it's super confusing working out all the rules and permits!
@@benja_mint You should always check the NP website because they do change the rules periodically. For example, COVID resulted in a permit system just to enter the park. But as general rule, when the cables are up, you need a Half Dome permit to go past the subdome section, whether you camp or not. As a separate issue, if you choose to camp in Little Yosemite Valley, which most people would not need to do, you need a Wilderness Permit. I camped because 1) in November I had less daylight, and because I wanted to make a video, I wanted to film all the shots in daylight, and 2) if there is snow on the route, you want to be off the subdome in the morning, before the sun turns it to slush, and your crampon points won't 'bite.' Every year snow levels in May are different, but at that time of the year it will be mostly 'compacted' snow, which is much easier to manage than fresh powder snow. You can check the live webcams to get an idea for what conditions are like: www.nps.gov/yose/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm
He mentioned he made another video specifically about this topic, but without having seen it I would answer that it's probably "better safe than sorry" with the crampons. (So early in the morning there could have been a patch of ice while ascending on the cable and then approach shoes just wouldn't cut it)
The spot where you put your foot on the edge is where several people have fallen and died, if I am not wrong. You are definitely not afraid of heights.
This is really inspiring me to do this with the cables down. Very cool. I'm familiar with the prusik knot, but what would you call that wrapping technique you used? 😎👍
You can do it! A harness and safety line can really help with the mental side. Physically, I think anyone can do the hike itself with adequate prep and conditioning.
That's insane! how do you manage to carry so much weight on your back? I did a 4-hour hike with a 3,000 ft elevation gain and my backpack barely weighed 14 pounds and my shoulders were killing me the next day!
It's very beautiful video, I like it but I am afraid when you walk at the rock like that. be careful Joey, nice to know you, from Brian n Hasya at Padang west Sumatra Indonesia
Ignorant of logistics involved so if I may…….If cables are down what cable is he using to climb? Who preceded him? Kudos to the photographer who at times preceded the climber to chronicle his progress.
Hi there Chris. So, what happens is the don't actually take those cables down in the winter. They just take down the poles that hold them up. I posted another video called "Half Dome Safety" where I cover all the commonly asked questions about the hike during the off season. Happy holidays and take care! Joey
Wow! I have hiked HD in the summer and done the cables but you took it to a whole new level. I’ve used crampons on ice but never seen them used on granite. Do they have good traction? I would have thought rock climbing shoes. Also no gloves on the cables? Not being critical just curious.
I actually had gloves on in the beginning but took them off. I honestly don't think gloves are necessary, though, and especially if you're going to be tying and re-tying hitches, they can slow you down. Also I had this "staged" shot (the thumbnail of the video) which I had pre-planned in advance with a complicated tripod/webbing and carabiner assembly and I needed dexterity for that.
Who was filming with the view of you going up? Did you have a drone? Those spikes are crazy to be climbing this in. Could you maybe have changed to a better shoe? I loved that you picked up the garbage! Some humans are awful who do not deserve this beauty unless it was a complete accident and they didn't realize they'd dropped it :)... I was terrified FOR you jumping all around the edge like that! When you say cables down- does the park take them down in the off season?
Hi Janine, I filmed the entire thing with a tripod and nylon slings. I'm not a drone guy. It's also illegal to fly them in national parks. The cables are actually never pulled off completely but rather the poles that hold them up are. I go into more detail in another video called Half Dome Safety. Thank you for your comment and take care!
I recall I actually had them on in the beginning but I took them off b/c I was getting hot. I don't really think they are necessary unless it's really cold out.
Man that’s extraordinary. You’ve got some balls. I thought in off season they take the cables down? They just take the poles down and leave the cables?
Hi Derrik, yes, that's right, the cables themselves are always there. Only the poles that hold them up are taken down. My favorite time to go is Springtime, hands-down. You have the waterfalls raging, some snow left over, and no crowded lines on the cables.
@@summitsparrow That sounds good. I may go in may before the official season. When would you say the last of the snow melts off the sub dome and dome summit? I’d rather not have to deal with it or crampons. When was the video and filmed when you went? Thanks.
@@derrikferguson3219Hi Derrik, good question. In Spingtime the snow will be a totally different texture, much harder and firmer. It's the powder snow that is really dangerous because your crampons will not adhere to it. What you can do is check the live webcams, which will give you an idea of what conditions will look like. I filmed this video in November, and there was a fair amount of snow but not a lot like in winter. The best time to climb it hands-down is May in my opinion. It all kind of depends on how much snow pack there was that year, so it will vary from year to year as well.
Hey Joey do crampons get damaged or worn out when climbing on rock like that? And do they provide substantially more traction than shoes would in these conditions? Great vid!
Hi George, crampons are surprising rugged when used on mixed terrain. You can certainly go without them but a slip on the subdome in snowy conditions is for me too great a risk for me. Crampons aide in traction on snow, so I use them near exposed cliff faces and I recommend anyone attempting the subdome in similar conditions to at least bring some form of traction devices. Thank you and happy trails!
@@summitsparrow thanks for the replies and excellent in depth analysis! As I am an inexperienced novice I think I will mitigate my risk by avoiding adverse conditions for now.
Yeah two days would have been better. 20 miles and a little climbing can do you in. Brought Zephyr the German Sheppard with no hiccups from the park service. One of the few K-9s to summit Half Dome
ok so your officially certifiable walking close tothe edge with crampons for the instagram shot,so dangerous ,people watching,dont dont do this stuff crampons on granite is a recipe for trouble.
Crampons on granite- Bad Idea. Hiking cables down, bad idea. Not wearing grippy gloves, bad idea. Going it alone, bad idea. We did this hike regular season- 2019. It was beautiful and not very difficult IMO. I did not care for the sub dome section. The very next day, sadly another hiker named Danielle Burnette slipped on the final ascent and fell 500 feet. We saw the recovery chopper in the valley. It was very sobering. These YTube people in search for endless views get caught up in being famous. They truly don't realize that it only takes one slip and game over. Danielle was smart and even had a harness, but sadly she was not clipped on to the cable at the time. I think a brief rain cloud settled over the peak and make that granite slippery like ice when she was on a steep section. IT happens quickly and often up there. It almost happened to us. We were clipped on though mostly the entire time. Ironically, they discourage this safety measure. It's narrow between the two cables and people come back down them too so it gets sketchy...add rain and it's a disaster- lottery or no lottery.
Thank you for your concern. I've climbed the cables about 20-30 times so far, and will climb the routes another 20-30 times before I die. Please refer to my video called Half Dome Safety which addresses your questions. Take care and happy trails!
@@summitsparrow I appreciate what you are saying. I use to have a YOLO attitude when I was younger too- looking back I took many chances. I can only speak from my experience. I climbed those cables once. The next day someone lost her life...on the cables. Stay safe.
@@MOAB-UT I used to have that attitude as well when I was young. I do encourage you to articulate your comment in my other video where others can comment on their opinions of safety. Ultimately, we all want to provide the best and safest advice in the adventure community and I created my channel so that others would have the tools they need to enjoy the outdoors with a risk-mitigation, but not a risk-elimination mindset. Thank you again for sharing!
I have been up three times and one time in October we made it to the top with the poles down and we didn't use a harness. Probably not the smartest thing to do. I was up on top for about 20 minutes before my friends made it up. We were all by ourselves for quite a while. A memory I will never forget. Well done!
Isn't it such a cool experience to be up there when it's completely empty? Good for you, keep adventuring and I'll see you on the trail sometime!
it's amazing that you still manage to pick up litter while risking your life lol
Amazing! I couldnt watch you walking the edge though. 😱 omg
Man you really have this thing going on with the edge. It was actually a little hard to watch you so close to the edge. Thanks for sharing.
My palms are sweating just watching this! Dude you've got balls of steel going up there in the winter and walking so close to the edge. I couldn't even attempt this hike in the summer lol
I'm glad you liked it! Happy trails to you!
mine are sweating too! but im preparing myself soon for my first climb.
@@marvm2555 Best of luck to you Marv! Have fun!
I’ve done Half Dome 5 times… before they started the permit thing. Pretty awesome seeing you doing off-season… but seeing jump around at the with your crampons… made me kind of nervous. Haha.
Nice job.
I wish I could go back to those pre-permit days! Glad to bring back memories. Hopefully the experience will be the same for generations to come.
Ya.........I'd skip the crampon on the cable section. Done it about 10 times now.......1-2 times w/ the cables UP, the rest "off-season" w/ them down. "Down" and "Off-Season" are the ONLY way to go. P.S...........Skip the harness (IMHO)
@@anxiousbeachbums Why skip the harness?
@@VincentTamer Maybe I should retract that "Skip the harness" as to each his/her own re: safety gear/precautions. Personally, I've always just laid hands on the cable and up/down I go. Just personal preference........Never felt the need for "safety gear".
We descended the down cables before they got put up early in the season after climbing the NW face of HD in three days. Going down those cables was pretty exciting with all the wall gear we had.
that place looks even prettier in the off season with the shadows, snow and low winter sun
Glad you liked! Take care!
I like the Crooked River! And especially the Video! Awesome thanks for sharing. Greetings from Austria
Same to you!
I concur with those that mentioned you took unnecessary risks walking on the edge the way you did it. Well done and spectacular filming. All the best in your future adventures
I think people who sit on their butts on the weekends and eat fast food take unnecessary risks. I guess it just depends on how you look at it. Happy trails to you!
@@summitsparrow I couldn’t agree more. I use to follow two UA-camrs that are no longer with us. Both fell down a mountain. The Swiss machine was one, can’t recall the name of the other one.
@@summitsparrow I used to talk like that when I was young too. You think you understand the risks, but you don't.
The views are so great! Thanks for capturing. Stay safe! Probably not the best idea running on the edge on icy mornings!
Thank you! Take care!
Excellent video, Joey! And you even stopped to pick up litter! Good for you! Even though I made it to the top in the summer of 2016 at the age of 70, it still gave me a thrill to see you casually walking and jumping along the edge with that ice on those rocks! I can't believe you did the cables with no gloves! Weren't they cold? Good job, young man!
Thanks Gary! Wow, I hope I'm still climbing when I'm 70, that's incredible! It was cold at first but once I got my blood moving I warmed up quickly. Take care!
Wow, climbing at 70 is a huge achievement.
Best part is when he picks up litter. 🤙
ive never really thought of myself as scared of heights .... however, i been watching a few of these videos and my stomach doesnt like it
These videos are crazy. It looked very scary in parts. Thank you for showing it.
Glad you enjoyed! Take care Jeanne!
Amazing view heavenly.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
A truely unique travel dispatch. A hike from Happy Isles to the Half Dome summit without crowds! Well done.
Happy trails! TY!
What a view! Your right man, no crowds
Awesome video bro.........awesome view too.
Thank you! Happy trails!
Could we take the crampons off after the sub dome…. I think the sound alone would put me over the edge 😂😂😂
I've been up 2x, but both summer ascents. I guess it never occurred to me that "Cables Down" just meant that the Poles are not up. The hardest physical part I've always thought was getting to the top of the sub-dome. Watching you go up the ice/snow steps there had me at "nope!" The cable section... we always lock in with a 2 carabiner set up. I suppose you could still do that to prevent rolling off the edge, but a fall would still roll you to the bottom, a disaster.
A carabiner clip-in works well, although a fall on a static line like that could break a pelvis. Some people choose to use no pro at all, which is certainly faster, and I'd argue, a bit more enjoyable. Whatever is your level of comfort, do that, as long as you get up there to the summit and make it back safely! Take care!
Great cinematography skills dude!
Thank you!
Impressive climb , and I think takes some big balls.
Ahhh yes. Thank you for the bucket list addition
Thx for picking up the litter! ❤
Nice View. Filming by yourself is always a challenge.
It gets me angry how people leave their trash. It really shows who a person is by throwing it on the ground.
Me too. If we all try and keep our trash in our packs, the hiking experience will be better for everyone. Take care!
Man. Your a badass. I panicked at subdome. 😂
Beautiful film. Quite amazing to bear in mind just how popular Yosemite is and its proximity to the huge metropolitan hubs of California while watching one guy with the mountains to himself! And nice touch with the stray candy wrapper! Its got me in the mood for my wildcamping trip to the Italian Dolomites soon as restrictions are lifted on international travel! Thankyou.
Dolomites has been on my bucket list for a while now! I heard the climbing is superb. Have fun and thank you!
@@summitsparrow It is as spectacular in its own way as Yosemite. I dont do much climbing I'm more a lover of mountains and wild nature. You'd love it there!
Omg! I was scared for you!! Every time you got close to the ledge I could barely watch without being squeamish (sp?) and backing away from the screen 😂. Then I thought you where climbing up /down without anything , just holding onto that cable but thank god u did!
Thanks! Glad everything worked out perfect.
You are crazy to get that close to the edge! No f#%in way!!
Spectacular and scary!
Been up to the top several times.... before permits. Getting older but have one more climb up there. Gonna skip permits and doing cables only. Probably solo.
Wait til after summer when the crowds die down. Fall is probably my favorite hiking season.
Beautiful views from the top
Great job! I have hiked
to the top of Half Dome 3 times, with one time being in October when the cables were down. I also climbed the Snake Dike route on HD. I have to say, seeing this done in snow with crampons takes it to a whole new level! It looks so much steeper than I remember, but if my memory serves me, the last time I was up there was about 17 years ago! Nice video and well done!
I'd like to do the Snake Dike route one day. That's a cool looking route. Thank you!
man, that camera makes it look SO much steeper than it actually is... wow
Whew Joey! Thank you for the ENJOYABLE hike.Great narration and you provided useful information as well as some absolutely stunning footage! Great video of a superb hike!
Thanks Byron! I'm glad you liked it. Take care and happy trails!
Crazy they take down the poles and put them up every season
what a fantastic video! that 360 view in the end was pure bliss :)
Glad you liked it! Hope you make it up there soon, it's a great view off that NW face!
What are the ethics out in Yosemite for crampons on non-climbing routes? I can't imagine extended crampon-on-granite is smiled upon, but that is a high use area anyways.
I’m always happy to hear LNT ideas. My thoughts are that if it was a softer rock like sandstone I might be more concerned. These huge granite blocks aren’t exactly delicate; you could bang on them with a sledgehammer and you wouldn’t be able to make a mark. My recommendation is to bring crampons for the subdome section, as a slip there can easily be fatal if it is snow-covered and you slide down to the bottom.
@@summitsparrow Crampons scratch all rock to varying degrees, but I think you've got the right point. Granite is very resilient and it was safer to keep crampons on.
That is one scary hike!
Am going to try this on Friday morning. Think the weather will be like this.
Have fun! Might be a little more snow on the face right now. Check the live webcams: www.yosemite.com/yosemite-webcams/
Nice! I spent the winter of 1980 from January to May winter mountaineering Yosemite. Once with a friend from Mariposa we went up to the saddle between Clouds Rest and Half Dome and my friend climbed up using the cables to ascend Half Dome. I chose not too as it was cloudy and Half Dome was covered in them. We also continued on and went to and camped on Clouds Rest's top. That was my last winter in Yosemite. I was 24 years old.
That's really cool! I've always wanted to do Clouds Rest in wintertime. I'll have to check that one off my bucketlist. Hope you're still hiking!
I was there that spring. The snow melt was incredible.Most of the roads were still closed in May.
one thing I noticed w the poles is that it might be better for you to go opposite of what youre currently doing, so left pole forward right foot forward etc
great vid
Omggggg you're amazing!! That looked sick!!
I'm glad you liked it! Happy trails!
You're Very Brave My Friend 👍.,...
Simply amazing views! 👍
Glad you enjoyed!
I give thumbs up...to the guys/gals that strung the cable 😉
9:23 Nice!!!
Your spike shoes are great for the snow and ice portions of the trail but to climb vertical stone I would think the “sticky rubber” of the sole of the rock climbing shoes would provide better traction.
The act of taking crampons off adds additional risk to the equation because if you drop them down the cliff, without crampons you will not be able to descend the subdome safely when there is snow on that part of the route. You are free to climb it in any way you choose as long as you come back down to tell the tale.
@@summitsparrow Makes perfect sense, thank U
@@SAHamel_ Happy trails and take care!
Holy frigging crap, I have heard of adrenaline junkies, but I also mostly had a heart attack watching you.
Glad you liked! Take care!
Why the crampons on bear rock?
Great Q! I covered this in another video called Half Dome Safety since a lot of people asked that same question.
Going down sort of sideways like that seems like a good idea, I could imagine myself surviving that better than either straight forward or backward.
If you slipped up there, you would not come close to surviving. I've done it. You have no idea. You slip, slide, tumble and go over the edge. It is a very long way down.
At least you didn't use a hand gun as your map pointer.
No wood slats along the cable in winter.
joey , crampons needed end of October ? Also can you register for a camping spot online where you camped? whats your camera setup?! great hike and stunning video footage! I'm doing this hike soon and your video def inspired me more so.
I camped in Little Yosemite Valley. Right now you need to reserve a permit in advance but if you go later in the year (I went Nov) you just have to fill out a self-issued permit the morning of at the Visitor's Center. I'm glad to hear! Much luck to you on your quest!
Beautiful and excellent video!
Was that a Prussik hitch attached to your body harness? Good idea. Do not crampons get kind of slippery on rock? I have been to the top twice, once using only the unfixed cables.
Thanks! I used an autoblock but a prusik can also be used. The autoblock is a little easier to tie. I wasn't sure how much snow would be up there but honestly for the subdome you want to have crampons. It's a great hike and I hope you can go back again a 3rd time!
hey! im looking to do to HD third week of october, did u need a wilderness pass to get into the park during off season?
thanks in advance for the info!
Hi Carmen! Half Dome permits are required right now, but according to the NP's website they will be no longer required after Columbus Day (Oct 11th). I went in November 2020. If you want to camp in Little Yosemite Valley, which is not necessary, but I think much more fun, you can fill out a self-issue permit at the Visitors' Center for free. You should be snow-free this time of year. Have fun!
What about may, is it still self-permit or are the reservations in effect? I ask because I know reservations are available in May, but also the cables aren't up yet. For a foreigner it's super confusing working out all the rules and permits!
@@benja_mint You should always check the NP website because they do change the rules periodically. For example, COVID resulted in a permit system just to enter the park. But as general rule, when the cables are up, you need a Half Dome permit to go past the subdome section, whether you camp or not. As a separate issue, if you choose to camp in Little Yosemite Valley, which most people would not need to do, you need a Wilderness Permit. I camped because 1) in November I had less daylight, and because I wanted to make a video, I wanted to film all the shots in daylight, and 2) if there is snow on the route, you want to be off the subdome in the morning, before the sun turns it to slush, and your crampon points won't 'bite.' Every year snow levels in May are different, but at that time of the year it will be mostly 'compacted' snow, which is much easier to manage than fresh powder snow. You can check the live webcams to get an idea for what conditions are like: www.nps.gov/yose/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm
That part of the cables that scared 😱
Fantastic brotha ❤🫡
Thank you!
It’s safer the way you did it, but more difficult
Subbed. Speechless! Cool vids!
Glad you like! Thanks!
While watching this video , from the safety of my own home , I was terrified I was going to fall off the cliff.
😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
I think that it was perfect conditions for micro spikes🤙
Rei salesman "how can I help you"
This guy "2 of everything please"
Seems like rock climbing shoes or an approach shoe would serve better than crampons?
He mentioned he made another video specifically about this topic, but without having seen it I would answer that it's probably "better safe than sorry" with the crampons. (So early in the morning there could have been a patch of ice while ascending on the cable and then approach shoes just wouldn't cut it)
You are a pro!
must have been hard to do this with those fucking balls of steel
The spot where you put your foot on the edge is where several people have fallen and died, if I am not wrong. You are definitely not afraid of heights.
Can't believe my mother climbed up this when she was 8 years old
This is really inspiring me to do this with the cables down. Very cool. I'm familiar with the prusik knot, but what would you call that wrapping technique you used? 😎👍
It's an autoblock. It works on the same principle of grabbing that the prusik does. Good luck and thanks!
Here in Europe we call it Matchard
You crazy! Lol! 🤣
Well done for surviving, there's a lot of play in that cable . Awesome., no gloves ? Please stop looking over those drops 😳🤦♀️
I wish I had the balls to climb half dome
You can do it! A harness and safety line can really help with the mental side. Physically, I think anyone can do the hike itself with adequate prep and conditioning.
不明白，爬Half Dome 为什么要绕远路，费好几个小时，为什么不能从另一侧近路爬上去。
That's insane! how do you manage to carry so much weight on your back? I did a 4-hour hike with a 3,000 ft elevation gain and my backpack barely weighed 14 pounds and my shoulders were killing me the next day!
My full pack was probably about 30 - 35 lbs. On summit day I just carried the essentials, though.
So Basically he’s saying he’s pretty much bad ass that’s how👌🏾
Weight distribution among hips and shoulders, proper packing techniques n lots of training brother 👍🏽
It's very beautiful video, I like it but I am afraid when you walk at the rock like that. be careful Joey, nice to know you, from Brian n Hasya at Padang west Sumatra Indonesia
Greetings from America! I went to Indonesia a couple years ago! Great jungle hiking. Good monkey-to-human ratio. Take care!
That was amazing!
I'm glad you enjoyed!
Ignorant of logistics involved so if I may…….If cables are down what cable is he using to climb? Who preceded him? Kudos to the photographer who at times preceded the climber to chronicle his progress.
Hi there Chris. So, what happens is the don't actually take those cables down in the winter. They just take down the poles that hold them up. I posted another video called "Half Dome Safety" where I cover all the commonly asked questions about the hike during the off season. Happy holidays and take care! Joey
Wow! I have hiked HD in the summer and done the cables but you took it to a whole new level. I’ve used crampons on ice but never seen them used on granite. Do they have good traction? I would have thought rock climbing shoes. Also no gloves on the cables? Not being critical just curious.
I used them mostly for the subdome.
What kind of boots did you use for the ropes section?
Zamberlans. Those boots are bombproof.
Why no gloves?
I actually had gloves on in the beginning but took them off. I honestly don't think gloves are necessary, though, and especially if you're going to be tying and re-tying hitches, they can slow you down. Also I had this "staged" shot (the thumbnail of the video) which I had pre-planned in advance with a complicated tripod/webbing and carabiner assembly and I needed dexterity for that.
Are you wearing alpine boots for this lol
I'm your view are carbiners more safe to ascent onto..
9:30 man sitting on the edge?
Who was filming with the view of you going up? Did you have a drone?
Those spikes are crazy to be climbing this in. Could you maybe have changed to a better shoe? I loved that you picked up the garbage! Some humans are awful who do not deserve this beauty unless it was a complete accident and they didn't realize they'd dropped it :)...
I was terrified FOR you jumping all around the edge like that!
When you say cables down- does the park take them down in the off season?
Hi Janine, I filmed the entire thing with a tripod and nylon slings. I'm not a drone guy. It's also illegal to fly them in national parks. The cables are actually never pulled off completely but rather the poles that hold them up are. I go into more detail in another video called Half Dome Safety. Thank you for your comment and take care!
Why do you choose not to use gloves during the cable section?
I recall I actually had them on in the beginning but I took them off b/c I was getting hot. I don't really think they are necessary unless it's really cold out.
Man that’s extraordinary. You’ve got some balls. I thought in off season they take the cables down? They just take the poles down and leave the cables?
Hi Derrik, yes, that's right, the cables themselves are always there. Only the poles that hold them up are taken down. My favorite time to go is Springtime, hands-down. You have the waterfalls raging, some snow left over, and no crowded lines on the cables.
@@summitsparrow That sounds good. I may go in may before the official season.
When would you say the last of the snow melts off the sub dome and dome summit? I’d rather not have to deal with it or crampons.
When was the video and filmed when you went?
Thanks.
@@derrikferguson3219Hi Derrik, good question. In Spingtime the snow will be a totally different texture, much harder and firmer. It's the powder snow that is really dangerous because your crampons will not adhere to it. What you can do is check the live webcams, which will give you an idea of what conditions will look like. I filmed this video in November, and there was a fair amount of snow but not a lot like in winter. The best time to climb it hands-down is May in my opinion. It all kind of depends on how much snow pack there was that year, so it will vary from year to year as well.
@@summitsparrow Awesome thanks so much for the info.
I have been twice over there. Looks subdome is more scary part
You can check my video from Half Dome on UA-cam. Just search my name. Again , excellent job
Great video. You're a brave man. Did you filter that water you pulled from the Merced River? Aren't you concerned about giardia?
I treated it w/ Iodine tabs
Great job! Thanks for the video. Why did you wear you snow cleats? it seemed more dangerous.
For the subdome and the snow on top, thanks!
impressive
Hey Joey do crampons get damaged or worn out when climbing on rock like that? And do they provide substantially more traction than shoes would in these conditions? Great vid!
Hi George, crampons are surprising rugged when used on mixed terrain. You can certainly go without them but a slip on the subdome in snowy conditions is for me too great a risk for me. Crampons aide in traction on snow, so I use them near exposed cliff faces and I recommend anyone attempting the subdome in similar conditions to at least bring some form of traction devices. Thank you and happy trails!
@@summitsparrow thanks for the replies and excellent in depth analysis! As I am an inexperienced novice I think I will mitigate my risk by avoiding adverse conditions for now.
@@georged822 No prob. I wish you many a successful and safe mountain adventure! Take care!
Yes the spikes get a bit worn and blunt on the rock but you can easily sharpen them again with a file
They provide good grip alright, but it is very easy to snag your leg and trip and/or roll your ankle.
Yeah two days would have been better. 20 miles and a little climbing can do you in. Brought Zephyr the German Sheppard with no hiccups from the park service. One of the few K-9s to summit Half Dome
That's awesome! I'm glad to see our furry friends are tagging some summits as well. Take care!
You have no fear
bad ass....
Surprised you did descend face first. So much easier.
WOW!!!
ok so your officially certifiable walking close tothe edge with crampons for the instagram shot,so dangerous ,people watching,dont dont do this stuff crampons on granite is a recipe for trouble.
I don't have an Instagram account. Nice try.
Crampons on granite- Bad Idea.
Hiking cables down, bad idea.
Not wearing grippy gloves, bad idea.
Going it alone, bad idea.
We did this hike regular season- 2019. It was beautiful and not very difficult IMO. I did not care for the sub dome section. The very next day, sadly another hiker named Danielle Burnette slipped on the final ascent and fell 500 feet. We saw the recovery chopper in the valley. It was very sobering. These YTube people in search for endless views get caught up in being famous. They truly don't realize that it only takes one slip and game over. Danielle was smart and even had a harness, but sadly she was not clipped on to the cable at the time. I think a brief rain cloud settled over the peak and make that granite slippery like ice when she was on a steep section. IT happens quickly and often up there. It almost happened to us. We were clipped on though mostly the entire time. Ironically, they discourage this safety measure. It's narrow between the two cables and people come back down them too so it gets sketchy...add rain and it's a disaster- lottery or no lottery.
Thank you for your concern. I've climbed the cables about 20-30 times so far, and will climb the routes another 20-30 times before I die. Please refer to my video called Half Dome Safety which addresses your questions. Take care and happy trails!
@@summitsparrow I appreciate what you are saying. I use to have a YOLO attitude when I was younger too- looking back I took many chances. I can only speak from my experience. I climbed those cables once. The next day someone lost her life...on the cables. Stay safe.
@@MOAB-UT I used to have that attitude as well when I was young. I do encourage you to articulate your comment in my other video where others can comment on their opinions of safety. Ultimately, we all want to provide the best and safest advice in the adventure community and I created my channel so that others would have the tools they need to enjoy the outdoors with a risk-mitigation, but not a risk-elimination mindset. Thank you again for sharing!