@@fireballninja01 I don't know how a year has passed w/o me seeing this comment. First thing I do when I get up, even before breakfast is go for one mile walk....and it's not flat ground. I have a machine shop and am often working on some project. But, and I'd be the first to admit it, there is so much fascinating things to look at or read about on this computer, I do spend a lot of time doing that. Beats the hell out of watching ad-soaked TV.
@@icemancometh8679 First of all, it's over an eight mile hike, with a 5000' elevation gain, just to get to the base. The first time I did it, the cables looked pretty scary, but just had to concentrate on what I was doing. Once on top, there are several acres of relatively flat rock one can wander around on. Walking away from the cliff face, it is flat for a bit, but then gradually begins to steepen. Many people like to 'test' it a bit, and once I did too, but knew when it was far enough. Of course, I was previously told by a ranger.....Some '30 year old kid' had a new special pair of tennis shoes, was testing to see how far HE could go...well, he found out when he went too far and they didn't recover his body for two days. Wonder what was going through that guy's mind as he was sliding along the ever steepening rock and picking up speed? One could be realistic and say, "Strengthens the gene pool."
It typically takes about 12 hours of serious hiking over about 14 miles. Hard is fairly relative, for experienced mountaineers and hikers with excellent physical fitness it is a nice long hike. For inexperienced hikers who haven't been at altitude it can be extremely challenging day long hike.
Great vid, thanks! It's on my bucket list. I remember once about 7 years ago being up at Glacier Point (which is across the valley from Half Dome) and looking at hikers through someone's telescope at the little outcropping ledge that pokes out at the very peak of Half Dome's face. I swear to Dog, I saw this one guy stand on that little outcrop and go up on one leg into a "flying airplane" pose(!!!) I near had a heart attack just watching that. If and when I ever make it up there, I'll be crawling up to that ledge on my stomach, maybe.
Thanks for this helpful vid. I'm gonna hike this route in mid-winter with the snow. I'll be using tennis racquets of course and will bring some energy bars. I will melt snow for water using a battery-operated kettle.
Thanks for this video. More people need to watch this. A lot of inexperienced hikers take the challenge. A good amount actually make it up, however, going down they have some difficulty and can be a danger to not just themselves but others.
I have done a lot of backpacking and rock climbing in my life, that said I am sure I could do it but would also be dead tired at the end, I think ScottMo Downey's suggestion of making it a two day trip is the way to go.
I slept on Halfdome back before this would be considered illegal... I was 14. With a couple of my older brothers friends... Used a rock as a pillow and slept in one of the rock stacked circles... ARE THOSE STILL THERE? saw a Marmount on top... The views from Halfdome are awesome. I highly recommend the hike. “ little Italy” the section just before the cables probably the most challenging part. The cables were not a big deal... the rush of being that close will carry you through. If your out of shape or terrified of heights it can be an issue.
...Besides the popular wet Mist Trail along the Merced River, there are 2 other 1/2 Dome approach options: the horse and hiker ZIG ZAGS from Happy isles, and the PANORAMA TRAIL FROM GLACIER POINT. Going up or downhill i recommend the easier ZIG ZAGS horse and hiker trail, as old people complain for years about all the down steps from Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls. If you meet a string of horses, stand STILL on the uphill not cliff side, horses spook easily and are much heavier and stronger than you! Poisonous rattlesnakes are rare compared to H.Hetchy, but look and listen for the rattle! Black bears are more active at night but in Spring come into the Valley to eat grass in the meadows, so STAY OUT OF THE MEADOWS IN SPRING! Stay on trails, wear a small bell, carry pepper spray, do Not ever approach bears! (There is a hospital in Yosemite Valley.) Highly recommend use water bladder and shoulder hose to sip water frequently from Valley free taps. Water bottles work best in cars. If you are a newbie or afraid of heights, go up the cables 10-20 yards, turn around, and see how descending face downhill feels. People do fall and die, tally a big secret!! At the top if Fear hits, descend backwards on the R side or rope up with a friend just ahead of you, 2 cheap swami belts(rock climbing harness is too $ and too complicated for this, put on wrong you can fall and Die) of 3 wraps tubular webbing, a front water knot with at least 6" tails, 2 biners on a 3-6 ft length of kernmantle REI rope(while there ,get a 6ft length of 9-11mm to practice knots like bowline, etc.)Many ppl do freeze-up on the way down...i walk in front so they can lean against my back. Suggest walking sticks at chest not waist length.;) "Happy trails..." as Roy Rogers sang on 50s tv show!
richard mcmorrow Yes it's a passive filter. You stick one end in water and suck water from the other end like a straw. There's nothing mechanical to jam or break and it's very light. They cost about 15 bucks. I use it even on day hikes sometimes to avoid caring lots of water.
richard mcmorrow Awesome. If you want a device that puts water into a container instead of into your mouth, check out the Sawyer mini filter. It's also inexpensive and does a good job.
I would recommend that everyone bring a pair of gloves and get to the cables as early as possible - 10am at the latest - storms can come on in a matter of minutes
Great informational video on Half Dome! You pretty much nailed the trip on the head! Perfect description of what to expect, what to do and most importantly what NOT to do. Ive done the climb 3 times and going back next year! I subscribed to your channel. Great Job
want some unasked for advice? Go on a weekday. We left early in the morning (dark) an had the entire summit to ourselves . One other couple from Ga was there but they soon left. It was dark as we descended to the valley. Also bring a flashlight.
It's 15 miles, my legs were sore going down at Nevada Falls, and I was actually pushing the granite wall on the left to move me because I was so sore. Yep, I'd do it again.
Take a lifestraw and drink heavily at Vernal Falls. This will reduce the amount of water weight you have to carry. Almost all fatal falls on the cables happen in wet weather. And lightning strikes have happened on top. Just don't do it if the weather is marginal at all.
I'm amazed at the number of people that do this hike considering how strenuous it is. I did it once when I was younger and could never do it again. It's very hard on the knees.
aah, this is the not steep way to go up half-dome. if too many people on the track is your problem, go up the other way, with a harness, a climbing rope and climbing shoes (rope not mandatory, apparently :P ). far less people, much more fun. working on training for that this year, going to attempt a climb next September.
I'm not even overly scared of heights, but looking down those cables scares the shit out of me for some reason. I'm just imagining myself there, and I keep feeling my hands slip off. 🤤
If you are solitude this is not the hike for you. You will alway have someone in your view. However the view from the top is SPECTACULAR! Worth the crowds. Think of it as a pilgrimage.
Have Jeep Will Travel I think most of the high end climbers are city folk. I am from a small city and have climbed all over the world, climbed in Yosemite in 83, back in the day, if you want remote you have to go to places that are more difficult to get. Take care
You are now only allowed to climb half dome with a permit and for day hikers, it is 225 permits per day. There are also some passes for overnight hikers who's trail goes near half dome, but they have basicly limited the number of people to about 300 per day. It is still a far amount, but it is WAY less then it was before when it was a free for all.
There is a value in knowing your limits! I went on a hike with a group once and about 1/4 of the way up I decided that was as far as I was going, and took my time getting back down. Another person in the group, though she was in worse shape than I was, decided to keep going. She made it to the destination but it took the fire department 6 hours to get her back down.
I have hiked Half Dome 6 times. Spending the night up there was spectacular. The first time I hiked it, I was 19 and I did not bring enough water. I was so thirsty, that on the way down, I drank water from a natural stream. I knew that was not a good idea, but I was beginning to get dehydrated, and I had learned in the Boy Scouts that if you have to drink water in the wild, you drink from the foamiest part of the stream. Fortunately, I did not get sick. One of my friends who drank from the river on the same trip got Giardia Lamblia disease and suffered for years. I am 6' 1" and about 200 lbs, I sweat a lot, and so I need a lot of water. The next 5 times I hiked it, I brought a gallon and a half of water. I cannot stress how important it is to bring tons of water, or a water treatment system. I usually run into people who did not bring enough water, so bring some extra for the poor souls who don't know any better. I recommend comfortable, well broken in hiking boots. The last time, I brought hiking poles and that really saved my knees from being sore the next day. I would also recommend some gloves for the cables, and a good thermodynamic hat to keep your head cool as when you are on the rock stairs before the cables, you are totally exposed to the sun, and that can take a lot out of you. Otherwise, it is an awesome hike. I plan to do it again.
Grog's World I heard that now u need a permission to hike up half dome. Is that true? And also: is the hike doable in 1 day. Like early morning and arriving in the dark?
UrbanExplorer1000 i drank from water dripping out of the rocks in yosemite on my way down from yosemite falls. In my head i assumed that the rocks would filter it enough and i guess i got lucky cause that was 12 years ago and i never got sick from it
@@marcoqiu63 , You do need a permit to do the Half Dome hike. And they limit the number of people allowed. I did the hike over 40 years ago so I'm not familiar how you go about getting the permit. I thought I read somewhere that there is some kind of lottery. It is a doable hike in a day IF you are in VERY good shape and start very early in the morning. That's how I did it. Be sure to take plenty of water. Also be sure you have good quality hiking shoes or boots and have them broken in. You don't want blisters. As this video said, weather can be very quick to change so you should be prepared. And stay off the Dome if there is a thunderstorm anywhere near the area. You might want to also take a pair of leather gloves for the cables.
...its drink from faster ,not "foamiest",,,old rule. Not now, a drinking filter straw is so easy! No pumping. REI...A coworker got Giarda out of the Valley's Merced River in 70s, lost weight and sick for years. i only drank from Fern Springs in 70s and 80s jogging the 14mi loop in my great yellow open weave mesh Adidas they dont make any more, at 4000ft elevation. Would use a filter straw from REI nowadays!
Great presentation. I have done this hike twice. Sorry...... but many people who attempt this are in over their heads ....too out of shape/practice to do this full hike. Also, the way down is way more difficult and dangerous than the hike up!
@@MelbaToast7117 - I've rarely been to the East Coast. But I would think that there are some hard, steep parts of the Appalachian Trail within driving distance of you. Pick a 16-mile route and weigh yourself down, do that several times, and that should take care of the strength, cardio, and endurance. I don't know how to prepare for 8,500 feet elevation.
@@MelbaToast7117 I come from Europe with the Alps nearby and was a tour guide in the mountains years ago. It is quite easy: Try things you are able to do and what you are confident with. Do not overestimate your skills and if you don not have the condition doing this, simple don´t do it. Do things below your skills, even with experience if possible. So you have a buffer if things are changing and you can cope with the situation. Also inform yourself what equipment is useful and how the weather conditions will be at the day you try to climb on the mountain. Most mountain climber in the Alps are doing this before climbing a serious mountain. Only the Padawans do not have proper equipment, no information about the weather conditions, do not know how far they can go and overstimate their own skills and shape. This mountain in the movie is not too difficult for people climbing mountains from time to time and when they have experience. But it is something total different if you come from the east coast, never have climbed a mountain and thats why it is dangerous. So prepare yourself, inform yourself, get an experienced person with you if you feel not comfortable and you will be good. Your question is not curios, it is simple silly.
I just hiked this yesterday. I actually found descending the cables to be much easier than ascending. Ascending was hard work but descending by leaning forward, sliding both hands along the cables, and walking downhill quickly to the next board was easy.
Just did it in October with my husband at age 55. Craziest, riskiest thing I have ever done. 😜 We got the second to last day of the season. So glad we didn't have to contend with those crowds in your video. Wanted to celebrate at the top, but just kept thinking 'Crap! I gotta go back down now!' 😂
Maybe . . . or maybe not. The cables are on the least steep part of the incline. So it's likely that you'd fall away from the line . . . and no one will be able to stop you. Basically, if you fall HERE, you're dead.
Good video Andre. You need more emphasis on the dangers of hiking into thunderstorms. The injuries and deaths on HD are almost always weather related. It is best to hit the trail before sunrise and be off the cables early. You will avoid the crowds and the thunderstorms. You are right about water. I see so many people run out. People need to fill up at Little Yosemite Valley.
This story is related to two mountains on the Appalachian trail. I was standing next to a woman on Mt Washington and she said she and her husband had climbed Mt. Katahdin two days before. There was a forecast of afternoon storms and they went anyway. No injuries but scary. I do think based on what she told me there was a lack of wisdom.
Did the hike in 1989. Friend had to take my backpack halfway up. We were warned not to camp overnight, and did so anyway. During the night a storm came. Lightning started striking the top of Half Dome, so we crawled into an oblong space in the rocks and watched the storm pass. I think we slept in there or came out again at some point. Now we didn't know it at the time, and were told later, that there was steel rebar inside this "cave" and we were in danger of having a lightning strike jump into the cave with us....Next morning, we foolishly ate breakfast. Another storm threatened. I was last one down. About twenty minutes into it, a light drizzle began. At some point my hands started slipping on the cables. Thought it was going to be terminal but managed to make it despite an increase in precipitation. The advice on here is good. I went on this trip smoking a pack a day of Marlboro Lights and hadn't broken in my boots properly. Blood blisters on my feet and other two guys had to slow down for me to keep up. Fortunately I was very fit at that point in my life from working a physically demanding job 40 hours a week. Staying hydrated was very important. I recall coming across water several times after we left the valley. But at one of our stops we witnessed a couple letting their daughters crap right in a stream. Giardia is a concern but not the only one!
Anthony Spaltro Check out the book Shattered Air. 5 guys were huddled in your same rocks and got hit by lightning. Two died. One went into convulsions and went over the edge. It’s no joke. I’ve slept up top when it was legal in the old days. People had more mountain sense in those days. The last time we went up about 10 years ago the rangers held us up at the bottom of the cables about 9am. A helicopter swooped in and flew away with a body bag dangling from the cable. Body recovery from a lightning victim the day before. We knew storms were likely so were there early. Check the forecast!
You have to walk the razors edge once in your lifetime, take that chance. I am terrified of heights BUT I've done a military jump course and have parachuted from airplanes and helicopters. I didn't have to but I did. You have to step outside your safe zone to discover your limits.
Do not attempt this if you are not in good condition. I was a long distance runner and also worked out at the gym. I suggest not taking pre-teens. I hiked it back in the 80s. I left the valley floor at sunrise and got back after sunset. You are already at high altitude when you leave the valley floor and you are going to gain 4000 more feet. If I had know what was waiting for me at the cables I might not have gone. When I saw it I could not believe it. To be honest , If I had been alone I might not have gone up. But I met some other people on my solo hike and joined their group and I did not want to look like a scaredee-cat in front of them. The view was worth it and I got to see someone climbing up the face. So in 12 hours I hiked there and back ( about 16 miles?) gained 4000 feet going up, went up and down the cables. I compare it with running the 26 mile marathon I did once. I made the hike before I was 40. If you have put this on your bucket list and you are a senior....it is probably best not to go....seriously. I left my backpack at the base of the cables to go up. When I got back the ground critters had eaten holes in it to get at a snack I had inside....had to buy a new one back at the valley store. I think those critters have a racket going with the pack pack sales people to increase sales. In this video you can see the " saddle " that leads over to the base where the cables start. That alone is a bit scary especially when the wind is blowing. And that's before you even begin going up the cables.
hello from Ireland, excellent info, after hiking and taking on long distance trails over the passed 30 years,I have come across some very unprepared people. I have given water bottles away and patched up a few cuts and bruises. Good work on your info. Far too many people for my type of walking. On my last walk I saw no one, just and otter and gull having an argument by a lakeside that's my kind of world.
I've done this hike 3 times now. I've found its best to camp overnight at the Little Yosemite Valley and start from there. We actually did get stuck at the top of the dome during a lightning storm. Just remove all of your metal and pile it at the highest point and hunker down in the saddle portion of the dome. Wait it out and get down as quickly and as safely as possible.
+tara mcgrath No need to be nervous. You will be fine. It's absolutely gorgeous and the water levels are perfect. first timers should stick to the main valley and do beginner trails. Bring good hiking shoes that you've tested before hand to prevent blisters 😲 ouch. Bike riding and tubing are a must. Have fun
+Tara, I'm not sure that you'll see this comment before you leave for your trip but if you do here's a short list of some things that anyone should carry with them when hiking. 1, a basic first aid kit that has "mole skin" and "mole foam" in it for treating blisters. 2, a headlamp with spare batteries (using one of these frees both of your hands if you need to do any scrambling over rocks, and everywhere you look the light will shine) 3, a map of where you're going hiking and a compass (don't rely on a cellphone or GPS, both of these need a signal to work and in a narrow valley or ravine you may not be able to get one) 4, some kind of light weight rain gear (even if it doesn't rain, rain gear is also wind proof and can help to keep you warm) 5, something to start a fire with (this can be something as simple as a lighter stored in a z-loc bag to keep it dry, I recommend a flint and steel) 6, good foot wear suited for hiking (not sneakers, a rolled ankle can ruin a hike) 7, a camera (years from now you'll be able to relive this trip with your family and your friends)Take care, be careful, and enjoy yourself!
I hope everyone prepares for these hikes. I was in the boy scouts and Explorers. This hike was on our list, we seen more people that weren't prepared for this hike. If you are active in your day to day basis, you should start 2 months before taking this hike. I would recommend a week without a pack then slowly add more items in your pack. Happy hiking.
I've made that hike 3 times when I was younger. I'm glad I was able to challenge myself to make it to the top all three times. Every hike was done in a day starting and ending at Happy Isles. My last trip was by far the most painful with the descent destroying my knees and forcing me to choose the longer horse trail bypassing the Mist Trail on the way out. I was literally almost in tears at the end waiting for the tram to carry my weary body back to camp where I took a couple days recovery before I could move around. This hike is worth the attempt and I got lucky all 3 trips that the weather did not cause cancellation before reaching the summit. The views are unmatched and the memories permanent. Go when you're young and strong and go prepared to deal with adversity. Remember.....no view is worth risking your life for. "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn."
Yes!, read Muir in a gift shop book while in his 'cathedral'!! Most ppl do Not know about the ZIG ZAGS horse and hiker trail near the Mist Trail, which is so fun WET in rain gear or cheapo gift shop plastic poncho GOING UP! Downward, i always tell Seniors, "use those ZIG ZAGS to save your knees maybe." ;) The 1/4 Dome Ranger could remind ppl maybe.
I also did this hike in 1975. Very few people did the Half Dome hike in those days. Did it as a day hike. Started VERY early in the morning. I didn't have gloves. If fact I didn't really think about gloves but it sounds like a good idea. I've heard there is now a pile of gloves left at the base of the Dome for people to use. Don't leave your gloves thinking you are helping others. It creates a mess for the rangers. I was in my early 20s and in excellent condition when I did this hike. I had just come off a 2 week backpacking trip in the Sierras before going to Yosemite. A few days before, I hiked to the top of Mt. Whitney from Crabtree Lakes area with a full pack. Those days are long gone for me, I'm afraid. You should be in pretty good shape to do the Yosemite Half Dome hike and it's a full day hike. We ate our lunch on top of the Dome. We were lucky to have great weather. And we took plenty of water. The other thing was I had very good hiking boots with Vibram soles. They were heavy boots by today's standards but they provided good support for carrying a heavy backpack. The soles also had good gripping action to help in coming down from the dome. During that week in Yosemite we did day hikes out of Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls, as well as Half Dome. Those were the days!
Our scout troop hiked up at sunset and spent the night on top - twice. Nobody much on the cables at 5:00 p.m. or 8:30 in the morning going down. Fall is the best time to avoid thunderstorms.
I was 16 when I did this hike up half dome with tennis shoes and a canteen of water. I was in great shape, not hard for me at all. Looking at it now, OMG! I had no idea it was so steep!
Climbing half dome is a good analogy for what a day would be like if the SHTF in this country only more optimistic. The people that start that arduous climb at least believe they can do it. 85% of the people could not do it,and if they did,like myself, wouldn't do it again.
The trail was in significantly better condition when we climbed the North West face of Half Dome in 1981: My friend Dag & I carried backpacks with all our climbing gear, sleeping pads and bags and the rest of the stuff we needed to hike up to the last campsite near the bottom of the wire ladder. Even with our packs we walked and jogged past everyone else on the trail, I think we took about 4 hours to get up there. Next morning just before sunrise we scrambled down alongside the face to the start of the climb, then climbed as fast as we could to get up before the sun would hit the route. (The 24-pitch climb took us just over 6 hours). Going back down the wire ladder was easy, with no queues, just a few people going up or down at any point in time. I think we walked down on the outside of the wire to make it easier for the hikers clawing their way up. :-) Getting back down into the valley was just a couple of hours. :-)
then everyone clapped and you were held aloft and carried down the streets of yosemite and hailed the greatest climbers of your era, and lots of young nubile women showered you with kisses until you heard the distants words from your Mom " terje, Terje, TERJE ... its time to get up, WAKE UP TERJE"
@@rbtkng2438 Probably not very helpful except as an observation that the number of visitors/hikers do make an impact on the trails. You are probably correct in thinking I'm a bit too proud about that trip. OTOH, growing up in Norway do mean that we had gotten more or less daily experience in hiking/running in rough terrain, something most visitors to Yosemite probably grew up without. :-(
Sorry for such a late reply, grad school has me busy all the time. The time it takes to get to the cables is hugely variable on how fast a person hikes. I know folks who get to the cables in 2 hours and I know folks who get to the cables in 7. The important thing to know is that it is about 8 miles with an elevation gain of about 4500 ft. As reference, the worlds tallest building is 2,717 ft.
Great video. I just did the hike two days ago and asked questions to hikers I met along the way. Most, if not all, said the sub dome was harder than the cables. That gave me relief! But that wasn't my experience. I'm good on uphills and thought the sub dome wasn't that bad. I have a super huge fear of heights. The cable section was TERRIFYING for me...much more difficult than the sub dome.
Very nice documentary!! I hiked it once before and it is a pretty intense hike and that was when I was in my 20s and in good shape. It's worth the hike though once you get up there.
Excellent Half Dome instructional video. The new permit system has a certain irony to it. Some have attempted Half Dome in bad weather because their permit is for that day.
Great video. I met so many unprepared people on my hike to the top. People without enough water. I took along a carabiniere/webbing safety system to ensure that I wouldn't slip off of the cable walk way. Once you loose your footing and start sliding, it's easy to keep tumbling right over the edge. I wish more people would prepare themselves better when going on long hikes/climbs like this.
I found out at age 39 that I was afraid of heights, after never being so before. I got halfway up a fire watch tower on top of a mountain and my body just froze and went numb. I literally couldn't go on. Even getting down was tough. Apparently late onset fear of heights isn't super unusual. I can't imagine that happening to someone on half dome.
The cables themselves aren't too difficult, but after the distance and elevation gain to get there, you can be pretty tired. If you're in relatively good physical condition and accustomed to long day hikes, it's fine. My wife and I took our 13 month old son to the top (I was carrying 45 to 50lbs) and we did it in 13.5 hours round trip. Get an early start, bring plenty of water and, for added safety, use a climbing harness and clip into the cables (that's what we did). It's a great hike.
I ascended Half Dome for the 18th time this summer. The tips in this video are good. I've never seen another human on the cables when I climb, even recently, unless they are in my group. That's because we arrive at the cables at about 7:30 a.m., long before any day hikers can possibly get there. Not only are the cables clear, but the weather is, too, and you can make your way back down in the cool of the late morning even after spending a few hours at the top. The way to do this is to ...
People talk about the hordes of people. Yes there are hordes between 10 and 2, but at 7 in the morning there isn't. Get up at 2 AM and on the trail at 3 with a headlight. If you are a reasonably strong hiker, you'll be there long before the crowds and you will be able to be all alone on the summit of Half Dome in the early morning light. Of course coming down will be different....
heres from somebody that lives in California and has had two friends working at Yosemite for 2 years. Half Dome is no joke if you don't hike and you don't hike a lot and you're not in shape don't even think about it. there's so many people that died on Half Dome that don't even get in the news it's not even funny.
People deaths do not go unreported from half dome, and there has been ~60 deaths from the whole trail in history. Current times it is about 1 death per year.
xzeen69x I started with 80 ounces. All gone halfway up, felt like dying man in desert. The water fountain at bottom was like an oasis. I agree about hiking experience. Would recommend water filtration device. All that water going over falls but rangers recommend not drinking it unfiltered. Also good snug gloves for the cables.
Always makes me wonder what people are thinking when bringing so little water. It's not just dangerous, it's much less fun if you can't drink whenever you want.
My advice for this comment section is don't use this comment section for advice. I've backpacked/camped hiked a good 100 days in the Sierras over the past 4 years and for every good piece of information here there is something that is flat out wrong.
Im kinda fat and out of shape but I have a lot of money...do you think I could pay someone to carry me up? I weigh about 210 lbs. I would pay cash half at top and remainder once back on level ground.
The dangers posed to everyday tourists demonstrates the lack of concern, professionalism of the ParkService. The onus is on the individual who steps beyond signed limits at the falls or on trails, but this reflects the sheer stupidity of park administration.
thanks for sharing, l love Yosemite National, I try to go every year but things just gets in the way. trying for this year 2016 hopefully. like your videos
Don’t go unless you are sold on going to the top. You must me mentally sold on the top. If your not, you are putting your life and that if other on the line. Damn idiots crapping there pants 1/10 of the way up.
Just because there are cables and steps, still does not make it safe. It is treacherous, and one false step can mean death - it has happened numerous times. I've done this hike once, and if I ever attempted it again I would bring a simple climbing harness and clip on to the cable. Tight leather gloves are also recommended for the cables. The cables are polished smooth from years of wear, and are difficult to grip. I had cloth gardening gloves which still made the cable hard to grip. I did weight training for 20 years before doing Half Dome, so my grip was pretty strong, but climbing the cable blew my forearms out in no time. The Granite Staircase should also not be under-estimated. It is a brutal climb after 7 or 8 miles of hiking. For the trip down, be sure your knees are conditioned for stairs. The trail from the top of Nevada Falls to the bottom of the Mist Stairs is non-stop high-stepping (there is a flat portion after Vernal Falls). My knees were trashed by this trail, and I had to cancel a planned hike the next day because I could barely walk. Definitely take a water filter. Apart from the warnings - its an awesome hike , and well-worth the trouble.
I climbed to the top of Half Dome six separate times over a period of 18 years in my younger days, but the last time was 38 years ago.
What'd you think? tell us what it was like
I hope you are still aging gracefully, even if those days are behind you
….and???
@@fireballninja01 I don't know how a year has passed w/o me seeing this comment.
First thing I do when I get up, even before breakfast is go for one mile walk....and it's not flat ground.
I have a machine shop and am often working on some project. But, and I'd be the first to admit it, there is so much fascinating things to look at or read about on this computer, I do spend a lot of time doing that. Beats the hell out of watching ad-soaked TV.
@@icemancometh8679 First of all, it's over an eight mile hike, with a 5000' elevation gain, just to get to the base. The first time I did it, the cables looked pretty scary, but just had to concentrate on what I was doing. Once on top, there are several acres of relatively flat rock one can wander around on. Walking away from the cliff face, it is flat for a bit, but then gradually begins to steepen. Many people like to 'test' it a bit, and once I did too, but knew when it was far enough. Of course, I was previously told by a ranger.....Some '30 year old kid' had a new special pair of tennis shoes, was testing to see how far HE could go...well, he found out when he went too far and they didn't recover his body for two days. Wonder what was going through that guy's mind as he was sliding along the ever steepening rock and picking up speed? One could be realistic and say, "Strengthens the gene pool."
It typically takes about 12 hours of serious hiking over about 14 miles. Hard is fairly relative, for experienced mountaineers and hikers with excellent physical fitness it is a nice long hike. For inexperienced hikers who haven't been at altitude it can be extremely challenging day long hike.
I'm soloing HD this summer, Soloing meaning, None of my friends will do it with me
Great vid, thanks! It's on my bucket list. I remember once about 7 years ago being up at Glacier Point (which is across the valley from Half Dome) and looking at hikers through someone's telescope at the little outcropping ledge that pokes out at the very peak of Half Dome's face. I swear to Dog, I saw this one guy stand on that little outcrop and go up on one leg into a "flying airplane" pose(!!!) I near had a heart attack just watching that. If and when I ever make it up there, I'll be crawling up to that ledge on my stomach, maybe.
don't ever get close to the edge. Always keep a safe distance. You don't need to look down. It's unnecessary and dangerous.
@@alaamaoula2404 , Yes. An unexpected gust of wind can send you down in a hurry! It's no joke.
@@RicardoRoams Exactly! Thank you!
Thanks for this helpful vid. I'm gonna hike this route in mid-winter with the snow. I'll be using tennis racquets of course and will bring some energy bars. I will melt snow for water using a battery-operated kettle.
Thanks for this video. More people need to watch this. A lot of inexperienced hikers take the challenge. A good amount actually make it up, however, going down they have some difficulty and can be a danger to not just themselves but others.
I have done a lot of backpacking and rock climbing in my life, that said I am sure I could do it but would also be dead tired at the end, I think ScottMo Downey's suggestion of making it a two day trip is the way to go.
I slept on Halfdome back before this would be considered illegal... I was 14. With a couple of my older brothers friends... Used a rock as a pillow and slept in one of the rock stacked circles... ARE THOSE STILL THERE? saw a Marmount on top... The views from Halfdome are awesome. I highly recommend the hike. “ little Italy” the section just before the cables probably the most challenging part. The cables were not a big deal... the rush of being that close will carry you through. If your out of shape or terrified of heights it can be an issue.
...Besides the popular wet Mist Trail along the Merced River, there are 2 other 1/2 Dome approach options: the horse and hiker ZIG ZAGS from Happy isles, and the PANORAMA TRAIL FROM GLACIER POINT. Going up or downhill i recommend the easier ZIG ZAGS horse and hiker trail, as old people complain for years about all the down steps from Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls. If you meet a string of horses, stand STILL on the uphill not cliff side, horses spook easily and are much heavier and stronger than you! Poisonous rattlesnakes are rare compared to H.Hetchy, but look and listen for the rattle! Black bears are more active at night but in Spring come into the Valley to eat grass in the meadows, so STAY OUT OF THE MEADOWS IN SPRING! Stay on trails, wear a small bell, carry pepper spray, do Not ever approach bears! (There is a hospital in Yosemite Valley.) Highly recommend use water bladder and shoulder hose to sip water frequently from Valley free taps. Water bottles work best in cars. If you are a newbie or afraid of heights, go up the cables 10-20 yards, turn around, and see how descending face downhill feels. People do fall and die, tally a big secret!! At the top if Fear hits, descend backwards on the R side or rope up with a friend just ahead of you, 2 cheap swami belts(rock climbing harness is too $ and too complicated for this, put on wrong you can fall and Die) of 3 wraps tubular webbing, a front water knot with at least 6" tails, 2 biners on a 3-6 ft length of kernmantle REI rope(while there ,get a 6ft length of 9-11mm to practice knots like bowline, etc.)Many ppl do freeze-up on the way down...i walk in front so they can lean against my back. Suggest walking sticks at chest not waist length.;) "Happy trails..." as Roy Rogers sang on 50s tv show!
Just got back from here. Amazing 5 days in the wilderness exploring Yosemite. Half Dome was pretty scary if you're afraid of heights.
Need a permit to go up half dome?
True and yes.
im getting sweaty palms...
There's actually a small secret spring right off the trail about .5 miles from half dome
repoilify don't leave the trail. That just begs for trouble
ingibingi2000 or a good time
richard mcmorrow
Lifestraw is cheap and lightweight.
richard mcmorrow
Yes it's a passive filter. You stick one end in water and suck water from the other end like a straw. There's nothing mechanical to jam or break and it's very light. They cost about 15 bucks. I use it even on day hikes sometimes to avoid caring lots of water.
richard mcmorrow
Awesome. If you want a device that puts water into a container instead of into your mouth, check out the Sawyer mini filter. It's also inexpensive and does a good job.
I'll just watch it on UA-cam
I would recommend that everyone bring a pair of gloves and get to the cables as early as possible - 10am at the latest - storms can come on in a matter of minutes
Thanks for the info👍🏼
Great informational video on Half Dome! You pretty much nailed the trip on the head! Perfect description of what to expect, what to do and most importantly what NOT to do.
Ive done the climb 3 times and going back next year! I subscribed to your channel. Great Job
want some unasked for advice? Go on a weekday. We left early in the morning (dark) an had the entire summit to ourselves . One other couple from Ga was there but they soon left. It was dark as we descended to the valley. Also bring a flashlight.
Thanx for the great video, while we were not able to obtain a permit, your video makes me happy we didn't get it...that looks serious.
Don't think the Hike is a problem, but the Heights.
It's 15 miles, my legs were sore going down at Nevada Falls, and I was actually pushing the granite wall on the left to move me because I was so sore. Yep, I'd do it again.
Just won my lottery ticket for October 14, 2019. Can't wait.
How was it?
Take a lifestraw and drink heavily at Vernal Falls. This will reduce the amount of water weight you have to carry.
Almost all fatal falls on the cables happen in wet weather. And lightning strikes have happened on top. Just don't do it if the weather is marginal at all.
I'm amazed at the number of people that do this hike considering how strenuous it is. I did it once when I was younger and could never do it again. It's very hard on the knees.
Good points, thanks!
Are they attached to the cables?
I wanna climb half dome during a thunderstorm
thank you so much>! ive been dying to go w! but im only 15 and a bit chubyy!
MrMojo Samayee
You'll be fine. At 15 you can walk all day.
aah, this is the not steep way to go up half-dome. if too many people on the track is your problem, go up the other way, with a harness, a climbing rope and climbing shoes (rope not mandatory, apparently :P ). far less people, much more fun.
working on training for that this year, going to attempt a climb next September.
Why not also have a path of sections of cables going up where people can attach a saftey harness to like mountain climbers?
4:40 Hell no!
I'm not even overly scared of heights, but looking down those cables scares the shit out of me for some reason. I'm just imagining myself there, and I keep feeling my hands slip off. 🤤
@humanidt Well I patrolled the trail 4 days a week last summer. About half of all the hikers had tennis shoes.
I was trying for ever to figure out the song's name at 1:35. can some one please tell me the name? ;) nice video by the way
this sounds to be like Bucegi mountains in my country, where idiots go in sandals all year long giving work for rescue workers :))
That would be absolutely miserable with all of those people.
If you are solitude this is not the hike for you. You will alway have someone in your view. However the view from the top is SPECTACULAR! Worth the crowds. Think of it as a pilgrimage.
Greg Biffle Honestly not a ton of people make it to the end so that's not an issue, most people stop at Nevada falls.
Have Jeep Will Travel I think most of the high end climbers are city folk. I am from a small city and have climbed all over the world, climbed in Yosemite in 83, back in the day, if you want remote you have to go to places that are more difficult to get. Take care
You are now only allowed to climb half dome with a permit and for day hikers, it is 225 permits per day. There are also some passes for overnight hikers who's trail goes near half dome, but they have basicly limited the number of people to about 300 per day. It is still a far amount, but it is WAY less then it was before when it was a free for all.
Loathomar I've been 3 times and never had a permit, if you wait until towards the end of the day you're good.
There is a value in knowing your limits! I went on a hike with a group once and about 1/4 of the way up I decided that was as far as I was going, and took my time getting back down. Another person in the group, though she was in worse shape than I was, decided to keep going. She made it to the destination but it took the fire department 6 hours to get her back down.
You weak minded
The mind says hoe far the body will go...you putting limits to yourself so you won't better to yourself
Just lost my interest in climbing
What does this have in common with climbing?
@@SeraphinoII his interest?
Alex Honnold laughs at you!!~
Alex Honnold is so good he can climb a full dome at half dome.
Paul Kryder no shit why tf would he down climb
@Paul Kryder He did, and had to hike back barefoot!
Didn’t he do 12 practice rounds before soloing?
@Paul Kryder no, he just didn’t wear any
I have hiked Half Dome 6 times. Spending the night up there was spectacular. The first time I hiked it, I was 19 and I did not bring enough water. I was so thirsty, that on the way down, I drank water from a natural stream. I knew that was not a good idea, but I was beginning to get dehydrated, and I had learned in the Boy Scouts that if you have to drink water in the wild, you drink from the foamiest part of the stream. Fortunately, I did not get sick. One of my friends who drank from the river on the same trip got Giardia Lamblia disease and suffered for years. I am 6' 1" and about 200 lbs, I sweat a lot, and so I need a lot of water. The next 5 times I hiked it, I brought a gallon and a half of water. I cannot stress how important it is to bring tons of water, or a water treatment system. I usually run into people who did not bring enough water, so bring some extra for the poor souls who don't know any better. I recommend comfortable, well broken in hiking boots. The last time, I brought hiking poles and that really saved my knees from being sore the next day. I would also recommend some gloves for the cables, and a good thermodynamic hat to keep your head cool as when you are on the rock stairs before the cables, you are totally exposed to the sun, and that can take a lot out of you. Otherwise, it is an awesome hike. I plan to do it again.
Grog's World I heard that now u need a permission to hike up half dome. Is that true? And also: is the hike doable in 1 day. Like early morning and arriving in the dark?
UrbanExplorer1000 i drank from water dripping out of the rocks in yosemite on my way down from yosemite falls. In my head i assumed that the rocks would filter it enough and i guess i got lucky cause that was 12 years ago and i never got sick from it
@@marcoqiu63 , You do need a permit to do the Half Dome hike. And they limit the number of people allowed. I did the hike over 40 years ago so I'm not familiar how you go about getting the permit. I thought I read somewhere that there is some kind of lottery. It is a doable hike in a day IF you are in VERY good shape and start very early in the morning. That's how I did it. Be sure to take plenty of water. Also be sure you have good quality hiking shoes or boots and have them broken in. You don't want blisters. As this video said, weather can be very quick to change so you should be prepared. And stay off the Dome if there is a thunderstorm anywhere near the area. You might want to also take a pair of leather gloves for the cables.
...its drink from faster ,not "foamiest",,,old rule. Not now, a drinking filter straw is so easy! No pumping. REI...A coworker got Giarda out of the Valley's Merced River in 70s, lost weight and sick for years. i only drank from Fern Springs in 70s and 80s jogging the 14mi loop in my great yellow open weave mesh Adidas they dont make any more, at 4000ft elevation. Would use a filter straw from REI nowadays!
...rumor is...new Dept of interior Haaland is stopping Lottery and maybe Reservations next year, 2023.
Great presentation. I have done this hike twice. Sorry...... but many people who attempt this are in over their heads ....too out of shape/practice to do this full hike. Also, the way down is way more difficult and dangerous than the hike up!
Curious question-how would you recommend people who live at sea level (literally live on an island on east coast) train for this ?
@@MelbaToast7117 - I've rarely been to the East Coast. But I would think that there are some hard, steep parts of the Appalachian Trail within driving distance of you. Pick a 16-mile route and weigh yourself down, do that several times, and that should take care of the strength, cardio, and endurance. I don't know how to prepare for 8,500 feet elevation.
@@MelbaToast7117 I come from Europe with the Alps nearby and was a tour guide in the mountains years ago. It is quite easy: Try things you are able to do and what you are confident with. Do not overestimate your skills and if you don not have the condition doing this, simple don´t do it. Do things below your skills, even with experience if possible. So you have a buffer if things are changing and you can cope with the situation.
Also inform yourself what equipment is useful and how the weather conditions will be at the day you try to climb on the mountain. Most mountain climber in the Alps are doing this before climbing a serious mountain. Only the Padawans do not have proper equipment, no information about the weather conditions, do not know how far they can go and overstimate their own skills and shape.
This mountain in the movie is not too difficult for people climbing mountains from time to time and when they have experience. But it is something total different if you come from the east coast, never have climbed a mountain and thats why it is dangerous. So prepare yourself, inform yourself, get an experienced person with you if you feel not comfortable and you will be good. Your question is not curios, it is simple silly.
I just hiked this yesterday. I actually found descending the cables to be much easier than ascending. Ascending was hard work but descending by leaning forward, sliding both hands along the cables, and walking downhill quickly to the next board was easy.
On steep ascents/descents the way down is ALWAYS more difficult.
Just did it in October with my husband at age 55. Craziest, riskiest thing I have ever done. 😜 We got the second to last day of the season. So glad we didn't have to contend with those crowds in your video. Wanted to celebrate at the top, but just kept thinking 'Crap! I gotta go back down now!' 😂
I can erase that from my bucket list.
Yup, because who would want to do that, that would suck.
I just finally realized my problem...im scared of hieghts
So if at any time a hiker falls back during the ascent up the dome, everyone else behind that person is screwed?
They could very well be, unless they clip themselves to the cable with a rope. Very easy to do, and safest.
I've often thought of the domino effect a fall would have on everyone below. Terrifying thought.
Just step out of the way... And let the "show" begin!
Maybe . . . or maybe not. The cables are on the least steep part of the incline. So it's likely that you'd fall away from the line . . . and no one will be able to stop you. Basically, if you fall HERE, you're dead.
If a fat hiker falls, yes.
I would love to go but not with that conga line.
Anthony Garrett this has me dying lol I agree
Wait till you see the traffic to get I to the park
I'll just be sure to bring my set of maracas, lol.
Agree. If everyone can just leave I’ll actually enjoy it lol
@@MN-br5nb 😅😂😅😂
Good video Andre. You need more emphasis on the dangers of hiking into thunderstorms. The injuries and deaths on HD are almost always weather related. It is best to hit the trail before sunrise and be off the cables early. You will avoid the crowds and the thunderstorms. You are right about water. I see so many people run out. People need to fill up at Little Yosemite Valley.
Ape Man no kiddin someone died yesterday during a thunderstor.
@@jonathanmayo5747 dam I will be there in 2 weeks
This story is related to two mountains on the Appalachian trail. I was standing next to a woman on Mt Washington and she said she and her husband had climbed Mt. Katahdin two days before. There was a forecast of afternoon storms and they went anyway. No injuries but scary. I do think based on what she told me there was a lack of wisdom.
Did the hike in 1989. Friend had to take my backpack halfway up. We were warned not to camp overnight, and did so anyway. During the night a storm came. Lightning started striking the top of Half Dome, so we crawled into an oblong space in the rocks and watched the storm pass. I think we slept in there or came out again at some point. Now we didn't know it at the time, and were told later, that there was steel rebar inside this "cave" and we were in danger of having a lightning strike jump into the cave with us....Next morning, we foolishly ate breakfast. Another storm threatened. I was last one down. About twenty minutes into it, a light drizzle began. At some point my hands started slipping on the cables. Thought it was going to be terminal but managed to make it despite an increase in precipitation. The advice on here is good. I went on this trip smoking a pack a day of Marlboro Lights and hadn't broken in my boots properly. Blood blisters on my feet and other two guys had to slow down for me to keep up. Fortunately I was very fit at that point in my life from working a physically demanding job 40 hours a week. Staying hydrated was very important. I recall coming across water several times after we left the valley. But at one of our stops we witnessed a couple letting their daughters crap right in a stream. Giardia is a concern but not the only one!
Anthony Spaltro Check out the book Shattered Air. 5 guys were huddled in your same rocks and got hit by lightning. Two died. One went into convulsions and went over the edge. It’s no joke. I’ve slept up top when it was legal in the old days. People had more mountain sense in those days. The last time we went up about 10 years ago the rangers held us up at the bottom of the cables about 9am. A helicopter swooped in and flew away with a body bag dangling from the cable. Body recovery from a lightning victim the day before. We knew storms were likely so were there early. Check the forecast!
I know someone who’s worked there for three years and still hasn’t hiked it 😂😬
Beautiful.Majestic. Pictuesque. Awe inspiring, Grand.
And you're not getting me within a hundred miles of that death trap.
You have to walk the razors edge once in your lifetime, take that chance. I am terrified of heights BUT I've done a military jump course and have parachuted from airplanes and helicopters. I didn't have to but I did. You have to step outside your safe zone to discover your limits.
I hiked half dome on Wednesday and I'm still sore. Thighs and calves are still burning. I now have bragging rights.
Your comment says it all really. It really does. Same goes for the saddos giving you a thumbs up for that.
Are your legs still sore 7 years later?
@@oddities-whatnot Even sadder is you replying to a comment made 7 years ago. I'm okay with a year or two but 7?
@@carlgustav945 what difference does it make? The point still stands
@@Hyperfoxeye still sore after he hiked Everest, for bragging rights
Do not attempt this if you are not in good condition. I was a long
distance runner and also worked out at the gym. I suggest not taking
pre-teens. I hiked it back in the 80s.
I left the valley floor at sunrise and got back after sunset. You are
already at high altitude when you leave the valley floor and you are
going to gain 4000 more feet. If I had know what was waiting for me at
the cables I might not have gone. When I saw it I could not believe it.
To be honest , If I had been alone I might not have gone up. But I met
some other people on my solo hike and joined their group and I did not
want to look like a scaredee-cat in front of them. The view was worth it
and I got to see someone climbing up the face.
So in 12 hours I hiked there and back ( about 16 miles?) gained 4000
feet going up, went up and down the cables. I compare it with running
the 26 mile marathon I did once. I made the hike before I was 40. If you have put this on your bucket list and you are a senior....it is probably best not to go....seriously.
I left my backpack at the base of the cables to go up. When I got back
the ground critters had eaten holes in it to get at a snack I had
inside....had to buy a new one back at the valley store. I think those
critters have a racket going with the pack pack sales people to increase
sales.
In this video you can see the " saddle " that leads over to the base where the cables start.
That alone is a bit scary especially when the wind is blowing. And that's before you even begin going up the cables.
hello from Ireland, excellent info, after hiking and taking on long distance trails over the passed 30 years,I have come across some very unprepared people. I have given water bottles away and patched up a few cuts and bruises. Good work on your info. Far too many people for my type of walking. On my last walk I saw no one, just and otter and gull having an argument by a lakeside that's my kind of world.
I've done this hike 3 times now. I've found its best to camp overnight at the Little Yosemite Valley and start from there. We actually did get stuck at the top of the dome during a lightning storm. Just remove all of your metal and pile it at the highest point and hunker down in the saddle portion of the dome. Wait it out and get down as quickly and as safely as possible.
im going to be hiking next summer, I'm 14 and I'm pretty nervous. Any advice on how to get ready for this??
+tara mcgrath No need to be nervous. You will be fine. It's absolutely gorgeous and the water levels are perfect. first timers should stick to the main valley and do beginner trails. Bring good hiking shoes that you've tested before hand to prevent blisters 😲 ouch. Bike riding and tubing are a must. Have fun
+Tara, I'm not sure that you'll see this comment before you leave for your trip but if you do here's a short list of some things that anyone should carry with them when hiking. 1, a basic first aid kit that has "mole skin" and "mole foam" in it for treating blisters. 2, a headlamp with spare batteries (using one of these frees both of your hands if you need to do any scrambling over rocks, and everywhere you look the light will shine) 3, a map of where you're going hiking and a compass (don't rely on a cellphone or GPS, both of these need a signal to work and in a narrow valley or ravine you may not be able to get one) 4, some kind of light weight rain gear (even if it doesn't rain, rain gear is also wind proof and can help to keep you warm) 5, something to start a fire with (this can be something as simple as a lighter stored in a z-loc bag to keep it dry, I recommend a flint and steel) 6, good foot wear suited for hiking (not sneakers, a rolled ankle can ruin a hike) 7, a camera (years from now you'll be able to relive this trip with your family and your friends)Take care, be careful, and enjoy yourself!
You do realize that removing any metal your wearing isn't going to prevent you from getting hit by lightning don't you ?
I had the same thing happen to me.
I hope everyone prepares for these hikes. I was in the boy scouts and Explorers. This hike was on our list, we seen more people that weren't prepared for this hike. If you are active in your day to day basis, you should start 2 months before taking this hike. I would recommend a week without a pack then slowly add more items in your pack. Happy hiking.
so if you're out of shape, dont do this hike. if you're a doof, dont do this hike. pretty simple.
I hiked it before and next day I was very sore I couldn't walk right
That condition is called the "Magaronis" Long story.
I've made that hike 3 times when I was younger. I'm glad I was able to challenge myself to make it to the top all three times. Every hike was done in a day starting and ending at Happy Isles. My last trip was by far the most painful with the descent destroying my knees and forcing me to choose the longer horse trail bypassing the Mist Trail on the way out. I was literally almost in tears at the end waiting for the tram to carry my weary body back to camp where I took a couple days recovery before I could move around. This hike is worth the attempt and I got lucky all 3 trips that the weather did not cause cancellation before reaching the summit. The views are unmatched and the memories permanent. Go when you're young and strong and go prepared to deal with adversity. Remember.....no view is worth risking your life for. "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn."
Yes!, read Muir in a gift shop book while in his 'cathedral'!! Most ppl do Not know about the ZIG ZAGS horse and hiker trail near the Mist Trail, which is so fun WET in rain gear or cheapo gift shop plastic poncho GOING UP! Downward, i always tell Seniors, "use those ZIG ZAGS to save your knees maybe." ;) The 1/4 Dome Ranger could remind ppl maybe.
was not crowded in 1975... but we stay at bottom and had our lunch..that was good enough for us..Like hiking with trees around any way
Lucky bum. All the rest of us were born 10,20, or 30 years too late.
I also did this hike in 1975. Very few people did the Half Dome hike in those days. Did it as a day hike. Started VERY early in the morning. I didn't have gloves. If fact I didn't really think about gloves but it sounds like a good idea. I've heard there is now a pile of gloves left at the base of the Dome for people to use. Don't leave your gloves thinking you are helping others. It creates a mess for the rangers. I was in my early 20s and in excellent condition when I did this hike. I had just come off a 2 week backpacking trip in the Sierras before going to Yosemite. A few days before, I hiked to the top of Mt. Whitney from Crabtree Lakes area with a full pack. Those days are long gone for me, I'm afraid. You should be in pretty good shape to do the Yosemite Half Dome hike and it's a full day hike. We ate our lunch on top of the Dome. We were lucky to have great weather. And we took plenty of water. The other thing was I had very good hiking boots with Vibram soles. They were heavy boots by today's standards but they provided good support for carrying a heavy backpack. The soles also had good gripping action to help in coming down from the dome. During that week in Yosemite we did day hikes out of Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls, as well as Half Dome. Those were the days!
This hike was brutal but such an awesome experience. I cant wait to go back.
An interesting warning from the ethereal nome ghost of the woodland realm.
+Will Terry "gnome" :P
Our scout troop hiked up at sunset and spent the night on top - twice. Nobody much on the cables at 5:00 p.m. or 8:30 in the morning going down. Fall is the best time to avoid thunderstorms.
+W Lewis That was a long time ago right?
Yes - 1985. You cannot sleep on top anymore...
Fall in the Sierra is thunderstorm season. Where were you?
Just an average day for Colorado hikers.
I was 16 when I did this hike up half dome with tennis shoes and a canteen of water. I was in great shape, not hard for me at all. Looking at it now, OMG! I had no idea it was so steep!
Absolute rubbish.
Kind of defeats the purpose of going on a hike when the population density on the trail is higher than the city you came from.
Thats how angels landing was in Zion as well.
Limited to 300 per day now and by permit (by lottery) only.
Mount Everest has the same problem except much worse.
Climbing half dome is a good analogy for what a day would be like if the SHTF in this country only more optimistic. The people that start that arduous climb at least believe they can do it. 85% of the people could not do it,and if they did,like myself, wouldn't do it again.
Good Comment...
Yeah I’m tapping out from my recliner over here! 😕
A hiker lost his life here earlier this week 5/21/2018. They said this was the first death at Half Dome since 2010, the year this video was uploaded.
Thanks for the heads up. More of a challenge than I want.
The trail was in significantly better condition when we climbed the North West face of Half Dome in 1981: My friend Dag & I carried backpacks with all our climbing gear, sleeping pads and bags and the rest of the stuff we needed to hike up to the last campsite near the bottom of the wire ladder. Even with our packs we walked and jogged past everyone else on the trail, I think we took about 4 hours to get up there.
Next morning just before sunrise we scrambled down alongside the face to the start of the climb, then climbed as fast as we could to get up before the sun would hit the route. (The 24-pitch climb took us just over 6 hours).
Going back down the wire ladder was easy, with no queues, just a few people going up or down at any point in time. I think we walked down on the outside of the wire to make it easier for the hikers clawing their way up. :-)
Getting back down into the valley was just a couple of hours. :-)
then everyone clapped and you were held aloft and carried down the streets of yosemite and hailed the greatest climbers of your era, and lots of young nubile women showered you with kisses until you heard the distants words from your Mom " terje, Terje, TERJE ... its time to get up, WAKE UP TERJE"
And this comment was helpful in what way other than bragging?
@@rbtkng2438 Probably not very helpful except as an observation that the number of visitors/hikers do make an impact on the trails. You are probably correct in thinking I'm a bit too proud about that trip. OTOH, growing up in Norway do mean that we had gotten more or less daily experience in hiking/running in rough terrain, something most visitors to Yosemite probably grew up without. :-(
Sorry for such a late reply, grad school has me busy all the time.
The time it takes to get to the cables is hugely variable on how fast a person hikes. I know folks who get to the cables in 2 hours and I know folks who get to the cables in 7. The important thing to know is that it is about 8 miles with an elevation gain of about 4500 ft. As reference, the worlds tallest building is 2,717 ft.
Great video. I just did the hike two days ago and asked questions to hikers I met along the way. Most, if not all, said the sub dome was harder than the cables. That gave me relief! But that wasn't my experience. I'm good on uphills and thought the sub dome wasn't that bad. I have a super huge fear of heights. The cable section was TERRIFYING for me...much more difficult than the sub dome.
And your pictures showed some guy standing outside the cables. Death wish?
They have since limited the number of hikers by requiring a permit.
Very nice documentary!! I hiked it once before and it is a pretty intense hike and that was when I was in my 20s and in good shape. It's worth the hike though once you get up there.
Excellent Half Dome instructional video. The new permit system has a certain irony to it. Some have attempted Half Dome in bad weather because their permit is for that day.
Excellent presentation and need advise. Wish viewing your vid was mandatory for people climbing Half Dome.
Great video. I met so many unprepared people on my hike to the top. People without enough water. I took along a carabiniere/webbing safety system to ensure that I wouldn't slip off of the cable walk way. Once you loose your footing and start sliding, it's easy to keep tumbling right over the edge. I wish more people would prepare themselves better when going on long hikes/climbs like this.
There are no more days of 600 people on the cables. They now only issue 350 permits per day. 225 for day hikes, 75 overnight hikers, 50 daily lottery.
I found out at age 39 that I was afraid of heights, after never being so before. I got halfway up a fire watch tower on top of a mountain and my body just froze and went numb. I literally couldn't go on. Even getting down was tough. Apparently late onset fear of heights isn't super unusual. I can't imagine that happening to someone on half dome.
The cables themselves aren't too difficult, but after the distance and elevation gain to get there, you can be pretty tired. If you're in relatively good physical condition and accustomed to long day hikes, it's fine. My wife and I took our 13 month old son to the top (I was carrying 45 to 50lbs) and we did it in 13.5 hours round trip. Get an early start, bring plenty of water and, for added safety, use a climbing harness and clip into the cables (that's what we did). It's a great hike.
Seems like if someone falls they could take out a bunch of others on the way down like bowling pins.
I ascended Half Dome for the 18th time this summer. The tips in this video are good. I've never seen another human on the cables when I climb, even recently, unless they are in my group. That's because we arrive at the cables at about 7:30 a.m., long before any day hikers can possibly get there. Not only are the cables clear, but the weather is, too, and you can make your way back down in the cool of the late morning even after spending a few hours at the top. The way to do this is to ...
Hiking in the dark, newbies!?
This hike was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. It was very hard but so rewarding!
People talk about the hordes of people. Yes there are hordes between 10 and 2, but at 7 in the morning there isn't. Get up at 2 AM and on the trail at 3 with a headlight. If you are a reasonably strong hiker, you'll be there long before the crowds and you will be able to be all alone on the summit of Half Dome in the early morning light. Of course coming down will be different....
heres from somebody that lives in California and has had two friends working at Yosemite for 2 years. Half Dome is no joke if you don't hike and you don't hike a lot and you're not in shape don't even think about it. there's so many people that died on Half Dome that don't even get in the news it's not even funny.
People deaths do not go unreported from half dome, and there has been ~60 deaths from the whole trail in history. Current times it is about 1 death per year.
i did this with 32 ounces of water... i almost died lol. greatest hiking experience ever.
xzeen69x I started with 80 ounces. All gone halfway up, felt like dying man in desert. The water fountain at bottom was like an oasis. I agree about hiking experience.
Would recommend water filtration device. All that water going over falls but rangers recommend not drinking it unfiltered. Also good snug gloves for the cables.
It woulda been smarter to drink river water than risk dehydrating and having heat stroke. Gotta weigh risks.
Clearly you have never been there.
Just bring some permanganate
Always makes me wonder what people are thinking when bringing so little water.
It's not just dangerous, it's much less fun if you can't drink whenever you want.
My advice for this comment section is don't use this comment section for advice. I've backpacked/camped hiked a good 100 days in the Sierras over the past 4 years and for every good piece of information here there is something that is flat out wrong.
Im kinda fat and out of shape but I have a lot of money...do you think I could pay someone to carry me up? I weigh about 210 lbs. I would pay cash half at top and remainder once back on level ground.
The dangers posed to everyday tourists demonstrates the lack of concern, professionalism of the ParkService.
The onus is on the individual who steps beyond signed limits at the falls or on trails, but this reflects the sheer stupidity of park administration.
I feel exhausted just watching the video. A beautiful trail and climb, but at my advancing years, not one I will be doing.
thanks for sharing, l love Yosemite National, I try to go every year but things just gets in the way. trying for this year 2016 hopefully. like your videos
Don’t go unless you are sold on going to the top. You must me mentally sold on the top. If your not, you are putting your life and that if other on the line. Damn idiots crapping there pants 1/10 of the way up.
I've got bad knees. Going up I would be ok. Going down? Nope. Couldn't do it. Should have done it when I was younger.
I wonder if they'll let me put up an lemonade stand halfway....I'd make a fortune!!
I'll pass. Flatland North Dakota isn't so bad, afterall! I got sweaty palms just looking at that!😰
Looks like a Via ferrata at those cables for going down and a whole lot safe to climb it than take that crazy tourist trail.
In my opinion, must to be remove all this crup, if you want go on top you must climb and know how to do..no way
I don’t get the 5.5 mile estimate on the map. We were closer to 20 round trip.
Literally F that!! All for a picture or to tell people that you were there. go risk your life on a stupid hike
Just because there are cables and steps, still does not make it safe. It is treacherous, and one false step can mean death - it has happened numerous times. I've done this hike once, and if I ever attempted it again I would bring a simple climbing harness and clip on to the cable. Tight leather gloves are also recommended for the cables. The cables are polished smooth from years of wear, and are difficult to grip. I had cloth gardening gloves which still made the cable hard to grip. I did weight training for 20 years before doing Half Dome, so my grip was pretty strong, but climbing the cable blew my forearms out in no time. The Granite Staircase should also not be under-estimated. It is a brutal climb after 7 or 8 miles of hiking. For the trip down, be sure your knees are conditioned for stairs. The trail from the top of Nevada Falls to the bottom of the Mist Stairs is non-stop high-stepping (there is a flat portion after Vernal Falls). My knees were trashed by this trail, and I had to cancel a planned hike the next day because I could barely walk. Definitely take a water filter.
Apart from the warnings - its an awesome hike , and well-worth the trouble.
🛑 ✋ stop smacking
that fucking trail was more crowded than disneyland i would leave on an early hike.