bctahoe75 - Sep 4, 2013 10:29 am Date Climbed: Sep 15, 2005
Half Dome Nirvana
This was my 8th hike to the top of Half Dome from Curry Village. The first time was when I was a kid back in September, 1969. The older I get the more I love this hike. It is challenging for sure and it can take up to 8 hours to get to the top. This trip was with a group of AT&T employees and a couple of friends from Placerville. I reached the top quickly in about 3.5 hours, but the slowest in our group took nearly 6 hours. That was fine with me....there are worse places to lounge around than the top of Half Dome!!! Now in 2013, there is a lottery system (since 2009?) for using the cables and climbing the last section. All good things seem to only last so long before they become subject to rules and regulations. So glad I had the chance to do this hike back when and before the lottery!! I have always started this hike at first light in order to be one of the first people up on top and to avoid people and crowds, and it has always worked. After lingering for a few hours on top and heading down, I have experienced the late risers coming up the cables in what seems to be an unending line. No fun....but....what the heck at least these people are making the effort and I applaud them for trying! This hike rates as one of my favorite of all time, and one that everyone should do in their lifetime. A native Californian, I have hiked all over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I love the Rockies and the western U.S. States, the Alps are stunning, but nothing compares to Yosemite in my opinion. It is and always will be one of the natural wonders on earth. Avoid the very busy summer months in particular July and August (weekends are just stupid). Go in May or early June, or mid September into October for hiking. Winter is a whole different experience and with a blanket of snow even more beautiful. The cables usually come down in late October...so the top for hikers really isn't an option after this. Enjoy!!
AceSierra - Aug 8, 2013 10:42 am Date Climbed: Sep 21, 2007
To say I did it
Cable/throngs route. Was able to check this one off before they instituted the permit (new-opportunity-for-scammers) system, yay!
craig512 - Aug 2, 2013 12:36 am Date Climbed: Sep 21, 1989
Brilliant climb
I first climbed the cables when I was 7 years old! I can't imagine taking my 7 year old daughter up now though. Planning on Snake Dike in the next month or so.
Half Dome was my first real mountain, at age 11. It's probably the coolest hike I've ever been on. Half Dome taught me to love the mountains and I can see why it's so popular.
Left the valley at 10 PM under a full moon, climbed the cables in the dark and watched the sunrise from the summit. One of my most memorable hikes. Descended the same route via the mist trail, reached the car around 10 AM and had a brutal drive back to Southern California that day. Wonderful trip.
Larry Laverty - Mar 28, 2013 6:09 pm Date Climbed: Jun 20, 2011
Summit via The Cables
First enjoyed this adventure as a kid, back in the early 1970's. Have returned to the top over 10 times. But don't know what to think of it all now. Take a number? Reflecting on the last trip, I wonder about the grossly overweight fellow who'd taken all day to get to the base of the cables, only to turn around. When we came upon him at sunset, he and his buddy were in dire straits. He was slumped over a rock with more than 7 miles to go til the valley, having had a heart attack. Or, or, I wonder about the elegant woman I met on her way to the top in high heels, spiked high heels. She'd made it over half way up the Mist Trail and was kicking herself for not packing her tennis shoes.
fagin - Mar 24, 2013 8:47 am Date Climbed: Aug 7, 2007
Cables route
Did the main route from the bottom of the valley. Loong way up and down. Shoulda taken more water. Cables were rammo, in fact most of the route was. Nearly lost my lunch on summit when someone dropped their water bottle off the edge and I saw it just tumbling away into the void. Still, good stuff.
I am not sure of the exact date, but it was the summer of 1999. I stayed outside of the park at Tenaya Lodge. I was there for a week and thought this hike would be a challenge. This was my first Sierra Summit, and something new for me. I wore some flimsy running shoes that gave way on the way down; luckily I had a second pair in my pack, realizing the first pair was not real sturdy. Started from Tenaya Resort early, drove an hour, found a parking spot, did the day hike on a warm day (luckily for me, as I only had a short sleeve shirt and shorts). Took 7 quarts water and drank it all. It was special. My first, on somewhat of a lark. Good thing the weather was good and everything worked out fine, because I was not well prepared, and I was happy to find the store in Yosemite open when I returned, so I could get some food and drink. The return drive was not so fun. I slept well that night.
2009 - solo(?). My experience is why the have instituted a lottery day-hike permit system. The trail was like a conveyor belt. It was rather fun watching tourists freaking out on the cables.
Don't let people try to scare you about the rails--it's not that big of a deal. The view is well-worth it!
orbitor - Jan 28, 2013 5:03 pm Date Climbed: Oct 6, 2012
From JMT via the Cables
Second time on top, again at the beginning of October, right before the cables go down. Weather held and no crowds at all. Seems hard to say it, but Half Dome can be enjoyed if the timing of the hike is right. Cables were exhilarating as always.
slychels04 - Jan 1, 2013 10:56 am Date Climbed: Aug 23, 2010
Standard Hiking Route Via Cables
Hiking to the top of Half Dome was an amazing day trip. I did not realize what i was getting into when i started on the trail early that morning. The cable climb was a lot more challenging than I was led to believe by my friends. I would bring along better gloves if I were attempting this again. Although it was a weekday it was very crowded and some people were quite rude pushing their way past others. I noticed that many people attempt this unprepared bringing along nothing but a water bottle!
Fairweather - Oct 27, 2012 11:25 am Date Climbed: Aug 18, 2012
Snake Dike
Fairly exhausting day from Upper Pines Campground. Took the longer approach through Little Yosemite. Climbed with Todd, 25 years to the month after climbing it with Suzi.
Also 4 times up the trail - with John & others.
bctahoe75 - Sep 4, 2013 10:29 am Date Climbed: Sep 15, 2005
Half Dome NirvanaThis was my 8th hike to the top of Half Dome from Curry Village. The first time was when I was a kid back in September, 1969. The older I get the more I love this hike. It is challenging for sure and it can take up to 8 hours to get to the top. This trip was with a group of AT&T employees and a couple of friends from Placerville. I reached the top quickly in about 3.5 hours, but the slowest in our group took nearly 6 hours. That was fine with me....there are worse places to lounge around than the top of Half Dome!!! Now in 2013, there is a lottery system (since 2009?) for using the cables and climbing the last section. All good things seem to only last so long before they become subject to rules and regulations. So glad I had the chance to do this hike back when and before the lottery!! I have always started this hike at first light in order to be one of the first people up on top and to avoid people and crowds, and it has always worked. After lingering for a few hours on top and heading down, I have experienced the late risers coming up the cables in what seems to be an unending line. No fun....but....what the heck at least these people are making the effort and I applaud them for trying! This hike rates as one of my favorite of all time, and one that everyone should do in their lifetime. A native Californian, I have hiked all over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I love the Rockies and the western U.S. States, the Alps are stunning, but nothing compares to Yosemite in my opinion. It is and always will be one of the natural wonders on earth. Avoid the very busy summer months in particular July and August (weekends are just stupid). Go in May or early June, or mid September into October for hiking. Winter is a whole different experience and with a blanket of snow even more beautiful. The cables usually come down in late October...so the top for hikers really isn't an option after this. Enjoy!!
AceSierra - Aug 8, 2013 10:42 am Date Climbed: Sep 21, 2007
To say I did itCable/throngs route. Was able to check this one off before they instituted the permit (new-opportunity-for-scammers) system, yay!
craig512 - Aug 2, 2013 12:36 am Date Climbed: Sep 21, 1989
Brilliant climbI first climbed the cables when I was 7 years old! I can't imagine taking my 7 year old daughter up now though. Planning on Snake Dike in the next month or so.
pBerg - Jul 2, 2013 6:42 pm Date Climbed: Sep 11, 2011
MT/JMT from Curry VillageNice weather headed up. Then at 1pm the rain started. Thunderstorms drenched us the whole way back.
JRaphaelson - Jun 21, 2013 7:21 pm Date Climbed: Jun 20, 2013
Route: JMT to CablesAwesome hike that was easier than expected given its reputation.
ephilli2 - Jun 19, 2013 10:41 am Date Climbed: May 28, 2013
CablesCables route. Perfect weather, unique route. Great views!
youngclimer123 - Apr 28, 2013 12:31 pm Date Climbed: Sep 4, 2012
been there done thatgreat trip!great weather!however the water falls werent flowin to good
IndreKutkaite - Apr 24, 2013 1:17 pm Date Climbed: Jul 27, 2012
Half Dome - Slabs RouteHalf Dome - Slabs Route
Saluki72 - Apr 18, 2013 7:56 pm
CheckEverybody's gotta do this hike at least once
OwenT - Apr 7, 2013 9:02 pm
yesTenaya lake-Cloud's Rest-Half Dome
eliotjg - Apr 5, 2013 12:54 am
A Coming of AgeHalf Dome was my first real mountain, at age 11. It's probably the coolest hike I've ever been on. Half Dome taught me to love the mountains and I can see why it's so popular.
wildernesspreston - Apr 4, 2013 9:08 pm Date Climbed: Jul 18, 2010
main route via cablesLeft the valley at 10 PM under a full moon, climbed the cables in the dark and watched the sunrise from the summit. One of my most memorable hikes. Descended the same route via the mist trail, reached the car around 10 AM and had a brutal drive back to Southern California that day. Wonderful trip.
Larry Laverty - Mar 28, 2013 6:09 pm Date Climbed: Jun 20, 2011
Summit via The CablesFirst enjoyed this adventure as a kid, back in the early 1970's. Have returned to the top over 10 times. But don't know what to think of it all now. Take a number? Reflecting on the last trip, I wonder about the grossly overweight fellow who'd taken all day to get to the base of the cables, only to turn around. When we came upon him at sunset, he and his buddy were in dire straits. He was slumped over a rock with more than 7 miles to go til the valley, having had a heart attack. Or, or, I wonder about the elegant woman I met on her way to the top in high heels, spiked high heels. She'd made it over half way up the Mist Trail and was kicking herself for not packing her tennis shoes.
fagin - Mar 24, 2013 8:47 am Date Climbed: Aug 7, 2007
Cables routeDid the main route from the bottom of the valley. Loong way up and down. Shoulda taken more water. Cables were rammo, in fact most of the route was. Nearly lost my lunch on summit when someone dropped their water bottle off the edge and I saw it just tumbling away into the void. Still, good stuff.
royanderson - Mar 11, 2013 11:27 pm
Day Hike from ValleyI am not sure of the exact date, but it was the summer of 1999. I stayed outside of the park at Tenaya Lodge. I was there for a week and thought this hike would be a challenge. This was my first Sierra Summit, and something new for me. I wore some flimsy running shoes that gave way on the way down; luckily I had a second pair in my pack, realizing the first pair was not real sturdy. Started from Tenaya Resort early, drove an hour, found a parking spot, did the day hike on a warm day (luckily for me, as I only had a short sleeve shirt and shorts). Took 7 quarts water and drank it all. It was special. My first, on somewhat of a lark. Good thing the weather was good and everything worked out fine, because I was not well prepared, and I was happy to find the store in Yosemite open when I returned, so I could get some food and drink. The return drive was not so fun. I slept well that night.
ManyGlacierMountaineer - Feb 24, 2013 10:47 pm
Hlaf Dome by Hike2009 - solo(?). My experience is why the have instituted a lottery day-hike permit system. The trail was like a conveyor belt. It was rather fun watching tourists freaking out on the cables.
mebo1126 - Feb 17, 2013 5:38 pm
Not a big dealDon't let people try to scare you about the rails--it's not that big of a deal. The view is well-worth it!
orbitor - Jan 28, 2013 5:03 pm Date Climbed: Oct 6, 2012
From JMT via the CablesSecond time on top, again at the beginning of October, right before the cables go down. Weather held and no crowds at all. Seems hard to say it, but Half Dome can be enjoyed if the timing of the hike is right. Cables were exhilarating as always.
slychels04 - Jan 1, 2013 10:56 am Date Climbed: Aug 23, 2010
Standard Hiking Route Via CablesHiking to the top of Half Dome was an amazing day trip. I did not realize what i was getting into when i started on the trail early that morning. The cable climb was a lot more challenging than I was led to believe by my friends. I would bring along better gloves if I were attempting this again. Although it was a weekday it was very crowded and some people were quite rude pushing their way past others. I noticed that many people attempt this unprepared bringing along nothing but a water bottle!
Fairweather - Oct 27, 2012 11:25 am Date Climbed: Aug 18, 2012
Snake DikeFairly exhausting day from Upper Pines Campground. Took the longer approach through Little Yosemite. Climbed with Todd, 25 years to the month after climbing it with Suzi.
Also 4 times up the trail - with John & others.