Finding America: Half Dome Cables
Permit in hand- same day. Unbelievably lucky. Fortunately I was ready to go that afternoon.
Fantastic resource for hiking the Half Dome Cables: She Dreams of Alpine
Prep
After my time in the Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park, I was thinking of returning to Yosemite after a fantastic trip many years ago with my friend Gretchen. When I researching the hikes in the park I came across the Cable route, which I had seen countless videos and remember climbing stories regarding the North Face fo Half Dome. They idea stuck. More research while waiting for a new refridgerator from Canada to arrive to my temporary home area in Visalia, CA. Which consisted mostly of parking lots in the shade during the day and crashing in the nearby Walmart parking lot, that came to an abrupt end one morning about 4am. My first knock on the door. I guess I was really wearing out my welcome anyway.
Refridgerator arrived finally and after I got it in and in place, up and running, I headed north. First to pick up a new pair of hiking shoes (half size up) from an Amazon locker. After a comfortable and quiet night boondocking at a Casino along the way, I headed to Yosemite, leaving around 4 am to get into the park before 6am (only way in without reservations).
Permit questions
I wasn’t entirely sure of the wilderness permit process to camp and ascend the cables, but arriving just before the permit office opened, I was hoping I’d at least get more information. Amazingly, I not only got a permit to go that day but they suggested a 2 night camping permit as well.
I was fairly ready with my backpacking gear, however, because of regulations in the park, I had to remove food from the van while it was parked and put it into a bear food locker. That was close to 2 hours taking out and packing the van supplies and stowing it away.
I would highly recommend using gloves on the cables. Home Depot special. They worked great!
on trail
After packing up my backpack for the 2 nights, 3 days (pack weight with everything about 22.5 lbs.), I was on my way for a steep 4.5+- climbing past 2 amazing waterfalls to Little Yosemite Campground, about halfway to Half Dome.
Vernal Fall
Vernal Fall
Nevada Fall
Accidental bucket list
It’s hard to describe how I felt while on my way to something I had in the back of my mind. Something I never really thought about happening. I am glad I added the overnight backpacking to the trip. It’s a long 14+ miles round trip for just a day out… and up the cables! Taking the 2 nights camping allowed me to take my time and try to take in more.
Left camp just before sunrise. About 4 miles from camp to Half Dome in the distance.
Looking behind me up the valley, away from Half Dome.
If you take a close look, the cable route start on the upper tier. An airy approach switch backs up the lower granite portion.
HISTORY NOTE: The summit was finally reached by George G. Anderson in October 1875, via a route constructed by drilling and placing iron eyebolts into the smooth granite.
The Cable Route is rated class 3, while the same face away from the cables is rated class 5.
Today, Half Dome may be ascended in several different ways. Thousands of hikers reach the top each year by following an 8.5 mi (13.7 km) trail from the valley floor. After a rigorous 2 mi (3.2 km) approach, including several hundred feet of granite stairs, the final pitch up the peak's steep but somewhat rounded east face is ascended with the aid of a pair of post-mounted steel cables originally constructed close to the Anderson route in 1919.
Just below treeline. Here is where you need to show your permit. (Don’t leave your gloves behind BTW).
The ranger had removed most of these gloves when I returned at this point.
Topping out from the granite slab approach. The start of the cables just in view.
Detail of cable anchor at the start.
HISTORY NOTE: John Muir is said to have made the ascent in 1875, possibly the ninth person to do so.
The start! Early day- no traffic.
Fear of heights
The added personal dimension to climbing is my fear of heights. It’s pretty strong. But my love for climbing, standing on summits, etc. has had me work on the mental process of managing that fear.
The wood planks that span the base of the support poles provide a stable resting spot and a good place to pass or be passed.
Near the start. One last look back.
And “not quite, just like that” nearing the top. The angle kicks back. No photos along the way for probably obvious reasons.
A view from the top.
Looking out towards El Capitan and the valley.
Another view from the summit.
Starting back down the cables.
Round trip on the cables complete. Last look up.
Complex emotional reaction, right there.
Thoughts
For me it was the whole experience in all it’s parts that made this project so memorable. Planning, prior skillset and the sense of accomplishment. I do have mixed feelings about the cables and if they should even exist in the park. The history of Half Dome was a big factor and lure of the hike. I don’t think I will come back to do the cables. But there is zero regret. I took the experience to prime my love for Yosemite. Subsequent hikes only made me appreciate the scope of what is Yosemite. The park can be an odd composite of activity. But if you start early or go further out, you can feel what the pioneers must have felt when they first came into the area. You can appreciate all the adventures of so many, so many years ago. And still…
Beautiful early morning hike out past Nevada Fall.
I wanted to post this with the thought of revisiting or adding something about this time. But for now I hope you can share a little in this little, big adventure.