With 24/7 permits required all summer, Except when the cables are "down", I began thinking about a May climb last winter. And now with the scalper/hackers wiping out the permits too, there was even more reason to go this month. I had climbed the Dome with "cables down" back in 1974, so I thought it was about time to try it again.
Last time, we drove a Datsun pickup into the Valley, and easily found a vacant campsite. Two slept in the pickup bed, I was on the ground. We were awakened at O-dark-thirty by the rythmic squeaking of the springs of the camper next to us. Then our amorous neighbors noisily broke camp and drove away about 6:30, just in time for us to get up. So much for a peaceful night of camping. I think we were the only ones climbing that day. Dry trail and dry cables.
Last week, I called the Yosemite wilderness info number to say I was thinking about climbing Half Dome soon, and was warned repeatedly that they "did not recommend" hiking to Half Dome. The ranger warned me there were several feet of snow with icy sections on the route. I talked to Bill-E-G here and others, and decided to take crampons and ice axe and go. The evening before going, my friend was already in the Valley, and talked to hikers returning from Half Dome. They said no snowshoes or crampons were necessary, so I left all that equipment behind.
Saturday morning, wagga and I drove in from Fresberg, arriving at the Trailhead Parking lot (sign read "FULL"
at 7:30. We quickly got under way, and I was at the top of Vernal Fall an hour later. I met a friend, Brent, and we hiked on from there. Nevada Fall an hour later, the Half Dome / Clouds Rest junction about 11 a.m. with a wary coyote passing through.
We skipped getting water at the spring, since we had loaded up at the river, thinking the spring might be inaccessible in the snow. (Wrong -- no snow at the spring, plenty of fresh pure water!.)
A little while after the spring, the snow started, and pretty soon, we were hiking over snow, not seeing much trail anymore.
The boot tracks left the trail, and we followed them... climbing directly up to the shoulder before the sub-dome. It was solid snow by this time. We were glad we had gaiters. Brent also wore Yak Trax on his trail runners. I was fine with regular hiking boots. Unfortunately I had left the snow cups off my hiking poles. They still help, but are not as completely effective.
The snow got steep at the base of the sub-dome. From the picture, it looks like a 45 degree slope. It was not bad, though. No ice anywhere, perfect snow conditions: firm enough to hold our weight, soft enough for kicking footholds.
The steep snow opened to some of the switchbacks with steps on the sub-dome, but then the last third, where it is not as steep, is still under snow. Easy walking, actually. We were at the base of the cables about 1 p.m. Squirrels were raiding anything left behind that contained food: backpacks and a jacket.
Starting up the cables:
A view at the top of the cables:
Checking the camera time on the pictures, it took about 15 minutes to climb. I checked my watch going down -- it took 5 minutes.
There are quite a few rest spots without the posts and cross-members. The cables allow you to swing to either side a few feet, and you can usually find a ledge or one of the cable bolts to stand on to rest.
I climb the cables with no gloves -- better grip that way. Going down, split leather gloves are the best, allowing you to grip the cable, but let it slip through the hands as you simply walk backwards down the slope. Some people like to descend hand over hand, and you can do that without any gloves.
And once I got to the summit... A Bear!!!
Berry Bear enjoyed the view.
All the pictures are here: 2011-05-21 Half Dome, Cables Down
Several YouTube videos:
and 
I also posted a trip report on WhitneyZone: ... Half Dome with Cables Down ... Different words and pictures.
I definitely liked this hike. It is not for people who want to stick to dry trails. The snow was not a problem, but then, it could bother some people. I thoroughly enjoyed having the trail and cables practically to myself. My back was sore for only a day from the strain of the cables. My quads are still sore after two days of rest! I may never experience Half Dome with the "Cables Up" again.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/23/2011 11:42PM by SteveC.
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