Re: Half Dome Cables

The cables on Half Dome are targeted to be put up on June 16th if the weather permits.

Yosemite National Park News Release

May 25, 2005
For Immediate Release

Installation of Half Dome Trail Cables Announced

The cables providing access to hikers to the summit of Half Dome will be in place on June 16, 2005, weather permitting.

The winter snow pack of recent years has been light enough to allow Yosemite National Park crews to put up the cables around Memorial Day. However, an unusually heavy snowpack and unsettled spring weather have delayed the trail crews' ability to put the cables up on the Half Dome Trail this year.

The trail to the summit of Half Dome is one of the most popular hikes in the park, in part because of the challenge that the final ascent provides as well as the outstanding scenery. A series of metal cables are placed along the steep shoulder of the dome to assist hikers to the summit.

The Half Dome hike is a round-trip hike of 17 miles and is considered extremely strenuous due the gain of almost 4,800 feet of elevation. Visitors are advised to take appropriate precautions when attempting a hike of this length and difficulty, and to be prepared for changing weather and trail conditions.

Hikers should also be aware that during this summer access to summit of Half Dome will be restricted due to trail repairs on the shoulder portion of the dome from July 6th through October 4, 2005. The trail will be closed Monday through Thursday from 7:30am to 4:00pm. The trail will be open outside of these hours. Visitors are reminded that no overnight camping is permitted on top of Half Dome.

Please call 209/372-0200 for more information on trail conditions.

-NPS-

Any chance the cables could be up by June 11th? I know it says 16th. But is it the earliest they will even try to put them up? We have planned to trip for Jun 11th weekend. Is it possible that i the weather is reasonably warm, cables will be put up?

Thanks,
Raghu.

I suppose it is always possible.

I mean do you remember in your experience? We will probably go even if there is 40-50% chance.

thanks,
Raghu.

I don't think the chance is that good.

The cables are in place, draped against the rock and secure. They simply are not raised to handrail height yet because the uprights haven't been placed. Thus they are 'down' and not 'up'. They are usable, but a bit fatiguing. I just used them to go to the top on 5/26. About a dozen others did as well. Snow is melting rapidly, too. There was some on the stairs as well as the trail leading up, but it wasn't a problem. Go to Half Dome on 6/11, regardless. If the cables aren't 'up' use them anyway, just rest along the way. There are small ledges to rest on. It is worth is, trust me.

Bill

ps. anyone know how to post pictures?

ShadowDoc wrote:

> ps. anyone know how to post pictures?

Take a look at http://yosemitenews.info/forum/docs/usage.txt

Thanks Bill and Eek.

If you can post photos that will be nice. I think I will be able to go up since I have done before (with cables up). Most of the people in our group (12) are going up first time, it will be better to set their expections correctly.

Raghu.

I hiked it on the 25th and had no problems. Go for sure. I'll also post some pictures tomorrow

I went up with two friends on 5/25. The problem wasn't the cables, it was the stairs. The stairs were partially covered in snow making it a difficult climb. I and one friend backed off two thirds of the way up the stairs. The other made it. I talked to a number of people who made it that day.

The snow on the stairs shouldn't be a problem by June 11 if the temperatures continue to stay high.

Dave,

I hope Brad and I didn't slow you down two much. Send me a picture or two when you get a chance at jkkell@kurtsalmon.com. I just got back and this is my first chance to post. It was a great hike even though Brad and I didn't make it all the way to the top. That pizza sure tasted good.

Kevin

Hey Kevin,
No worries. You weren't slowing me down. It was just that my knee was hurting from doing the yosemite falls hike the day before, and I knew if I didn't keep moving I was going to be in trouble. I'll send you some pictures soon.

Here are some pics
Half Dome Trip

Thanks for photos. We had decided to stick with our plan to hike on 11th and now the cables are supposed to be up by 10th according to latest official estimate. cool.

Great pics man. Wish we had made the cable. I think I can see the snowbank we stopped at in the background of a couple of shots. I love the pics of the mist trail.

The Half Dome cables are up.