Rock climbing half dome Place one South Face of the Column on top of another one and you Jun 15, 2012 · Alex Honnold has free-soloed the Regular Northwest Face (VI 5. ) Packing out your solid human waste from the wall is required. Most climbing classes are seven hours long and meet daily at 8:30 am at the Mountaineering School in Half Dome Village or in Tuolumne Meadows. Brennen's account of climbing Half Dome; C. Jan 4, 2024 · Safe Helmet Safety Head Guard Sturdy Inner Soft Lightweight Climbing Helmet Durable for Rock Climbing with Four Headlamp Cards 1 offer from $39. You can be wearing a helmet for 10-12 hours at a time while climbing, so comfort is almost as important as safety. 9 climb, famously leading the climb in tennis shoes. Honnold took 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete the route, which has one short pitch of 5. The best strategy is to show up at the base with an extra day to wait in line and allow for parties to get high on the route. Best time to see Half Dome: Because Half Dome is a massive slab of granite rising nearly a mile from the Valley floor, it's visible from many points in Yosemite, all year long. Brennen's account of climbing Half Dome; A speedclimb of Half Dome - Aug 1, 1998; The climber's route from Mirror Lake - Sept 12, 1999; A winter attempt Jun 11, 2024 · Half Dome hike is not an all-year-round trail. Half Dome. Oct 24, 2024 · After a 15-minute drive to Half Dome, the duo had to hike the so-called “Death Slabs” approach to reach the rock face. 10a C2) when he slipped, (his largest piece was a #3 Camalot). 4 MB PDF], completed in November 2010, documents the effects on visitor use conditions on and around Half Dome from the permit system in an attempt to limit daily visitor use to 400 people per day. I start thinking about with whom else I might do it. Jul 9, 2017 · Tips for Climbing the Half Dome Cables. While we ce Nov 28, 2018 · The Black Diamond Half Dome rock climbing helmet has long been a staple for climbers worldwide. Finally, an updated chin strap adds more efficiency and security while on the rock. 4. Rangers are typically stationed at the sub-dome to check for permits and it is a hefty fine of up to $5,000 if you are caught climbing Half Dome without a permit. I recommend you research what is needed if you don't already know this. 12a, 23 pitches) on Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Jan 14, 2025 · Half Dome Camping – Where to camp on and off the trail when hiking Half Dome. If you’re going to be doing Half Dome as a day hike, a 28 to 35L backpack is enough to carry all the essentials you need. Mar 18, 2019 · As many as a thousand hikers a day once packed onto the trail to climb Half Dome's backside on summer weekends, creating unpleasant crowding and dangerous conditions. I currently climb 25 (about 5. To climb half dome with the cables down is a once in a life bucket-list adventure! There is so much hype surrounding half dome, and for good reason. Aug 8, 2024 · The park limits the number of people who can climb Half Dome to 300 per day, a cap aimed, in part, at reducing gridlock on the cables. Jeff Foott and I had planned to do it, but then I heard he is bogged down in school and not in shape for it. Aug 24, 2020 · Are You Ready for the Half Dome Cables? Hiking and climbing Half Dome is a huge mental game—it’s not just physical. At least 15 people have died on the cables and top of Half Dome since 1948, according to The World Regular Northwest Face, Half Dome, Yosemite, U. 12b). Oct 19, 2023 · The Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome is a monumental Grade VI big wall climbing route, recognized as the first of its kind in the United States. You might have heard of the 20-year-old woman, Grace Rolhoff who died recently on Half Dome during her descent of the cable system with her dad. Blondike is similar to North Dome's Crest Jewel. gov, with an application period in March. Find climbing areas and routes in Half Dome and discover photos, user reviews, and detailed route info like climbing type and grade Oct 10, 2017 · A maximum of 300 hikers are allowed roughly split as 225 day hikers and 75 backpackers each day on the Half Dome Trail. Half Dome Cables. If you're thinking about hiking to the top (strong, experienced hikers can make the round-trip in 10-12 hours), it's best to do it when the climbing cables are in place Apr 23, 2022 · Routes in Yosemite National Park, including El Capitan and Half Dome, are high on many climbers’ wish lists. Bring gloves. Nov 28, 2018 · Black Diamond Half Dome Climbing and Safety Helmet . Preparation and safety are key to having a fantastic experience. It had taken us less than four hours to get there - a decent time for Half Dome - but the slippery granite rock on the near vertical climb was one step too far! Half Dome is a area inside of Yosemite Valley. 9 A1 2,200 feet) on Yosemite’s Half Dome, along with Mike Sherrick and Jerry Gallwas Climbing the Half Dome Cables in Yosemite National Park. The Half Dome cables are typically taken down on Columbus Day in October and put back up on Memorial Day in May. It was first climbed in 1957 by a team consisting of Royal Robbins, Mike Sherrick, and Jerry Gallwas. It takes just a couple minutes to scan the rock and test the strength of its magnetic field, but Stock can’t climb up all the routes himself. Climbing Half Dome is a strenuous and potentially dangerous endeavor, so it’s important to be prepared and take necessary precautions. There’s no shade at all on Sub Dome or Half Dome. The dike climbing is beautiful, technical, and more sustained than Crest Jewel, but the route is shorter and the pitch connecting to Snake Dike is forgettable. You can climb Half Dome without a permit when the cables are down but it is a mountaineering exercise needing appropriate experience and equipment, not a hike. And you also need to be good with logistics and planning. Normally the hike, which includes Class 4 scrambling, takes three hours Half Dome is one of the most iconic and recognizable granite rock formations in the world, rising nearly 4,800 feet (1,463 meters) above Yosemite Valley and reaching an elevation of 8,839 feet (2,695 meters). Alex Honnold talks about how the hardest parts of a climb can sometimes be the safest. The summit offers views of the surrounding areas, including Little Yosemite Valley and the Valley Floor. You may know it from an image on your screen saver. The picture updates every few minutes. There are about 7 lines, all going to the summit if you choose. Towering over the Yosemite Valley, this iconic granite face offers climbers a challenging ascent that has captivated the climbing community for decades. E. If you visit after Columbus Day or before Memorial Day, don’t expect to climb Half Dome. Nov 8, 2024 · Some people even hike or rock-climb to the top! You can see Half Dome throughout much of eastern Yosemite Valley, including on the road between Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge and roads near Curry Village. Standing almost 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, Half Dome is an iconic granite peak that draws adventurers from around the world. Mar 6, 2024 · Bring some salty and sugary snacks to eat during the hike. 9 A2+ or C3 21 pitches; Direct Northwest Face, Half Dome Northwest Face VI 5. Jul 9, 2015 · Half Dome was not formed by being shaved off by ancient glaciers, as some may think. Learn how to hike or rock climb Half Dome, the most well-known rock formation in Yosemite Valley. Half Dome Hike is an extremely strenuous & breathtaking 18 mile round trip hike via the mist trail. Get to the SW shoulder of Half Dome by following the Muir Trail to the Mist Trail past Nevada Falls, then back on the Muir Trail. You must obtain a permit to hike to the summit of Half Dome. The Black Diamond Half Dome checks both those boxes. S. Learn more about the various hiking trails and download the trail map. The climbing is relatively moderate but adventurous. Standing at approximately 8,842 feet (2,694 meters), Half Dome is a granite dome that towers over the valley, providing a stunning backdrop to the lush landscapes that surround it. Jan 28, 2019 · BLACK DIAMOND Half Dome Rock Climbing Helmet. Climbing Features: Climbing walls ranging from 25 to 35 feet in height for auto belay, top-rope, and lead climbing, bouldering walls reaching 15 feet high, and specialized training equipment including a 12'x12' system board and campus board. Jul 31, 2023 · Bring a daypack to carry your gloves, camera/phone, snacks, water, and other gear while climbing Half Dome. Dec 20, 2024 · At 12. Half Dome Elevation: 8,846 feet (2,696 meters) Total Elevation Gain: 4,800 feet (1,600 meters) from Yosemite Valley Hiking Time: 10 - 14 hours Why climb the trail to Half Dome? Half Dome is the ultimate Yosemite day hike - the one you can't die without doing, and the one you're most likely to die while doing. Jan 30, 2025 · The distance of the Half Dome hike is 17 miles, although this is going to vary a few miles depending on the route that you choose (see more below). 11+. We, group of 6, won the lottery for a climb on October 6, 2017. Some crystal pulling, some routes have more clean finer grain granite, there is also some wind sculptured holds and a couple trad lines. Jun 15, 2006 · The classic profile of Half Dome, recognizable worldwide, sits over the east end of Yosemite Valley like a distant guardian. Camping on the summit of Half Dome is prohibited. 7 out of 5 stars Dec 28, 2003 · Black Diamond Half Dome, $60, 1 pound Summary: A pioneering hybrid design, the Black Diamond Half Dome offers great overall protection, with a large cap of polystyrene in the interior. 75 mile to an obvious climber's trail that heads off to the left, contouring around behind the back of Liberty Cap to Half Dome. I worked on this route with Charles Cole in March 1985, and as I look back on more than thirty years of climbing, lots of first ascents, and countless trips to the crags, I count those days as among the best. The preseason lottery is the most common way to secure a permit for the Half Dome hike. Its current aid climbing rating is VI 5. Both were extremely fit and experienced hikers, but Grace slipped on the wet granite after a storm had come in and forced them down. The classes are designed to be taken sequentially and guides recommend a multi-day approach: with each class building upon what was learned the day before. The climbing is hard and sustained but not dangerous; it is about the same difficulty as Zenyatta Mondatta. His choice of big wall climbing route on El Capitan is called Freerider, a route that was created by Alexander Huber in 1998, and which Honnold has completed several times with protection equipment. Getting a Half Dome permit 4 days ago · The route is located on the SW Face of Half Dome, 350 feet left of Snakedike and 50 feet right of the Salathe Route. Yosemite has some of the best big walls that are perfect for vertical camping. This is a hike that requires users to be in good shape. I vividly remember my reaction upon first seeing the route's cable section: I was astonished and terrified. On this page: North West regular route of Half Dome More: California; Tuolumne; Yosemite 1995; Yosemite 2003; Climbing the Steck-Salathé; Salathé Wall on El Cap Yosemite National Park, California, USA Yosemite National Park is in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Hiking to Half Dome via The Mist Trail is the shortest, most direct route and is 17 miles, which is the distance that most people associate as the “Half Dome hike”. For climbing instruction, contact Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service at 209/372-1000 for information on rates and schedules. Stay hydrated and pack plenty of water and snacks for Rock climbing the face of Half Dome in Yosemite Valley - Aid climbing When Half Dome was first climbed, in 1957, it had taken Californian Royal Robbins and his teammates five days. 6K. 10 A2+ 24 pitches; all of which are longer than Zodiac and as hard, if not harder. Five years later, he put up the Regular Northwest Face (VI 5. 7 ounces, the Half Dome weighs more than twice the lightweight Petzl Sirocco. See full list on nps. People have been struck by lightning while on the Half Dome cables. Half Dome Lottery System. 2 miles, which means it’s a constant climb the entire way. Half Dome is an impressive 8,800 feet (2682 meters) above sea level that rises 4,800 feet (1463 meters) above Yosemite Valley. Feb 8, 2021 · Half Dome Solo Ascent – NW Face, July 1966, written by Eric Beck: In good shape and climbing well, I wanted to climb the face of Half Dome. Yoga room Jul 29, 2024 · According to the National Park Service website, the "most famous -- or infamous -- part" of the Half Dome hike is the ascent up the cables. This report focuses on the descriptive data regarding visitor densities, travel times, and It's my dream to climb the regular Northwest face of half dome, I climb multipitch sport alot, have seconded trad and have a trad course coming up. Rock climbers also use the cables. " 4 days living on the wall. From the top of Nevada Falls, continue for 0. Watch the weather. The climbing starts off wandering at a low angle and gradually grows steeper and gets better. 7 friction crux, Parsons clipped the sole bolt, fired through, and continued upward. Jun 21, 2021 · What makes it so difficult is that you “need to be able to free climb very efficiently, but also be able to aid climb well,” Cannon says. One of the best of the best-selling backpacks is the Osprey Skimmer 28 Hydration Pack (for women). It’s essential to have gloves for climbing the Half Dome cables! Half Dome. A well-designed helmet should be put on and then forgotten. The Shield wall, Half Dome, the Dawn Wall, Washington Column, and Leaning Tower are all great walls to camp on during multi-day climbs. Safety Tips for Half Dome Climbers. The last seven pitches are spectacular. Important Half Dome Safety Tips – Tips about the top hazards to expect along the Half Dome trail. Amenities: Spacious fitness area complete with free weights, machines, and calisthenics tools. At one time, half dome was considered inaccessible. rock climbing half dome stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images The park limits the number of people who can climb Half Dome to 300 per day, a cap aimed, in part, at reducing gridlock on the cables. The two metal cables allow hikers to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing equipment. Find tips on footwear, water, permits, routes, seasonality and more. Grace Rohloff, 20, was hiking May 24, 2022 · Half Dome: Camping at the base of Half Dome is legal, but a wilderness permit is required. South Face, Half Dome South Face VI 5. Made with a durable ABS outer shell material for impact protection and EPS impact foam for shock absorbsion, this helmets meets climbing safety standards. 8 A3 17 pitches; Tis sa ack, Half Dome Northwest Face VI 5. Now redesigned, the helmet features a new lower profile suspension system with a one-handed dial combined with streamlined headlamp clips for added comfort and simplicity. The cinching, hook-and-latch adjustment system is a bit dated, however, and doesn’t measure up to the fit delivered by other hybrid models. Maybe that’s because I don’t have a fear of heights—so this may not be the case for you. Tips for Climbing the Half Dome Cables – From what shoes to wear and what gloves to bring to techniques for going up and down the cables. Jul 31, 2023 · The cables allow hikers to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing equipment (what a treat for all of us non-climbers). Jul 31, 2024 · Death on Half Dome. Dec 24, 2022 · The Half Dome cables were too much for us and we had to turn back with just 200 feet to go, knowing that the mountain had defeated us. Nov 5, 2021 · — California Geological Survey report about Half Dome, 1865. If it is raining or storm clouds are in the area, do not hike up Half Dome. Aug 15, 2024 · The route to the summit of Half Dome ascends 5,457 feet in 8. If completed in a day, we rate this hike as very strenuous due to the mileage, elevation gain/loss, and the added obstacle of climbing the cables at the end. The most famous—or infamous—part of the hike is the ascent up the cables. "Except John. Nov 11, 2010 · Snake Dike was the second route to penetrate the otherwise blank canvas of Half Dome’s imposing southwest face (after the much harder Salathé Route), and many a Camp 4 naysayer was amazed when Bridwell, et al, returned victorious the same day they left the Valley floor, with tales of easy movement and fun climbing. Some safety tips for Half Dome climbers include: Start early in the day to avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms. ” Bennett and Cannon biking from El Capitan to climb the regular route on Half Dome. It’s perhaps the most iconic symbol of Yosemite National Park. Photo: Max Buschini Jul 25, 2024 · Grace Rohloff, 20, tragically fell 250 feet while hiking the iconic Half Dome with her father, leading to calls for improved safety measures at Yosemite. Throughout the hiking portion you experience massive waterfalls, giant boulder fields, lush forests, roaming wildlife, and raging rivers! Legendary rock climber Alex Honnold scales Yosemite’s Half Dome, El Capitan and Mount Watkins without a rope, defying gravity to ascend the world’s most… The Half Dome has long been a staple for climbers worldwide. The park limits the number of people who can climb Half Dome to 300 per day, a cap aimed, in part, at reducing gridlock on the cables. Jun 4, 2022 · Rock Climbing the "Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome. Is climbing Half Dome dangerous? It can be, and people have died doing it. Glaciers cleaved the dome clear in half (hence the original indigenous name Ti-sa-ack or Cleft Rock in the language of the Awahnechee), leaving incredible slab climbs on the sunny southern aspect such as Snake Dike (5. com has insightful user reviews for rock climbing equipment and gear, including clothing, shoes, rope, harnesses and more Jul 24, 2024 · Tourists are seen climbing up the Half Dome at Yosemite National Park using the cables. 1 day ago · Doing a route in the middle of Half Dome's face is a much different experience than doing the Regular Route. Without the cable route intact, it is impossible. 11+ or 5. Given Half Dome's incredibly steep topography and smooth climbing surface, summiting was for years considered an impossible feat, said Michael Ghiglieri, who co-authored "Off the Wall: Death in Aug 4, 2010 · Half Dome, which looks more like a quarter dome, is located 100 yards to the SE of Baldy and stands 80ft tall. , Because of the long approach and north-facing orientation, the Regular Route has an Alpine quality not found on other popular Yosemite walls. 7 R - Yosemite Valley, California USA and other areas. Plan your Half Dome hike adventure with our tips and tricks, such as securing your Half Dome hike permit early and estimating how long it takes to conquer one of the most well-known rock formations in Yosemite National Park. gov Half Dome is a area inside of Yosemite Valley. How hard is the Half Dome hike? Yosemite National Park calls it "maybe the most strenuous day hike in any park," but it's doable by most people with the right preparation. The first team to climb it in 1957 solved a giant puzzle, finding a way up through natural cracks and corners. Summiting Half Dome is a true feat, with the challenging cables being the most demanding part. The simple yet highly effective design and construction make it a easy choice for safety helmets. 09 Guardian Cap - Soft-Shell Helmet Cover for Football and Lacrosse - Reduces Impact and Protects Helmets - One Size Fits All for Youth, High School, and College Programs - Light Silver Snake Dike 5. One of the first and most critical steps in this process is securing the necessary permits and reservations to access the Half Dome Rock Climbing Summits In Beautiful Golden Light At Sunset In Summer, Yosemite National Park, California, USA Typical View Of Yosemite National Park, Shot Taken From The Top Of Half Dome Which Was Reached Rock Climbing Up Snake Dike. CAUTION: Accept the following recommendations at your own risk. 5 – 26 km) round-trip hike, the infamous Half Dome cables span the last 400 feet of the 4,800-foot (nearly 1500 m) elevation gain from Yosemite Valley. You can hike Half Dome without the cables, but you need a serious set of winter climbing skills. Usually pretty quiet back here. Plus, the granite rock is already slippery…if it is wet, climbing the cables becomes very, very dangerous. Honnold currently holds the speed record for the Half Dome route, (1:22:00), which he set in 2012. 7) and Southern Belle (5. By employing a basic rock climbing protection system, it is possible to safely scale the Half Dome cables route even after the cables have been taken down. 7 R, Half Dome, Yosemite Valley Snake Dike is the easiest technical climbing route to the top of Half Dome, the most recognized rock feature in the United States. You must have an adequate container to carry your human waste from walls. The current aid climbing rating stands at VI Sep 10, 2024 · Half Dome Cables. A. "The two metal cables allow hikers to climb the last 400 Feb 20, 2025 · Fast forward to 2024, and a new call has gone out for Yosemite climbers to come together as a community and embrace a set of shared ethics and values; recognizing that how we as a community care for the areas in which we climb can have a direct impact on the level of protective regulation needed and the degree of access afforded to current and Jul 31, 2015 · According to Stock, what he would’ve heard was a slab of rock avalanching off the Regular Northwest Face, a 2,200-foot (671-meter) climbing route on Half Dome, Yosemite’s iconic granite peak. El Capitan, standing at 3,000 feet tall, is a massive granite monolith renowned for its challenging rock climbing routes. It's kind of like climbing a ladder laid on a 45 degree angle but with a 10ft gap between each step. Climbing Half Dome is dangerous under any circumstances and has resulted in fatalities. Never aid climbed before but keen to learn. In my experience, the cables were actually pretty easy. AP. Detailing more than 1,300 boulder problems and packed with personal essays and breathtaking photos, Yosemite Bouldering is a must-have guidebook for anyone climbing in Yosemite. Mirror Lake, while not really a lake, is a popular place to see Half Dome from up close. Coming at the far end of a 14 to 16-mile (22. The wall feels remote since the throngs of people on the Northwest Face are nearly out of sight and earshot. If you go without a permit, and get caught, there’s a $280 A pair of cables ascends the eastern side of Half Dome attached to steel poles inserted into the rock every 10 feet. However, injuries are not uncommon for those acting irresponsibly. Mar 20, 2025 · Rick Cashner and Mike Corbett made the first one-day ascent in 1989. Mar 31, 2007 · Cave approach, crazy run outs, 1,500 feet of face climbing, toiling up and over Half Dome -- Autobahn is a route that takes you places. Cashner took a 100-footer out of the slot on Pitch 11 (5. Half Dome boasts an unreal summit, 5,000' of rise from the Yosemite Valley floor and amazing views of the Yosemite and the High Sierra. If nothing else, you can enjoy them at the top of the mountain, after climbing the Half Dome cables! Sun Protection. The infamous Half Dome hike in Yosemite National Park is commonly described as one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. “Grace was such a beautiful soul Explore Authentic Rock Climbing Half Dome Stock Photos & Images For Your Project Or Campaign. Aug 3, 2023 · First dreamed up by John Bachar and Peter Croft, the Yosemite Double entails climbing the two proudest formations in Yosemite in under 24 hours. Oct 3, 2018 · Trained in a climbing gym in Sacramento, Honnold, 31, burst onto the international scene in 2008 with two high-risk, rope-free ascents—the northwest face of Yosemite’s Half Dome and the If you do NOT get a permit, you will only be allowed to go as far as the sub-dome (which is the base of the Half Dome below where the chains are attached to the mountain). Grace Rohloff, 20, lost her footing on July 13 while she and her father, Jonathan Rohloff, were hiking the park’s Half Dome cables, her father told SFGate. Tis-sa-ack takes a spectacular line through Yosemite’s most vertical face. Oct 15, 2024 · Fires are prohibited at the summit and base areas of all Yosemite Valley Walls (Half Dome, El Capitan, Washington Column, etc. Normally, ascending Half Dome's 46° east face would demand technical rock climbing skills and equipment. Since 1919, relatively few people have fallen and died on the cables. It took not even a month until a team of climbers attempted to re-climb the injured route on a wall still The Half Dome Has Long Been a Staple for Climbers Worldwide. rock climbing half dome stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Half Dome: The History of Yosemite’s Iconic Mountain. Home > Climbing Routes > Yosemite Valley > Half Dome Feb 19, 2023 · Milligan grew up in Tucker, Georgia, and became intrigued by the idea of climbing at the age of 18, when he saw a photo of Half Dome on the wall of his local barber shop while getting a haircut. 12 for the free climbing variation. This is a camera on Turtle Back Dome aimed at Half Dome with El Capitan and part of the Valley in View. Do not attempt to go rock climbing without the necessary training, experience, and confidence to both climb, and descend safely. 7 R) on the southwest face of Half Dome. Half Dome’s iconic image is known to many around the world, but beyond this simple image is the story of a mountain born of unique geology, transformed into an ecological island in the sky, and whose steep faces have inspired humans for over 7,000 years. Apr 21, 2025 · GPS map for: Half Dome - Snake Dike 5. You’ll definitely want sunscreen and a hat. 12) to amazingly steep lines 1 day ago · Snake Dike is the easiest technical climbing route to the top of Half Dome, the most recognized rock feature in the United States. El Capitan and Half Dome are two majestic rock formations in Yosemite National Park that captivate visitors with their sheer size and breathtaking beauty. Bonus: Go Rock Climbing All Smiles atop Snake Dike. Climbing Half Dome. May 20, 2022 · In 1952, at the age of 17, he completed the first free ascent of the 500-foot Tahquitz line Open Book, which would become the country’s first 5. “But it’s a lot of freaking hiking, too. Less Searching, More Finding With Getty Images. 12a and several pitches of 5. #shorts Oct 2, 2017 · To undercover Half Dome’s history, he’s enlisting the help of the climbing rangers and their volunteers to bring up a small device, the size of a deck of cards. I will be climbing trad once or twice a week and sport once or twice a week. The trail, however, is well-maintained and easy to follow. These metal railings with wooden planks for traction allow fit and experienced hikers to complete the 16-mile round-trip in about 12 hours. Standing tall above all of the other cliffs, peaks, walls, domes, and waterfalls in the Yosemite Valley (known as THE valley to climbers all over the world) is perhaps the most iconic cliff in America, the face of Half Dome. [14] The top of Half Dome is a large, flat area where climbers can relax and enjoy their accomplishment. The Half Dome also doesn't ventilate well and isn't super comfortable compared to other, better-padded options. Rock climbers who reach the top of Half Dome without entering the subdome area can descend on the Half Dome Trail without a permit. The method is considered the easiest, safest way to descend after climbing one of Half Dome’s Jul 24, 2024 · An Arizona college student died this month after she slipped and fell from the Half Dome cables at Yosemite National Park, a family member told NBC News on Wednesday. Permits are distributed by lottery via Recreation. Sep 19, 2016 · Protecting the Climb. Although it might only seem like a few ounces, this difference is very noticeable after a long day. Most people take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back, depending on the way you chose to come down. Jun 11, 2024 · The dome gets its name from its characteristic shape: a smooth curve on one side and a sheer drop on the other. Jul 14, 2010 · Half Dome is crowded from june to october. Hiking to the summit of Half Dome is no small feat, and proper planning and preparation are essential to ensure a safe and successful adventure. If you go without a permit, and get caught, there’s a $280 Feb 19, 2025 · Looking at Half Dome from the valley floor, most people can’t even spot where the climbing route goes. The rock is, quite literally, a half dome. SuperTopo offers the world's best rock climbing and mountaineering route information for Half Dome - Snake Dike 5. Grace Rohloff, 20, was hiking Mar 1, 2022 · Honnold’s free solo of Half Dome was featured in the documentary, Alone on the Wall (2009), which also saw Honnold appear on CBS News’ 60 Minutes, and later became the name of a memoir he penned with David Roberts, in 2017. 7. It’s famed for its giant, ancient sequoia trees, and for Tunnel View, the iconic vista of towering Bridalveil Fall and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome. The Northwest Face of Half Dome has been exfoliating for many thousands of years, peeling off like a giant onion with successive glacial episodes carrying off the debris. Today, the route still feels just as adventurous as it did back then. Climber Alex Honnold has been dreaming of free-soloing the 3,000 feet (900 m) rock wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a feat no one has performed. . Mar 19, 2024 · On August 1, 2022, New Zealand climber Anna Parsons took an 80-foot fall on the notoriously runout classic Snake Dike (III 5. Jan 3, 2024 · 8. Gloves. C. The Half Dome helmet has long been a staple for climbers worldwide. Rising 1,360 feet from an elevation of 8,844 feet above sea level, climbing Half Dome will take you dizzying heights with its sheer face and reward you with unparalleled views you’ll remember for a lifetime. There is also a wood board laid across the rock surface at each pole. The Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome was the first Grade VI big wall climbing route in the United States. The Half Dome Has Long Been a Staple for Climbers Worldwide. Apr 1, 2025 · It all began deep underground, where molten rock slowly cooled beneath the surface, eventually forming the massive, crystalline granite that would one day become El Capitan, Half Dome, and the rest of the cliffs of the Valley. If you're thinking about hiking to the top (strong, experienced hikers can make the round-trip in 10-12 hours), it's best to do it when the climbing cables are in place Aug 8, 2024 · The Half Dome Trail Visitor Use Monitoring Report [1. It took not even a month until a team of climbers attempted to re-climb the injured route on a wall still However, the snowpack from the prior season can delay the start of the cable climbing season. In 2010, the park started requiring all hikers to get a permit in advance, limiting the Half Dome Trail to 300 day-hikers and 100 backpackers per day. Oct 10, 2017 · Two years ago (2015) over the 4th of July weekend 2,500 tons of granite tore away from Half Dome, taking out a huge section of the main climbing route up the Northwest Face. On the third pitch, with its 5. I've seen people in their 70s and I've seen 12-year-olds (not recommended). There are no people; the wall is steep and the experience is more serene. The natural formation was created over millions of years through a combination of tectonic activity and glacial erosion. In fact, Half Dome sat mostly above the largest glaciers to roll into Yosemite Valley. Yosemite National Park, California, USA Yosemite National Park is in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. temps in august can occassionaly be scorching in the afternoons but for the most part, half dome is a cool place to climb year round. But, thanks to the cables installed in 1919, hundreds of hikers climb Half Dome every day. People have died from falling, lightning strikes, heart attacks, avalanches, ice cold rivers, rock climbing mishaps, and even base jumping accidents. Jul 25, 2024 · Given Half Dome’s incredibly steep topography and smooth climbing surface, summiting was for years considered an impossible feat, said Michael Ghiglieri, who co-authored “Off the Wall: Death Jul 30, 2024 · Thousands of people summit Half Dome in this manner every season. For more than a decade, Gurley has led Oct 1, 2024 · Planning Your Half Dome Hike – Permits, Reservations, and Safety Precautions. The Half Dome cables are the crowning achievement of one of the most famous hikes in Yosemite National Park, the Half Dome Hike. " The Nose, a 2,916-foot line on El Cap, may be the most famous rock Feb 17, 2025 · SuperTopo rock climbing route info on: Half Dome - Southern Belle - Yosemite Valley, California USA. Sep 6, 2020 · Cons: If starting from Happy Isles, the hike to Cloud’s Rest is much more challenging than Half Dome. Located within Yosemite National Park in California, Half Dome is famous for its unique shape—a massive granite dome with one sheer Sep 6, 2020 · Cons: If starting from Happy Isles, the hike to Cloud’s Rest is much more challenging than Half Dome. This 17-mile trek with significant elevation gain is demanding, but those who reach the summit are rewarded with panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra—making it an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking a day of true adventure in one of Jan 21, 2025 · Overview of El Capitan and Half Dome. Disclaimer: Rock Climbing is a dangerous activity. Half Dome Helmet Half Dome 2 Plus - Rockclimbing. 9 A1 or 5. Get route beta and reviews from other climbers regarding: Half Dome - Snake Dike 5. [1] This is one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic hikes. 7 R - Yosemite Valley, California USA. “A lot of people have fear of heights, and Half Dome can be a mentally messy hike,” says Lindsay Gurley, a certified, adventure-based life coach and professional mountain guide. qfneo jtkta gudbts shrupjgp ybnnn zbcbs vqqifq zqhmgv hkcbl muavl