The ultimate cut-the-crap guide to Half Dome Cables | Yosemite National Park  

20 plus years ago, I hiked to Half Dome for my birthday. I got all the way to the cables. I went up a little ways, but pure terror gripped me. I knew that I would freeze on the way down even if I did get all the way up. I don't regret my decision at all. My friends made it up and the hike overall was amazing.

WOW -I am SO Impressed with this video. The National Parks should make it Mandatory Viewing before climbing the Cables.

I made it up with my beloved dad late in the afternoon. We took one look at those planks, the massive amount of people on them, and the areas of loose granite without vertical fall protection, and said.... nah fuck that.

About 50 years ago, me and my friends climbed the cables and then camped out overnight on top of Half Dome. There were five of us. My friend and I rode mules that were available from Yosemite Valley to fairly near subdome then we hiked the rest of the way and met up with the guys. My then-boyfriend, a country boy raised on a Northern California ranch, had insisted on backpacking the long trail carrying a cast iron skillet, eggs and bacon for everyone and in the morning he made the best camp breakfast of all time on top of the granite peak. This was circa 1973. It was a truly surreal experience then and it is now to look back upon. I have never heard of anyone else camping on top, but my friends John and Don had done it before. Climbing down the cables the next day was much easier for me than ascending had been. The hike back to the Valley was down, down, down thousands of steps, which is harder than it sounds. It’s many miles of using the same muscles and I was physically incapacitated by the time I got to the meadow back by my pickup truck. That meadow is where I landed and it’s where I slept. Those were much different times.

The fact that park ranger says if you need fall arrest safety gear you shouldn’t be here is crazy! As a tower climber by trade that is absurd. We made this climb last year as a family of 4,12yo and 10y/o girls. Proper fitting harnesses with double shock absorbing lanyards are a must Not the homemade rope with5$ Home Depot carabiners that most people use. You can never predict how someone will respond to these heights until they are put in that situation. Proper safety equipment could save lives on this hike. Great video! Just my 2 cents

This was by far the best and most informative video on Half Dome I've seen yet. Thank you for your thorough and concise explanation of the dangers and requirements of this climb.

I hiked to Half Dome in 1989. I had no idea what I was doing and, being from Michigan, had very minimal hiking experience. The cables were down, and I had no knowledge of the cables before getting to this point. I hiked up and down without using the cables. I was terrified for a brief period coming down until a woman suggested I hike down backwards. All these years later I can’t believe I made those decisions. Great video!

1987 hiked to the top. Climbed the cables. Felt safe. No incident. I was in the best shape of my life at 25.

Recovering from ankle surgery and fun to watch and live vicariously. I appreciate the respectful and spiritual nature of your messages within.

Wow! A reasonable voice highlighting safety. Love it! Absolutely gained a sub from me.

Really enjoyed the video. I first did Half Dome in 1952 at age 12. Then again at 24 and again at 48. 96 should be next, but i think naught.

I'm not sure why you wouldn't want to wear a safety harness and clip onto the cabling while ascending and descending the dome. I know if i do it, I'll be wearing a harness.

I clumbed HD in 1987. Looking at it this many years later I can't believe I was able to do it. My husband, an Aussie, always told me that from my photos he was sure Ayers Rock was more difficult. Then I showed him this video. He can see what I mean now. I still have a little pebble that I found in my belongings after that climb.

27:23 good warning about being too close to the ledge. Visual clues.

I like your perspective! Have just returned from Yosemite's glorious backcountry and miss it already. Thanks for sharing your adventure!

I would certainly use a safety line...what if some idiot falls unto you at least your secure and wont fall.

Brand new to your channel. You did a KILLER job on this video! 🙌 Love your approach to hacking through internet and herd stupidity. The video footage was outstanding as well. Pretty much 💩 myself in the later segments where you had the camera over the ledge of the summit… 🥵 👀

Great video, -it's so beautiful in Yosemite. Don't think I'm ready for Half Dome yet, -very good safety advice! I recently almost stepped on a baby rattlesnake myself, -greatful for it's warning. 😳

It would be stupid not to use a harness and safety line.

Really appreciate this video. Very insightful words of wisdom. I've completed the half dome hike several times, but only twice starting from the valley floor at the Happy Isle trail head. Another alternate route is starting from the Mono Meadow trail head located on the road to Glacier Point. Car camp at Bridalveil campground which is approx half mile or so from the Mono Meadow trailhead. Consider making it an easy 2 or 3 night backpack trip. First night just across Illouette creek, second night at Little Yosemite valley. Early start up the trail to halfdome - start at 230-3am and enjoy a cup of coffee from the top of halfdome as the sun rises.

I really enjoyed watching this 💛

Beautiful & captivating video! i watched another and though I’d still want to do half dome. I visited 3 decades ago, when I was 16. I remember at the top of Nevada falls a sign saying half dome was only another 8 miles. Ive always remembered it. But the info about the park saying no to safety harnesses, man no way. We saw a pack mule fall from a higher path down to a path below on a wooded area of the lower trail. Wow, I cannot believe they say no harnesses. I wonder how many people have fallen from being mowed down. 😢

Great stuff esp reminders on 'know your limit' & not succumb to summit fever !

Thank you Sir for the opportunity to smash your like button! Awesome content. We bow to you

When I did Half Dome in 1989 luckily there wasn't a permit requirement. It may not have been as crowded in the late 80's. I was even able to park in Yosemite valley. That was an incredibly beautiful hike, which I did in about 7 hours round trip. I actually took my backpack with gold prospecting gear, with a sluice, pan, rock hammer and other items. But I never used the gold prospecting equipment. Being an east coaster, I'm used to the wet, boulder filled trails of the Appalachians. So I found the dry, flat granite slabs, and sandy stretches to be quite pleasant. The day I climbed Half Dome in July it was 90 degrees. The following day I hiked the Bridal Veil trail up to glacier point.

I made it to the top in 1998. Started at Glacier Point and ended in the valley. We saw it all that day. I will never forget. Best day ever💖

Use a harness and safety cable. Others can slip and grab on to you in desperation. But yes, be mentally and physically prepared as you’re not going to use one.

I like how you cut the crap and tell the truth. Very nicely done.

Outstanding storytelling man, such a great episode! 👏

I climbed Half Dome from Glacier Point and back years ago. No permits. The granite wasn't as slippery and no crowds. I am grateful for that experience. It was great to visually reminisce through your videos. / Can you do a video on hiking to Clouds Rest. Thanks for all you do. Lisa

I watched all of your new videos as usual they all great

Great video and narrating. It was such a joy to watch a no BS travel video without all the annoying clickbait and hype. I look forward to seeing more of your content. Best wishes on your next adventure.

Just subscribed, great content, great narration.

I would say I would take my ice axe lines and clips ( basically a dynamic belay line) and harness, for the reasons you say I do not want be a victim because of someone else’s mistake, it’s easy for the ranger to say things like this but the reality is you are in charge of your own safety in the mountains

Thank you Gatekeeper of Half Dome!

It's not just the cables. Back in 2011 Ryan Leeder of Los Gatos, CA got too close to the edge of the top of Half Dome and fell 2,500' to his death off the sheer front face to the tallus slope below. The pictures and videos of people standing or even dancing (!) by the edge of Half Domes sheer face are truly cringe!!

I heard no mention of foot wear. Seems like rock-climbing rubber would be a game changer.

Excellent video! Thank you! New sub here 🤙🏼

I'm shocked to hear the ranger discourage the use of safety equipment. Like you said if for no other reason, someone above you could slip and fall into your path. Good to hear you disagree with him on that.

Magic ..... extremely well informed. Cheers from England.

What a great vid guide. Info and humour. So I see your mention of taking a flyer at the permit stop for a LAST chance try is not doable as per internet trust me bro guides? My plan would include a good size meal and popping the now thawed frozen coke from the morning, picnic at the top would be awesome. The recent - July 2024 - young lady death was on the decent @ the cables. yes backwards decent seem to be most efficient AND safe.

These videos are important for all hikers to watch, both seasoned and more novice. Thank you ❤

On a sunny day, it's not particularly slick up there with decent shoes. You need grippy gloves that can keep your hands warm if it suddenly gets cold. You might consider a Via Ferrata harness but only use one carabiner to make it faster. Your slip risk will only be at each pole where there is the wood edge to step on and the pole to grab while you move the carabiner.

If it rains or if the rock is wet, don't climb!!! Ascending is easier. Some well-known hiking boots get slippery.

I was in shape back in the day from endurance horseback riding. I did anywhere from 25 to 50 miles in one day with my horse, a gray Arab I called Mi. I lived in a mountain valley and we conditioned on the hills around there. One day, I decided to walk down the road with Mi the two miles back to home. My legs! It turns out going downhill can be worse on your legs than uphill! Trail potty stops: do not leave tp laying there beside or beyond the trail! Dig a hole, do your business and cover it all back up. Your “stuff” may eventually disappear into the ground from the rain etc but not the tp. If you encounter horses, do not hide behind a tree and ask the rider if they need you to do anything. I ask that they just talk. I’ve been on horses that are terrified of backpacks and baby carriers. Umbrellas can be a big scary thing. I try to work with my horses for all of this but it may still be scary if the right conditions are there, which can be anything. That means be prepared for a horse to blow up near you-just stay calm and stay back. I don’t hike, but as above, I’ve walked with my horses, especially on the longer rides. It gives them a break and you get to use different muscles for a bit. I admire those that do hike and mountain bike. I attach bells to my horse to try to give warnings that we are near so listen while out enjoying nature. And yes, I’m terrified of heights!

Very informative and thorough video about hiking half dome which I’m going to do next week. If I understand correctly, you took photo on the cable, what’s the safest way to do that! I’m think if jt’s safe I would love to snap one or two while I take breaks. Thank you again for your wonderful guide and great efforts for educating us.

Very informative video! What would be the good time to visit Yosemite park? Also, like to know which cameras you are using in your video?

from the mid 80's to the early 2000's I hiked this route at least once per year. If you are not a good outdoorsman you should use extreme caution as shown in this video. If you are not in decent shape please give yourself 10 to 12 hours to complete this hike. Bring a change of socks and make the switch at the summit, your feet will thank you.

Once I climbed Half Dome when the cables were down , I didnt know the difference and at that time one didn't need a permit to climb it. I had climbed other mountains so I had some experience but later on when I found out that the cables were suposed to be upright, I became very scared I had done that. We were a small group of friends ,some of them decided not to climb it, but I and my husband did ,we were very young at the time.

Excellent. Thank you.

Well put together

Great job 🙂I climbed Half Dome in August 1996 🙂

29:55 thanks for the views. 🇨🇦🍁😊and the wise advice.

I did the Mist Trail back in 2006.. That was good for me.. my wife has severe lung problems and couldn’t make it up to Nevada Falls..

So much wisdom, apart from practical information. Thank you sincerely

Simply fabulous video: rational, reasonable, and at turns poetic, but all the information one needs to consider and possibly tackle this adventure. This popped up in my feed after Grace Rohloff's tragedy a few days ago. She and her father were both strong, and experienced, and showed good enough judgment that it's hard to say what to do differently even in hindsight. There was a possibility of a storm, but without particular knowledge of how fast they can sweep up, they made the decision to descend in a timely fashion. However, getting caught behind other people stranded them on the cables in the brunt of the storm. This was compounded by her new boots being very slippery on the already slick, wet granite. Perhaps the thing to do is there is a group trying to descend as rain is coming on is to wait it out on the top, and take your chances with lightning. But I don't know.

I’m glad I had a chance to climb the cables before they get removed “for your safety”!

I am so scared of heights lol just watching this makes me dizzy lol

Me and my hiking companion Christine didn't have one when they started this whole thing back in August of 2000. We were told about this new rule which they had started in 2000 about having a permit to get to the top . We got to the base and then this one ranger started asking us questions and we didn't have a permit. Then one ranger 😅walkie talkied another one and we were slow walked down to the base of the other one. They don't joke around about this rule. We didn't even get to go up to the top. Bummer.

Inspiring

I'm from Austria and what i've seen tourists do on the Mountains is frightening

Surprised that the park service would allow this trek. Big boy rules in effect.

I've been on the cables several times. Weather can change fast, keep it mind.

Liked and subscribed. Video quality was way above 34k subs. Nice work.

PEOPLE WEAR YOUR HARNESS & ROPES when you go up the cables please

just did it last week and found out (thankfully afterwards) that a young woman fell to her death about 2 weeks prior. It was weather related. Heed this mans advice, turning back may suck but you can always come back another time (and who's complaining about that?).

So now I'm thinking that if I wear crocs, I should put the strap behind my heel instead of leaving it in front-

I’m more than happy with the limitations I’ve placed on myself. I’ll leave it to filmmakers and videographers to show me what’s on the other side.

20:00 I am panicking watching other people on the cables

Right at 29:54 in this video is that just above little Yosemite Valley? If it is then an underground spring is about 50 yards up and on the left of the trail. I have taken prepared groups over 40 times and successfully completed 24+times.

What are your thoughts on passing slow or stopped hikers on the cables?

4:25 looks like you could fall off the side of the stairs 🇨🇦

👍subscribed 🌞🌞😊😊

Been there many times. Properly prepared for the summit (both physically & mentally) and made it with no problems. It’s crazy how many people I see on the trail that are unprepared. I see many carrying no water, wearing improper shoes (I see heels & crocs all the time), wandering off the trail, climbing over railings, stepping too close to drop offs, discarding trash, rude behavior, & general stupidity. Honestly, I kinda like the idiots taking themselves out & weeding the gene pool.

What's wrong with asking others if there's space on their permit for you? I just did Angel's Landing and though there wasn't space on mine for more people, I wouldn't have been bothered if someone asked.

I am sure Mt Everest have permits for climbers but i wish they have crowd control like in the half dome.

Going up and down those cables with those crowds does not look enticing at all. We waited until the cables were laid down for the season and that's the only way I would ever consider hiking Half Dome. It only took us a few minutes to go up the cables, and even less time to come down. Plus we had the summit all to ourselves.

That woman got box’d yo!

It's just too many people. Some person falls above you and you both slide off.

I just slab walked outside the cables, up & down..🎉 😉

21:02 I was just going to ask where the cables came from. So it’s not the original bolts.

What would that D'Arwin feller say about this foolishness❓. 🎩 😰🍷

Stupid question alert, what hiking shoes do you use? I've returned 2 pairs recently and I'm just wondering.

i think that everyone should wear a harness up half dome. Then, if anything happens, they can clip in. The idea of getting caught in ANY rain and being stuck on a granite slip and slide marked X should be enough.

You are basically on a via ferrata. So don't fall at all. If you need to use climbing equipment it would be better to go up when the cables are down and use a friction hitch like a prusik. I mean one could use a via ferrata set I suppose, but even falling on those isn't fun. You can still break your back. Actually, this reminds me of something like the Skylotec Rider to use as pro. I saw a guy with calipers measured the cable at 16mm which is the upper end of the range so these might work.

Are the chains and poles ever checked?

People died in that cave... Well, at least one from lightning strikes..

Have the permit rules changed? In 2022 my friend and I were able to summit half dome only because we were given two unused passes from other hikers at sub-dome. We started the hike without a permit, It's the entire premise of the video I made here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QxpiYnk7JOk.html

Sheeple need to stay off half dome, their hooves don't grab like they do on grass. 😂😂😂

Could you imagine having to go #2 on half dome😂💩💩💩💩

if it isnt anything but a non windy blue bird day... why the hell go up there? some of these clips in rainstorms. im like why did they even go up that far???

IM NOT THAT STUPID. GOOD LUCK GUYS

Great video content. Quite a bit of the video looks blown out/overexposed.

I just think of Alex Honnold free soloing the vertical cliff and feeling underwhelmed after. Hikers gotta do better.

It's about time they rig a safer way to scale that rock.

I’ll take my chances getting struck by lightning at the top then slide off the side. Wait it out. Wait it out.

Why don’t they make it into a Via Ferrata?

Those cables things are so poorly built it would be such an easy fix and there wouldn't be any fatality no more. I wonder why they keep it this way... To give people a thrill, to keep the title of dangerous hike?

I've done Half Dome twice and because I'm impatient, I hiked up and down outside of the cables with only my trail running shoes connecting me to the dome. Videos and photos make it seem much steeper than it really is.

Nah. I am never doing the cables part of that hike.