Half dome climbing routes map We've done several classic free routes, but Yosemite is for Big Walls (or so we've heard). The climbing itself is technically easy at 5. May 11, 2023 · The Half Dome is found east of Yosemite Valley. However, it’s also a rewarding accomplishment. The climb follows a variety of well-defined, classic features linked by very few rivets. Mile 0 to 2. Now onto serious business. In past years, as many as 1,000 hikers per day have sometimes climbed the cable route on a summer weekend and about 50,000 hikers climb it every year. Oct 1, 2024 · Regardless of the route chosen, the final push to the summit of Half Dome is always the most challenging and dangerous portion of the hike. – – – From Dinner Ledge on Washington Column – – – from Mount Watkins you can see the sub-dome and the cables route (upper left portion of Half Dome in the photo below) Dec 21, 2023 · Is Half Dome For You? That’s a question you’ll need to ask yourself. The remarkable exfoliation domes of Sub Dome and Half Dome soon rose above timberline. You must obtain a permit to hike to the summit of Half Dome. Here’s a breakdown of each section of the hike. 12. This 14-mile day hike begins on the Mist Trail, to the top of Vernal and Nevada Falls, through Little Yosemite Valley, up to the Sub Dome, and to the cable route where you will reach the top of the Half Dome. 2 miles, which means it’s a constant climb the entire way. [1] Nov 5, 2021 · Left: Reflection of Half Dome in the Merced river (Javascript animation, pass the mouse above the image, Internet Explorer only [sorry]). The most popular method to reach the summit is via the Half Dome Trail, which is approximately 14 to 16 miles round trip, depending on where you start. Tenaya Lake is a beautiful alpine lake formed by glacial action and located northeast of Half Dome. John Harlin in his volume West Coast Rock Climbs calls the dike "a good full moon climb". You can join hiking Tenaya Lake and Half Dome into one route of 23 miles, which is best tackled over multiple days. Distance: 17 miles round trip Total Ascent: 5,457 Feet Difficulty: Extremely strenuous Length of Time: 10 – 14 hours 1 day ago · During the summer, two to five parties often converge at the base on a single day. The Mist Trail is the shortest route, but it also is the most strenuous in my opinion (get ready for a stairmaster!) and has one of the highest elevation gains. 9 C1 - Yosemite Valley, California USA and other areas. 2) Head over from Happy Isles past Mirror Lake and hike up the "Death Slabs". Expect crowds on the weekends and even during the week. A maximum of 300 people are allowed (about 225 day hikers and 75 backpackers) each day on the Half Dome Trail beyond the base of the subdome. Routes in Half-Dome. It has two great We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. You don’t need to be a top level athlete, but you do need a reasonable level of fitness and have at least some hiking experience. 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. Alex Honnold made climbing history when free soloed the 2000 foot wall in 2008, meaning he climbed it without gear to protect Jul 9, 2017 · Stats on the Half Dome Hike. On Youtube, it is possible to find many videos of strong climbers from all over the world climbing (sometimes free) routes such as The Nose, Golden Gate, Zodiac, Freerider and Salathé Wall. In Free Solo, Alex Honnold’s ropeless ascent of El Capitan more than earns its acclaim from the sheer audacity of tackling such a long and difficult climbing route without any protection – never mind the amazing storytelling by climbing filmmakers Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai The final ascent of Half Dome should always be approached with caution - slick granite curves away from you on both sides of the post-and-cable route. Many people opt to hike up the Mist Trail and down the John Muir Trail. Half Dome is the symbol of Yosemite National Park, a world-famous rock formation with a towering summit over Yosemite Valley and sheer walls on all sides. Half Dome Lottery System. Half Dome Chains. Gloves. The first vista (Half Dome South Vista) can be found on the trail to the south side of Half Dome Mountain. Mar 6, 2024 · Bring some salty and sugary snacks to eat during the hike. Identify the base of the route by picking out a bay tree (looks more like a bush) about 70 feet up in the middle of the first pitch. You do not need to otherwise indicate that you want to hike Half Dome on your reservation. The $10 fee is fully refundable if you cancel your permit by 11:59 pm Pacific time the day before your hiking date or if the cables are not up on the date for which your permit is valid. Follow the climbers' trail downhill along the base of the climb for about 25 minutes. The first team to climb it in 1957 solved a giant puzzle, finding a way up through natural cracks and corners. Looking for Half Dome trail maps to prep you for your hike? 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. The National Park Service does not maintain routes; loose rock and other hazards can exist on any route. The chain section of Half Dome is very steep, but the chains are there to help guide you up the last 400 feet. k. 925 Google Map · Climbing Area Map: Page Views: 404 total · 28/month Sarah Graybeal's journey to the top of Half Dome. 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. Jul 16, 2017 · This post covers the one-day hiking route we took to Half Dome. -120. Back in Squamish, he holds the record for soloing the Grand Wall and Roman Chimneys in only 38 minutes. So the Regular Route on the North-west face of Half Dome seems like a good place to start. Every 50 feet or so you will see a wooden slat May 11, 2018 · Day 2 (AM): Half Dome Summit Climb. Jun 15, 2006 · Yosemite Valley can be reached from the west, south or east via highways 120 (west), 140, 41 or 120 via Tioga Pass. gov. . a Little Half Dome This is a great boulder - the profile of which looks a bit like Half Dome. Chuck Pratt wrote: "By the fourth day Yvon had lost so much weight from dehydration that he could lower his climbing knickers without undoing a single button. Jun 15, 2006 · 1) Hike up from Happy Isles up the Mist Trail through Little Yosemite Valley (approx. Do not climb if rain is forecast or if the granite is wet and slippery. ️ When you arrive to pick up your wilderness permit, let the wilderness center staff know that you would like to hike Half Dome during your trip. 5 mile, take another L. Yosemite Big Walls covers the 64 best big wall routes on El Capitan, Half Dome, and Washington Column most of which were personally climbed and documented by authors Chris McNamara and Chris Van Leuven. On the way down, pick up your backpack and continue to Happy Isles. 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. Jul 14, 2010 · Get route beta and reviews from other climbers regarding: Half Dome - Regular Northwest Face 5. The missing climb, the famous Nose that divides the wall, is instead shown on a human scale by integrating hundreds of images of Sloan (wearing a yellow shirt) and Putnam (wearing red) as they each ascend the 3,000-foot route, body length 3 days ago · The Nose requires a fast and light strategy. Drop off your backpack at the junction between the John Muir Trail and the Half Dome Trail and summit Half Dome with a day pack. 5. It runs from the valley floor to the top of the Dome in 8. Do not climb right to the right dike, it is off-route leading to Snake Dance. ️ Reserving a Half Dome eligible trailhead also reserves Half Dome permits for your entire group. May 1, 2024 · In June 2011, just one day before Peter Mortimer and the Sender Films team was scheduled to film a reenactment of Honnold’s free solo of the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome (a reenactment which appeared on the 60 Minutes profile that first put Honnold on the non-climbing map), Honnold decided to up the ante in a different way by free Far up the Valley sits Yosemite’s other iconic monolith, Half Dome. Get route beta and reviews from other climbers regarding: Half Dome - Snake Dike 5. 9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a: Half Dome Unknown 2 S,TR 5. , Because of the long approach and north-facing orientation, the Regular Route has an Alpine quality not found on other popular Yosemite walls. Watkins 160 Half Dome 166 Liberty Cap 180 Leaning Tower 184 Appendix Mystery of Two Icy Deaths192 The Players 194 Route Index 206 Routes by overall difficulty 207 About the Authors 208 Sep 9, 2008 · Half Climb S 5. Class 2. At the Sentinel Bridge parking area, walk out onto the bridge to enjoy a classic view of Half Dome (photo- The cables on Half Dome turn a class 5 rock climb into a class 3 scramble up the NW shoulder of Half Dome. 9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a R El Capitan is perhaps the most sublime feature in all of Yosemite Valley, and second only to Half Dome among Yosemite's most recognized features. Half Dome, without question, is a difficult and dangerous hike. Jan 4, 2025 · Half Dome. The length and difficulty of the trail used to keep it less crowded than other park trails, but trail traffic grew to as many as 1,000 people a day, and about 50,000 per year, before Climbing Half Dome. Half Dome > 1. Watkins 160 Half Dome 166 Liberty Cap 180 Leaning Tower 184 Appendix Mystery of Two Icy Deaths192 The Players 194 Route Index 206 Routes by overall difficulty 207 About the Authors 208 All Locations > California > Yosemite NP > Yosemite Valley > Valley S Side > D. Feb 20, 2025 · More than 100 climbing accidents occur in Yosemite each year; of these, 15-25 parties require a rescue. 5 mile class 1 North Dome Trail that is accessed by several other trails listed in the approach section below. For a longer adventure, the South Face route offers 34 pitches of mostly free climbing. Feb 14, 2025 · GPS map for: Half Dome - Regular Northwest Face 5. The wall feels remote since the throngs of people on the Northwest Face are nearly out of sight and earshot. 10 leader will increase your chances of success and make the climb more enjoyable. 10b 6a+ 19 VII-19 E2 5b: Half Dome Crack aka Party Time T 5. Printable topographic map with UTM grid for the strenuous hike up to Half Dome from Yosemite Valley via the Mist Trail. Arguably the easiest free route on Half Dome, Snake Dike was first climbed in 1965 by Eric Beck, Jim Bridwell, and Chris Fredericks. You can either stay on the Mist Trail at the fork, and continue past Vernal and Nevada Falls to the John Muir Trail. Its current aid climbing rating is VI 5. Place one South Face of the Column on top of another one and you Routes Overview Here is a list of routes for North Dome arranged in alphabetical order. 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. 9 mi Hiking Trail. May 29, 2018 · The National Park Service recommends against climbing the route when the cables are down and when the surface of the rock is wet and slippery. Bring plenty of water since there is no water between Sunrise Creek and Little Yosemite Valley Camp. Approach the climb early and plan on spending a day waiting for parties to thin out on the route. There are many routes for hiking to the top of the Half Dome. The climbing starts off wandering at a low angle and gradually grows steeper and gets better. 12) to amazingly steep lines on the Northwest face. May 31, 2016 · Snake Dike is the name of a climbing route that goes up Half Dome from the opposite side of where Half Dome’s cables are. You can also start from Glacier Point, which reduces total elevation gain. If nothing else, you can enjoy them at the top of the mountain, after climbing the Half Dome cables! Sun Protection. This is one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic hikes. 00/5 The combination of geological wonders and rich cultural heritage makes Half Dome a prized destination for many. 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. Modern big wall climbing began in the late 1950's and was developed into a fine art on its faces in the 1960's as climbers from all over the world have come to challenge its demanding routes. Half Dome is a classic example of an exfoliation dome, a granite dome created when plates formed along 3. The Regular Northwest Face. First ascent unknown but probably early. 7 in the Valley, if not the world. You’ll definitely want sunscreen and a hat. Half Dome Cables. There are many routes between 500’ to 1,500’ (150m to 450m) long at places such as Cathedral Rocks, Half Dome and the Royal Arches, with routes offering every type of climbing at all grades. If you are using the Mist Trail, your journey will begin near Curry Village. But Rowell took it as more as Valley insiders (Robbins and crew) nabbing a route from Valley outsiders (Rowell and Cooper). Liberty Cap is the impressive-looking peak towering over the north side of Nevada Falls in Yosemite National Park. Mar 14, 2008 · Classic Climbing Routes at Half Dome Boulder Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area. Jun 15, 2012 · Alex Honnold has free-soloed the Regular Northwest Face (VI 5. The crux of the route, the Thank God Ledge, is a heart-pounding traverse with breathtaking exposure. 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. See full list on hikingguy. A. 40. May 30, 2022 · Climbing Area Map. Today, the route still feels just as adventurous as it did back then. 13s in Yosemite, including Heaven and Cosmic Debris. The Regular Northwest Face route is the most popular, with 23 pitches of varied climbing. Half Dome. Blondike is similar to North Dome's Crest Jewel. Northwest Face > Regular Northwest Fac… ( 5. 9 C1 with one bivouac, though it is also frequently climbed in a day and it has gone free at 5. Apr 16, 2014 · Interactive Half Dome Map App (Make sure to go full screen for the best experience. Climbing Half Dome's Snake Dike. 14. Yosemite Half Dome 🌙 is a 16. 14 (F3 to F8c), with everything from single pitch routes to 1,000m+ routes on El Cap. Many switchbacks will take you to the base of the Pinnacles (false summit as seen from below). May 26, 2022 · The main route for hiking Half Dome trail starts on the Mist Trail at Happy Isles. Tis-sa-ack takes a spectacular line through Yosemite’s most vertical face. 7 R - Yosemite Valley, California USA and other areas. 873, -73. After . From a psychological perspective, the last 500 feet (152 m) to the top of Angel’s Landing can be intimidating. From Lost Lake proceed through brush toward the 7,000-foot mark on the map at the base (SW) of Half Dome. It’s perhaps the most iconic symbol of Yosemite National Park. 8 miles to the shoulder of Half Dome). This vista gives hikers a view of Pine Creek - looking south - and mountains in the distance. Doing a route in the middle of Half Dome's face is a much different experience than doing the Regular Route. 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 - Feb 25, 2000; Another winter attempt - Dec 18, 2001; Snake Dike - May 18, 2002; The Slabs route - Oct 18, 2002; Half Dome cross-country ascent Half Dome Overview & Trail Map. Most people (including us) choose the day hike which is totally doable with proper preparation and planning. May 16, 2025 · Half Dome is an iconic hike in Yosemite and I have been lucky to have gotten permits for the hike multiple times! It is a grueling hike, lots of varied terrain (sand, granite, loose rock and gravel) and parts are unrelenting with the summer heat. It’s named so because it follows a dike that snakes its way up the dome, creating positive holds for climbers to grab onto on an otherwise blank granite. 12 for the free climbing variation. 2 days ago · With an easier approach than Half Dome, plenty of easy to moderate climbing and plush bivy ledges, Lost Arrow Direct is an excellent introductory wall. Two steel cables allow hikers to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing equipment. But if you look for videos of people climbing Half Dome, or articles about ascents on Half Dome, you find almost nothing. Climbing route, South Face VI 5. Perhaps Yosemite's most popular hard hike, guests must set out early to reach the summit of Half Dome. Do not climb out of season when the cable posts have been removed. Distance: 17 miles round trip from Yosemite Valley Total Ascent: 5,457 feet Difficulty: Extremely strenuous Length of Time: 10 – 14 hours Our day started at 6 am, when we took our first steps on the Mist Trail from Yosemite’s valley floor. Feb 8, 2021 · There are over a dozen climbing routes up Half Dome’s vertical northwest face. Map; Avg time to climb route: 2 days. Jul 22, 2020 · Read more about Half Dome permits when the cables are up for day hikers and for backpackers at nps. Broderick, Liberty Cap, Panorama Wall, Jericho Wall, FireFall Wall, Glacier Point, 9 O’clock Wall, Sentinel Rock, Lost Brother, The Cathedrals No favorite crags yet! You can add favorite crags from your dashboard, or look for this button as you browse the index: The Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome was the first Grade VI big wall climbing route in the United States. Jul 23, 2018 · From mountain project:Snake Dike (along with Royal Arches) is one of the classic long moderate routes of Yosemite. Robbins was making a statement that first ascents should not involve fixed lines. The Tioga Pass drive through Tuolumne Meadows from the east side is normally closed from sometime in the fall through mid to late May due to snowfall. com A selective guidebook describing over 750 of the very best free rock climbing routes in Yosemite Valley, from 5. Sep 10, 2024 · Although the trail is well marked, you should be prepared with a good topographic map and compass and know how to use them. Jan 14, 2025 · Half Dome Camping – Where to camp on and off the trail when hiking Half Dome. The two metal cables allow hikers to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing equipment. Important Half Dome Safety Tips – Tips about the top hazards to expect along the Half Dome trail. Visit today! Once thought to be unclimbable, the high granite walls of Yosemite Valley began to see their first attempts and first ascents in the 1950s. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Climbing 400 feet (122 m), Half Dome’s cables are nearly as long, also vertiginous, and you’ll be doing it after a longer approach. Dirk and myself successfully climbed its Snake Dike route on June 11-12, 2005. Sep 11, 2014 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Climbing experience is not Half Dome Routes : SummitPost. The part of this journey that makes the ascent up Half Dome famous is the cable route. 7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b: Silver Slipper S 5. Jan 30, 2025 · By far the most common route to Half Dome, so much so that many people think that this is the only way to get there. Also in Yosemite, he linked El Cap, Half Dome and Mount Watkins in a day, free-soloing 90 per cent of the big walls. Jan 16, 2021 · Routes in Half Dome Boulder. Half Dome Hiking Routes. Permits are distributed by lottery via Recreation. For many climbers, this is number one on t Oct 19, 2023 · The Route. SuperTopo offers the world's best rock climbing and mountaineering route information for Half Dome - Regular Northwest Face 5. 4-miles. 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. Half Dome hikers routinely underestimate the level of difficulty of the hike; from the trailhead at Happy Isles, in Yosemite Valley, to the top of Half Dome, the trail gains 4,800 feet in elevation, and the hike is 14 to 16 miles round trip, depending on which route hikers use. 7 R - Yosemite Valley, California USA. At shuttle bus stop #6, cross the street (watch for traffc!) and follow the bike path, bearing left as the path forks. 9 A1 or 5. It's a Jan 28, 2017 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, CA PUBLISHED IN 1998, FIRST EDITION • SIZE: 26” X 37” Our Half Dome poster was published in 1998 and includes eleven previously unpublished Grade VI routes. Though the peak is prominent and has a nontechnical route in the class 2-3 Northeast Gully, it is relatively infrequently climbed compared to the throngs of visitors that make the hike up the popular Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. 12a and several pitches of 5. The third easiest route regularly done on Half Dome is found not on the East Face, the West Face, or even the shorter (but quite steep) South Face. Usually pretty quiet back here. 2 mi (13 km) (via the Mist Trail), with 4,800 ft (1,460 m) of elevation gain. Apr 21, 2025 · Climbing Trip Reports for: Half Dome - Regular Northwest Face 5. Regular Northwest Face, Half Dome, Yosemite, U. By 1998 the Half Dome poster was complete. 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. Towering over the Yosemite Valley, this iconic granite face offers climbers a challenging ascent that has captivated the climbing community for decades. Half Dome Trail Map. You can also hike Half Dome starting from Tenaya Lake, though it makes a very long day (23 miles/37 km round trip). The summit view, looking down at the curved face of Half Sep 24, 2019 · Ninety-nine of El Cap’s 100 routes are drawn on the image, aid routes in red and free routes in yellow. Rock climbing in Yosemite re-entered the spotlight recently with documentary movies like Free Solo and Dawn Wall. An easy route can be worked out near the right (E) end of an intricate maze of ledges separated by 45° massive granite slopes. On busy days the cables turn into a continuous traffic jam of people. This map also includes the descent trail from the top of the Dome. Routes in Half Dome. 6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b: Tube, The T,TR 5. Additionally it was created by compiling all the published topos from existing guidebooks. Half Dome Hiking Stats. The seventeen mile round-trip can be done in a single long day (9-12 hours) or hikers can stay overnight around half way up at Little Yosemite Valley Campground. 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. Routes in Dharma Boulder, a. org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering Map View Viewing Routes Half Dome View All Routes. 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. The most famous—or infamous—part of the hike is the ascent up the cables. SuperTopo offers the world's best rock climbing and mountaineering route information for Half Dome - Snake Dike 5. It took not even a month until a team of climbers attempted to re-climb the injured route on a wall still The part of this journey that makes the ascent up Half Dome famous is the cable route. Most people follow the classic route from Yosemite Valley. Option 1 is smooth hiking and clearly the way to go for the south facing routes. Half Dome is another iconic Yosemite climb. Continue on towards Half Dome. 12 or 5. Skirt the base of the prominent dome. Honnold took 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete the route, which has one short pitch of 5. The standard route on Half Dome is the Half Dome Cables Route. Seasonality: Visit Mountain Project regarding optimal climb months and other useful, community-generated data. Crag features. Some crystal pulling, some routes have more clean finer grain granite, there is also some wind sculptured holds and a couple trad lines. It’s essential to have gloves for climbing the Half Dome cables! Over the course of my four, week-long pilgrimages to Yosemite I had climbed Half Dome twice by this route and descended the Cable Route. The document has moved here. 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. Skip another bolted belay, climbing up the dike past a bolt and easier climbing, and up to a bolted belay. The cables are around a 45-55 degree grade, with wooden supports every 10 to 20 feet to rest and maintain your balance. However it is possible to enjoy rock climbing in Yosemite Valley without having to send any nights out on the route. It's probably best as a backpacker's route, with an overnight stay at the Little Yosemite Valley Campground. It was first climbed in 1957 by a team consisting of Royal Robbins, Mike Sherrick, and Jerry Gallwas. 11+. Most hikers take 10 to 12 hours to hike up and back (please note Jun 27, 2022 · A selective guidebook describing over 350 big wall routes in Yosemite Valley, covering Ribbon Fall, El Capitan, Camp 4 Wall, Yosemite Falls Wall, Rhombus Wall, Arches Wall, Washington Column, Mt. A permit is required to hike to Half Dome seven days per week when the cables are up. Or, you could take the John Muir Trail all the way to the base of Half Dome—this is less populated but you miss out on two waterfalls. 8 C2 First ascent Chuck Pratt, Warren Harding and Yvon Chouinard in summer 1964. gov, with one preseason lottery with an application period in March Jan 17, 2025 · A long way to go to the summit of Half Dome. Oct 24, 2017 · On Youtube, it is possible to find many videos of strong climbers from all over the world climbing (sometimes free) routes such as The Nose, Golden Gate, Zodiac, Freerider and Salathé Wall. 6: The Mist Trail You get to witness spectacular beauty just a few steps into your hike. Carrying light summit packs, we started hiking up the well-groomed Half Dome Trail. 9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a C1) A selective guidebook describing over 750 of the very best free rock climbing routes in Yosemite Valley, from 5. At the 7,000' level, instead of taking a L to get to the Cables route, hang a right on the JMT. FULL SNAKE DIKE/HALF DOME TRIP REPORT – SUMMIT 9/2/2022 – LONG READ The entire story is broken up into many replies to this thread, read as much as you want. Lottery draw for Half Dome climbing permit The Half Dome hike goes from the Yosemite Valley floor to the top of the dome in 13 km (8. 8 C1, but being a solid 5. 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. This is by far the easiest way to get up Half Dome, but also the longest. A definitive evolution in climbing topography, even the existing routes were verified rather than simply copied from older sources. Apr 21, 2025 · GPS map for: Half Dome - Snake Dike 5. Or, if you’re really looking for an adventure, you can hike to Half Dome from Half Dome Vistas - North and South Eventually hikers will reach the top of Half Dome Mountain after battling the insane climb up. Approach time: 3-4 hours. This is an incredibly long-winded full trip report, from trip planning to summit, if you don’t care about anything else, the route report itself starts at Part 3. Add Route to Half Dome: Create New Snake Dike 5. This Half Dome Mountain route is likely the most-difficult hike in all of Pennsylvania as hikers will climb over 2,600-feet in just 3. S. 4 to 5. 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. May 18, 2025 · This is one of the more classic nailing routes in the valley, yet because of the long approach the route sees very little traffic. This is the steepest part of the route. Highlight. Nov 12, 2010 · Half Dome - SW Face routes: On the Edge, West Corner, Labor of Love, Snake in the Grass, Salathe', Two Hoofers, Blondike, Dome Polishers, Deuceldike, Snake Dike, Eye in the Sky, Snake Dance Currently 5. You can hike Half Dome without the cables, but you need a serious set of winter climbing skills. Although many parties climb the route in more than four days, hauling that much food and water is not pretty. We awoke to a mild, sunny morning, with plans to take a side trip up nearby Half Dome. 7) and Southern Belle (5. Routes: Check out these popular Half Dome climbing routes: Snake Dike, Regular Northwest Face, Southwest Face, Blondike, Autobagn, Two Hoofers and more. Elevation of Trailhead: 4,000 ft; Elevation Gain to Half Dome: 4,844 ft The original overview map of El Cap was first published in November 1996… However with only 72 routes it could not define all the small variations and intricacies of El Cap’s right side. This route is the rock climber's approach trail to Dozier Dome. The last seven pitches are spectacular. Half Dome resisted multiple attempts through the mid-1950's, but with improvements to climbing - especially the invention and development of "chrome moly pitons" - in June 1957 Royal Robbins, Mike Sherrick, and Overview. The route has little mandatory free climbing, but it is more enjoyable and goes faster if you can free 5. There are several routes to reach the summit of Half Dome. Hiking Half Dome During Off Season. The ascent up Half Dome includes famous is the cable route. 9 C1 - Yosemite Valley, California USA. The climbing is neither too steep nor too serious. The most popular route is the non-technical 0. Rescue is not a certainty. Jul 13, 2022 · After everything is away, you can start climbing up. In January, 2010, the National Park Service announced that permits will be required to hike the cable route on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. 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. We hiked up the Mist Trail and down the Muir Trail, one of the most popular hiking routes to Half Dome. Moved Permanently. Climbing Area Map. Although the first ascent by Robbins, Sherrick, and Gallwas took five days, most ascents now are accomplished in two. Climbing in Yosemite has inherent risks and climbers assume complete responsibility for their own safety. Trails This hike follows two named trails: Pine Trail (yellow blazes), Half Dome Mountain Trail / Half Dome Mountain Southeast Ridge Climbing Route (yellow blazes). The cable section, which involves climbing a near-vertical granite face using only metal cables and wooden planks as support, requires a significant amount of upper body strength, balance, and mental Dec 10, 2022 · He has soloed a number of 5. 4. E. One of the most coveted routes was the Northwest Face of Half Dome, and among those coveting it was Californian Warren Harding (Harding made an unsuccessful attempt on Half Dome in 1955, and returned for the 1957 season just as Royal Robbins and team were Dec 10, 2021 · The Half Dome Cables Route hike runs from the valley floor to the top of the dome in 8. 12a, 23 pitches) on Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. 2 miles) via the Mist Trail. Aug 15, 2024 · The route to the summit of Half Dome ascends 5,457 feet in 8. Yosemite Overview Map 26 SuperTopos Ribbon Fall 28 El Capitan 32 Lost Arrow Spire 132 Washington Column 140 Mt. Discover this route and more at Strava. The climbing is relatively moderate but adventurous. The poles that usually prop the cables up as handrails are removed and the cables are left Sep 23, 2021 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Wear gloves and footwear with a high level of grip. 662 Google Map · Climbing Area Map SuperTopo - offers the world's best rock climbing, bouldering, and big wall route info, featuring discussion, trip reports and and gear reviews for climbing areas like Yosemite, Alaska, and the Southwest. P3 (5. This fee pays for park rangers checking for Half Dome permits and providing Half Dome visitors with hiking and safety information. By the early 1950's all of the major formations in Yosemite Valley had been climbed except for El Capitan and the face of Half Dome. Jun 11, 2024 · You can also tackle the Half Dome hike via these different routes, turning the Half Dome hike into a multi-day experience. 10. Home > Climbing Routes > Yosemite Valley > Half Dome, Regular Northwest Face Yosemite Half Dome hike advice, photos, maps includes details about getting a permit to hike and climb up the Half Dome cables. 9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a V0 4 PG13 Jul 6, 2015 · The Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome was a pioneering big-wall climb, first completed in 1957. Nearby Yosemite Falls is stunning. The preseason lottery is the most common way to secure a permit for the Half Dome hike. Nov 11, 2010 · What makes a route classic? Is it the runouts, the exposure, the quality of movement, the folklore, or the stone itself? In the case of Eric Beck, Jim Bridwell, and Chris Fredericks’ 1965 route Snake Dike, on the southwest face of Yosemite’s Half Dome, the answer to all these questions is a resounding “Yes!” making it a strong contender for the best 5. Mar 20, 2025 · They started by bypassing fixed lines low on the route placed by Galen Rowell and Ed Cooper, who were preparing to climb the route. Make sure as you are climbing that you have a good grip on the chains and that you always have one hand on them. Watkins, Quarter Dome, Half Dome, Porcelain Wall, Mt. Glaciers cleaved the dome clear in half, leaving incredible slab climbs on the sunny southern aspect such as Snake Dike (5. You could do it in a day or you could do a multi-day backpacking trip. There’s no shade at all on Sub Dome or Half Dome. 325 Google Map Feb 17, 2025 · SuperTopo rock climbing route info on: Half Dome - Southern Belle - Yosemite Valley, California USA. The length and difficulty of the trail used to keep it less crowded than other park trails, but in recent years the trail traffic has grown to as many as 800 people a day. Feb 19, 2025 · Looking at Half Dome from the valley floor, most people can’t even spot where the climbing route goes. 8 5b 16 VI-15 HVS 4c: Head Over Heels S 5. Permits are not required when the cables are down, but a little known fact is that you can still climb Half Dome. 7): Climb up and left past a bolt and crux friction to reach the dike itself. Other technical routes ascend the south face and the west shoulder. They slowly ran out of water and into an epic. The Half Dome Cable Route hike runs from the valley floor to the top of the dome in 8. Aug 3, 2008 · Supertopo says: Snake Dike is the easiest technical climbing route to the top of Half Dome, the most recognized rock feature in the United States. The trail, however, is well-maintained and easy to follow. There are about 7 lines, all going to the summit if you choose. C. There is a spring at the base of the route that runs from June to August, although it sometimes runs longer. Brennen's account of climbing Half Dome; C. The classic profile of Half Dome, recognizable worldwide, sits over the east end of Yosemite Valley like a distant guardian. Sep 8, 2019 · Climbing Half Dome ‘In a Day’ is popular with stronger climbers as this is a great way to check this route of the personal tick list, and doing it this way cuts out a lot of logistics and hassle. 9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a: Just Chillin' S 5. The route is normally climbed today at 5. But there are multiple approaches to the backside. 9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a R Tin Can Alley S 5. Hiking and climbing on Half Dome offers a unique experience for adventure enthusiasts. There’s only one route up the backside of Half Dome. Your map and descent may vary from this map slightly depending on which route you climb up the Dome! Not all of the routes up Dozier reach the summit, and not all require a walk-off, so it's a good idea to check This short walk offers stunning views of Half Dome, Glacier Point, and the Royal Arches. 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! However, the snowpack from the prior season can delay the start of the cable climbing season. ien zwrgc eioeluw ulrh opajzp cicvxb lmlyh pygspq hwno lrsr