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

[@fnancyb]

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.

[@ReVoltaire]

We didn't camp exactly but slept under the stars in our sleeping bags on top of Half Dome in the summer of 1984. The stars/night sky were absolutely incredible. I have never since seen such amazing starlight away from human light sources 🌠😮 There were at least a dozen or more other people overnighting on the top of Half Dome. My high school buddies were also smoking a lot of weed on the way up, down and at the top but it wasn't my thing.

[@blakebufford6239]

Wow great story. Great times. Me and two friends went up un 1978. Didn't seem like a big deal at the time but we were in our 20's. Didn't camp on top but in Little Yosemite.

[@barnowlwatcher]

@@ReVoltaireWonder if we were up there at the same time, lol. Back in the 80’s we went three times, with backpacks, and camped up there (no tents). The sunsets, the stars, and the sunrises were life experiences I will always be thankful for. And chatting with everyone who was spending the night was fun. Ahhh, the good old days!

[@Danstaafl]

We camped down in the valley, but left early enough to watch the sunrise/make breakfast at the top. I was 15. There was no-one else up there that day.. Just some climbers on the face we chatted with from the top.. June 1978.. Best scrambled eggs ever..

[@40stefanie]

The weather can change in a heartbeat there. Not safe to do

[@fishhunt2212]

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

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. Wow! your kids are rock stars. I'm not sure at what point I'll be comfortable taking my kids up Half Dome. But they'll be anchored, especially if they're on the younger side. Yeah, I agree. I'm worried that some day, someone's going to lose their grip on the cables, fall and take multiple people with them, especially if people are told they cannot anchor themselves in. It's such a famous trail, and so many people attempt the climb without the requisite level of effort and the potential peril until they're on the cables. It's a worrisome mix and a miracle that no one died last year.

[@brettshannon4032]

That's what I'm thinking. I'm fine on my own, but I can't predict or control someone falling and sliding down in front of me, and would at least like that peace of mind.

[@aliensoup2420]

I think it is flawed logic by the ranger. That is like saying if you need a rope to rock climb you shouldn't be rock climbing. Using a harness is not an issue of competency, it is an issue of surviving the odds of a mishap not only from oneself but by the people around you. I would have expected the park service to require a harness and clip before receiving a permit. Besides, they could make a killing on pre-hike sales for the equipment.

[@coreym162]

Exactly! It's mostly "Experts" that die doing this stuff (or at least they think they are) because, they have more confidence in their skill than their equipment. Multiple mountain climbing legends that were the top of their class died in Yosemite either trying something new or overestimating their own judgment or being just plain stupid. That ranger was at the entrance for a reason. He's a Gatekeeper in more ways than one. I despise people like that.

[@MelbaToast7117]

Me too. That's my worst fear​@@HomeInWildSpaces

[@attorneycarissa]

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.

[@jerrygreene1493]

Parks Dept. should provide use and return harness at bottom of cables, promote more bolts on snake dike, and provide descent route signs on popular climbs like Royal Arches.

[@scottzeezee4343]

I did this hike about 20 years ago and saw more than one person in the state of shear terror. Oddly enough, sitting on top and looking thousands of feet straight down was less scary than starting up the cables. When on the cables manage your head space by looking up ahead of you and not looking down or off to the side. Also descend by walking backwards and only looking up or glancing behind you at the cables and boards. Don’t look out or down. I say manage your head space rather than fear because you may have no fear or even concern until you look somewhere wrong and the fear hits you quickly.

[@jerrygreene1493]

@@scottzeezee4343 The park should supply use and return harnesses.

[@haro82]

Nothing wrong with knowing your limits. Same happened to me on the last stretch of angels landing in zion with the chains part to the summit.

[@commodoor6549]

I've been hiking Half Dome since I was a kid in the 1970s. I've done the hike at least 10 times. I never thought of it as being especially dangerous, but it is strenuous and often really hot. Although I have not done the hike in over ten years; too hard to get lottery tickets. In retrospect, I think my dad should have had us using a harness, but we never did. I would use a mountaineering harness if I did it today. I don't buy what the rangers are selling. If you want a harness, use a harness. Your choice not theirs. If the girl that died a weeks ago had been wearing a harness, she would have survived. Btw, in a paper published in 2017, only 5 people died on the cables in 85 years.

[@xbalance]

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!

[@edgecase6788]

yes something knowing more is more harmful than knowing less.

[@klarafialova7101]

How did you do it? What kind od gear did you have?

[@edgecase6788]

@@klarafialova7101 you need good shoes with grip, Hand gloves with grip and one harness.

[@xbalance]

@@klarafialova7101 I walked up and down to the left of the cables. As I recall, I bear walked. I am sure I was not the only person to do what I did. It was 1989 and I was from Michigan. I had no gear, no training, and really, no clue what I was doing. In hindsight, it was foolishness fueled by ignorance. If my wife had not been there to witness it, I would seriously be doubting my own memory.

[@shable1436]

​@@xbalanceprobably better grip because of traffic has polished the granite

[@Tom-ahawk]

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.

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

It's definitely not for every body. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. I think it's healthy for people to know that some hikers simply chose to turn around and forego the cables.

[@Putzman]

Smart!

[@Putzman]

​@HomeInWildSpaces and those cables need to come down. Not worth one life and it's already taken more than that.

[@patrickclark9222]

@@Putzman if you dont want to go; dont go. But lets not ruin it for those that are okay with an acceptably small risk in their life…

[@Putzman]

​@patrickclark9222 "small risk"? Oh, ok. Tell that to the man who lost his daughter last week or the others. How fair is it to those family members of those who took a "small risk"?

[@ervinslens]

Outstanding storytelling man, such a great episode! 👏

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Thanks a ton! So glad you enjoyed it. Here's hoping it helps people. So many people might have lost their lives last year on Half Dome. We're lucky everyone survived. But that won't be the case unless hikers step up their game. Thanks for watching! More to come!

[@StephanieRogina-lx1pt]

Whoever made this video and narrated it is awesome!! You tell it like it is and I love that. 😊

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Thanks! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@lagodifuoco313]

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.

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Thank you for watching! Even the best message can’t do any good if people aren’t listening.

[@johnlopez4089]

Over the last 20 years I’ve done halfdome 5 times . With brother in laws, nephews and the last time with my daughter. Your video is by far the best one I’ve seen👍👍

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Wow, thank you!

[@jimmymurphy7789]

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

[@cloudyeight]

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

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Welcome aboard!

[@larryzuiker5721]

This is the best and most informative hiking video I have ever watched. You have done a great job keeping this video interesting while making sure that everyone understands the risks involved in doing this hike.

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Thanks! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@nosondre]

I was so happy to have those cables. It was 28 years ago. I was with my 8 year old. No permits were required at the time. It was a good day. We left Vernal Falls at around 9:00 AM. We cut across the switchbacks that took miles off our trip. We returned to House Keeping a little after 7:00 PM. This was before cell phones so my wife was pissed that I just took the boy there with me but that was a memory my son and I will never forget.

[@kdaddy100]

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.

[@josephhorton85]

In my own personal experience a harness is not conducive for this application. Climbing up the bridge in Australia to the top towers and over, there was a maintained system. The Golden Gate and the Bay Bridge in San Francisco there is a maintained cable system that requires both sides used and only one direction of work party (I am retired SFFD). The cables on HalfDome are inconsistent and their anchor points are removable. For most people, focusing on the wrong things and are not used to using a harness actually creates more anxiety … that’s a huge problem. I have attempted, in my lifetime, this climb close to forty times and successfully completed 24+ times. Only 2 attempts were required of a permit usage plan and the rest were attempted @ or before midnight and before the lottery/permit process. When using a proper harness that would save your life on these cables it becomes a logistical nightmare creating more hazardous conditions. In all of my experiences on Half Dome there have been more issues now with heightened safety measures than there were in the past. Unlike the attempts of making cycling safer, helmets have saved lives and head injuries, especially have gone down considerably

[@kamakaziozzie3038]

@@josephhorton85you are correct Sir🙏

[@drew388]

to think a 20 year old just died after this vid. so sad

[@kerryfantham]

A safety belt with a lead line should be sufficient rather than a full on harness

[@jjjscharf8059]

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.

[@MaterMultis]

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.

[@barnowlwatcher]

@@MaterMultis I now regret we didn’t do Ayer’s rock. It was very much discouraged as being insulting to the aboriginal people. So when we got there imagine seeing all sorts of people coming down and going up that face. Still I feel lucky we did the sunrise hike with a guide around the entire base. It is a magical place.

[@briandawson1082]

I climbed it 4yrs ago with my daughter. We used a half harness to clip on to the cables. The week before, a young lady fell to her death. The extra protection is worth its weight in gold.

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

I covered that accident. It was a terrible situation. My children would also be harnessed, but that would still be a secondary consideration to whether they were physically and mentally prepared for this hike. FYI, I removed your comment suggesting people can climb the cables without a permit. Posts advocating for breaking the law are not permitted. There are steep fines for summiting half dome without a permit. I welcome the opinions of those who have objections to permits and fines. But comments advocating breaking the law will be removed. Thanks for your comments!

[@jKLa]

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. 😳

[@ml2mercer2011]

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

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Glad I could take you on the journey again! As for Clouds Rest, I wanted to capture some footage this year, but with the Tioga road opened only days after my last visit. Without adding it to my Glacier Point to Half Dome hike I just wasn't able to squeeze it in this time. Hoping to rectify that one day soon. Stay tuned. And thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@ml2mercer2011]

Can’t wait to see Clouds Rest. We are fortunate to live two hours from the park. Thanks for your hard work showcasing our precious National Parks and wild spaces.

[@slangley3235]

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

[@TheTexican05]

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… 🥵 👀

[@ybxfitness]

We just did it last week...one word...BRUTAL! This hike is no joke. The Subdome was more challenging than the cable....but we loved it so much that we will do it again in may! The gloves and harness were great. Also, I think most people underestimate how tired they will arrive at subdome and have to use an insane amount of energy to make it to the top!

[@smileyhappyradio]

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

[@loglan5150]

That lady that slipped got a crotchfull of reality lol.

[@deegee8032]

Very good info. This is my favorite hike. Have done it five times. You cannot be too prepared. I would emphasize the need for adequate water for your trip. Side note - dehydration is the root cause of what is called "altitude sickness". It's the effects of your blood thickening combined with less available oxygen. By staying adequately hydrated, you will most likely have no problem with it. DG

[@barbaramann5968]

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💖

[@starnevaeh777]

It's beautiful and lovely ❤I wish I could be that high up but I couldn't do it. I would've panicked. This video is very important to hikers.

[@moesymoe4407]

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.

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Thanks for your support! Hope you’ve been enjoying the content.

[@richardwendt4612]

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.

[@joez4284]

I've done half-dome with cables down - used harness with klemheist knot. Probably not needed with cables up - but I would still have something in my backpack if a storm rolls around.

[@EnriqueVendeCasas]

Just subscribed, great content, great narration.

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Much appreciated! Welcome aboard!

[@gizzyandthelizzy]

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

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Thanks for watching!

[@Nooby-u7q]

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

[@kamakaziozzie3038]

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

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Much appreciated!

[@TeKnoVKNG23]

One thing I never see mentioned about these hikes, even out west, is altitude acclimation. Even at 7-8,000 feet you need a couple of weeks to acclimate effectively. I'm sure many of these accidents are due to people getting worn out more than they normally would be because most are just on vacation for a few days/week and haven't acclimated to the altitude enough to make the climb near 100% fitness. There are a lot of "tourist" hikers who aren't in shape to begin with and adding in an 8000'+ peak is just a recipe for disaster in that case.

[@davidschroeder3272]

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.

[@susanlucas1125]

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

[@plorks445]

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.

[@californiagrace6868]

Yeah that is shocking given the deaths

[@annegallagher7558]

That comment from the ranger made no sense. A safety harness would have stopped the falls which resulted in deaths.

[@plorks445]

​@@annegallagher7558 Sadly I think it comes down to money. The permit system allows less people in so they don't want even less than that from people going slower from using a harness.

[@HawaiiGirlAdventures]

I'm also shocked, but I can see that climbing gear is discouraged, especially for those who don't know how to use it, or those who aren't climbers. If folks choose to use safety gear, they should learn to use it correctly. Redundancy is core concept in climbing safely, because crap does happen. Also, climbing efficiently is a part of good climbing technique, which means using your feet/legs more since they are stronger than your hands/arms. If your arms and hands are pumped, than you are likely using arms and hands more than your legs, and that 'will' slow you down. As an experienced technical rock and ice climber, if I did this hike, I'd use safety gear such as Via Ferrata type gear. Having safety gear in place will help me keep my focus on climbing the cable section of this hike. My bet is the rock surface outside of the cables are less polished/smooth than the rock surface between the cables.

[@miami3863]

I respect the rangers and appreciate them but that doesn’t make them a certified expert. Last month there were reports that a ranger was checking permits halfway up Half Dome. Again I respect the rangers and believe they are there with the best intentions. But I disagree with there rangers statement about no harness.

[@canamrider07]

It’s a great challenge. Preparation getting yourself in good hiking shape should start 6 months in advance, unless you’re already in hiking shape. Bringing enough water is also very important. My group ran out of water, and we brought a lot, on the way back down. Some power bars or energy snacks are needed.

[@amyfigueroa1911]

I really enjoyed watching this 💛

[@GGGtube]

Thank you Gatekeeper of Half Dome!

[@campingwithcorgis]

I just took the Mist Trail up to Half Dome and came back down via the Muir Trail. My legs were shot by the time I even got to the Ranger. We had a permit and weather was moving through. I started up to sub dome and was moving slow, then it thundered. I had to tell myself, I'm not ready for this, I wasn't in the shape I needed to be in and I slogged my way back down the valley, which in some ways is tougher than the climb. Next time I'll be a bit older. 18 miles in a day is a tough hike. Wish I found your channel BEFORE I attempted this hike.

[@Shangrila37]

Excellent video! Thank you! New sub here 🤙🏼

[@HeanChan]

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

[@Bearwithme560]

Wow. Stunning, vertiginous footage - and really important point about leaning too far over without visual cues. Vertigo, indeed ((shudder)). I really enjoyed this. ETA, doesn't it only makes sense to go down backwards, when dealing with physics and our top-heavy bodies, not intended to walk upright? Leaning forwards, with our heavy heads, just exacerbates the pull of gravity.

[@freebirdofparadise]

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. 😢

[@kbforme]

When I was a kid my parents loved hiking, I hated it. As such I was forced to go along on several hikes every year. By the time I was 14 I had a mat full of medals from completing hikes in Europe(mostly Germany). I've forgotten so many of those hikes but I remember this one. This one and the hike to an Indian reservation in Arizona or Nevada(can't remember which, ice cold waterfall waiting for you at the end). This is a very memorable hike to be sure. I would also say that hands down Yosemite is the most beautiful and breath taking national park I've been to, close second would be Glacier National Park.

[@bdmenne]

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

[@HawaiiGirlAdventures]

There are Approach Shoes as well as Hiking shoes/boots with soles made with Vibram technology. But still need to use caution on wet rock surfaces.

[@Soundbrigade]

We watched halfdome from a distance when we passed thru Yosemite. Having a pathological fear of heights, even watching a video like this makes me feel very uncomfortable. Knowing my limits, even walking up a “grassy knoll” can be scary and when trying something more challenging, my body automatically shuts down and enters panic mode or flight mode, keeping we away from various enterprises. Anyhow, it’s good this kinds of videos are out to give good and healthy advices to anyone brave enough to hike the halfdome.

[@GreyGhost.]

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

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

So glad you liked it! Thanks so much for the feedback! Cheers!

[@MrMasterpoet]

A suggestion for a “Plan B”; if for some reason you can’t or choose not to summit Half-dome try the scramble up Liberty Cap. The view with Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls below you would be a major attraction anywhere else, but is often overlooked with Half-Dome looming right next to it. Arguably safer and much less crowded with the same hikes in/out.

[@Thedesertguy75]

Its treated like an amusement park, then someone dies

[@seangaffney581]

I've done it 2x 08 and 2018. Had one slip on the cables that I basically almost shit my pants. Said to myself if I do a 3rd time I'll cable in safety first

[@TheCureThatKillz]

Get yourself a good pair of Adidas five ten mountain bike shoes. You won’t believe the grip they offer.

[@force13b]

Did this hike back in 2000 and looking to enter the lottery next year to see this great trail again. Did Rim2Rim2Rim this year with a group of friends and hoping to get a spot and have an adventure next year.

[@bizzfo]

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

[@truckingwithtobee]

I can’t believe people even try it without a harness and safety line!

[@Beech1900pilot]

I’m still puzzled about the discouragement to do so from the ranger. I understand you shouldn’t be fully reliant on that and should be mentally and physically ready for the challenge ahead. But to discourage an avenue of insurance or protection seems irresponsible to me.

[@richardcranium3579]

@@Beech1900pilotelitists are everywhere.

[@richardcranium3579]

Elitists are everywhere

[@graziagabriellananna2929]

Thank you for showing me not everybody there in the USA is crazy.

[@pachvandio]

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.

[@johnr5252]

What? Makes no sense. You say to use it, and then say no?

[@3quipto]

He meant act as if you don't have a harness on.

[@grbradsk]

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.

[@lindseymckirdy1830]

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

[@Billybobthor]

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

[@dawneen4537]

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!

[@dawneen4537]

I was going to add I carry all sorts of “what if” gear when riding to the top of Silver Star in SW Washington State. It’s only just above 4000+ feet but if it’s sunny you can bet I’ve got a jacket and rain gear in my saddle bags. I pack good and lots of water and a life “straw” to filter water. I carry for my dogs and my horse but being mindful of the weight my horse will be carrying. I see people riding out with nothing, not even a water bottle evident on their lovely, arena bred horses. I was knocked off a bridge while leading my horse across. What do you pack for that sort of thing? Fortunately I was able to ride the ten miles back to the trailer and learned to carry a shovel to throw grit onto rain or waterfall slick bridges. One never knows what could happen when you are out there.

[@georgepoutine6843]

Great Advice

[@giantbush4258]

I went up to half dome and the cables twice within a 6 week period. That was 20 yrs ago and it was uneventful bank then. Nowadays with social media we heard of some many stories and mishaps

[@SSL0707Star]

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.

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Have fun! I took some video while stuck on the cables. This can be done, but should only be attempted if you are fully secure and it does not adversely affect other people. Hope your hike goes well. It’s quite an experience. I invite you to come back and share your experience and advice for other people to benefit from.

[@TheCureThatKillz]

Whenever I go hiking when I know there will be be lots of rocks I’ll be having to navigate, I ALWAYS wear my adidas five ten mountain bike shoes. The grip that mountain bike shoes offers is second to none. I wear them when putting up Halloween and Christmas lights on our house which has really steep pitches and I’ve never slipped once. Highly recommend a good pair of mountain bike shoes if you’ll be climbing up/down on rock.

[@Lion_McLionhead]

40 years ago, we just had a guide book that showed 1 picture of some cables. Nowhere near the amount of preparation material there is nowadays but no permits required either.

[@DriverGuy23]

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.

[@vail8150]

Biggest problem on cables are people who don’t move over out of the way

[@40stefanie]

Well put together

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Thanks! It's been a long time in the making.

[@40stefanie]

@HomeInWildSpaces I can tell. It's takes hour and days to do that and edit.

[@eucliduschaumeau8813]

Fear is natural and it keeps us from getting killed every day. I equate the fear of heights and climbing to the fear of flying. Both are safe, but nothing in life is guaranteed, so things can go wrong sometimes. Many drive every day and that’s one of the more dangerous things that a person can do. It’s all relative.

[@justicegusting2476]

On my first ever backpacking trip when I was 19, I spent the night on a foot of ice in a dacron bag at the stone hut atop Mt. Whitney. I thought I was going to die that night.

[@tlb139]

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.

[@register1430]

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.

[@snowheadification]

As someone who has hiked Half Dome many times my here are a few suggestions. START EARLY. you have a better chance of being on the cables with less people and you'll spend less time on the exposed rock. 1 out of 5 people freeze or freak out on the cables. Don't let Summit fever compel you to push on. It causes bottle necks. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. Dehydration is another reason why so many people need to be helped or rescued. And remember once you summit your only HALF way home. It is a LONG day

[@teresacorrigan3076]

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

[@mattski1979]

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.

[@TomokoInaba-o8z]

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

[@alashabibti]

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.

[@ankitapatel1]

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?

[@MrSychnant]

For those that want security and safety but dont want a harness a simple wrist strap and snap carabiner can offer instant and quick connection and disconnection without hassle.

[@jKLa]

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!!

[@bryangrotegut3524]

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

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Thanks! I strive for the best. You've probably noticed, I'm not a fan of standard internet fare. I think people deserve better. So glad you enjoyed the series. Much more to come!

[@barneybrightbart7080]

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.

[@barnowlwatcher]

Google “Half Dome warning signs” and you can see pictures of the actual warnings they give you. Both before going up and what to do if you get stuck up there! The rock is really slippery when it is dry so no one should be on it when it is wet. They may have been racing to get down but “weather” doesn’t just happen in twenty minutes. Not even on Mt. Everest. If literally no one else was on the cables you can get down really fast. You back down and it is easy. Having to wait on a lot of people is a different story. Timing and making informed decisions is everything in life.

[@rubyred6954]

I thank God I do t have summit fever in ANY way shape or form!! That’s a big hell to the no, however, I would love to see it Yosemite from the ground! I’m literally dizzy and might headed just watching this climb, ohh I’m so glad I’m on my comfy couch!!

[@CharlieNebaw]

I stumbled upon this video after hearing about another incident in July 2024 with poor Grace Rohloff losing her life on the cables after a sudden storm showed up. It's so dangerous I'm surprised they haven't created a safer system.

[@HeatherGerber-y9m]

FYI When I completed Half Dome at the beginning of August 2024, we beat the park ranger there by 10:00 am and they were not doing any orientation when we passed the ranger on the way down.

[@TruthDragon.]

If you want to see some pretty views, just drive up to the South rim of the Grand Canyon and eat in one of the restaurants that overlooks it. You could even do that when you're a hundred and five, and you don't have to risk your life or be a marathon runner. I think that sounds far more appealing than trekking across a 45-degree worn smooth Granite boulder face in the rain.

[@thejohnbeck]

4:40, HAHAHAHAHA , awesome!!

[@patriciasalas4210]

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.

[@DavidHammerbeck]

You don't need a special guide to do Half Dome. Just the usual hiking stuff, maybe gloves for the cables, though I never used them, and did Half Dome in a day at least a dozen times, as I used to live and work in the Valley. Going up and down the cables is easy - I guess if you fear heights you could wear a harness with two quick draws with two foot slings to clip in to the cable, but back in the day, I never saw anyone doing that. Times will vary - I used to speed hike with friends to see how fast we could do it from Happy Isles up and back, and our fastest time was just under four hours. But for those unfamiliar with hiking, don't bring too much. Bring a good quality rain jacket - Goretex. And a hat. Sunscreen and water. Some food but not too much - the important thing is to keep moving.

[@petr-podrouzek]

Great job 🙂I climbed Half Dome in August 1996 🙂

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Thanks! It's a special trek. So glad you've been able to make the climb yourself.

[@mariyakalynyuk162]

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

[@truckingwithtobee]

Did you not hear the advice of the ranger?

[@teresacorrigan3076]

@@truckingwithtobeeno

[@jackiefitzpatrick2906]

AN̈D PEOPLE DIED BECAÙSE OF IT !

[@teresacorrigan3076]

@@jackiefitzpatrick2906 hi. How does the harness cause death? Maybe best to admire from a distance or watch utube

[@fatalradius]

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

[@markthomas6980]

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..

[@rb9628]

The area between the last campsite and the cables , where climbers are completely exposed, would be nerve wracking for me.

[@marklalone3091]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@HomeInWildSpaces]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching. I recently published two other videos relevant to Half Dome hikers. I hope you'll check them out: Deadly Beauty, Yosemite's Mist trail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6DOqXiojseHoM0 Making Half Dome harder, Yosemite's Panorama Trail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYGkqKavqLBgiJI

[@Khemtime]

I noticed a pattern. Everyone who died climbing half-dome was climbing half-dome. As if climbing it didn’t look sketchy enough there is no way I’d trust that out of all the people on it that somebody wouldn’t put everyone else in danger.

[@cherokeemapcrew]

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

[@teegees]

Any recommendations on water filtration equipment that works and doesn’t take up too much room and weight in your backpack?

[@mfmonthefmf]

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?).

[@WildernessExcursions]

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.

[@philippal8666]

I live in Europe and pepper/bear spray is illegal. We have many bears, but noise is enough to keep them away. Wolves are more problematic.

[@jackprier7727]

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

[@Shangrila37]

😂😅🤣