Don't Hike Half Dome (Do This Instead)

Name me 0.2 miles of any other trail in the USA that has this mortality rate. Know what you're getting into before doing Half Dome.

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Half Dome hike is one of those bucket-list adventures for many, but I want you to reconsider before tackling it. Despite my extensive experience with Half Dome, including a popular guide on my website, a recent tragic incident has made me rethink this hike's worth. A father and daughter, both experienced hikers, encountered a thunderstorm while descending Half Dome. Tragically, the daughter slipped and fell to her death on the polished granite. This isn't an isolated incident—slipping on the granite between the cables has caused multiple fatalities. The granite, worn smooth by thousands of hikers, becomes incredibly slippery, making it far more dangerous than typical granite. Personally, no hike is worth the risk of death. My hiking guides aim to keep you safe; not every hike I do makes it to my website for this reason. The cables on Half Dome can be terrifying, especially for those uncomfortable with heights. The potential danger is exacerbated by crowded conditions and the behavior of other hikers, which can be unpredictable. Using a via ferrata kit for added safety is something I recommend, even though it goes against some ranger advice due to its potential to slow people down. Despite the thrill and accomplishment of summiting Half Dome, I no longer recommend it due to these risks. Instead, consider Clouds Rest, which offers a safer, yet still exhilarating experience, without the crowds and permit hassle of Half Dome. Clouds Rest allows for easier retreat in case of bad weather and provides a similarly rewarding hike. Stay safe and think twice about whether the Half Dome hike is truly worth it.

[Hikingguy]

What has your experience on Half Dome been? Please share, good or bad, so that others know what to expect.

And I know some folks are saying "I've done it and it was fine, " and that's how it's been for me the majority of times too. But I have gotten feedback from many of you who used the guides and said it was pretty scary, or even that they got there and said "no way." I've never heard feedback that the cables were "a relaxing and calm experience."

[WilliamDwyer-xn]

I first climbed the cables back in 1971 when I was 12 years old. I did not use gloves and I did not have grippy shoes. No permit was required, there were very few people going up/down, and my friend and I just walked right up to the base and ascended the cables to the summit. Took maybe 15 minutes to ascend/descend. I don't recall having any traction problems, and I think I wore a pair of Jack Purcel tennis shoes that had no tread whatsoever ;-). Fast forward to August 2019 and my experience was dangerously different...

In August of 2019, a hiking group I belong to had permits and invited me to join them. I hadn't climbed the cables since my one and only time in 1971, and eagerly looked forward to re-living that experience. When I reached the top of the sub-dome, the first thing that struck me was how steep that granite face was. I didn't have any memories of it being so intimidatingly steep. The second thing I noticed was the number of people ascending and descending the cables simultaneously. Being a seasoned hiker/climber and very safety conscious, I thought this was a recipe for disaster. Nevertheless, I decided to wait for a lull in the traffic and jumped in when I thought the risk would be slightly lower.

The next thing that struck me was how slick the granite had become. It was as if it had been polished. And I wore very grippy hiking shoes. I realized that it was going to require more arm strength than I had expected.

I made my way up and caught up to the back of the conga line in little time, and waited. And waited. A few people further up the line had become paralyzed with fear, so it took a while for them to finally make it to the top. It took me 45 minutes to ascend.

My experience descending the cables was the same. A few people further in front froze with fear, and it took 45 minutes to complete the descent. Fortunately, we had clear skies and a slight breeze, so I didn't mind waiting there on my 2x4 taking in the spectacular views while the folks in front sorted themselves out. I did notice a couple of 20-somethings making their way up along the outside of the cables, gripping the cables while hooking a gallon container of water around a couple of their fingers. Just great. Another opportunity for a knucklehead to cause serious injury to someone if they lose their grip on the water container.

I completed the descent, let out a sigh of relief, moved well away from the base of the cables, and waited for a few friends to descend. As I waited, I heard a loud, metallic clanging, and spotted a metal water bottle bouncing down the face from about midway up the line. Fortunately, it bounced away from the line to the left and nobody was in it's fall line. Again, another opportunity for disaster. I told myself I would never do Half Dome again and that I would advise others to avoid it.

As I sat there, I thought how in the world could the park allow people to still do this climb? When I ran into the ranger at the base of the sub-dome, I asked him this. He said the cables were grandfathered in since they were put in place before the Wilderness Act of 1964, and there wasn't anything they could do about it, except to limit the number of people that can access it via the permit lottery. He told me they had no authority to stop anyone from climbing Half Dome, other than the permit, even if weather conditions make it dangerous. He told me of the most recent death the previous year, when a hiker ignored their warnings that the rock was still slick from a rain storm the previous night, and the hiker slipped and fell to his death. We talked about the deaths that have occurred there over the years, and I told him I was amazed the number wasn't higher given the volume of people doing it. About two weeks after my trip, hiker Danielle Burnett slipped and fell to her death.

On that same trip, I hiked to Clouds Rest for the first time a few days later, and was blown away by the quality of the hike, the mind-blowing views, and the far lower risk. I now advise my fellow hikers to skip the Half Dome insanity and hike to Clouds Rest.

I apologize for the long-winded post, but this Half Dome craziness really hits a nerve with me. I am 100% on the same page as you, Chris. Keep up the great work.

[dongill]

My son and I did an incredible guided 6 day Yosemite backpacking trip a couple of years ago that culminated with Half Dome. He was 14 at the time and was a complete stud during all the hikes up and down some serious trails. When we got to the top of Sub Dome and we saw the cables he said, “Dad please don’t make me do that.” So we hung out on Sub Dome while the rest of our group went up the cables. Absolutely the right decision. To me that crosses the threshold between ‘hiking’ and ‘climbing’.

[CAHOBBES]

Amen, well said. The last time I hiked Half Dome was 15 years ago. Someone talked a woman into "hiking" the cable section, she a few people in front of me. About halfway up she seemed to have had an epileptic attack and started grabbing people around her, screaming "I am going to fall, I don't want to die", she was scared out of her wits. People very quickly back away from her, for fear of being knocked loose from the cables. She would NOT allow anyone to pass her, either coming up or going down. After several hours SAR teams or ranger climbed up to her and forcibly placed a harness on her, there was at least two or three rangers above her and two or three below her as they are forcibly and very safely, very controlled pulling her back down off the cables before she killed herself or others.

There is no shame in healthy fear and preservation of one's safety and life. No one should ever have to talk you into climbing THE CABLES or THE 99 SWITCH BACKS, and no one ever should shame you into it, same goes for sky diving or cliff jumping. Each time I've climbed the cables, I was asking myself "why", they are super frightening, one slip and you and perhaps others may die. Don't talk anyone into doing anything they do NOT want to do.

Decide to live another day.

[btcpyr]

You're exactly right, it's not just your skill level but you're dependent on the people around you. While ascending, I'd be more afraid of someone ahead of me slipping, falling and knocking me down, instead of the ascent itself.

[mls]

My wife and I did the cables last summer, as it was on her bucket list. I've been rock climbing for years on granite, so I zipped up and down without any issue (in Altras). Assessing the risk, I was mostly nervous that someone was going to slip and fall into me. People aren't wear climbing/approach shoes that are meant to stick to rock. Your Hoka/Altra trail runners are not great footwear to climb a slab, especially one that has been polished by thousands of visitors (as mentioned in the video). Moreover, not many people have enough upper body strength to cling to the cables if they were to slip anyway. Add a little water and it's a slip n slide of death...

I was confused why via ferratas were discouraged, but I assume the thought is that it would encourage even lesser fit people to do the cables, making falls more common and knocking off people below (the pole-to-pole distance is far at times).

I met one guy who who was very hesitant to go up the cables and sat at the bottom for an hour and half, trying to psych himself up to ascend the cables. The hike alone had nearly killed him and he wasn't a very active person. I told him that summitting Half Dome was underwhelming (which it was) and that he didn't need to go to the top to have a great life experience. He turned around and went down a happy person.

[rastrosus]

I was a guide in Yosemite and have hiked halfdome countless times. The mountains are dangerous and nothing will ever change that. That said, I would advise people to do clouds rest instead. It's higher elevation with arguably a better view and other benefits.

[DanaGallagher-eq]

Just did Half Dome on 7/3. As a first timer, I used a via ferrata and mostly kept one clipped in the whole time. The whole thing is pretty steep but the middle section of it is quite steep and slippery. I had confidence because of the clip. However, as I was coming down someone dropped a water bottle that went past me and a couple people going up were slipping because they had running shoes on and not good hiking shoes. So, even if you feel safe and have experience, use the via ferrata because you can still be impacted by those around you. I loved it and may consider doing it again but not without safety equipment.

[aallthebest]

I just got back from a trip to Yosemite and climbed half dome on July 11th, 2024. Yes, It was on my bucket list and I had been looking forward to this trip for 6 months. I was blessed with a clear very hot day and I left at 5:30 am to get on the trail. Being 76 years old and hiking alone, and being from flat Texas, it took me 9 hours to get up to the subdome. I took my time saying "One step at a time" and committed to making it to the top knowing I would be hiking back in the dark.
The Ranger was already gone by the time I got to subdome. There were only 4 people there and they were getting ready to leave. I've been an amateur rock climber for years so I had my gear in my pack. Although it was great to have the cables all to myself, I was a little worried with no one around to help out if I got in trouble.
I put on my harness and my climbing shoes and started up using my via ferrata set. The climb itself was no big deal for me as I've climbed on granite many times. However, I was shocked at how slick it was even with climbing shoes on especially in the steep middle section. There's no way I would let any of my family climb this route without clipping in with protection!
Once on top, I saw some clouds on the horizon so I didn't stick around very long plus I knew it would get dark soon. Going down the cables was uneventful as I climbed down backwards staying clipped in as I went.
Although I was very worn out hiking back down the trail, I had my headlamp and hiking poles and eventually made it down safely after many hours of hiking.
This a beautiful climb and well worth the effort! I would highly recommend that anyone wanting to climb the cables wears a harness and clips into the cables going up and down. This is just basic safety procedure! Climbing shoes would be great if you have them. It's not worth risking getting hurt or killed by climbing the cables unprotected.
Good on ya and good luck!

[watchersmith]

People speak of things being “on their bucket list” — this means doing things before they kick the bucket (die). Re-examine those things to make sure they don’t contribute to your kicking the bucket prematurely and unnecessarily.

[DennisGr]

i knew it, fricking knew it. as an alpinist, i read about that case 30 minutes ago and was like really, they do a "klettersteg" that steep with not carabiners? WHY? this is no longer hiking, this is mountaineering. even if it is "the lightes possible kind" the risk of death is very real.

[viceb]

Completly agree. The first time I saw the cable section I was shocked that they even considered it a "hike", because it's not. It's a sheer face mountain climb basically. Insane they don't recommend harnesses because of the time, it's so dangerous. This girl would've been alive with a harness. 😢 Her poor father.

[btcpyr]

You're exactly right, it's not just your skill level, but you're dependent on the skill level of those around you. I'd be more afraid of someone around me falling and knocking me down, instead of the ascent itself.

[cdcd]

My coworker saw 3 people go over the falls- 2 hopped the barrier to take a self and 1 slipped and pulled the guy down with her. A bystander ran over and jumped in the water to try and save them, and the current was so strong all 3 went over the falls. Never take for granted Yosemite.

[gregoryfarris]

Park Service should install a 3rd cable, then one row is for up, the other is for down.

[shelleywalker]

Thank you for your kind approach to this video. You were very respectful in your mention of Grace.

I haven't hiked Half Dome but have watched many videos since a friend of mine did it last year, have been more interested in people's experience. I'm so surprised that this hike is allowed by the NPS and so many people actually do it. What scares me most is how so many lives are at risk if one person starts slipping and starts a chain reaction of people falling.

Thank you for doing this video. With your experience, your advice has creditability. Taking your advice might make a difference in someone's life.

[gregbussey]

I was in a very active scout troop as a kid, and we went hiking everywhere. I enjoyed it a lot. We made a trip to Yosemite to hike HD, and when I got to the base and saw the ascent, I went from "yeah no big deal to nope, not doing that" in about 5 seconds.

[wolfeadventures]

I have done some tough hikes and never wanted to do Half Dome. Not from the cables or steepness but the crowds and lines. It’s such a turn off. Plenty of great hikes with fantastic views that don’t require waiting in line or dealing with issues like you described.

[robstrauss]

This video is an example of why I have always appreciated your channel - how you really approach your hiking guides and recommendations with care.

[JasonPunzalan]

I’ve hiked Half Dome. A one and done hike for me! No regrets. It was pretty nuts looking up the cables and even nuttier going down!