Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Cables at Half Dome: Is anyone else scared?

Did Half Dome yesterday for the third time. Still can't steel myself to do the cables so I never have gotten a true summit from it. I got up about 1/3 of the way on the cables and chickened out and backed down. The wooden "2 by 4" section of wood are supposed to be resting places, right? Well, about 4 of them weren't even secure to the granite. There were also 4 cables sections down and lying on the ground.

After I bailed from the cables, I sat and watched for one hour people who more nerve than me go up, some of them taking 40 minutes. I also saw people going on the *outside* of the cables to let people go down. Only about 4 people chickened out like I did.

Call me a fraidy-cat, but one misstep and you're dead on those cables. I can't believe there aren't fatalities every year, yet I've read no one has ever fallen off.

Is there anyone else out there scared witless of the cables and willing to fess up?

the cables can be a bit unnerving. i've done it twice and the second time wasn't any easier. we did them last weekend starting at midnight, summiting 30 minutes before sunrise. a great way to do it and avoid all the crowds. the sunrise was spectacular. the only drawback to the early morning approach was that the rock was wet from a previous rainstorm and the lichen made some parts slippery enough that your feet slipped out from under you in spots. gotta hold on pretty tight. next time you'll make it up.

many people don't know this but having worked in the valley for a year i do. There is actually an elevator that you can catch right there by happy isles that will take you up to the top of .5 dome. NPS authorized it years ago and the U.S. dep. of Agr. engineered it. Thats why entrance fees were jacked up a few years ago. The main purpose of the elevator was to give quick access to SARS people who needed to make rescues on the dome. If you go through the right channels you can catch a ride up to the top, it takes about 13 minutes. Just make sure you hit the button for the 874th floor when you get in there.

Grand Canyon Hiker....my husband and I did Half Dome this past July. I am not an avid hiker but he is (just to give you some background)so I was afraid of doing the entire trip in one day. We were able to secure permits to camp at Little Yosemite Valley, the reason I mention this is because it served three purposes.
1. We were able to spend more time at the top because we didn't have to worry about hiking the 8+ miles back (only 3 back to camp)
2. We were able to rest for a while mid-hike while we set up camp, pumped water and took a short break
3. (the main reason) By the time we got to the cables (I think about 4pm) most people we already hiking down or on finishing down the cables because of the long hike back....because of this we did not have to do much "people navigating" on our way up or down. There is NO WAY I would have done the cables if they looked anything like the lines of people I have seen in pictures! Oh and we also went on a Monday to help with "crowd control".

Don't feel bad that you were affraid....I was terrified. At about the point you said you turned around (I think) is the point where they have the steepest incline (to me), it was at this point I almost gave up. Fortunately there was a girl on her way down that said that was the worst part. After a couple of deep breaths I went for it...and what do you know, that was the worst section! Not to say that the rest wasn't scary but it was a lot more managable.

I am with you though, I can't believe more people don't die doing it!

I am sure that one day you will make it to the top!!!!

Take care and safe travels,

April

I chickened out at Trail Camp last year and turned back only to return a few days later and summit Whitney.

Cables? What cables?

GrandCanyon Hiker,

Don't feel bad. I have hiked Half Dome about 20 times in my life and have gotten further on the cables than halfway, at best. My legs start shaking from nerves and I can't go further. I think I could do it if I was sandwiched in between many people, but I still doubt it. I was up there again 3 weeks ago and vowed, "this time I will do it." Well, I couldn't. I stepped on the wooden plank and it was not fastened in and it *****ed me out and I used that as an excuse to turn around and descend. I am always disappointed in myself.

Here's a good article about someone who did conquer her fear of climbing the cables:

http://www.salon.com/travel/feature/1999/07/31/half_dome/index.html

I have to agree that I cannot believe people don't die from slipping and falling, especially since so many weekend hikers do this, some of them on a lark. It's pretty apparent that if you slip on the cables and fall, you're dead, unless there's someone behind you on the cables to break your fall. Imagine a domino effect, though, when everyone topples back.

A few years ago when I was camping at Little Yosemite Valley, they were talking about someone who froze right in the middle of the cables and was there for hours. Finally the forest service went up gave him a relaxer like Valium and helped him get down.

My first time up the cables I was very afraid on the way up. I finally convinced myself I couldn't roll off the edge. That helped and on the way down it wasn't nearly as much of a problem. A few years latter I returned with two of my children...about 10-13 at the time. That was way worse for me, worrying about them.

I know it doesn't help much to say "block out the fear" and tell yourself it will be "OK". Afterall, others are doing it. But it did help me to know I couldn't fall off the edge (the face of half dome). Slipping down the cables could happen, but you would have to let go. Most likely you wouldn't fall far. Certainly you need to know up front the boards are not bolted in or anything.

Hey Vinze - seemed dumb to put the bottom of the elevator at happy isles instead of the bottom of half dome - it must go sideways most of the way.

I haven't been on half dome for 2 years since they rebuilt the "steps" on the shoulder before you get to the bottom of the cables. I always thought that shoulder was a lot more dangerous and the exposure much worse but people for some reason feel safer on the steps. If you can make that you can make the cables. The bottom is the worst and it does get easier higher up. The secret besides conquering the fear is the technique. People want to stay straight up which makes it harder and makes you more likely to slip. You have to lean back slightly keeping yourself more vertical with the rock. Using one cable and doing a hand over hand and pulling yourself up with your arms seems to work best. Keep 3 points of contact with the rock and cable and you'll be fine. It's a shame to get that far and not get to the top - it is incredible up top. One of my avid hiker friends turned back last year also because of exposure fears. There is actually better traction on the outside of the cables due to less use and I like to use it as a passing lane during rush hour which is often. Like Whitney this trip is more than worth it despite the crowds because it is just awesome. It's also fun to watch the people from all walks of life making the attempt and surprisingly a large # make it.

Check out the September cover of Backpacker for a great picture of the cable route.

I have done them 4 times, the last time, last year. Via a backpack over Clouds Rest.

The first time was as a day hike, the second as an overnighter to the summit during this time of year with wonderful horizon to horizon meteor showers. The 3rd time about 8 years ago (from Reds Meadow as a 9 day backpack and then last year. Each time I have had to steel myself to DO IT!

Eight years ago, I started up and was slipping and turned back about 1/3 of the way. Sat at the bottom for a while and 'rebraced' and did it. The right shoes that don't slip help immensely.

But last year I saw a woman taking up two younger kids probably 10 or 11. They were wearing a harness with a sling leader and a carabiner. They would hook to the cable, go up, unhook at a support pole and rehook again above it, etc. That might give you more confidence.

My technique has generally been to NOT share the cables with anyone meaning I get there really early by now doing it as a backpack trip. That leaves me near the dome with about 2 miles up in the early morning. I will admit that the first time was about 35 years ago and it was much less popular. The second time was about a month later - I had to sleep on top (g)

The last two times, I've had plenty of time to sit and watch others after I've come down and have helped talk a few fellow acrophobes into going up by admitting my fears. The 3rd time, 8 years ago I was atop for over and hour waiting for someone else to come up and take my photo. Never happened - I was too early! (g)

I do think that over the years, the granite has been worn and is now slicker. I did not use gloves many years ago but I was much younger.

Good luck in future hikes.

Howdy, just got back from the cables and the Dome. after not having done them for 10 years I wanted to see the difference. Seems that the cables have deteriorated over the years--one pipe cap was missing--several of the 2 by four wooden slats were gone--some attached by only one hasp---some not seated right so the hasp does not go over the pipe--others seemed to not fit at all. The tension on the cables was lax--not tight and that made the trip a little more dangerous.. the quarter dome cables were missing and this part was the most dangerous of the entire day. The "new" trail up quarter dome slope the wrong way in spots--and gravel debris makes it easy to have that one big slide. It is still Do-able--just not as nice as it was.This is sort of sad--for the increased entrance fee--I expect things to remain the same --not fall apart. Also--you cannot sleep on top any more. The trip was exciting though--great trip. The crowds at Vernal falls stairs were a bit rude---backpackers are different than day trippers. We have courtesy, wait our turns, usually do not cut switchbacks, do not push, swear, and smile a bit more.

I don't know if this will help, but it may change your perspective a bit. I've seen people walk up the outside without using the cables. The last time I did the hike I had spent most of the summer climbing and was in good form. I stayed outside the cables on both the ascent and descent. I believe I had my hand on them only a few times and in some places I was more than 20 feet from the cables. One of my partners did the ascent without once touching the cables. At the time I had spent most of a summer climbing in Yosemite and I was very familiar with friction climbing techniques. I do not reccommend that people try to climb outside the cables, but my point is that the cables are not critical to a successful climb.

The key is to take smaller, well placed steps and to keep your weight over your feet. These are the key points of friction climbing. Try to keep as much of your foot in contact with the granite as possible. Do not look down as that tends to throw your body off balance. Also, do not hug the mountain or lean into it. This places less of your foot in contact with the hill as your heel rides up. Instead concentrate on feeling your feet smear into the rock. I know this sounds like some new age climbing mumbo-jumbo, but it does work. Before your hike practice walking on the side of some rocks and boulders. Now when you go up the side of Half Dome use the same techniques you've mastered on the rocks and boulders. The key in my mind is technique and well placed feet. If you take your time, concentrate on your feet and less on the cables, and keep yourself centered I think you will have a better chance for success.

I wish you luck on your next attempt.

SpankyBob,

I don't quite understand, could you elaborate on this:

"I've seen people walk up the outside without using the cables."

You mean ascend directly next to the cables, but on the outside of the cables? So you don't have a cable on the right and left of you, just on the left of you? Please explain, maybe this could help me conquer my phobia.

california-trailwalker: Awesome story!

Gotta confess: count me in among the "wimps." I've been up to Half Dome 6 times since '94. Never have gotten up there to the top. I have gotten maybe a third of the way up the cables & then I lose all nerve. I figure it isn't worth dying to get to the top, even though a rational brain tells me no one falls from these darn things. I just don't have it in me, a fear of heights, I guess.

Last time I was up there was in mid-June. Made great time of 2.5 hours up to the cables. Rested for 20 minutes & had a snack. Hardly anyone up there, an unobstructed way all the way up the cables. Got my gloves on, steeled myself for it & then just lost it 100 feet up, then turned around. I admire anyone who gets up there, it's a great achievement. The thing that gets me is you can't push off with your legs, you must use all upper body. Also, the cables have gone to h--- since the mid 90's. They are slack, loose and not secured in places and the wood slats aren't anchored. I don't use it as an excuse, but they could be in better shape.

A question: how come they can't erect stairs on the slope instead of cables? Chisle them into the granite slope, in all seriousness?

I have been up the cables 5 times and one time counted the 60+ posts on each side. The maximum angle is only about 45 degrees, but there are also several places where you have to step up about a foot which adds to the intimidation. As SpankyBob said, you do not need the cables to climb the rock as long as you are careful. It is hard for people to bend their ankles 45 degrees (to keep your body vertical) so you hve to learn to walk differently. The people who depend on both cables are usually the people who have the most trouble going up and down and they make the situation worse by hogging both of the cables. Last year I had to wait 50 minutes to go up the cables on a Saturday for that very reason.

Fred

I successfully reached the summit of Mt. Whitney on August 7th with no problems.

Three days earlier I attempted to reach the summit of Half Dome but was spooked by the cables. I was tired after starting out at Glacier Point. The steps prior to reaching the cables were frightening because they were set at odd angles on a steep slope. My legs were shaking so much already that upon reaching the cables I *****ed out.

I hope to try again to reach the top.

While it feels scary to some, the cable section of Half Dome is very safe. You can be sure that if people were getting hurt badly or killed on this section that the NPS would shut it down. Climbing is mostly about learning to overcome your own limitations and this section of half dome is a great example. The rock is excellent, the slope well within an average hikers abilities and the cables make it close to bullet-proof safe. Like Roosevelt said - the only thing to fear is fear itself. If you want to add a bit more safety on the cable route, wear a harness and use a sling + caribineer hooked to the cables (although it may make you a bit nervous when you go through the sections where the cables are just laying on the ground). You can climb Half Dome safely if you can get past your anxiety on the cable section. The view from the top of half dome is a rich reward for people who do.

To put the cable route in perspective, there is another route up half dome on the opposite side called Snake Dance. It is steeper than the cable route and has no cables - it is only rated a 5.4 rock climb - one of the easiest in the valley.

I remember the first time (May, 2001) I saw the cables from the trail just below the shoulder. My reaction was "YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!" After making it up the shoulder, I sat for about an hour before attempting to go up the cables. It actually looks more intimidating than it really is.

The following year (May, 2002) we hiked Half Dome again. When I came around and I saw the cables again, my reaction was "YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!" Having gone up the cables the year before, it wasn't quit as intimidating the 2nd time around. Someone mentioned this already, it really is a shame to hike all that distance and not make it to the top.

GHC, I hope you make it to the top some day, but take your time. If not this year, it'll be there next year. Good luck.

"Snake-dyke" (mispelled on purpose or name wil not show up when posted)is the route up the other side of Half Dome that you are referring to and it is rated 5.7 ( a slight difference) with wicked exposure and about 2000 feet of climbing. In all the years of living in the DITCH no one has ever fallen from the cables, people get pushed off the top by murdering spouses from time to time and that's about it. So, not a bad track record for the million plus people who have made it to the top. And just for grins...the record from Happy Isles to the top and back is 4 hours (yours truly in 5 hours and 5 minutes).

I still can't understand how anyone can walk up on the outside of the cables without holding on to something, the angle is real acute higher up. How can anyone do that, unless they are an experienced rock climber, like those incredible people who scale up El Capitan? Anyone who walks up Half Dome without using the cables has to be a real Superman, or Superwoman.

Scotty. when people say "outside" of the cables they just mean not inside (or between) the pair of cables (most people stay inside). I've seen people on the outside, and yes they are still using one cable to go up or down.