Hiking Half Dome!

California's Yosemite National Park may be best known over here for its big wall climbing, but it's also the location of some astonishing trekking routes including the classic ascent of Half Dome - local author, adventurer and self-confessed Half Dome obsessive Rick Deutsch takes up the virtual trekking poles...

Of all the possible hikes in California's Yosemite National Park, one of the favorite day hikes is up the backside of 8,842-foot Half Dome, at the eastern edge of Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite's signature monolith, Half Dome - Rick Deutsch

It is the most hiked mountain in the Sierra Nevada, with about 50,000 ascents per year! This is a big hike; a full ten- to twelve-hour day for most, comprising about sixteen miles round trip. Included is a harrowing 425-foot vertical climb up the nearly 45-degree incline of Half Dome's granite slope, which is accomplished with the aid of two steel cable handrails.

The famous "cables" on Half Dome are installed by the The National Park Service for the duration of the extended summer season - usually mid May until mid October.

To the outdoor adventurer, "bagging" Half Dome is a rite of passage, an entry on their "fun resume" and a "Certificate of Accomplishment," which leads to other challenges.

The thought of climbing up Half Dome was considered impossible until October 1875, when George Anderson, a Scottish blacksmith and jack-of-all-trades, labored weeks to drill holes into the granite of the backside to create a ropeway.

He inserted steel spikes and built his own ladder. As he set an eyelet, he would ascend and stand on it for footing in order to drill the next hole. Slowly, but steadily, he worked until he finally reached the summit.

He then secured a rope to the eyelets with knots to allow a hand-over-hand traverse. The current system of steel cables, with "pipe" supports, and 2' x 4' wooden footrests (ten feet apart), was first put up by the Sierra Club in 1919. The cables were replaced in 1933 then again in 1986. It remains a draw for the adventurous seeking a challenge rewarded by a beautiful view.

Caption:
The cabled backside of Half Dome - Rick Deutsch

While this is basically a safe hike, there are a few things to be aware of.

1. Intensity - this is an "extremely strenuous" hike. You need to be in good health and train well in advance to condition your legs to the rigors.

2. Weather -Thunderstorms can arise in any month. Men have died from lightning strikes on the summit. Retreat if there is any hint of a storm in the area.

3. Altitude Sickness - Half Dome is only 8,842' above sea level and generally poses no problem. Descend if you are feeling light headed and symptomatic.

4. Giardia - Do not drink untreated water from any natural source. Use a purifying filter or other method.

5. Bears - Be aware that this is their habitat. Your biggest chance of an encounter will be at your campsite - use the bear boxes for your food and scented item storage.

6. Falling - The most common type of injury. Wear good hiking shoes and use trekking poles. The cables are scary and steep (45 degrees); be very careful.

7. Waterfalls - people have fallen over the falls. Respect the signs and hike safely.

8. Dehydration -Ensure everyone in your party is well hydrated. Water is the key to your success. Drink before you are thirsty.

You should book your reservations well in advance. Call or book on line at: (801) 559-5000 or www.nps.gov/yose.

Curry Village tent cabins are close to the trailhead, sleep up to four in beds (with blankets, pillows, towels included), are close to the park services and are very economical. You can book them a year in ahead.

Yosemite boasts many fine alternative accommodations as well, from basic ground-tenting to the Lodge to the Ahwahnee Hotel. Off-site hotels would be an hour drive before and after the hike. You will be exhausted, so this is not recommended. There are direct flights to San Francisco, located just four hours west.

The actual apex of Half Dome is only two miles from the trail head - as the crow flies. It's 8,842 feet high. You will ascend nearly a mile as you continue on the path.

It is well marked and you will just follow the crowd. Upwards of 800 people do this hike on a summer weekend day! There are several well maintained trail toilets on the hike.

Begin your hike by 6 am. The goal is to be at the cables by 11 am. Arrive much later and you will be greeted by a long line, resembling a caterpillar slowly going up the cables. Bring a flashlight in case your hike takes longer than you hoped.

Be very careful and take the warnings seriously. You can get hurt, so assume responsibility for your own safety. If you have any trepidation, don't proceed. There is no ranger or other authority on Half Dome to restrict hikers. Enjoy this freedom as you enjoy Yosemite and admire its status as a "World Heritage site".

More practical information at the National Park Service web site: www.nps.gov/yose

Rick Deutsch lives in San Jose, California.. An avid adventure traveler, he has done the Half Dome Hike 23 times and says he lives the Carpe Diem lifestyle.

"One Best Hike: Yosemite's Half Dome" (ISBN: 1-59926-984-8), his book - the only one dedicated to Yosemite's signature landmark - is a great resource that will assist visitors in their preparation. See also his web site at www.HikeHalf Dome.com.

Author Rick Deutsch and his obsession, Half Dome

* All text and photos © 2008 Rick Deutsch, Carpe Diem Experience