The STRUGGLE is REAL! Yosemite Half Dome attempt. It’s no joke!! We went as far as we could
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 พ.ย. 2024
- At 16 miles, this is by far the longest, most strenuous hike I’ve ever done! Once you get to the top, subdome and half dome tower above you like a skyscraper. It looks nothing like it does from the valley floor. It’s daunting, terrifying, awe inspiring, magnificent.
It takes about 3 hours round trip from the base of subdome, up the cables, and back. We had no idea the rock face was so steep, even from pictures. We expected to reach the top of the mountain and hit the cables like no big deal. We arrived to discover that subdome is like climbing a ridiculous incline staircase with no railing. You think you totally can handle it from pictures online, especially as a black diamond skiier who skis off cliffs… pssht, I got this… until you’re there in person, you’re already exhausted from the hike. It exposes your vulnerabilities; it can conquer you if you let it.
It was smoky in the mornings from local wildfires. I noticed it about 2-3am from the tent, and it would wake me up coughing. I started the hike wearing a mask because my throat was so dry and sore from the smoke. But it was 90 degrees and that was disgusting and sweaty, so I eventually ditched the mask and took my chances with the smoke. It burned off by about 10am and got better the higher we climbed.
Our legs were like jello by the time we hit subdome. My lungs were on fire from asthma exacerbations due to the wildfire smoke and elevation gain (I even lost my voice due to the smoke… it was intense). We brought 8 liters of water between the two of us, and tore through it faster than anticipated in the 90 degree heat. It took us a record breaking (turtle pace) 7hrs to get to the base of subdome. We took breaks, we paced ourselves… maybe too much… I will admit this was mostly my fault because my lungs were failing me. We attempted the entire hike in one day instead of camping at the halfway point, because our tent was on top of our jeep and it wasn’t exactly meant for backpacking. Again, we got this.
If I could do it again, I would never try to attempt this in one day. I would camp at Little Yosemite, relax in the river at the halfway point, and attempt the rock face with fresh legs and lungs the next morning. In retrospect, we could’ve done many things differently, but… I am still so proud of how far we made it. Proud of myself for pushing through despite limitations. Glad we got to see Half Dome with our own eyes from a very different perspective than I ever could’ve imagined. The view was breathtaking.
We told ourselves we would go as far as we could, until we hit a breaking point. I wasn’t sure what that might feel like, but I figured when it happened I/we would know. We made it about 3/4 up subdome and the steepness got the best of us. Fear of heights set in. Realistic evaluations of our jellos legs and dwindling water supply with an 8 mile hike back down set in. Giving up is not always a weakness but a strength in knowing your limits. Not letting your ego take over. The sign at the subdome checkpoint read: “know your limits, make safe decisions”. Always trust your intuitions.
Not today, Half Dome, not today. Maybe not tomorrow either. May you forever tower in all your glory.
Good decision. You know your limits. You had the 8 mile trek back, you saved your energy for that safe return. Great vid. ❤
Love this "Not today, Half Dome, not today. Maybe not tomorrow either. May you forever tower in all your glory." Somethings are best admired from a distance. Well done getting that far.
Good decision, know your limits.
This is on my bucket list but watching videos confirms me doing it in 2 days, camping at the vackpackers campground. Just saw 93 yr old gentleman successfully do that. Increases my odds of success since I'll be 68 next September when we're planning the trek.
Great decision! You trusted your instincts. You still did an awesome job!
Thanks appreciate that! Def didn’t want to die even if it meant we didn’t summit oh well next time!
Yep, glad you didn't@@amyreneeadventures . For me, I noticed it doesn't end up well if I ignore my instincts.
Smart decision!! Be proud of yourself for that!
Wife and I did it in our mid-30s. It was nowhere nearly as crowded as now. The cables had maybe 6 other people on them. Started at 5AM and returned almost exactly at 5PM. We were very fit and still beat at the end. Would never do it again. Half Dome actually looks way better from the Valley not from the top.
Great video. You went further then I would have ever gone. I would have just stayed at the bottom and enjoyed the scenery. Plus, I liked when you knew when to call it. 👍🏻
Wonderful to see a video of this hike. I did the same hike in 1989 and loved it. I remember how agile the squirrels were on the steep rock slopes. I made a major mistake by forgetting to bring water with me. It was July and 90 degrees. But I decided against drinking from the mountain streams, concerned about getting some parasites from animal waste. The scary part was climbing the steep pluton section with the steel cables going through eyelets on steel posts, set at intervals with wood boards between the posts, especially as I had a 30 pound knapsack with my gold prospecting gear. I had intended to pan for gold in the streams, but never bothered, as the scenery was so spectacular. Your video brings back wonderful memories. Thank you for this nice video of your journey.
"Live to fight another day" - better to retreat than to have your loved ones read about your mishap in the news.
Good job. I hiked it last September. I have a fear of heights myself but I managed to do it. I will tell you that spot on the sub-dome you made it to is the scariest part when it comes to heights. The Half Dome is just more strenuous. But I felt safe on the cables. Lots of people where turning around when I got to the sub--dome. But even as far as you went is a beautiful hike! Kudos to y'all!
Your wonderful video shows exactly why I haven't tried Half Dome. I'm a hiker not a climber.
Big difference!!
You seem like a very nice person. I’m very glad you didn’t try to go all the way to the top.
Lots and lots of people make it further than you did and turn back. Others don't make it to sub dome. You guys had a great day.
Absolutely magnificent!
Thanks for taking us along on your journey, enjoyed it, well done for what you achieved.
Beautiful scenery guys 💚Watching from 🇬🇧
Hey thank you so much for taking me along, at 73 I would never have gotten that far on my own. I hike by myself, and I always need to remember to leave enough in the tank for the return trip.
You never know! The oldest ive seen complete the entire hike was a 94 year old!
You did great! I only made it as far as the first bridge last week. Thought I was going to pass out.
Thanks for sharing! Great attempt; hopefully you guys take another shot at it one day!!!
I lived in Yosemite for 13 years an never bothered to do Half Dome but i have looked down on it from the top of Clouds Rest an i do say you are extremally exposed to massive cliffs on both sides when on top of clouds rest. Oh an its a brutal hike to do in 1 day.
I love your video, my favorite of this hike!!
Really great video. Good to see someone not push things too far for a change. The scenery on the way must have been great.
I'd like to so this soon and don't see myself getting as far as you guys did. Me and heights don't get along too well.
Great job!!
We hit the trailhead at 4 AM and I had to take the 49 and 140 from Oakhurst to get in the Valley because 41 was closed due to a fire. We got back to the truck after the summit at 6:00 PM and hit a bunch of traffic got back to camp at 9:00 PM. Must have been 95 degrees in the Valley that day. So brutal but glad we did it!
I’m in my 60s, in great shape, and have decided hikes like this are for younger folks. While I’m confident I could do it, what’s the point?
Smart move. Well done.
Wow! So cool. Should have at least seen the cables. But good job 👍 🎉you’re alive and that’s all that matters.
Good call! Know your own limits!
Is what it is… we made it as far as we could lol
Hey! Just know that you DID climb it… you just didn’t summit…no big deal. 99% of the people could not have done what you did. You should be proud. That’s quite an accomplishment. I’ve climbed it twice…submitted once.
It's a tough hike. I did it in one day 30 years ago. I don't remember what month but it wasn't as hot as the day you went. It was dark when I got back to campsite. I agree it's a great hike even if you don’t make it to the top.
Best decision you made was to turn around when you realised your limits,you did well getting to where you did get.important thing its a hike and meant to be pleasurable
I recall almost every step, we pushed on and made it glad we did.
best way is to spend the nite in little Yose valley and head out early the next morning, relatively short hike. We left Glacier Pt the day before, downhill most of the way to little Yos valley. However, little Yos valley is packed and you do need an overnite permit
That is as far as I will go as well!
That’s crazy I was there with my son 2 weeks ago , we left about the same time as you , and most of you’re hike is within 15-20 minutes of our time and the funny part is we quit at about the same spot in subdome , we tuned back around 3:15
And made it back to the parking lot around dark 8:15
Going down was a lot easier , the forest after little Yosemite kicked our ass, my son is 25 and I’m 63 think I held up better than him
I think I was in my 30s when I did this walk. I started from Curry Village in the morning and was back about 10 hours later, if memory serves me right. Yes, a longish day, but certainly no big deal.
I always appreciate and love the postings of Half Dome. It makes people or we at least hope that you need to do your research on any mountain . Most people posting aren't in half dome climbing shape. I'm sorry. Your exhausted before getting to Half Dome then that's your cue not to do it and people telling you ahhh,you almost made it. Should have finished. Stop!!. They wouldn't have made it
Great video!! Any thoughts/wishes for a 2nd attempt? If not, you still got some amazing views of scenery and wild life!
@@jeffbaloga4376 prob not lol. There are so many new places to explore. If we lived in Cali or closer than Florida, maybe. But prob would choose to fly elsewhere for a trip. Was worth it tho! And a great experience
Awesome job guys! We're doing this hike June 2nd 2024! Wish us luck! 😂😅🤩🤙
@@thechillspotters good luck! Hopefully you do better than we did. Definitely camp halfway!
@amyreneeadventures Hey guys! Just wanted to give you an update. We finished it and climbed to the top of Half Dome! We started the hike at 5 am and finished at 6:30 pm. The Subdome was pretty scary & and hard, lol! 😅🤣 That was a stair climber workout! 🤩 But absolutely an amazing accomplishment & very rewarding at the top of Half Dome! 😁
I slept on a foot of ice in the stone hut on top of Mount Whitney in a dacron bag during my first backpacking trip when I was 19. I thought I was going to die that night.
I DID HALF DOME 3 TIMES AND DID NOT GO UP THE MIST TRAIL BUT THE JOHN MUIR MUIR TRAIL AND WAS MUCH EASIER I DID IT WHEN I WAS 46,, 52 AND 59 YRZ OLD. TRY THE JOBN MUIR TRAIL NEXT TIME AND YOU WILL MAKE IT TO THE TOP. GOOD LUCK
I went the Muir trail route on the way back
I can't believe you turned around. You were almost there. You could have went to the top of sub dome rested for a 1/2 hour and then climb the dome guys you missed out if you turned around. I've climbed that 3 times and I'm in at the 1st time I ever did it I was 65 and then the other 2 times I was definitely up in age. Dont give up go again. Do it. You will cherish the memories.
I know! We were so close! But our legs were shaking and the fear of heights was intense. We were also afraid to walk back in the dark with headlamps being so tired, if we rested and kept going. I would prob camp halfway if I tried it again.
No, they are smart. Knowing your limits keeps you alive
very smart decisions! Kudos for using your heads!
@@amyreneeadventures
We started at 4 am… How much water did you carry up Vernal and Nevada falls? Carrying too much there will drain you. Bring just enough and filter when you get to the top of Nevada or a little later. But great video.
Wow that's Amazing! We're doing this hike on June 2nd 2024! 😂🤩🤙
Did it almost 25 years ago, I was 35 years old, in great shape, and that hike was hard on me, it’s a level 10 on the strenuous effort scale.
What we had to do was eat a couple payday candy bars, and a couple energy type bars, drink a bottle of Gatorade, then take a two hour nap off the trail a little, we woke up and finished, had to use headlamps on the way back at the end
Oh wow! U took a nap? Yea its def no joke! I think I would camp halfway if I ever tried it again.
@@amyreneeadventures yup prolly a good idea, I showed Emily your video, we were both smiling, knowing you guys missed what’s really the hardest part, going up the incline with cables. Just I thought my heart was going to explode! 😵😬.
Check out angels lading in Zion, not near as strenuous as half dome, but twice as scary, I mean you could not have drove a greased needle up my but with a sledge hammer! 😳
@@davidlaforce1855 twice as scary? Heights wise? Oh idk… the heights thing is ultimately what turned us around lol
@@amyreneeadventures yup, twice a scary, right on the edge
I think you did well, especially in that smoke. It’s super unhealthy to exert yourself with that air quality, probably contributed to your fatigue. Hope next time you have nice, clear skies! 😊
Yea the smoke was rough! I bet this year would’ve been a way better year to visit. The waterfalls are in full force and no fires. Oh well lol what can u do. It was a cool experience either way
I trail ran this in 1961 all the way to the top in 10 hours round trip. No permits required then....
Wise decision
Breaking up the hike into 2 days makes good sense. I wonder what percentage of Half Dome hikers actually do it this way.
@@stephend2879 I wish we had done that! We were so exhausted and it was really just too much in 1 day. I’m sure we would’ve had more energy if we had a second day to rest halfway before the subdome/cables ascent.
@@amyreneeadventures I really enjoyed your video and the text description of the hike. May you continue to enjoy the great outdoors!
@ thank you!
Just curious, did you do any kind of homework on what it takes to climb Half Dome. Just getting to Nevada Falls is a bear. Nice try but if you want a better hike try either North Dome, or maybe Cathedral rock. Those two hikes are much shorter but still give a good exercise and a rewarding view at the end.
I think half dome is harder than Mt Whitney I did it in 77 full pack and camped up there when it was legal
I am curious as to what ages you were at the time of this hike, that and if you had been active in hiking or using a gym apparatus to feel you were in reasonable shape to do this hike ( as I hear others talk about all this prep work to be in shape ). I see you've done Machu Picchu and just assumed that was way harder then this trail ?. Myself, I happened to drive through the park in 2007 only because a relate mentioned how great Yosemite was scenery wise and he talked about Half Dome and the hike and mentioned the cables etc, I had never even heard about it before. So I though why not go on that hike and get up early and see how far I get up it ... age 42 at the time and zero prior hiking/exercise prep and damaged lungs from having a near fatal case of pneumonia at age 21, packed water etc in a pack and had no hiking poles. Oh I was dragging my ass at times as my lungs and my legs had something to say LOL. Never the less I made it to the summit in a bit under 6 hours and then stayed up there for at least 1 1/2 hours trying to rest up for the decent on the cables, then all that pounding on the knees on the way down with no walking poles to help and was making great time until one knee began to hurt badly ... limped for half the trail to get down. 13 hours in all spend on the trail due to resting at the top and then slow going with that stressed knee. By the way come to find out that the relate who was yacking a streak about the half dome hike, he had only gone half way up it himself, he had never remotely reached the cables, never had a clue that the subdome even existed . In any event that was an interesting hike and ran into some interesting people and stories and situations of other peoples struggles on that hike.
We were 41 and 42. Reasonably in shape. But reside in Florida at zero elevation. I have asthma and there was a lot of smoke from the wildfires. I was having a lot of respiratory issues and struggling in that sense, moving very slow, but physically otherwise prob would’ve been able to make it faster. When I did Macchu picchu I was living in Cali so less of an elevation gain vs from Florida. Who knows lol. It kicked our ass! Would give it another shot someday but prob camp halfway.
@@amyreneeadventures Ok so the same age I was, I knew after the fact that I would have done better with less knee strain coming down had I owned hiking poles. As to the smoke, that would have done in my lungs very quickly. Not sure what to say about the camping, that means packing a bunch more weight to that staging area, I ran into some guys who had camped and they obviously did not get going early that morning they camped as I ran into them on the hike up and was bsing with them on the top and part way down, all of those guys were mail delivery carriers, in good shape from their job. Ironically the day before I did the hike I was in the valley taking in the sights of the river etc and got talking to a guy there who him and his buddies ( all mail carriers also ... see the theme with physical ability ) were going to hike half dome the next day and he was telling me of their horrible experience the first time they attempted half dome because they didn't get going near early enough and were way up the trail when it got dark and the only light source they had were their cell phones. He said we are not making that mistake again, were getting up early and get on the trail ( they were staying at the hotel in the valley $$$ ). So the day I hiked it I was on the trail about 6 am if not just before and by noon if not before was on top, stayed on top to rest up and take in the sights as I said before and then descended the cables and there was a hold up on the cables due to an idiot dad trying to mentally force his daughter whom I am guessing was between 14 and 16 up those cables and she was completely wiped physically and absolutely scared out of her mind and her dad would not give up ... anyway I finally made it past them and to the base of the cables and a group of us were chatting about how fricken stupid that dad was risking his daughters life like that. Of course people are trying to go up as others are coming down and that was a major road block. Also as I stood there at the bottom of the cables a guy says "hey its YOU", turned out to be the group of mail carriers that screwed up the last time they hiked it and they were on their way up .... I had a good laugh over that as they were hours later then I. He hands me his camera to take a group photo of them at the bottom of the cables and I bid them farewell. Oh and as to the sub dome, at that point I happened to be hiking right by two girls who were in their early 20's and they were in collage in cali and into sports and in good shape and I was chatting it up with the one right in front of me and she was chatty but mindful in looking ahead where she was going and had not looked back down. Then about 3/4 of the way up and possibly higher up then you were, she happened to look down and I never suspected what would happen next to her, given her having come all that way up the mist trail. She completely froze and crouched down and was whimpering and trying not to cry. Her friend was some steps ahead and noticed her friend stopping and crouched down and came back and I stood there for a while as she talked psychobabble to her highly distressed friend trying to give her some courage. I never saw them again which means they must have turned around and gone down as she was in no mental state to be on any cables !. My main mental challenge was the cables and I was tired and in hindsight had the wrong type of gloves for the climbing part as I had smooth leather gloves, I should have gone bare handed but better would have been to have these rubber gloves that I see some use now in videos for high grip up. However the way I went down the cables I then found my leather gloves to be perfect. Not that its recommended for safety reasons but I went down facing forward with the cables slipping through my smooth gloved hands and I found the decent to be extremely easy and visually rewarding because I could see everything going on below me and the fantastic scenery. On my way down the main trail but some distance before that easy section with the water fountain, a dad approached me who I had seen on the way up with his 19 year old son and they were in great shape and just flying along the trail ... anyway by then my knee was killing me and I was going slow and he was frantically looking for his son and asked me if I had seen him and then took off asking others. I eventually made it down to the parking lot and what do you know, the dad is down there once again and still no son to be found and his son had the keys to the vehicle as well so he couldn't even get into it. I said here, I'll go to my pickup and get you some paper, pen and tape so you can make a note and put it on the drivers window. I limped over to my pickup and then back to his vehicle and he writes the note and tapes it on and then apologizes to me for being so short when I asked him where the fountain was ( I by mistake took the wrong trail part way up not realizing any better and had to hike across country over to the correct trail so I never saw the fountain ) because he could see how bad a shape I was in with my knee. I was just thankful I was able to help in some small way with that note he could attach. To this day I do not know what happened, I hope his son was ok and never fell off the trail as that was his dads big worry and with good reason. My little note became a whole story which I thought might amuse and interest you, and no worries if you read it and decide to delete it 😉
A couple other things.. take Tylenol the night before and the morning of the climb.. and make sure you bring at least 10 bottles of water or more.. trust me if you can bring more bring it.. I ran out and had to beg for water on the way down.. thank goodness for the help I received from the other hikers with given me their extra water.. Water Water Water!! My next hike is the Angels Landing.. so unless my grand children want to climb it will never ever go there again:)) my hike was around 19 miles round trip..
Good try. Train some more and try it again. Your mind will defeat you on the vertigo/height. You can over come it. You are right. Know your limitations on what you can do in 12 hours. To anyone else thinking of doing this. You must train and prepare for this hike if you're not in shape, its gonna be tougher. Its not just the distance, its the altitude gain and fluid loss. I've been to the top of the cables 3 times. Each time was a learning experience. Good hiking boots and pack are a must. Water filter because you will come close to or will run out of water. Need to stay hydrated. Energy bars. The cables are something else. Don't let the young and reckless fool you by the way they run up and down the cables. People die on those cables. One step at a time.
Def felt the elevation! We live in Florida at zero elevation so it hit us harder than we realized.
Deems treas haf de moose on dem..haungree to sambwichs..swaetes on mi shotts..swaety understof..peepuls poopan
Pay no attention to what anyone else says.
@@Lone_Star_Proud lol it’s part of the fun I believe. You can’t please everyone! I shared my journey and that’s all we aim to do on TH-cam, everyone’s journey will be slightly different.
its tiring to watch you tired. more training before you go into hiking.... control your breathing.
@@AlejandroTorresBar asthma plus forest fires don’t mix. I was on the struggle bus but I still pushed thru
Train Train Train!!! Walk 6 to 10 miles a day, cycle 10 to 20 miles every other day.. Do this for at least 6 months.. your body will tell you your ready I’m 61 and I was able to get to the top.. it was the most difficult thing ever!!
Did you just walk or did you do stairs also?
@@michaelbottjer3385yea stairs, walk, ride.. just realize you’re going 9 miles up and 9 miles down.. to be honest the first time you do it will be a magical the second time will be much more enjoyable because of experience.. my daughter and I did the Angels Landing last year it’s not as difficult.. she going to the dome this year hopefully, I’m curious to see if she makes it.. good luck… either way it’s a wonderful trip.... if it’s hot make sure you carry ALOT of water 💦..
@@davidelcess6559 Thank you so much. Have fun with your trip with your daughter. Good luck, God bless.
You can get by with a hell of a lot less than that! 5-10mi with elevation 2-3X/wk would be plenty. Seems like these two thought they could do it straight off the couch.
@@csn583 🤣🤣🤣 off the couch. That’s hilarious. I do have asthma and the forest fires exacerbated it pretty badly. I couldn’t breathe very well. Plus living in Florida you do feel the elevation. But… hey gave it my best shot. Now I am back to couch potato life 🤣
Gay.
@@elliott3471 🤣
The heavy breathing is so irritating. Next time get in shape prior to the hike or let the person who is actually fit video it. The breathing is gross.
@@maliakeliinoi9986 lol thanks for the hate! I have asthma and the forest fires exacerbated it. Combine that with the fact that I live in Florida at zero elevation, so that affected me too. But hey, I still pushed thru. Hope you find a less “gross” video that serves you better 🤣
Ads ruin the video, thumbs down
@@coreydempsey4660 I don’t monetize and I don’t control the ads so blame TH-cam
@@amyreneeadventures sure you can, go into your settings and turn off the ads
@@coreydempsey4660 really? Did not know that. Thank you!
I watched for 14 minutes …just to see you turn around?
@@rogerrabbitog683 hey you got to see the trail and the journey. There are some great cable videos out there!
@@amyreneeadventures when are you going back to finish it?