Climbing even further in around 2 miles you will eventually reach Nevada Falls. There is a small detour to view the top of Nevada Falls and take a short break. Hiking to the top of Vernal & Nevada Falls via Mist Trail is considered one of the best things to do in Yosemite National Park, so don’t expect solitude on this section of the hike.
Subdome
About 3 miles after Vernal Falls, you will reach the subdome. To reach the subdome, you will have to climb the giant rock stairs. This is definitely one of the challenging parts of the hike!
After the climb, you will finally reach the top of the subdome. From the top of the subdome, you will see the famous Half Dome cables. This is a good spot to take a break and gear up before you eventually start the climb.
I was honestly a bit overwhelmed at this point. I do not have a fear of heights but for me, it was about taking a deep breath before the cables and gaining mental strength (Mind over matter).
There is sincerely no shame in getting to the cables and turning around. I would have done that if I didn’t feel confident. If you don’t feel so then it’s totally okay. If you attempt it without being comfortable you will not only put yourself but also others in danger.
Climbing the Steel Cables
We reached the cables around 11:30 am. There was no ranger stationed at that time to check for permits, but always have your permit handy just in case.
There are two cables to climb the last 400 feet to the summit. Every 10-20 feet there are wooden planks to rest and maintain your balance. The cables are about a 45-55 degree grade, and you don’t need any rock climbing gear to climb them.
Before you start the climb, I recommend you put on full-fingered gloves. This will give you a more comfortable grip on the cables and help you avoid any blisters. Also be sure to secure any belongings (camera, phone, water bottle) so nothing falls out of your day pack during the climb!
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