Running up the back side of Half Dome in Dec.

man that would kick ass. I've hiked half dome, but never run it. I think it's more like 17 miles isn't it? Either way, that would be a beast of a run.

Personally, I wouldn't attempt that trail this time of year unless the weather is clear. There are several places on that trail that would be quite treacherous if it was icey or snow-covered. Of course Half Dome would be really treacherous, but Quarter Dome would be equally dangerous (maybe more so since there aren't any cables to hold on to).

I did it this last summer, so I can say it was well worth it. If you've ever been to half dome before you'll know you won't be running the final ascent up the actual dome, and the last 600 to 800 meters of stone steps are pretty steep. I really couldn't tell you what the weather is like this time of year, but I remember there being a stretch involving a lot of streaming water that could be pretty icy, and I don't know how late they leave the bolted hand ropes up on the dome. Looking back I probably should have taken some water or something to eat because by the time I got back down everything was going dim and I was close to passing out from such a long (relatively cool weather wise) ascent.

I don't think they have the cables up at this time of year, but if you climb a lot you might be up for the 5.5 free solo. Of course, coming down might be a bit hairy. I ran it a few years ago and the only real tough part is the first couple of miles where I was walking at times.

Good luck.

The cables are down, and they are going to get some decent snow in the next day or two. A few days ago it might have been worth it to try running to the base of the cables and back.

miamiredhawk wrote:

... running up Half Dome was an option this time of the year? ...

That would be a great run if you could do it in December, but since you can't, you might want to consider a run or two in the Marin Headlands/Mt. Tam and/or in Pt. Reyes. There are some great coastal trails to give you a change of pace from Colorado.

Buddy and I did it a few years back on Thanksgiving. We started from Camp 4 and ended up walking quite a bit on the way up.There was ice along some parts near the waterfalls. We got the cables which were down and my buddy wussed out. I waited for this couple to come down. They each had a harness and were clipped in. I decided to do it anyways. Hand over hand on the cable. Half way up I regretted the decision. I got to the top and had her all to myself. I spent about 20 minutes (hung my head over the "nose") at the top. Going down was even more insane....Round trip took us about 3.5 hours.

It can be done with a little stupidity and gusto...and gloves. I shredded the pair I had on.

Probably there is more ice and snow than Thanksgiving.

Actually it will be Dec - planning to be in Yosemite 12/15. I think I'm planning to be in Yosemite regardless of whether I do the run up HD or not, so probably see how the weather is then. Looking online, webcams show very little snow, although it does acknowledge that the cables are down. See how things look in a week and half. Thanks.