Half Dome via Snake Dike

(Warning - This document contains dated information.)

On September 30th, 2000, I climbed Half Dome in Yosemite via a rock climbing route known as "Snake Dike". The route goes up the southwest side of the dome (not the vertical northwest face!) It was an incredible experience to (literally) hang out in the sun on this enormous rock wall, surrounded by views of Glacier Point, Yosemite Valley, and El Capitan. Chris Miller led the whole route, and I was happy to follow, learning a lot about multi-pitch rock climbing in the process. The first section was a little scary, as it was friction climbing, something I don't have much experience with. Once we got past that part, it was simple. The dike is formed from harder rock that seeped into a crack in the granite (an "intrusion" in geologic terms). It's all lumpy and knobby, which makes it really easy to climb. The approach and return were the really tough part: 25 miles and 6000 feet in a single day, followed by a 4 hour drive back to Nevada City.

Look, Mom. I'm wearing my helmet!

Please e-mail comments regarding this web site to: schmed@transpac.com.

© 1999-2001, Chris Schneider. All Rights Reserved World Wide.

Last updated 20 May 2001