Climbing Snake Dike on Half Dome in Yosemite Valley
Introductory Overview
Climbing Snake Dike, located on the southwest face of Half Dome in Yosemite Valley, is a world-class climbing route known for its unique features and breathtaking scenery. Renowned for its serpentine dike—a striking geological feature—it’s a classic bucket-list climb for experienced adventurers. Combining technical climbing and a vigorous hiking approach, Snake Dike offers one of the most exhilarating ways to ascend Half Dome. Its moderate grading (5.7 R) makes it a popular objective, though it does require a solid skill set due to its limited protection and exposed sections. Whether you're drawn by the granite slabs or panoramic summit views, Snake Dike epitomizes the allure of Yosemite's climbing scene.
### Adventure Guide to Climbing Snake Dike (Half Dome)
Approach Through the Mist Trail
To reach Snake Dike, begin at the Happy Isles trailhead and follow the Mist Trail. After passing Vernal and Nevada Falls, continue up to Little Yosemite Valley before branching off toward the climbing route. The full approach trek spans over 6 miles, requiring solid endurance. Mist Trail is famed for its up-close views of waterfalls, so budget extra time for photography.
The Snake Dike Route
This legendary 8-pitch climb is marked by the dike: an elevated ridge of stone that winds upward like a snake. You'll need to navigate minimal bolted protection through exposed sections. The first pitch is the hardest (5.7), while subsequent pitches ease up significantly, offering climbers manageable terrain coupled with jaw-dropping views of Yosemite’s granite expanse. Finish with a scramble to Half Dome’s summit.
Descent via the Cable Route
Once you’ve topped out, the descent follows the Cable Route, which is a steep but secure journey. During the summer, the cables are installed and assist hikers descending to the base of Half Dome.
Local Insights
Snake Dike typically sees traffic in peak summer and fall months. Therefore, permits for Half Dome are required and can sell out quickly.
The combination of climbing and hiking makes this an all-day affair lasting 12-16 hours.
Visitor Tips
Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall—when conditions are dryer, with ample daylight.
What to Bring: Climbing gear (cams, quickdraws, slings, harness, helmet), plenty of water, snacks, gloves for cables, and sturdy hiking shoes.
Driving Directions: From Yosemite Valley, drive to the Happy Isles Nature Center (10 minutes) where the trail begins.
Adventure Map
Reviews
Paul Wolf10 months ago
I soloed this in 1992. It follows an inclusion of quartz crystals that goes for over 1000 feet, an amazing feature on a smooth granite dome. Almost got into trouble when, a few hundred feet up, I forgot you had to traverse left into the other dike and I kept going up until the one I was on disappeared. Then downclimbed hundreds of feet to the traverse with the bolt in the middle of it. I will always remember the view looking down. When I got to the top of half dome, it was packed full of people, as usual. Some people saw me come up and walked over there and I had to tell them it's not the way down. I went down the cables route, and it was like 1000 people in line going at the pace of the slowest person. I was still wearing rock shoes and walked/soloed down on the rock outside of the cables, putting on a show for everyone. I don't do crazy things like this anymore, but if you stay in camp four long enough, you develop this kind of mindset.
Beau Skalley8 years ago
Fun climbing up a great feature. Basically soloing and it's fun
David Engel6 years ago
Snake Dike is a gem of a climb. For those who demand 5.10 and above, this is child's play, but for those who love a true adventure in the Sierra's, this is a classic. The approach and descent is lengthy and adds much challenge to this climb. Many deride the adventure as "Snake Hike" but that's a disservice to an incredible climbing opportunity. The approach passes through the touristy areas of Vernal and Nevada Falls. This gives us climbers an opportunity to enjoy the spray and sight of waterfalls. The approach through Lost Lake is scenic and you near the climb, there are exposed ledges and moves to make sans rope. A recent rock fall has dusted many of these ledges with sand to increase the pucker factor. This climb is always crowded. Last weekend, there were about 25 people lined up on the cliff. As of May 2018, the bolts that are on the belay locations are fair shape. The hangers are an older style and the bolts are 3/8 inch even though multiple parties might be hanging from each station. They should be replaced with 1/2 inch stainless with strong hangers and possibly rappel rings.
Everyone knows that the route is run out. It requires a different mental attitude than most climbs. While the climbing is not difficult, there are places where care must be taken lest a huge leader fall be taken. As you research this climb, you will read that the climbing is very easy, or do some of it without a rope. It's best to take this route seriously. Use good technique and be respectful of the other climbers. Of course above the climb is the Never Ending Slabs that offer another 1000 vertical feet of leg burning ascent. Combining the hike up, the climb, the Never Ending Slabs, the cables to go down and miles of hiking to finish the adventure, this is quite the work out, but yet it offers a fantastic view of the Sierra and a wonderful mountain experience.
Stillman Brown5 years ago
Please, line up to do this climb, and go down the cable side. Don’t waste any time at the Diving Board: Ansel Adams didn’t know what he was doing, there’s no view there.
Scott Angus7 years ago
Did it in 6 pitches with a running belay at the end. A classic must do climb of the sierras.
