One of the Hardest Things I’ve Ever Done: Climbing Half Dome
There are a few moments in life where you say “yes” before your brain fully catches up—and this was one of them.
It was spring and we were staying at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort, a Thousand Trails park just outside the entrance to Yosemite National Park. Our family had been soaking up the beauty of the area when one of our friends, Sam—who was also staying in the campground—found out she scored four permits to climb Half Dome. For the next day.
She also had a camping pass for Little Yosemite Valley and turned to three of us—me, Ashley, and my sister-in-law, Kameryn, and asked, “Do you want to do it with me?”
Ashley didn’t hesitate for a second: “I’m in.”
Kameryn and I? …Not so sure.
We hadn’t trained. We didn’t feel ready. My quick online research basically said: “Be in excellent shape. Prepare well. Don’t attempt this unless you're physically and mentally ready.”
Cool. Cool cool cool.
My love for adventure won out over my hesitation. We bought a tent and supplies at the tiny gas station near our campground, borrowed some gear, and committed. We set out early the next morning—our families started the hike with us, enjoying the stunning Vernal Falls Trail before turning back while we kept going.
Overpacked, Undertrained, and All In
We had packed way too much and felt it with every step. Heavy gear, steep trails, and hours of hiking forced us to stop often and regroup. We pushed through and reached Little Yosemite Valley Campground at dusk. Right as we arrived, a fellow camper casually mentioned that a bunch of rattlesnakes had just been seen around the area. Comforting, right? Thankfully, we didn’t see any!
We set up camp, made a simple dinner, and sat around the fire with other hikers. I love meeting new people so hanging out with fellow hikers and campers was so much fun. We traded travel stories and pumped each other up for the upcoming climb. The campground bathroom was... well, absolutely disgusting—swarming with flies and stinking to high heaven—but honestly, we were too tired to care. The day had been warm, but as soon as the sun went down the temperature dropped fast, and I was grateful for my fleece to keep me cozy around the fire before crashing in the tent.
The Climb Begins
At sunrise, we left our camp gear behind and began the final stretch toward Half Dome.
The trail got steeper, the air thinner, and our group quieter. Some of us struggled—one person even had a small panic attack. It was a physical and emotional climb just to reach Sub Dome, the granite shoulder before the main ascent. And then, we saw it: the cables.
I laughed out loud. “We’re not really doing this, right?”
But my friends were already pulling out gloves and harnesses and gearing up.
I had gloves…but no harness.
I had faith… and a lot of adrenaline.
Mind Over Matter
As we watched fit, grown men bail halfway up the cables, fear crept in. I told myself: Just one step at a time. Keep your head down. Hold the cables. Don’t think about what’s below you.
Two in our group had to turn back mid-climb—feet slipping, panic setting in—but I kept going. Thankful I had decided to wear hiking boots. No harness. No turning back. Just raw determination and a firm grip on the steel cables that carved their way up the rock.
Step by step. Breath by breath.
And eventually… we were at the top.
The View, The Victory, and The Descent
It was incredible. The view. The adrenaline. The fact that we had made it—it was one of the most exhilarating and empowering moments of my life. My friend and I both walked around on top of the world for a while, taking it all in and calling loved ones to show them the view!
But looking down? Terrifying.
Because going down Half Dome is, in many ways, harder than going up. You can’t avoid the steepness—it’s right in front of your face. I had to fight through fear again and take it one step, one deep breath at a time.
We made it back to camp, exhausted and proud. But we still had to hike all the way back down to the valley floor—and we were losing daylight.
The Final Stretch
After grabbing our gear, we began the long hike out. We split into pairs, and as darkness fell, my sister-in-law and I found ourselves alone in the pitch-black forest. Our legs were trembling, our knees nearly buckling. I’ve never felt so physically drained—or so determined to keep moving.
Finally, we made it out. Reunited with our group. Alive, exhausted, and changed.
The Takeaway
Climbing Half Dome wasn’t on my bucket list—but now it’s etched into my memory as one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done.
It pushed me past my comfort zone. It reminded me how strong I am. It showed me how much I can do when I let go of fear and lean into courage.
Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you don’t feel ready for.
You just say yes… and then you climb.
💬 Your Turn
Have you ever done something you thought you weren’t ready for—only to find out you were stronger than you knew?
I’d love to hear your story in the comments below.
*Some products discussed in this blog were gifted by adidas. However, all opinions are entirely my own.
