Cables come down 2nd Monday of October.
Pros: No permit, empty trail, way more fun.
Cons: You can die (fine with proper rig + weather).
Weather: Must be no snow / no frost. If sub-dome is icy → abort.
Forecast: Check moutain forecast
Stay: Curry Village
Start early: 5:30am → 5:18pm (hiking in the dark is unideal)
Route: Curry Village → Mist Trail → Sub Dome → Half Dome Peak
Stats: 16 miles, 44k steps, 4.8k ft gain, 11 hr 48 min, ~ 5k calories
Gear: Basic Harness, Anchor rig, backup rig, gloves, headlamp, hiking shoes, 3L water, snackss
Anchor Rig (primary): Klemheist friciton hitch (cable) -> Carabiner -> Static Sling 30cm -> Carbiner (harness)
Backup Rig (used when you must unclip anchor): Carabiner (cable) -> Static Sling 60cm (harness)