I am going to be going up Half Dome via the cables route on Thursday, July 22nd. What time is the latest I could start to avoid the crowds at the cables?

gwave47 wrote:I am going to be going up Half Dome via the cables route on Thursday, July 22nd. What time is the latest I could start to avoid the crowds at the cables?

Get to the top before 10am and it shouldn't be too much of a problem...

You mean these crowds? Good luck … and yes, going outside the cable makes it much easier, but no need to clip in. And expect to encounter some unpleasant attitudes.

http://www.summitpost.org/image/330948/Half-Dome-Crowds.html

I wanna do the cables! Hopefully this summer, with my son.
But, once in the Sierra, I won't wait in a line like that. Early up and early down, otherwise I'd feel like I was in Disneyland, and I don't want to feel that way being in the High Sierra.
John Muir wouldn't have waited that line.

You want to aim to be there (at the bottom of the cables) about an hour after the sunrise (or 5 min. before the sunrise). There is usually a big group of people who bivy nearby and go up to watch the sunrise from the summit, and most of them leave shortly after. Then you see hardly anybody until 10 am or so. These are the people who left the valley early in the morning. If you get there during the time after the first group left and the second group hasn't arrived yet, chances are you'll be on the summit by yourself or maybe with a few other people. Guaranteed.

Yep, I think that's good advice, Z.

A few years ago (Labor Day), I got to the base at 7am and there was a moderate-size line. I am guessing that unless you climb cables in the dark, running into people there is unavoidable. Hopefully, the new permit system will reduce these crowds a bit this summer. Have fun

My answer is different. Go late.
Me and my wife were there an hour before sunset in June 2006. Not a single person on the cables! Make sure you carry a flashlight and descend the cables before dark.
Vlad.

it takes a strong hiker about 5 hrs to get to the cables any time after 1 you can be looking at lighting or crowds so the earlier the better. i never start later then 9 and expect to get to the top. if you start at 7 or 6 increases your chances greatly. i've done this hike apx 30 times in the 35 years ive been driving dont let these guys streer you wrong it is a great and classic hike. take at least 2 or 3 liters of water july will be hot. if you need someone to go with you i'm game good luck just get a early start

ClimberJoe wrote:If you really do decide to do this ass fuck of a hike then I would suggest doing it in the middle of the night and base jumping off the summit at sunrise.

Wow. Like the sound of it. There's no problem with this? They don't lock it up after sundown?