Snake Dike — Local services in Oakhurst

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...

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...

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...