Half Dome

Half Dome

Hello ProRangers and park people! For my wilderness patrol this weekend, I spent some time up at Half Dome. My 15 mile journey began on the Mist Trail (featured in last week's blog) and brought me up to LYV before I began the last and most challenging leg of the journey climbing Half Dome. When the park is open, summiting Half Dome is one of the most popular activities undertaken by visitors. Each day, 300 permits are issued for visitors to make their way to the top of this iconic landmark. However, with the park currently closed to visitors, I didn't encounter anyone along the way. I did however remove trash along the trail and surveyed snow packs to determine when the trail can reopen. After making my way up the Sub Dome, I reached the base of Half Dome's cables. Normally, Half Dome is accessible through the use of wire cables and wooden slats that help visitors climb the towering peak. During the winter, the wires and wooden slats are removed leaving the cables lying on the surface. While it is still possible to climb Half Dome without the assistance of the wire railing and wooden slats, the approach is much different. To climb Half dome, I used a Prussik hitch and personal anchoring system that would arrest a potential fall. After securing my harness, helmet, climbing gloves and climbing shoes, I attached myself to the cables and started the long journey upward. 

The start of the cables. A sign reminds climbers of the danger climbing during inclement weather can cause. 

Climbing the cables using a prussik hitch and personal anchor system.

Taking a break to admire the incredible view!

After completing the first pitch of the cables, there is a split in the cables that requires climbers to switch their gear. This was the most challenging part, as I had to remove part of my gear from one cable and place it on another. It is important to remember to always have multiple mechanisms in place to protect yourself while climbing. In this case, I removed one of my anchors and placed it on the new cable while staying securely attached to another. When it comes to climbing, redundancy is crucial!

After over 40 minutes of climbing, I reached the top! After a quick lunch (and many pictures) it was time to make my way back down. Luckily, going down was much easier as gravity did most of the work. Using the prussik hitch, I was able to gradually lower myself down to the base of Half Dome. 

View of Yosemite Valley atop Half Dome

The "Diving Board"

After climbing Half Dome the only thing left to do was complete another 7.5 miles of hiking to return to Yosemite Valley. While most visitors do not complete Half Dome in one day, it is possible. However, it is important to know your limits and reserve energy for the long hike back. Completing this trip provided me with insight as to what most visitors will encounter. Now, I can more accurately define the hazards and precautions necessary for a fun yet safe experience. 

Elevation gain during the hike. From Yosemite Valley to Half Dome the elevation gain is nearly 5300 ft!

Map depicting the route I took to reach Half Dome. 

This week, I will be working with the search and rescue office in addition to some more wilderness patrols. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you again next week!

Until next time,

ProRanger Caruso 

Little Yosemite Valley (LYV)

Little Yosemite Valley

Nevada Falls 

Hello ProRangers and park people! This week I patrolled the Mist Trail and hiked to Little Yosemite Valley (LYV). During my patrol, I looked for fallen trees and other trail obstructions to determine when the trail can be reopened for the season. I also contacted seven individuals during my patrol who violated the existing trail closure and provided information and warnings to comply with trail closures. To wrap up the week, I participated in a few COVID-19 scenarios conducted by the Valley EMS crew. These scenarios help test out current protocols and provide insight into ways we can improve our response for future calls. 

Although I have previously hiked the Mist Trail, this weekends patrol was even more spectacular as both Vernal and Nevada falls were very active after recent snowfall and storms. The additional water falling from the falls created a fine mist that coated rocks and made for a stunning rainbow. During my patrol, I familiarized myself with the trail and identified common areas for search and rescues. 

The Trail up the Nevada Falls is often slick with mist and can create hazardous conditions. This section is referred to as the "wet steps".

Following the "wet steps", the "dry steps" provide another landmark for future SAR's

After hiking up the "wet" and "dry" steps, visitors arrive at Emerald pool atop Vernal Falls. Although this pool looks calm and inviting for swimming, the current is very strong and often catches people off guard leading to significant injury and even death. For this reason, swimming in Emerald Pool is prohibited. 

Emerald Pool atop Vernal Falls

After reaching Vernal Falls I hiked to Nevada Falls, a 594-foot high waterfall fed by the Merced River. During this time, I encountered a number of hikers who violated the Mist Trail closure in order to reach Nevada Falls. I educated each hiker on the public use limit and informed them they would need to hike back to the valley using a safer route. While everyone wants the opportunity to hike, doing so on a closed trail poses a number of risks. On the Mist Trail, rockfalls, ice and snow can often lead to disaster. For these reasons, the trail is often closed until all snow and ice have melted. Furthermore, due to the risk of COVID-19 exposure, there is limited EMS/SAR operations available in the park. Combined, these factors have led to a number of trail closures in Yosemite Valley. Ensuring compliance with trail closures is an important task and something I look forward to doing more as the season progresses. 

After reaching the top of Nevada falls, I took the John Muir Trail (JMT) junction to Little Yosemite Valley (LYV). This trail is popular during the summer when hundreds of hikers make their way to the Half Dome cables. During the summer season, I will be stationed at the LYV ranger station checking camping/hiking permits for the 300 people allowed to summit Half Dome per day. Given the amount of time I will be spending at LYV during the summer, this weeks patrol provided a great opportunity to get acquainted with where I will be staying. While hiking the additional mile from the JMT junction to LYV, I took note of multiple fallen trees and debris that will be cleared by the trail crew. 

Fallen trees across the trail

Entering Little Yosemite Valley

After making my way up to LYV, I checked the Ranger's station for any environmental or animal damage. Luckily, the Ranger's station was free from damage. In the coming weeks, I will return to LYV to set up solar panels, a water tank, and tents for those who will be checking permits and maintaining the trail system. 

A portion of the LYV Ranger's Station

Bathroom and campsite at LYV

In addition to patrolling the Mist Trail, I also participated in a number of EMS COVID-19 scenarios this week. These scenarios test our preparedness for a possible COVID-19 case in the park and bring to light areas for improvement. During these scenarios, I assumed the role of a patient as well as a dispatcher. After countless scenarios, I am confident that we are well prepared to handle a possible or confirmed case of COVID-19 in the park. Nevertheless, practice makes perfect!

COVID-19 Scenario 

I look forward to sharing my experiences with you again next week.

Until next time,

ProRanger Caruso 

Wilderness Patrols

Wilderness Patrols 

View of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome from Union Point

Hello ProRangers and park people! This past week I spent time working in the Yosemite Medical clinic and on the Valley Ambulance. However, this weekend I also had the opportunity to conduct my first wilderness patrol! Although the park is currently closed to visitors, wilderness patrols ensure trail systems are well maintained for future use. This week, I patrolled a section of the Four Mile trail, which provides spectacular views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. During the patrol, I removed fallen debris from the trail, collected litter and surveyed snowfall to determine when the entirety of the trail will reopen. I look forward to conducting more wilderness patrols in the weeks to come and sharing my experiences with you!

View of Yosemite Falls from the Four Mile Trail

During the patrol I removed a lot of fallen debris from previous storms that obstructed the trail. Removing fallen branches and rocks from the trail limits the potential for future injuries and ensures visitors have a pleasant hiking experience. Removing debris from the trail also includes litter. Over the course of my patrol I removed plastic water bottles, wrappers and stickers from trail signs. While hiking a snowy section of trail, I realized that I wasn't the only one hiking! 

Debris blocking sections of the trail

A pile of litter and stickers found along the trail

Looks like I wasn't the only one on the trail!

Before and after picture with sticker removal

I look forward to another week here in Yosemite. Check back next week to see what I have been up to.

Until next time,

ProRanger Caruso