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Snake Dike

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description Snake Dike Overview

Snake Dike is a classic rock climbing route on Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, California, first ascended in 1963 by Royal Robbins, Chuck Pratt, and Mike Sherrick. The route follows a distinctive curving dike of intrusive rock up the otherwise smooth southwest face of the dome, offering approximately 8 pitches of climbing with difficulties rated at 5.7 in the Yosemite Decimal System. Unlike the famously steep face routes on Half Dome, Snake Dike features low-angle slab climbing with runout sections between protection, making it both accessible to intermediate traditional climbers and significant as an iconic Yosemite big wall experience.

help Snake Dike FAQ

Why is Snake Dike graded 5.7 R if most climbing is easier?

The hardest moves are moderate, but protection bolts and natural gear can be widely spaced on the dike. The R warns that a leader could take a long, consequential fall even on terrain closer to 5.4 or 5.5.

Who made the first ascent of Snake Dike?

Eric Beck, Jim Bridwell and Chris Fredericks established the route ground-up in July 1965. The commonly repeated year 1963 is not supported by the established ascent record.

How do climbers descend after finishing Snake Dike?

The route tops out on Half Dome, after which climbers normally descend the hiking route and its cable section when the cables are installed. This creates a long day because the approach, eight climbing pitches and trail descent all add substantial distance.

Is Snake Dike suitable as a first outdoor multipitch climb?

Its 5.7 grade can look beginner-friendly, but the runouts, route-finding, remote approach and Half Dome descent demand more than gym-climbing ability. A leader should already be comfortable on unprotected granite slab and managing an all-day Yosemite objective.

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