Does the standard Half Dome hiking route become a technical climb without the cables?

I've been up the cables on Half Dome several times. You'd look pretty goofy having walked the full 8 miles with a rope and rack, only to intentionally avoid a fully equipped walkup only feet away. I'd estimate it to be low 4th class, and not the *interesting*, loose Yosemite-style 4th class we're all so fond of. I would suggest Snake Dike as a worthy alternative, on the opposite side of the hill.

I should have been more clear.

It is my understanding that they take down the cables during the winter (from about November until May). I am actually trying to avoid a technical route because I would have friends with me that don't have climbing gear. My question should have been: is it safe to hike up the cable route while the cables are not set up?

I know the Park service is going to tell me that it is unsafe, because they don't want idiots up there, but is it really that dangerous without the cables?

Just don't slip.

Yes, the photos make it look rather steep. But are those planks that go across the route (resting on the metal poles, perpendicular to the direction of travel) still up when the cables are not? Are the cables still there, just not up on the poles?

The cables stay, the uprights and planks are gone. I'd hesitate to say it's casual, I've descended the cables when the uprights were gone a couple of times, with no problems, but I think a girl died doing this just last year. The rock along the cables is pretty polished. I'd be very careful about bringing non-climbers up.

That girl was no fool either. I'm pretty sure she was a seasoned OB instructor.

Thanks for the info. I guess we should be looking elsewhere. I'll report back how it goes.

The girl's name was Emily Sandall. According to reports, she died November 8, 2006 after falling "hundreds of feet off Yosemite National Park's famous Half Dome after a rainstorm created slippery footing."

No, it's not technical. If anything I think it is easier with the cables down, especially if it is wet or you are carrying a large backcountry pack. Definitely bring some good leather gloves. You just hold the cable at hip level and slide your hands up it. The weight of the cable adds traction to your feet in slippery conditions. If there is snow pinning the cable to the rock then it gets tricky.