At 93, Grandpa Sets Record At Oldest Climber To Complete Yosemite’s Half Dome & Proves Age Is Just A Number

Aug 04, 2023

Despite the challenges and the warnings, 93-year-old Everett Kalin decided to take on the remarkable feat of climbing Yosemite's Half Dome. His journey was not just about reaching the summit; it was about proving that age should never be a barrier to achieving one's dreams.

The retired seminary professor from Oakland, California, found inspiration in his own good health and his previous experiences of adventure, such as skydiving on his 91st birthday. After that experience, he set his sights on conquering the Half Dome, one of the most iconic and difficult climbs in Yosemite National Park.

The National Park Service regards Half Dome as an iconic symbol of Yosemite and a formidable challenge for many hikers. Although an 1865 report claimed that the site was "perfectly inaccessible" and deemed it would never be trodden by human foot, a mountaineer named George Anderson defied the odds and reached the summit in 1875, paving the way for the cable route in use today.

The Half Dome hike spans approximately 14 to 16 miles and is not recommended for those who are out of shape or unprepared. On average, the hike takes about 10 to 12 hours to complete. 

To prepare for the climb, Kalin spent months training diligently. He walked around Lake Merritt and climbed the 17 flights of stairs in his retirement community daily. His dedication and perseverance paid off when the day came to begin the ascent, and he was joined by his son, Jon Kalin, and his granddaughter, Sidney Kalin. 

Three generations of the Kalin family embarked on their journey in mid-July 2023, starting with an overnight camping stay at Little Yosemite Valley before beginning their ascent to Half Dome. The hike encompassed at least 14 miles of challenging terrain, including steep granite-hewn stairs known as the Subdome.

Everett has been to Yosemite several times but only decided to take on the Half Done in his 90s. Their ascent was not without its doubts and struggles, but the determination and grit of the Kalin patriarch spurred his family onward. 

"In the back of my mind the whole time, I’m like, ‘I don’t know if we’re going to make it,’" Jon told The Los Angeles Times.

Everett took his time navigating the difficult section, even resorting to hands and knees when the stairs gave way to a granite shelf. Despite the injuries, he pressed on, encouraged by the support of other hikers along the way.

Finally, the trio reached the last leg of the climb, a 400-foot stretch with only cables and wooden slats to aid in the ascent. Everett harnessed himself in and pulled himself up with the momentum gained from leaning forward. At last, he stood at the summit of Half Dome, and the overwhelming feeling of gratitude washed over him. 

The heartwarming video posted by Sidney on TikTok in July 2023 quickly went viral, garnering more than 15 million views. The world was captivated by the image of a 93-year-old man achieving such an awe-inspiring feat. 

"Words cannot describe how proud I am," Sidney wrote in the caption. "Opa, it was an honor to take on this trip with you. I hope this stands as a lesson to everyone that you are never too young or old to achieve your dreams."

"When we finally did get to the top that was just a thrill," Everett said, per Fox KTVU. "That was a great thrill. I think the three of us found a rock, sat on it, and cried a little."

What an incredible accomplishment for Everett Kalin! His determination and passion are such inspirations. Do you know someone who's as determined as this 93-year-old man? This kind of achievement should be celebrated, so pass this story along to someone who might be inspired to follow in Everett's example!