I recently completed both the Angels Landing hike and the Half Dome hike within a couple of days of each other. I found the Angels Landing hike much easier than I anticipated. There really weren't many spots where you could fall far unless you were doing something really stupid. Although I did come across a few fit looking adults that didn't attempt the last section because they thought it was too scary for them. Also a few terrified looking people sitting on their backsides trying to slide back down a few tricky sections. Honestly I didn't see any fear factor on this hike ......
However Half Dome I found to be quite different. I have hiked half dome before and found it scary on the sub dome and cables sections but I thought this time it wouldn't be so bad knowing what i was in for. But it was just as terrifying as the first time. About a quarter of the way up the cables i nearly turned around but decided to keep going for some reason. Then a little further up the guy directly in front of me pulled out one of the support posts accidently. Now that was scary as he started to slide back gradually towards me. Is this really happening I thought. Then I said to myself stay calm, assess the situation and act. First thought was should I saying anything to the guy. But what would I say - can I help ? be careful ? then i thought i could try to support him if he slid back to me, then I thought I could move both hands to the other side where the posts were still in tact. Then I thought I am going straight down when the guy is secure and safe. But within a few seconds and before I had to act at all I realised the guy wasnt panicking, knew exactly what to do and did it. He pulled himself back up to where the post should be and put it back in place. Boy that was a scary few seconds though.
I also hiked to the top of Clouds Rest the day after Half Dome. While it was gruelling because my legs were still a little sore I found very little fear factor compared to what I had read about the final ridge. Again if you rock hopped correctly without being stupid there is really no place you would fall more than a few feet.
Anyway that was just my thoughts on the topic.
