Half Dome
Yosemite's legendary granite dome, offering a challenging hike with iconic cables and unparalleled summit views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat crowds & heat
Half Dome
Best Time
Beat crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Yosemite's legendary granite dome, offering a challenging hike with iconic cables and unparalleled summit views.
"The hardest hike we've ever done but one of the most rewarding!"
🎯 Secure Your Permit Early
Permits are essential and require lottery entry months in advance. Don't miss out!
🧤 Glove Up for Cables
Inexpensive work gloves offer great grip on the cables. Essential for a safer climb.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Infamous Cables
Ascent to the summit
The thrilling, steep cable section is Half Dome's defining challenge. Grip tight and enjoy the adrenaline rush!
Summit Panorama
Half Dome summit
Unparalleled 360-degree views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra await at the top.
Sub Dome Staircase
Before the cables
A challenging granite staircase that tests your legs and resolve before the final cable ascent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Permit Power: Secure Your Spot Early
Conquer the Cables: Gear Up for Success
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Secure Your Permit Early
Permits are essential and require lottery entry months in advance. Don't miss out!
🧤 Glove Up for Cables
Inexpensive work gloves offer great grip on the cables. Essential for a safer climb.
💧 Hydration is Key
Carry at least 4-5 liters of water per person or a filter for refills.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Non-Negotiable
Excellent grip is crucial for the granite and cables. Your feet will thank you!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Secure Your Permit Early
Permits are essential and require lottery entry months in advance. Don't miss out!
🧤 Glove Up for Cables
Inexpensive work gloves offer great grip on the cables. Essential for a safer climb.
💧 Hydration is Key
Carry at least 4-5 liters of water per person or a filter for refills.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Non-Negotiable
Excellent grip is crucial for the granite and cables. Your feet will thank you!
🌅 Start Before Sunrise
An early start (3-5 AM) helps avoid crowds and the intense midday sun.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps for navigation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Half Dome is an iconic, challenging, and immensely rewarding hike, offering unparalleled Yosemite views. While the permit system can be frustrating, the breathtaking summit experience and the thrill of the cable ascent make it a bucket-list achievement for many. Be prepared for a strenuous day, prioritize safety, and start early to maximize enjoyment.
"If you’re planning to hike Half Dome, here’s what you’ll need: sturdy hiking shoes with excellent grip, gloves for the cables (no need to spend $$ on some fancy gloves - inexpensive ones from Home Depot work great), plenty of water, and an early start around 3:30a. The hike is very doable if you’re reasonably fit and not afraid of heights, but preparation makes all the difference."
Jag Sandhu
"Wonderful day and one of the best ways to experience Yosemite. The views from the top and along the way are breathtaking.
Some tips I found useful:
Start very early in the morning so you can take your time and enjoy the views.
Bring a lot of water (at least 5 liters per person) or a filter bottle.
Don’t miss it! Register to the lottery as many times as needed until you get the permit, you won’t regret it."
Amit Sarig
"Ok. So before we went on this hike I did a lot of research.
How much water to bring, snacks, lunch, difficulty level, etc.
So let me tell you this first. If you're a lower level hiker like myself this trip will be the hardest hike you've ever been on.
For myself and my family it took us down! Tired, blisters, dehydration, sore muscles, etc. It would have been better if we hiked halfway, camped, and then did the second half with fresh legs.
We sadly didn't make it to the top of half dome. But we made it all the way to the base of sub dome. Well, most of us. Our two older kids stopped at the river and took a dip while the rest of us trudged on.
We hike a lot of smaller trails and we even hiked the same distance as half dome on the Silver Falls hike in Oregon.
But the amount of uphill and rock stair case climbing is what killed us. Silver Falls is mostly flat. Same distance, but flat.
This hike was both mentally challenging as well as physically challenging.
I don't know that I'll make another attempt. At least anytime soon!
But I was super proud of my family for doing it together! 4 kids, my wife and I with ages from 45 down to 9 years old. Making it to sub dome was quite the accomplishment! Maher Clan!
The beauty and views alone are worth the hike! But if you're an average hiker like we are prepare to get your butt kicked! Just sayin!"
Isaiah Maher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Half Dome trailhead is located in Yosemite Valley. You can drive and park at Curry Village or Yosemite Village and then take the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle to the Happy Isles stop, which is the start of the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail leading to Half Dome.
Parking is available at Curry Village and Yosemite Village, but it fills up very early, especially during peak season. Arrive before sunrise to secure a spot.
Yes, Half Dome is a strenuous day hike, typically taking 10-14 hours round trip. It requires an extremely early start and excellent physical condition.
Yosemite National Park can be accessed by car via multiple entrances. During peak season, reservations may be required to enter the park. Check the official NPS website for current requirements.
Yes, the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle operates within the valley and stops at key trailheads, including Happy Isles, which is the starting point for the Half Dome hike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Absolutely! A permit is required to hike Half Dome, including the cable section. Permits are issued through a lottery system on recreation.gov.
Permits are obtained through a lottery system on recreation.gov. There are two lotteries: a pre-season lottery and a daily lottery. Apply well in advance.
The pre-season lottery typically opens in March for hikes between May and October. Daily lotteries are also available for last-minute plans. Check recreation.gov for exact dates.
The permit fee is typically around $10 per person, plus a small application fee for the lottery.
Half Dome is accessible year-round, but the cables are typically up from late May to mid-October, weather permitting. The park itself is open 24/7.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Half Dome is considered one of the most challenging day hikes in the US. It's a 14-16 mile round trip with over 4,800 feet of elevation gain, culminating in a steep cable ascent. +1
Wear sturdy hiking boots with excellent grip, moisture-wicking clothing, and layers for changing weather. Gloves are highly recommended for the cables.
Yes, Half Dome is considered dangerous due to its steepness, exposure, and potential for sudden weather changes. Falls have occurred, making preparation and caution paramount.
Most hikers take between 10 to 14 hours to complete the Half Dome hike, including breaks. An early start is essential.
The cable section involves climbing up a steep granite face using two parallel steel cables. It's a thrilling but exposed climb that requires good grip and strength.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options in Yosemite Valley, including restaurants and cafes at Curry Village and Yosemite Village. However, for the hike itself, you must pack all your food and snacks.
Pack high-energy, non-perishable snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and jerky. For lunch, consider sandwiches or wraps. Don't forget plenty of water!
The last reliable water refill station is near the Little Yosemite Valley campground. Some hikers use water filters to refill from streams, but this is not always guaranteed.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic viewpoints include Tunnel View, Glacier Point (road access may vary), and of course, the summit itself. The views from the valley floor are also stunning. +1
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting and fewer crowds. Midday sun can be harsh, but the granite's texture is still impressive.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grand scale of Yosemite Valley. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating Half Dome. Consider a lightweight setup for the hike.
Drones are generally prohibited in Yosemite National Park, especially in wilderness areas and near sensitive wildlife. Always check current park regulations.
While tempting, it's highly discouraged to take photos while actively climbing the cables due to safety concerns. Capture your shots before or after the ascent.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider breaking the hike into two days by camping in Little Yosemite Valley, which requires a separate wilderness permit. This allows for a more manageable ascent and descent. Always prioritize safety and be prepared to turn back if conditions or your children's energy levels dictate. Shorter, less strenuous hikes in Yosemite Valley might be more suitable for families with younger children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Accommodation can also be a budget factor. Camping in Yosemite Valley or nearby is the most economical option. If camping isn't feasible, look for hostels or consider staying outside the park and driving in, factoring in potential entrance reservation fees.
💑 Couples
Consider a sunrise hike for a romantic start to the day, or aim for a sunset view from the summit if your timing and energy allow. The shared effort and mutual support on the trail can strengthen your relationship. Remember to pack extra snacks to share and enjoy the incredible scenery together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Cables
Preparation is key for tackling the cables. Wearing gloves with good grip is essential, and many recommend inexpensive work gloves from hardware stores. It's also crucial to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you, as the cables can become congested. Taking breaks on the wider ledges can help manage fatigue and fear. Remember, safety is paramount, and if you feel uncomfortable, it's okay to turn back.
Social media often portrays the cables as terrifying, but many who have completed the hike emphasize that with proper preparation and a reasonable level of fitness, it's a conquerable challenge. The sense of accomplishment after navigating this section is immense, and the views that unfold are a direct reward for the effort.
Physical Demands and Preparation
To prepare, focus on building cardiovascular endurance and leg strength. Incorporate hiking with elevation gain into your training regimen. Practice with a weighted backpack to simulate trail conditions. Mental preparation is also vital; the sheer scale and difficulty can be daunting. Many recommend starting the hike very early, around 3-5 AM, to avoid the worst of the heat and crowds, which also helps manage the physical toll.
It's also important to note that some hikers have turned back before reaching the summit due to the physical demands. The advice from those who have experienced this is to be realistic about your fitness level and to not push yourself beyond your limits. The beauty of Yosemite can be appreciated even if you don't reach the very top.
Safety and Potential Hazards
+1To mitigate these risks, always check the weather forecast before and during your hike. Never attempt the cables if the granite is wet or if there's a chance of thunderstorms. Proper footwear with excellent grip is non-negotiable, and carrying sufficient water is crucial to prevent dehydration and maintain focus.
Communication is also key. In case of an emergency, having a way to signal for help is important. While cell service is unreliable, some hikers carry satellite communication devices. The park also has rangers and search and rescue teams, but their response times can be affected by the remote location and challenging terrain.
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