Half Dome Cables Route
Ascend the iconic granite dome of Yosemite via its legendary cables for an unforgettable, challenging adventure with unparalleled views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Half Dome Cables Route
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend the iconic granite dome of Yosemite via its legendary cables for an unforgettable, challenging adventure with unparalleled views.
"This will push you to your limits! Be in shape, wear great shoes and gloves. Must have a permit. The best experience ever!"
🎯 Secure Your Permit Early
Permits are essential for the cables! Enter the lottery well in advance.
🧤 Grip is Key: Gloves!
Invest in gloves with excellent grip for the cables. Essential for safety and confidence.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Cables
Final 400 feet of the ascent
The legendary metal cables offer a thrilling, near-vertical climb to the summit. A true test of endurance and nerve.
Sub Dome Ascent
Before the cables
A challenging granite staircase that tests your legs and lungs before you even reach the main event.
Half Dome Summit Views
Summit of Half Dome
Panoramic, breathtaking vistas of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra await those who conquer the climb.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Permit is Non-Negotiable
Gear Up for the Cables
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Secure Your Permit Early
Permits are essential for the cables! Enter the lottery well in advance. 
🧤 Grip is Key: Gloves!
Invest in gloves with excellent grip for the cables. Essential for safety and confidence. +1
👟 Traction is Crucial
Wear sturdy hiking boots with superior tread. The granite can be slippery even with good shoes.
⬆️ Start Your Hike Early
Beat the heat and the crowds by starting your hike before sunrise.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Secure Your Permit Early
Permits are essential for the cables! Enter the lottery well in advance.
🧤 Grip is Key: Gloves!
Invest in gloves with excellent grip for the cables. Essential for safety and confidence. +1
👟 Traction is Crucial
Wear sturdy hiking boots with superior tread. The granite can be slippery even with good shoes.
⬆️ Start Your Hike Early
Beat the heat and the crowds by starting your hike before sunrise.
💪 Upper Body Strength
Pulling yourself up the cables requires significant upper body strength.
🛡️ Consider a Harness
While not mandatory, a harness and lanyard offer extra security on the cables. +2
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Half Dome is a monumental achievement, described as a 'huge bucket list hike' and a 'best experience ever.' Hikers praise the breathtaking views and the profound sense of accomplishment. However, it's a demanding trek requiring excellent physical condition, proper gear like good shoes and gloves, and crucially, a permit. The cable section is particularly challenging and can be crowded.
"This is a huge bucket list hike. This is a very difficult hike. You need to have a good plan before you decide to hike half dome. I started very early in the morning before it got too hot. You also want to get to half dome before the cables get too crowded. You don't want to get stuck in a traffic jam going up the cables. Have fun going up."
Marc Crawford
"This will push you to your limits! !!Be in shape is a plus! Wear great shoes, gloves and hiking pants/hat. Must have a permit.
The best experience ever!"
Susan Lange
"I did it in 2022 at age 50. Was awesome. More a test of endurance and grit than anything. I am in good shape but not a mountain climber of anything. We started early 4 am. Made all the difference. We at the cables by 11 am. Spent 80 minutes on top of Half Dome. Worth all the hard work. Amazing views. A nice feather in your cap."
William Toulouse
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Half Dome Cables Route typically starts from Yosemite Valley. Many hikers begin at Happy Isles, taking the Mist Trail or John Muir Trail towards the base of the Sub Dome. Access to Yosemite Valley requires a vehicle reservation during peak season, or you can use the park shuttle system.
Parking in Yosemite Valley can be extremely limited, especially during peak season. It's highly recommended to use the park's shuttle system to reach the Happy Isles trailhead to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, Half Dome is a very strenuous day hike, often requiring a start in the pre-dawn hours to complete within daylight. It's a significant undertaking, covering over 14 miles round trip with substantial elevation gain.
The Panorama Trail from Glacier Point offers a longer, but incredibly scenic route to Half Dome, covering about 20 miles round trip. This option provides stunning views throughout the hike.
Yosemite Valley offers a free shuttle service that can take you to various trailheads, including those for Half Dome. This is a convenient way to get around the valley without needing to find parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Absolutely. A permit is mandatory to ascend the cables. Permits are awarded through a lottery system on Recreation.gov, with daily and seasonal lotteries available.
Permits are obtained through a lottery system on Recreation.gov. There's a pre-season lottery and a daily lottery for last-minute plans. Winning a permit is highly competitive.
The cables are usually installed in late May and removed in early October, depending on weather conditions. It's crucial to check the official Yosemite National Park website for exact dates. +1
While there are no official operating hours for the cables themselves, hikers typically ascend during daylight. Starting very early is recommended to avoid crowds and heat.
Attempting to climb the cables without a permit can result in fines and being turned back. Rangers are often present to check permits.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
It's an extremely strenuous and challenging hike. The 14-mile round trip with 4,800 feet of elevation gain, culminating in the cable ascent, pushes hikers to their physical and mental limits.
The last 400 feet are a near-vertical climb using two steel cables bolted into the granite. It's exposed and requires upper body strength and a good grip.
Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots with excellent traction, gloves with a good grip (like rubber gardening gloves), plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection. Many also recommend a harness and climbing lanyard. +3
While many hikers ascend without a harness, it's a personal risk assessment. A harness and lanyard provide an added layer of safety, especially for those less experienced with heights or exposure. +3
The cables can become very crowded, leading to 'traffic jams' on the ascent. Starting very early in the morning is the best strategy to avoid long waits.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
Within Yosemite Valley, you'll find various dining options, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants, particularly in Curry Village and Yosemite Village. However, there are no food services directly at the trailhead.
Carry ample water (at least 3-4 liters per person) and high-energy snacks and meals. Electrolyte drinks are also recommended. There are no water sources on the upper part of the trail.
Yes, stores in Yosemite Valley, such as those in Curry Village and Yosemite Village, offer a range of food, snacks, and water for purchase before you begin your hike.
After conquering Half Dome, many hikers enjoy a celebratory drink like an 'El Cap IPA' in Yosemite Valley.
A packed lunch is highly recommended. You'll be on the trail for many hours, and having substantial food to refuel is crucial for maintaining energy levels.
📸 📸 Photography
Every step offers incredible photo ops! From the waterfalls in the valley, the granite formations, the challenging Sub Dome, the cables themselves, to the panoramic summit views, the entire hike is a photographer's dream.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast Yosemite landscapes. A durable camera or smartphone that can withstand the elements is essential. Consider a secure way to carry your gear, like a backpack with easy access.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Hiking up for sunrise allows for stunning shots of the valley bathed in golden light.
The cables themselves offer dramatic perspectives. However, be mindful of other hikers and safety. Capturing the scale of the cables against the granite is a popular shot. +1
From the summit, aim for wide shots encompassing the entire valley and surrounding peaks. Also, capture the sense of accomplishment with photos of yourself or your group on top.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you are considering this with older, very fit teenagers, ensure they have prior hiking experience, are comfortable with heights, and you have secured the necessary permits. The focus should be on safety, with ample breaks and a willingness to turn back if conditions or the child's comfort level dictate. Packing extra food, water, and ensuring they have appropriate gear like gloves and sturdy shoes is critical.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, pack all your own food and water. Yosemite Valley has grocery stores, but prices can be higher. Camping or staying in budget accommodations outside the park can also reduce costs. The most significant saving is your own fitness and preparation, avoiding the need for expensive guided tours.
💑 Couples
+1Plan your hike together, ensuring you both have the necessary permits and are equally prepared physically and mentally. Consider starting your hike before dawn to enjoy a more intimate experience on the cables and witness a spectacular sunrise from the summit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Cables
+1Many hikers find this section to be the ultimate test of their physical and mental fortitude. The exposure can be intense, and the granite can feel slippery, especially when wet or with worn-out footwear. This is where having good grip gloves and sturdy, high-traction boots becomes paramount. While not mandatory, many visitors opt to use a climbing harness and lanyard for added security, clipping into the cables for peace of mind.
It's important to remember that the cables are also the only way down. This means that during peak times, you might encounter 'traffic jams' on the cables, with hikers ascending and descending simultaneously. Patience and good trail etiquette are crucial to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment.
Permit System and Planning
+1There are two main lotteries: a pre-season lottery held in March for permits during the cable season (typically late May to early October), and a daily lottery for a limited number of permits awarded a couple of days in advance. Winning a permit is competitive, so it's advisable to enter the lotteries as soon as they open and have backup plans.
+1Beyond the permit, thorough planning is essential. This includes assessing your physical fitness, as Half Dome is an extremely strenuous hike. Packing the right gear, including appropriate footwear, gloves, and sufficient water and food, is non-negotiable. Understanding the weather forecast and being prepared for changing conditions is also vital for a safe and successful ascent.
Safety Considerations and Gear
Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots with excellent traction and gloves with a strong grip. Many TikTok creators and Reddit users emphasize the importance of these items, noting that even good shoes can slip on the granite. Some recommend rubber gardening gloves or specialized climbing gloves for the best grip.
For those seeking an extra layer of security, a harness and climbing lanyard are highly recommended. This allows you to clip into the cables, providing a significant safety net, especially for those with less experience with heights or exposure. It's also crucial to be aware of other hikers and practice good trail etiquette to avoid congestion and potential accidents on the cables.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit