Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Half Dome

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.9 (240)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. …Yosemite National Park
  5. Yosemite Valley
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“THE premier route in Yosemite. Hike to the top of the most iconic granite dome in the USA. ”

Brian Smith
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

14.5

Miles

23.4

KM

Out and Back

8,476' 2,583 m

High

4,083' 1,245 m

Low

4,457' 1,358 m

Up

4,457' 1,358 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

54%

Max Grade (28°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

A permit is required to hike to Half Dome seven days per week when the cables are up. A maximum of 300 people are allowed (about 225 day hikers and 75 backpackers) each day on the Half Dome Trail beyond the base of the subdome. Permits are distributed by lottery via Recreation.gov, with one preseason lottery with an application period in March and daily lotteries during the hiking season.

Overview

What an iconic hike this is. An all-day journey to the top of Half dome and back awaits those willing to put in the effort. Along the way, hikers will revel in the beauty of two stunning waterfalls, pristine nature and awe-inspiring views.

Need to Know

Bring well broken-in footware with good ankle support and good traction. Some of the most common injuries Half Dome hikers suffer are blisters and ankle injuries; take preventative measures for known "hotspots."

Bring a headlamp/light.

Gloves with excellent grip are strongly recommended for the cables, people have had their bare hands rubbed raw. There will be portions of the cable where the granite is slippery (not from rain, this is an inherent property) and your boots will not be able to provide any traction so you'll be relying on your arms. Practice LNT princples, and pack out your gloves and trash.

The only treated water on the trail is available (summer only) at a drinking fountain at the Vernal Fall Footbridge (less than a mile from the trailhead). Merced River water is available up to Little Yosemite Valley, however you should treat this water by boiling, using iodine, or using a giardia-rated water filter. Drinking untreated river water may cause significant illness.

Description

The 14-to-16-mile round-trip hike to Half Dome is not for you if you're out of shape or unprepared. You'll be gaining elevation (for a total of 4,800 feet) most of your way to the top of Half Dome. Most would say the reward is worth the effort. Along the way, you'll see outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and--from the shoulder and summit--panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.

Most people take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back; some take longer. If you plan on hiking during the day, it's smart to leave around sunrise (or earlier) and then have a non-negotiable turn-around time. For instance, if you haven't reached the top of Half Dome by 3:30 pm, you'll turn around. Check for sunrise and sunset times before you hike. Regardless, each person should carry a flashlight or headlamp with good batteries (hikers commonly struggle down the trail after dark because they don't have a flashlight). Although the trail is well marked, you should be prepared with a good topographic map and compass and know how to use them.

Most people begin the hike from Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16), which is about a 1/2-mi from the trailhead parking lot or about 3/4-mi past Curry Village (where additional parking is available). Shuttle service doesn't begin until 7 am, so if you're arriving before that, you can hike on the road to the trailhead.

Look for signs for either the JMT/Mist Trail to begin your hike. You can either stay on the JMT all the way to Half Dome Trail for a longer but mellower hike (4mi) or follow the Mist Trail (this is the classic route up to Half Dome, ~2.5mi). The Mist Trail offers an up close and personal view of both Vernal and Nevada Falls but is steeper than the JMT. Both the JMT and Mist Trail will eventually intersect at the compost toilets near Nevada Falls -- there will be clear signage indicating the path to continue onto Half Dome.

The trail steadily climbs to the north-northwest through the forest for roughly a mile before turning west and then southwest toward Half Dome. You'll eventually emerge from the tree-cover onto solid granite and begin ascending a steep series of switchbacks known as the subdome (before starting the subdome, a ranger will check for your permit, it is a federal offense to even enter the subdome without a permit).

The most famous part of this trail is the ascent up the cables. The two metal cables allow hikers to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing equipment -- the cables are held up by metal poles drilled into the ground at regular intervals, each pair of poles has a wooden plank attached to assist hikers. It can take 45mins to climb the cables one way -- longer if it's crowded. Since 1919, relatively few people have fallen and died on the cables. However, injuries are not uncommon for those acting irresponsibly.

The Half Dome cables usually go back up the Friday before Memorial Day (conditions permitting) and come down the day after Columbus Day/before the start of snow.

Tips while using the cables:
  • Take your time and be patient with slower hikers
  • Allow faster hikers to pass you (when possible)
  • Remain on the inside of the cables
Do not attempt the ascent if:
  • Storm clouds are in the area
  • The ground is wet (the cables and rock become very slick when wet; most accidents on the cables occur during wet conditions)
  • The cables are down for the winter (typically, from the day after Columbus Day until Memorial Day weekend) (Check conditions update for status and any available updates)

Flora & Fauna

Black bears frequent Yosemite's Wilderness and are adept at grabbing backpacks from hikers and campers--during both day and night. Always keep your food within arm's reach (or on your back); never leave it unattended. If you see a bear, act immediately to scare it away: make as much noise as possible by yelling. If there is more than one person, stand together to present a more intimidating figure, but do not surround the bear.

Squirrels, Steller's jays, chipmunks, and other animals also live along the trail; never feed them or allow them to get your food. Do not leave your pack unattended (e.g., at the base of the cables or while you take a swim or nap). Keep wildlife wild: respect them from a distance.

Improper food storage and feeding of wildlife may result in a fine (up to $5,000).

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

Brian Smith with improvements by Diana N
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 240 votes

#1

in Yosemite Valley

#16

Overall
  4.9 from 240 votes
5 Star
90%
4 Star
8%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
1%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Yosemite Valley

#1

in California

#16

Overall
62 Views Last Month
30,780 Since May 21, 2015
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
2%
2%
75%
20%
Add a Photo

Photos

Vernal Fall mistin' the rainbow
May 7, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park.
Aug 11, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
Coming down the cables from the Half Dome summit.
Dec 17, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
Looking back down the Mist Trail, you can see it ascends this phenomenal valley.
Mar 31, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
Mist Trail
Feb 12, 2018 near Yosemit…, CA
Vernal Falls with rainbow.
Apr 26, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA

10 Comments

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 19, 2024
Elisa Delgado
Jul 28, 2024
Mei-Jun Yeh
Jul 6, 2024
Andrew Dailey
13h 20m
Jun 7, 2024
Jake Shapiro
Oct 1, 2023
Kalai Lam
16.1mi
Sep 26, 2023
Patrick Bteich
Sep 25, 2023
Allison Granos
Sep 20, 2023
David Renier
19mi — 14h 00m

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started