Half Dome

The Basics

Spend any time at all in Yosemite, and you’re sure to catch a glimpse of postcard-perfect Half Dome. Sightseeing tours through the park—including full-day and multi-day trips from Fresno, San Francisco, and Los Angeles—offer plenty of views and photo ops of the park’s distinctive peak. For adventure travelers, climbing to the top is somewhat of a rite of passage: The intense round-trip hike is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) with a 4,800-foot (1,463-meter) elevation gain. A guided hike to the top is a full-day affair, and the spectacular panoramic views from the summit are well worth the effort.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Half Dome is a must-see for adventure travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and photographers.

• Hiking Half Dome requires a permit, so be sure to apply well in advance.

• If hiking, wear sturdy and comfortable footwear suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, as well as sun protection, and bring gloves to ascend the metal cables that line the final stretch of the route.

• Along the trail, flush toilets are located at the Vernal Fall Footbridge, and composting toilets are available at Emerald Pool (above Vernal Fall), at the top of Nevada Fall, and in Little Yosemite Valley.

How to Get There

The top of Half Dome is accessible only via a strenuous round-trip hike. If you’re not hiking to the top (or don’t have a permit), take the park shuttle to Sentinel Bridge or drive up to Glacier Point for excellent views of the peak.

When to Get There

The cables that allow visitors to summit Half Dome usually go up just before Memorial Day and come down after Columbus Day, depending on the weather. Never attempt to ascend if you see storm clouds. If you’re in the park around sunset, make your way to Sentinel Bridge to see Half Dome illuminated by the setting sun.

The Infamous Half Dome Cables

One of the most notorious parts of the hike to the top of Half Dome is the last 400 feet (122 meters), where hikers are aided by two metal cables to summit the stone face without the need for rock-climbing equipment. The predecessor to today’s modern cables were laid by George Anderson, when he successfully reached the summit in 1875.

What is the best month to do Half Dome?

Whether hiking or climbing, the best month to do Half Dome is September when Yosemite National Park is less busy than summer. Permits are usually required for above the subdome starting the Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Columbus Day. Expect a preseason and daily lottery for passes.

Is Half Dome a hard climb?

Yes, Half Dome is considered a challenging climb as the hiking route gains about 4,800 feet (1,463 meters) of elevation and is steep and slippery in some areas. If you’re thinking about doing Half Dome, make sure you’re in decent shape with some hiking experience under your belt.

How to dress for Half Dome?

Hiking Half Dome can take around 10–12 hours, so you need to dress in layers for the climb. Most hikers start before sunrise when it's cooler, and as the day (and the hike) goes on, the heat will build. Bring lightweight layers, gloves for the cables, and extra socks.

Do you need hiking boots for Half Dome?

Yes, hiking boots or trail running shoes are helpful for your Half Dome adventure in Yosemite National Park. It’s highly recommended that whatever shoes you pick offer good traction as you’ll need it to keep your grip on the granite as you ascend the cables.

Do I need a harness for Half Dome?

No, you don’t need a harness while on Half Dome. If you do use a harness, make sure it's safe and appropriate for the climb. While hikers have died on Half Dome, it's often been due to wet, slippery granite or lightning, so think twice about ascending in bad weather.

Do you need hiking poles for Half Dome?

No, hiking poles aren’t needed for Half Dome, but many hikers use them. They’re a great help, even for fit trekkers, as they help you stay balanced on varying terrains and take pressure off your joints, especially as you descend. If you bring them, put them away at the cables.