One of America's most iconic hikes climbs to the summit of Yosemite's signature granite dome. The final 120-meter section uses steel cables and is permit-required May-October.
The Half Dome trail originates at Happy Isles Nature Center in Yosemite Valley, California, accessible via the park's free shuttle system (Route 1) from Curry Village and Yosemite Village. Private vehicles access the valley via CA-140, CA-41, or CA-120; overnight parking at trailhead lots fills before dawn during peak season. A Half Dome Day Hike Permit is mandatory for the final cable section from late May to early October; permits are allocated through a pre-season lottery in March and a daily lottery during the season, both administered through recreation.gov. The 24-kilometre round trip climbs 1,463 metres, making it one of the most demanding day hikes in the Sierra Nevada. The route follows the Mist Trail past Vernal Fall at 97 metres and Nevada Fall at 181 metres, where hikers gain close-up views of cascading water from spray-slicked granite steps. Above Nevada Fall the trail transitions to the John Muir Trail section, traversing lodgepole pine forest before emerging onto the exposed granite slabs of Sub Dome. The Sub Dome staircase consists of nearly 600 stone steps cut directly into the granite face and presents significant exposure and knee-testing descent. Beyond Sub Dome, a series of steel cables bolted to the dome's 45-degree granite slope rises approximately 120 metres to the summit plateau. Wooden boards serve as footholds, and gloves are essential for gripping the cables. The broad, flat summit offers 360-degree panoramas over Yosemite Valley, the High Sierra, and surrounding wilderness. Water is available from streams early in the season but must be filtered; no water exists on the dome itself. No shade is present on Sub Dome or the cables, and afternoon thunderstorms develop rapidly in summer, creating serious lightning risk on the exposed summit. The trail's length, sustained elevation gain, and technical cable section make it suitable only for experienced hikers with a full day available.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Yosemite National Park, California
- Best season
- Late May to mid-October (cables installed May through October; optimal hiking window July through September)
Highlights
- panoramic Yosemite Valley views
- Sub Dome granite slabs
- Vernal and Nevada Falls
- wildlife
Tips for visiting
- Apply for the Half Dome permit lottery at recreation.gov in March for peak-season dates; the daily lottery opens 48 hours before each hiking date for remaining permits.
- Start hiking before 6 AM to reach the cables before afternoon thunderstorm development and before crowds thicken on the narrow ridge.
- Bring leather or padded gloves; bare hands on the cables become painful and dangerously slippery in wet conditions.
- Carry at least 3 litres of water; streams above Nevada Fall can be filtered but may be unreliable late in the season.
- Turn back immediately if thunderstorms approach — the summit and cable sections offer no shelter and are documented lightning strike locations.
- Trekking poles help significantly on the descent of the Sub Dome staircase; knee strain is the most common complaint among hikers finishing the route.
- Microspikes may be needed on the Mist Trail granite steps if spring snowmelt has not cleared by late May.
When to visit
Late June through September offers the most reliable conditions, with cables installed and the Mist Trail clear of snow and ice. Early morning starts on weekdays minimise both permit pressure and trail congestion on the dome itself.
Accessibility
The Half Dome trail is not accessible for wheelchair or stroller users. The terrain involves sustained steep grades, granite steps, and a cable section requiring significant upper body strength and confidence at exposed heights. Visitors with limited mobility can experience comparable Yosemite Valley views from the paved Valley Loop Trail.
Frequently asked questions
Is a permit required to hike Half Dome?
Yes. A Half Dome Day Hike Permit is mandatory for the cable section from late May to early October. Permits are issued via a pre-season lottery in March and a daily lottery during the season through recreation.gov. No permit is needed to hike to Nevada Fall or Sub Dome.
How long does the hike typically take?
Most fit hikers require 10 to 12 hours for the 24-kilometre round trip. Starting before 6 AM is essential to allow adequate time and to avoid afternoon electrical storms on the exposed summit.
Is it safe to hike the cables in rain or lightning?
The National Park Service strongly advises against ascending the cables in wet or electrically active conditions. Wet granite becomes extremely slippery and lightning strikes on the summit have caused documented fatalities. Turning back at Sub Dome is the correct decision when storms approach.
Is the hike suitable for children?
The cable section is appropriate only for older teenagers and adults with good fitness and no fear of heights. The Mist Trail to Nevada Fall is a rewarding family hike and a worthwhile alternative for groups with younger children.
Are there restrooms or water on the route?
Vault toilets are located at the top of Nevada Fall and at Little Yosemite Valley. Water is available from streams early in the season but must be filtered. No water is available on the dome itself, so hikers should carry a full supply from the valley.