Trail Map of Trailspotting Half Dome, Yosemite National Park
Yosemite's world-class hike. Equal parts challenging and breathtaking, this is the one trail you'll never forget.
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Overview
Difficult:
15.5 miles, Full day
Overview:
It's difficult to approach Yosemite's Half Dome without a sense of trepidation.
Perhaps it's the 15½ mile hike and 4,800ft elevation gain? Perhaps it's the worry of the vertigo you might experience on the cables? Or maybe it's just the dread of the Yosemite crowds. Whatever your concerns may be, they shouldn't keep you from missing out on one of the best hikes in on the planet.
Be sure to read through this guide carefully, including the tips section, before attempting this challenging hike.
Elevation gain:
• Approx 4,800ft (from 4,000 - 8,836ft)
Tips: Timing Tips:
• The cable route to the summit is open between May and October. Check the NPS website (link included) for exact dates, which are weather dependent.
• This trail is possible as a single day hike only if you get a very early start.
• You could break the trail into two day backpacking adventure by staying at Little Yosemite Valley campground.
• Half Dome makes a great crowd-free moonlight hike, and watching the sun rise from the summit is something else!
• Always bring a flashlight no matter what time you start the hike.
Permit Tips:
• Permits are necessary to ascend the cables on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
• Permits mean planning up to 4-5 months in advance (unless you can source some unused permits, such as using Craigslist).
• Permit days can be less crowded than weekdays because numbers are strictly limited.
• Obtain your permit from Recreation.gov.
The Cables:
• Check weather forecast and keep an eye on the conditions. Be prepared to turn around if the weather deteriorates.
• Don't attempt the cable ascent if Half Dome is wet - stay alive and try again some other day.
• Wear footwear with good grip, as the worn granite here is silky smooth.
• Bring a pair of gloves for the cable (though there's a pile of used gloves should you forget).
• We've seen carabiner/tether arrangements being used on the cables, but they can be problematic since they have to be detached/reattached at each post.
Perhaps it's the 15½ mile hike and 4,800ft elevation gain? Perhaps it's the worry of the vertigo you might experience on the cables? Or maybe it's just the dread of the Yosemite crowds. Whatever your concerns may be, they shouldn't keep you from missing out on one of the best hikes in on the planet.
Be sure to read through this guide carefully, including the tips section, before attempting this challenging hike.
Elevation gain:
• Approx 4,800ft (from 4,000 - 8,836ft)
Tips: Timing Tips:
• The cable route to the summit is open between May and October. Check the NPS website (link included) for exact dates, which are weather dependent.
• This trail is possible as a single day hike only if you get a very early start.
• You could break the trail into two day backpacking adventure by staying at Little Yosemite Valley campground.
• Half Dome makes a great crowd-free moonlight hike, and watching the sun rise from the summit is something else!
• Always bring a flashlight no matter what time you start the hike.
Permit Tips:
• Permits are necessary to ascend the cables on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
• Permits mean planning up to 4-5 months in advance (unless you can source some unused permits, such as using Craigslist).
• Permit days can be less crowded than weekdays because numbers are strictly limited.
• Obtain your permit from Recreation.gov.
The Cables:
• Check weather forecast and keep an eye on the conditions. Be prepared to turn around if the weather deteriorates.
• Don't attempt the cable ascent if Half Dome is wet - stay alive and try again some other day.
• Wear footwear with good grip, as the worn granite here is silky smooth.
• Bring a pair of gloves for the cable (though there's a pile of used gloves should you forget).
• We've seen carabiner/tether arrangements being used on the cables, but they can be problematic since they have to be detached/reattached at each post.
Car Parking
Happy Trails trailhead
Vernal Fall Viewpoint & Water Station
Mist Trail /John Muir Trail Junction
Vernal Fall & Emerald Pool
Mist Trail / Panorama Trail Junction
Nevada Fall
Little Yosemite Valley Camp & Restrooms
Half Dome/Clouds Rest Junction
Sub Dome
The Cables
Half Dome Summit
POIs: numbers | icons
