Half Dome Trail is a 24.1 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a waterfall and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October.

Length24.1 kmElevation gain1,587 mRoute typeOut & back
HikingNature tripsRock climbingSnowshoeingBeachForestPartially pavedRiverViewsWaterfallwild-flowersWildlifeRockyScrambleFeeNo dogs
Description
Waypoints (18)
Facilities
Contact
Tips
Getting There

Yosemite National Park charges a fee to enter. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $20 per person. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. Yosemite is open with some services limited due to COVID-19. Reservations are required to drive into Yosemite. Some services and facilities are limited, and shuttles are not operating. See the park website for more info: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/covid19.htm Half Dome is a serious endurance hike taking visitors 4800 feet above the Yosemite Valley to spectacular views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra. A permit is required for this hike, see below. Preparation and safety are key to having a fantastic experience. This is a hike that requires you to be in shape. Most take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back depending on the routes up and down. Plan to leave around sunrise (or earlier) and then have a non-negotiable turn-around time. The trail is fairly well marked but make sure you watch for all trail signs as you can miss them. The elevation gain is very strenuous, starting with steep climb in the beginning to Vernal Falls, followed by another steep climb to the top of Nevada Falls. After the second waterfall, there is about 1 mile of fairly level hiking until you reach Little Yosemite Campground, followed by steep switchbacks through the forest. At about 7 miles you will reach a break in the trees, with a beautiful view of the side of Half dome with the valley below. After some steep switchbacks carved like stairs into the rock, you will reach Half Dome with only 400 feet to go. These last 400 feet are the most challenging, but also the most rewarding (although you may not realize it until you are comfortably back on the valley floor). The famous part of the Half Dome hike is the ascent up the cable route. The two steel cables allow hikers to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing equipment. The cables are around a 45-55 degree grade, with wooden supports every 10 to 20 feet to rest and maintain your balance. Using gloves is highly recommended to get a better grip and avoid painful blisters. Be sure to tightly secure your water bottles and cameras for the climb up, because you will want them once at the top. The Half Dome cables usually go up the Friday before Memorial Day (conditions permitting) and come down the day after Columbus Day. Compared to the hike up, the return journey flies by and before you know it you will be back at the top of Nevada falls. You have 2 options here: the Mist Trail, which is how you came up is about 3.4 miles (5.5km), or the John Muir Trail for a slight change of scenery (about 0.5 miles further). The waterfalls suddenly seem much more pleasant as you hike down compared to earlier uphill climb, and it's hard to hold back a smile as you reach the Vernal Falls bridge where you can refill your water (there are also facilities here). About 30 minutes later you are back at the trail head where you can catch a free shuttle to your car or anywhere else in the valley (there is a concession stand near the bus stop where you can buy cold drinks and ice cream). For Half Dome Permits visit the National Park Service website, recreation.gov or call the Yosemite Park Ranger Station.

Best option is the trailhead parking lot. Just past Curry Village on the road marked "Service Vehicles Only." You can enter this road legally to enter the trailhead parking lot. Trailhead lot has bear-proof storage lockers if you want to store stuff you don't need to take up the trail. Bears will break into cars with food, etc. If trailhead lot is full, park at Curry Village, which is near east end of Southside Drive. Flush toilets are available at the Vernal Fall Footbridge (below Vernal Fall). Composting toilets are available near Emerald Pool (above Vernal Fall), near the top of Nevada Fall, and in Little Yosemite Valley

Call (209) 372-0200 (then dial 3 then 5) The Yosemite public information office is open from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific time (closed for lunch). If the ranger is already on the line, you'll be returned to the main menu. If the ranger is not there, you can leave a message and they'll return your call. Public Information Office PO Box 577 Yosemite, CA 95389 California Travel and Tourism Commision, P.O. Box 1499 , Sacramento, CA, 95812-1499, Phone: 800-862-2543 More info here: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/halfdome.htm

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. The cable route to the summit is open between May and October. Check the NPS website for exact dates, which are weather dependent. 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 Bring well broken-in boots with good ankle support and good traction. Some of the most common injuries Half Dome hikers suffer are blisters and ankle injuries; good footwear is the best way to prevent these problems. Also recommend gloves be used on the cables. No trash service on trails. Pack out all trash. When possible, help park rangers by picking up trash that you encounter on the trail. Bearproof trash cans are available at trailheads. Have plenty of water. NPS recommends: 1 gallon (4 liters) if hiking to the top of Half Dome 2 quarts (2 liters) if hiking only to the top of Nevada Fall 1 quart (1 liter) if hiking only to the top of Vernal Fall 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 treat water by boiling, using iodine, or using giardia-rated water filter Check Recreation.gov for latest permit requirements.

Directions from Arch Rock (south) Entrance: Travel eastward into the Yosemite Valley, 11.5 miles to the Curry Village day-use area. Park your car and take the shuttle to stop number 16, Happy Isles. Head eastward along the paved path that leads along the northern bank of the Merced River. Even better once you've reached the Curry Village vicinity of the valley, look for the signs for trailhead parking. You are allowed to drive past the "service vehicles only" signs if you're going to the trailhead parking.

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Reviews (1,967)
Photos (8,552)
Recordings (935)
Completed (7,729)
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Ken McC
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarGray StarGray StarGray StarGray StarGray StarGray StarFebruary 18, 2021
Hiking

Snow past Vernal bridge gets deeper as you go. I couldn't make it. I only used spikes. Snow shoes would have got me to subdome. Not sure of the state of subdome steps but half dome cables are under snow. Not worth it to me as it was unnecessarily difficult with the amount of snow and even if I made the dome, the cables were covered. Only saw one other set of footprints where I got to, In 1 or 2 week old snow, and that dude is an animal as he was punching through the whole time while I was able to walk on top of the snow most of the time only sinking in an inch or three with each step. No ready yet.

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Ken McC
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarFebruary 17, 2021
Hiking
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Andrew Sotak
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarFebruary 17, 2021
Hiking

Extremely hard and icy at parts. Spikes or chains highly recommended. Incredible views of half dome, we didn’t get up to the top since it’s closed during the winter but awesome hike.

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Rick Bilks
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarFebruary 9, 2021
Fishing

Absolutely gorgeous trail. We spotted some coyotes on our way to the top. It can be a bit scary when you are gaining elevation because cliffs are nearby. When you get close you realize how high up you are... pretty unsettling. When you actually reach half dome, you have the option of making the dangerous hike on top of it - I didn’t do it. You get on a narrower and narrower path, with deadly cliffs on both sides. Not being pessimistic but just pointing out this trail can be pretty dangerous. Overall a breathtaking hike.

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Peter Wo
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarJanuary 10, 2021
Hiking

Didn’t quite make it to the sub dome due to the amount of snow on the steep slope. But we were probably the first party (based on foot print) to make this far after the snow fall in last few weeks. Amazing place to be!

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Jane Kim
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarJanuary 7, 2021
HikingGreat!

Hiked the half down back in June after we secured a spot through the lottery system. It is a hard trail but so worth it! It helps to do some moderate to hard hikes during the weeks leading up to the planned date for this hike because it will definitely be demanding! Take snacks, electrolyte drinks, and sun protection!

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Johanny Paulino
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarJanuary 6, 2021
CampingGreat!

Mind bending, so so good, recommend poles, plenty of water(3-4L) gloves, a smile for when it breaks your a** and some good jokes. Holy holy ohhh and keep your bag light, trust that.

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Masha Kaly
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarJanuary 4, 2021
Nature trips

1000% recommend this hike. I love love loved it. I hiked solo to the very top, at the end of October once the cables were down. Amazing part of hiking out of season is that you don’t need Permit to hike. It took me about 11.5 hrs. I went up on John Muir trail because Mist trail was closed, but going down about 4:30pm Mist trail was open. Mist trail had so many steps I do t imagine going up that trail. I had 2 liters of water. I think it depends on your weight how much water to bring also the temperature outside. I went up In 60F weather and 2 liters was fine.

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Stephen Tyler
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarDecember 31, 2020
HikingGreat!

An absolutely breathtakingly beautiful trail. A lot of elevation gain, so it was definitely a difficult hike, but 100% worth it. One of the best hikes of my life.

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Mia Maston
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarDecember 26, 2020
BackpackingGreat!

This trail kicked my a** and I did the whole JMT.

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Exxon Dichoso
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarNovember 30, 2020
Paddle sports

pain in my assssh!!! but it's worth.. I did 13.5 hrs. to hike out and back.. mind over matter

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Melissa Cortina
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarNovember 30, 2020
Hiking
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Armen Vart
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarNovember 29, 2020
HikingIcyRockyScramble

Absolutely epic trek through Vernall Falls to Nevada falls and finally to the Dome. The most enduring/rewarding hike I have done. Didn’t get to climb up the top since the cables are down and it looked super sketch but getting to the Dome was enough. Snow covered subdome made it a bit of a challenge so be prepared. No crowds during this time of the year!

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Brian Gustaveson
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarNovember 27, 2020
HikingIcySnow

Anyone planning to hike half dome (tomorrow) Sat the 28th or Sunday the 29th? I’m solo would love to join a small group. Text me (808) 779-6981

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Sertan Usanmaz
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarNovember 27, 2020
HikingGreat!

Awesome trail, great views and a killer workout! Make sure you take plenty of water and sunscreen. Feel free to follow me on my Instagram account for more dope hiking adventures! @sertanusanmaz

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Yu Tu
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarNovember 16, 2020
HikingSnow

Went on a day hike to the summit yesterday (20201115). Final 4 miles was snow covered, not much, but still nice to have crampons. Cable section has small amount of snow thus is wet and super slippery compare to when it is dry. Prusik ropes are needed for sure! Excellent hike definitely. Around 10 ppl on the trail yesterday for the whole day.

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Carson Cockrell
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarNovember 14, 2020
HikingGreat!
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Rikard Kjellberg
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarNovember 5, 2020
Hiking
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Tatiana Brodsky
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarOctober 27, 2020
Hiking
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Natalia Katunkina
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarOctober 27, 2020
Hiking

A legendary trail and a must for any hiking enthusiast. Definitely a challenge so maybe bring a few tylenols for descent. I had an altitude headache and my knees were very sore. Bring lots of water and a good hat. Very windy at the dome. Best time to do it is October when the cables are down but it's still warm. It's not any more difficult with the cables down, but a harness is a must for safety. We left before sunrise and enjoyed a practicaly crowd free simmmit. But plenty of people were climbing it when we were going down. So there's definitely value in leaving early.

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Sofia V
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarOctober 26, 2020
HikingFeeGreat!
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Courtney Maxson
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarOctober 23, 2020
Hiking

This is my favorite hike to date! We started at Half Dome Village and did in one day! Definitely was very challenging to hike that many miles in one attempt. The trail was so beautiful! We hiked 3 hours in the dark so that we could get to the cables before crowds. Was so worth it! Only a few people there when we arrived. Wear really good shoes and have a great set of grippy gloves. I will never forget this unbelievable hike!

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Kelly Britland
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarOctober 19, 2020
Hiking

Yesterday (10/18/2020) I hiked Half Dome from the valley. The cables are "down" but we still hiked it (many people were doing it since you don't need a permit or anything when the cables are "down"). To be completely clear - the cables are "down" and there are no 2x4s for footing. We used a harness and carabeiners (need at least 3). There are about 5 "breaks" in the cables where you will need to switch carabeiners (you'll have one clipped in at all times...google "hiking half dome in the shoulder season" for more info on the equipment / techniques. We started the hike at 6am and were the first ones up to half dome. By the time we were climbing back down there were like 20 people gearing up to get on the cables. I highly recommend starting early and beating the crowd - once I had to completely un-clip from the cable to let someone pass (he had a prusik knot and it would have taken him much longer to unclip/untie than it took me). I felt OK-ish on the rock (it's not slippery). This was my first hike where I had to use a harness & carabeiners and I was a little scared at first but it was totally awesome. I highly recommend clipping in, then keeping the cable between your legs and using your arms and legs to pull you up. As I was climbing back down I kept this same stragety but walked backward for most of it. Don't forget to bring gloves! This was an AWESOME hike, even before the cables. There's tons of elevation and "stairs" and you'll pass by a couple waterfalls along the way (still flowing).

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Whitney Pierce
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarOctober 19, 2020
HikingGreat!

sounds like the cables are down? is there any way to summit with out the cables being up?

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Kinsey Marie Aherne
Yellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarYellow StarOctober 18, 2020
BackpackingGreat!RockyScramble
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