USA — El Portal, California
Scale Yosemite's iconic granite monolith on the Half Dome Hike, a very challenging 27.4 km ascent in California's USA. This demanding 10-12 hour route offers unparalleled panoramas from its 2,695m summit, a stark, wind-swept peak sculpted by ancient glaciers. Traverse rugged terrain, including steep ascents and exposed sections, to reach this world-famous geological marvel.
Distance: 27.4 km
Elevation Gain: 1460 m
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Duration: 10-12 hours
The Half Dome hike is the definitive mountain experience in Yosemite National Park, California—a gruelling 27.4 km round-trip odyssey that ascends 1,460 metres from the lush valley floor to the stark, wind-swept summit of the world's most famous granite monolith. Rising 2,695 metres above sea level, Half Dome is an icon of the Sierra Nevada, a geological marvel that appears to have been cleanly sliced in half by the colossal forces of ancient glaciers. This journey is not merely a walk; it is a test of physical endurance, mental fortitude, and respect for the raw power of nature. The route takes hikers through a dramatic transition of ecosystems, from the thundering spray of the Mist Trail's waterfalls to the silent, ancient forests of Little Yosemite Valley, culminating in the heart-pounding ascent of the "Cables"—a 120-metre vertical scramble up the dome's sheer eastern face. For many, standing on the expansive 5-hectare summit is a life-defining achievement, offering a 360-degree panorama of the High Sierra that defies description.
Half Dome is the crown jewel of Yosemite's hiking trails, a formidable granite giant that dominates the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. While the park offers hundreds of kilometres of trails, none carry the prestige or the peril of the Half Dome ascent. The hike is a masterclass in vertical progression. It begins at the Happy Isles trailhead, where the Merced River roars with the meltwater of the high country. The initial kilometres are a relentless climb up the Mist Trail, where hikers are often drenched by the spray of Vernal and Nevada Falls—a refreshing, if exhausting, introduction to the day's labour. As the trail levels out into the sandy flats of Little Yosemite Valley, the environment shifts to a serene pine forest, providing a brief psychological reprieve before the final, brutal push toward the sub-dome.
The character of the hike changes fundamentally once you reach the granite shoulder. The trees thin, the air cools, and the scale of the landscape becomes overwhelming. The sub-dome presents a series of steep, exposed granite switchbacks that test the lungs and the resolve. However, the true climax is the Cables. For the final 120 metres, hikers must pull themselves up a 45-degree incline using two steel cables bolted into the rock. It is a visceral, exposed experience that requires steady hands and a calm mind. The granite here has been polished smooth by millions of footsteps, making every placement of the foot a conscious decision. Once atop the dome, the world opens up. The valley floor lies nearly a vertical kilometre below, and the jagged peaks of the Cathedral Range stretch toward the horizon. It is a landscape of grey stone and blue sky, a place where the geological history of the Earth feels tangible and immediate.
This is a hike of extremes. In the height of summer, temperatures on the exposed granite can soar above 30 degrees Celsius, while sudden afternoon thunderstorms can turn the dome into a lightning rod of immense danger. Success on Half Dome requires meticulous planning, an early start (often before 5:00 AM), and a deep respect for the mountain's moods. It is a journey that demands everything from the hiker and, in return, provides a perspective on the natural world that few other places on the planet can match.
The history of Half Dome is a narrative of perceived impossibility transformed into an icon of human endeavour. To the indigenous Ahwahneechee people, the original inhabitants of Yosemite Valley, the dome was known as "Tis-sa-ack," named after a figure in a traditional legend involving a husband and wife whose quarrel transformed them into the valley's great stone monuments. The dark streaks of lichen that run down the face of the dome were said to be the tears of Tis-sa-ack, forever etched into the granite. For centuries, the Ahwahneechee lived in the shadow of the dome, recognising it as a sacred and inaccessible heights.
In the mid-19th century, as European-American explorers and surveyors entered the valley, Half Dome was declared "perfectly inaccessible" by Josiah Whitney of the California Geological Survey in 1865. He famously stated that it was "probably the only one of the prominent points about the Yosemite which never has been, and never will be, trodden by human foot." This challenge was answered only ten years later by George Anderson, a Scottish trail builder and former sea captain. In October 1875, Anderson reached the summit by drilling holes into the granite and inserting iron eye-bolts, using them as steps and handholds. He essentially "sewed" his way up the dome, proving that the "inaccessible" was merely a matter of determination and engineering.
The modern cable system was first installed by the Sierra Club in 1919 to allow non-climbers to experience the summit safely. Over the decades, these cables have been replaced and reinforced, but the fundamental experience remains remarkably similar to that of the early 20th-century adventurers. In 1984, Yosemite National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Half Dome stands as the central symbol of this protection. Today, the dome is not only a destination for hikers but a world-renowned arena for big-wall rock climbing, with the "Regular Northwest Face" route (first climbed in 1957) being a legendary milestone in the history of the sport. Walking the trail today is to follow in the footsteps of indigenous legends, Victorian explorers, and the pioneers of modern conservation.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
The Half Dome hiking season is strictly dictated by the presence of the cables. Typically, the National Park Service installs the cables (raising them onto their poles) on the Friday before Memorial Day (late May) and removes them (laying them flat against the rock) after the second Monday in October. Hiking the dome when the cables are "down" is an advanced mountaineering feat that requires specialised equipment and is not recommended for general hikers.
Spring (Late May to June): This is the most dramatic time to hike. The waterfalls—Vernal and Nevada—are at their peak flow, fuelled by the melting snowpack of the High Sierra. The Mist Trail lives up to its name, and hikers should expect to be completely soaked. However, snow can often linger on the sub-dome and the summit well into June, creating slippery conditions. Temperatures are generally mild, but the Merced River is dangerously high and cold.
Summer (July to August): This is the most popular time to hike, but it brings significant challenges. Heat is the primary concern; the granite sections of the trail act as a heat sink, and temperatures on the dome can be 10 degrees hotter than in the forest. Afternoon thunderstorms are a frequent and deadly occurrence. If clouds begin to build over the dome, hikers must descend immediately. Lightning strikes on Half Dome are common, and the exposed granite offers no protection.
Autumn (September to early October): Many experienced hikers consider this the best time. The crowds thin, the air is crisp and clear, and the risk of thunderstorms decreases. The waterfalls will be significantly reduced—sometimes to a mere trickle—but the stability of the weather and the cooler temperatures make the physical exertion more manageable. The days are shorter, however, making a pre-dawn start even more critical to ensure a return before darkness.
Winter (November to April): The trail to the base of the dome remains open, but the cables are down and the Mist Trail is often closed due to ice and rockfall hazards. This is a season for snowshoeing and winter mountaineering, requiring a completely different set of skills and gear.
Phase 1: The Ascent to Nevada Fall (The Mist Trail)
Phase 2: Little Yosemite Valley to the Sub-Dome
Phase 3: The Sub-Dome and the Cables
Phase 4: The Long Descent
Important Notes:
The Half Dome hike is a significant physical undertaking that should not be underestimated. Preparation begins months in advance with a focused fitness regime. You should be comfortable walking 25+ kilometres with significant elevation gain. Cardiovascular endurance is key, but leg strength—specifically for the thousands of stone steps—is what will carry you through the final hours. Training on stairs or steep hills with a weighted pack is highly recommended.
Logistically, you must base yourself in or near Yosemite Valley. Accommodation inside the park (Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, or campgrounds) should be booked up to a year in advance. If staying outside the park in El Portal or Mariposa, factor in the 30–60 minute drive and the potential for traffic delays at the park entrance. Ensure your vehicle has a Yosemite entry reservation if required during peak season.
This is primarily a day hike, and most participants complete it in a single push from the valley floor. However, for those wishing to break the journey, there is one specific option.
Little Yosemite Valley (LYV) Campground:
Valley Accommodation: If not camping, Curry Village offers "Tent Cabins" which are the closest traditional accommodation to the trailhead. Staying here allows you to walk to the trailhead at 4:30 AM without needing to move your car or rely on the shuttle (which starts at 7:00 AM).
Permits are mandatory to hike beyond the base of the sub-dome to the summit of Half Dome when the cables are up. This system was implemented to manage extreme overcrowding and improve safety on the cables. The National Park Service limits the number of hikers to approximately 300 per day (225 day hikers and 75 backpackers).
The Pre-Season Lottery:
The Daily Lottery:
Costs and Regulations:
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Half Dome Hike Yosemite (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Half Dome Hike Yosemite, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
Yosemite National Park is a vast wilderness with endless opportunities for exploration. If you have extra days in the valley, consider these activities:
The Threat of Lightning: This is the single greatest objective hazard on Half Dome. The dome is a massive, isolated conductor. If there is any sign of thunder or dark clouds building, do not attempt the sub-dome or the cables. If you are on the summit and weather approaches, descend immediately. Do not wait for the first drop of rain. If your hair stands on end or you hear a "crackling" sound from the cables, you are in immediate danger of a strike.
Cable Safety: The cables are physically demanding. Always keep at least one hand on a cable. If you feel overwhelmed, clip into the cables using a climbing harness and via ferrata lanyards—though this is not required, it provides significant peace of mind for those nervous about heights. Be aware of "down-traffic"; people descending are often tired and may be moving erratically. Communication and patience are vital.
Dehydration and Exhaustion: Many rescues on Half Dome are due to simple exhaustion or heat illness. The final climb is at high altitude (over 2,500 m), where the air is thinner. Pace yourself, drink before you are thirsty, and eat small amounts frequently. Know the signs of altitude sickness: headache, nausea, and dizziness. If symptoms persist, the only cure is to descend.
The "Death Slab" and Edges: The summit plateau is large, but the edges are deceptive. The granite can be crumbly, and the "Visor"—a famous overhanging ledge—is particularly dangerous. Stay well back from the edge, especially if it is windy. A slip here is fatal.
Water Safety: Never attempt to swim in the Merced River above the waterfalls. The current is deceptively strong, and the granite is slick. Every year, hikers are swept over the falls by entering the water in seemingly "calm" pools.
The Mist Trail vs. John Muir Trail: While the Mist Trail is the most direct route, the John Muir Trail (JMT) is a spectacular alternative. Most hikers go up the Mist Trail and down the JMT. The JMT offers a stunning view of the "back" of Half Dome and the sheer face of Liberty Cap. It also provides a much gentler gradient, which is a blessing for tired knees on the 1,460-metre descent.
Vernal Fall Footbridge: Located just 1.3 km from the start, this is the first major landmark. It offers a classic view of the 97-metre Vernal Fall and is the last place to find a flushing toilet and a treated water fountain before the high country.
The Diving Board: For experienced navigators, a difficult off-trail scramble leads to "The Diving Board," a rock outcrop that provides the perspective Ansel Adams used for his most famous photograph of Half Dome, "Monolith, The Face of Half Dome." This is not for the casual hiker and requires excellent route-finding skills.
Clouds Rest: While not a side trip you can do on the same day, Clouds Rest is the peak directly behind Half Dome. It is actually higher (3,025 m) and offers a view *down* onto the summit of Half Dome. It is a 23 km round trip from Tenaya Lake and does not require a permit, making it an excellent alternative if you fail to secure a Half Dome permit.
Yosemite is one of the most visited national parks in the world, and the Half Dome trail sees immense pressure. Adhering to Leave No Trace principles is not just a suggestion; it is essential for the survival of this wilderness.
Key Principles for Half Dome:
