So you want to hike the iconic Half Dome. But where do you even start, and can you conquer the infamous cables? Here is your all-encompassing guide to Half Dome. And if you want more information about Yosemite, check out my 4 Day itinerary here!
First and foremost, to hike Half Dome you will require a permit. You can hike as far as the base of the dome without one, but to go up sub dome and the cables you need your permit along with a photo ID. There is a ranger checking all day!
The cables are up May-October every year and they give away 225 spots via an online lottery. You enter in March for that year and find out in April. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it your first time! It took me several years of entering to get lucky. They also do lotteries daily for a few more slots if you are in the Yosemite area, and you can get a wilderness permit for Half Dome if you are backpacking in some cases too. Click here for everything you need to know about permits.
The other high risk thing you can do is hike to the bottom of sub dome. If you happen to be there before the ranger, no one will be there to check your permit. But those rangers wake up early! The other thing you can do is hike to the bottom of the dome and ask the ranger if anyone that day has an extra permit. I had a permit slot for 2 people but ended up doing the trip solo, so technically I had 1 extra permit to give away. If someone had come looking for one, the ranger said I could give it away. So you can wait and hope you get lucky, but the chances are slim!
So you’ve scored a permit…how do you prepare?
The stats:
Half Dome is a very long day hike if you don’t take the above option and backcountry camp at Little Yosemite Valley.
Mileage: From trailhead: 15 miles out and back via Mist Trail
*Optional: you can go up the Mist Trail and down the John Muir trail. This will add on another few miles but on the way down there is less of an incline which can save your knees.
Be aware that the trailhead parking lot is about 1 mile from the start of the actual trail, so roundtrip ends up being 17 miles from the parking area.
Elevation Gain: 5,193 ft. (and your legs will feel it). Much of this trail is up a stone staircase alongside the waterfalls, so prep by doing lots of long distance, steep incline hikes as well as the classic Stair Master at the gym.
This hike is HARD! I’m a big hiker and this one is no joke. It takes a lot of dedication and stamina to make it through, but it is absolutely doable as a day hike if you have the right mindset!
The cables! This is arguably the most intimidating part of the hike for most people. For 400 vertical feet these take you up the side of Half Dome at a 45+ degree angle. But I found these to be a lot shorter and less scary than expected. A key for the cables is to ascend forwards and descend backwards. It will make you feel a lot more stable. I found it helpful to start my hike early and get to the cables on the early side to avoid two way traffic. This allows for you to use both cables and not have to worry about passing people which can get sketchy. And if there is rain or if the cables are wet, DO NOT even attempt this. It isn't safe and isn't worth the risk!
So what should you bring?
1. Snacks, snacks, snacks: you burn a ton of calories on this one so you need to refuel! I brought energy bars, trail mix, Gu energy, PopTarts (I’m a child apparently), fruit/quick carbs and peanut butter
2. Plenty of Water: If you don’t have a water filter, the last place to fill up water is at Vernal Falls. If you have a filter you can fill up at the Merced River which is about 3 miles from the top of Half Dome. I recommend drinking at least 4-5L over the course of this hike
3. GLOVES! These are essential to save your hands and give you good traction on the cables. Plus, doing some upper body training as prep for this will save you! Trust me on this one.
4. Rain gear: This hike takes anywhere from 10-14 hours to complete based on your hiking speed and how many breaks you take. I started at 4:00am and was done just after 2:00pm. Because of how long you are out there, it’s likely you’ll see a change in weather over the day!
5. Headlamp if you start early like I did!
6. Optional: hiking poles. I didn’t use poles on this, and you definitely won’t want them on the cables, but if you do bring them you can leave them at the bottom of the cables to avoid carrying them to the top of the dome.
7. Hopefully this goes without saying, but bring good, comfortable footwear with really solid grip, especially for the steeper parts of the cables.
Half Dome is an iconic hike that helps you discover so many of Yosemite's landmarks along the way. The trail will take you past Vernal and Nevada Falls, Little Yosemite Valley, the Merced River and let you walk on the John Muir Trail. It takes a lot of mental fortitude and bravery, but it is beyond worth it. And when you see the dome from the valley you will realize the full extent of your accomplishment! I hope you get the opportunity to do this once-in-a-lifetime hike someday!
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