Half Dome FAQ: Answers to our clients’ most frequently asked Half Dome Questions
Since 1997, Lasting Adventures has become the largest operator in the Yosemite wilderness and the only guide service that consistently guides the most individuals and small groups to the summit each year. Here’s a brief list of Half Dome FAQ’s that come up on our adventures!
Half Dome Hike FAQ
When is the best time of year to summit Half Dome?
Anytime you are lucky enough to get a Cable Permit between Memorial Day weekend in May and Columbus Day in October. However, historically there are less crowds throughout Yosemite after Labor Day weekend.
Do you need special gear to summit Half Dome?
For the long hike to Half Dome, we recommend trekking poles. For ascending/descending the cabe route to the summit, simple nitrile-coated gardening gloves are also recommended.
Safety harnesses are not a requirement for Half Dome and we neither recommend for or against them. We also do not provide them. It is a personal decision and ultimately does lower risk. See here for more information: https://yosemitehouse.com/half-dome-safety-gear.
How do you apply for Half Dome Permits?
For Half Dome Day Hikes: You apply for permits on Recreation.gov during the month of March for the following summer season. Lottery results are emailed around mid-April. An additional Daily Lottery is available two days prior to the hiking day. For more information, see: Half Dome Permits for Day Hikers.
If you are interested in joining us for a guided Half Dome in a Day Hike with permits included, please check our Half Dome in a Day page for availability after mid-April, when permits are released. Prior to that, you are welcome to Click Here to Submit Permit Date Requests.
For Backpacking Trips to Half Dome, you are able to obtain a Half Dome permit if you also obtain a wilderness permit for one of seven trailheads. See here for more information: Half Dome Permits for Backpackers. Or join Lasting Adventures for one of our highly-rated and all-inclusive Backpacking Trips That Include Half Dome.
I Couldn't Get a Half Dome Permit. Now What?
You can contact local outfitters and guide services, such as Lasting Adventures, the #1 wilderness guide in Yosemite, which has consistently guided the most groups safely to the Half Dome summit since 1997.
Other options include the two-day-in-advance Daily Lottery, or hiking the trail anyway and hoping you meet someone on the trail who has an extra spot on their permit. Ultimately, there is always next year.
When Is the Cable Route Open?
The cables are normally up on the Friday before the last Monday in May (Memorial Day), and they are last used on the day after the second Monday in October (Columbus Day).
How Long Does It Take to Hike Half Dome?
The hike to Half Dome can be 14 to 16 miles, depending on the route taken. Although timing can vary based on individual hiking paces, the round trip typically takes 10 to 14 hours, including breaks and time at the summit.
Half Dome General FAQ
How Tall is Half Dome?
The summit of Half Dome stands approximately 8,842 feet (2,695 meters) above sea level. This is approximately 4,842 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor below.
How Did Half Dome Form?
Half Dome was formed through natural geological processes, primarily due to exfoliation, where outer layers of the granite peeled away over time. Erosion and glacial activity also played a significant role in shaping its current form.
What Kind of Rock Is Half Dome Made of?
Half Dome is primarily composed of granodiorite, a type of granite. This granitic rock is known for its durability and resistance to weathering, contributing to Half Dome’s iconic shape.
Who were the first people to discover Half Dome?
Half Dome and the surrounding Yosemite Valley were inhabited by Indigenous people, particularly the Ahwahneechee, for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. These Native Americans were among the first to appreciate the beauty of Half Dome, which they called Tassiyakka.
In the modern era, the first documented ascent was by George G. Anderson in 1875, who is also the original developer of the cable route we use today.
Join Us on a Half Dome Guided Adventure!
View our current Half Dome trip listings below, and do Half Dome in style while learning more about the incredible history of this iconic landmark and Yosemite National Park.
