Exhilarating, exhausting, and absolutely unforgettable. The Half Dome hike is a must-do for serious hikers, a challenge that combines stunning scenery, physical grit, and a sense of triumph. This iconic granite formation has drawn adventurers from across the globe to ascend its steel cables and stand atop its monumental summit. Once deemed “perfectly inaccessible” by California state geologist Josiah Whitney in 1869, Half Dome is now a highly sought-after destination—so much so that the National Park Service limits access to 300 hikers per day. If you’re eager to join their ranks, this guide will help you prepare for an enriching, safe, and successful journey.
Geologic History: The Story of Half Dome
One of the first questions that Half Dome’s dramatic shape inspires is: What happened to the other half? Surprisingly, Half Dome wasn’t cleaved in two—it owes its unique shape to glacial activity and natural erosion. While glaciers never completely covered the dome, their movement steepened its slopes by exploiting natural fractures in the granite. The sheer face of Half Dome formed as glaciers scraped away rock from its weaker vertical fractures. Meanwhile, the dome’s smooth top results from exfoliation, a process where rock layers peel away over millennia due to weathering and erosion. The result? A breathtaking natural sculpture shaped over millions of years
Native History: The Legend of Tis-sa-ack
Beyond its geological marvels, Half Dome holds profound cultural significance. The Ahwahneechee people, native to Yosemite, imbued the land with legends that connected its natural features to their spirituality. One such tale is the story of Tis-sa-ack, a poignant legend explaining the origins of Half Dome, North Dome, and Washington Column.
In the story, Tis-sa-ack and her husband quarreled at a beautiful mountain lake. She drank deeply from the lake, leaving it dry by the time her husband arrived. Angered, he threatened her, and in her fear, she cried. Her tears stained her face, and as she turned to throw her basket at him, the Great Spirit transformed them both into stone for their wickedness. Tis-sa-ack became Half Dome, her tears forever marking its face, while her basket and husband became nearby rock formations. This legend reflects the deep ties between the Ahwahneechee and the landscape they called home.
Climbing History: From Impossible to Iconic
Half Dome’s steep granite face initially seemed insurmountable. It wasn’t until 1875 that Scottish mountaineer George Anderson pioneered a route to its summit. Using determination and ingenuity, Anderson drilled holes into the granite and secured eyebolts, securing a system of ropes to pull himself up. His success opened the door for others, and Anderson guided many to the summit before the Sierra Club installed the first steel cables in 1919. The initial cables were replaced in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and now the Park Service puts them up every year around Memorial Day and takes them down around the middle of October. Today, these cables provide thousands of hikers with a safe way to reach the top.
Half Dome Hike in a Day: A Challenging Adventure
For most hikers, tackling Half Dome in a single day is the ultimate test of endurance. Of the 300 daily permits issued, 225 are allocated to day hikers. The adventure begins before dawn, starting to hike around 5 a.m., with an 8-mile ascent gaining nearly 5,000 vertical feet. After climbing sub-dome, a challenge in its own right, the final challenge is scaling the famed cables, which ascend another 400 feet to the summit. After soaking in the incredible views, hikers face the grueling 8-mile descent.
This option is ideal for those with a strong fitness base and limited time in Yosemite. Most hikers complete the round trip in 10–12 hours. Bonus: You can celebrate with pizza and beer at Curry Village afterward!
Half Dome Hike as a Backpacking Trip: Take Your Time
Backpacking to Half Dome offers a more leisurely and immersive experience. With fewer hikers on the trail at any given time, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of Yosemite’s backcountry. Summiting at sunrise or sunset provides both solitude and unparalleled views in the golden light.
This option allows hikers to break up the grueling trek, camp overnight, and savor the journey more relaxed. If time permits, it’s a fantastic way to fully embrace the magic of Yosemite.
Half Dome Permits: What You Need to Know
Day Hike Advanced Lottery
Securing a permit is often more challenging than the hike itself. For day hikers, permits are distributed through a preseason lottery each March. Each individual may submit only one application per lottery, with results being announced in mid-April.
Day Hike Daily Lottery
If you miss the advanced lottery, daily lotteries are another option. Applications open two days before your intended hike date, with results announced the same evening. Approximately 50 permits are available daily, depending on cancellations and underuse.
Backpacking Permits
Backpackers need a wilderness permit that includes a Half Dome permit, and that is limited to six different trailheads to start from: Glacier Point, Mono Meadow, Cathedral Lakes, Rafferty Creek (Tuolumne Meadows), Sunrise Lakes, and Happy Isles. Backpacking permits that include Half Dome are limited to 75 per day—50 by reservation and 25 first-come, first-served. Permits cost $10 per person and are valid for the duration of your wilderness trip.
First-come, First-Served Wilderness Permits
If you don’t reserve a wilderness permit in advance, you can head to a wilderness center to try for a first-come, first-served wilderness permit, beginning at 11 am, one day before your backpacking trip’s start date.
The Half Dome hike is more than just a physical feat—it’s a journey through history, geology, and culture. Whether you tackle it in a day or savor it as part of a backpacking adventure, careful preparation and understanding of its significance will make your experience truly unforgettable.
Too much to figure out? Sign up for one of our Half Dome Adventures, and we’ll take care of all the logistics involved, and all you have to do is enjoy the view!
Additional Half Dome Resources
Best time of year to hike Half Dome