Half Dome in a Day

Half Dome Guided Day Hike

Yosemite National Park

Trip Highlights:

Half Dome Summit

Permits Included

Mist Trail

Vernal & Nevada Falls

Panoramic Views

Yosemite Valley

The Half Dome day hike in Yosemite is one of America's top bucket list hikes! Hiking Half Dome in a day consists of a 16.5-mile round-trip trek that takes all day and ascends nearly 5,000 feet beside two majestic waterfalls and a steep cable route before arriving at the top of the famous 8,846′ granite dome. While this is one of the most strenuous day hikes in the park, our guides will take the necessary time to educate you on the natural history, geology, and prominent figures who helped shape Yosemite as we know it today.

Half Dome is the signature landmark of Yosemite National Park and the most photographed natural landmark in the world. Hiking to the top is a taxing ordeal, taking about 12-14 hours, yet it is one of the most popular hikes in the country and offers terrific scenery throughout. Day hikers will begin their journey in Happy Isles and ascend hundreds of granite steps via the steep Mist Trail next to Vernal and Nevada Falls. This hike culminates with a steep cable system where you climb the last 425 vertical feet using a 1/2-inch steel cable handrail. While it is a guaranteed adrenaline rush, our knowledgeable guides will provide guidance and techniques to keep you as comfortable as possible while ascending. Once atop this famous landmark (featured on the 2005 Quarter coin), you will have unparalleled views of Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, El Capitan, Clouds Rest, Tenaya Canyon, and pretty much the entire Yosemite high country.

Hiking to Half Dome is a strenuous hike that can provide a new sense of confidence and accomplishment. For many people, this is their Mt. Everest and is one of the most ambitious hikes they will ever undertake. Lasting Adventures, Inc. has been guiding Half Dome for 30+ years, and we have guided thousands of clients to the summit of Half Dome on hundreds of occasions. However, please remember that while we aim to get everyone to the top, summiting is not guaranteed. Lightning and rain can be deadly on Half Dome, and our experienced guides may have to call off a Half Dome summit bid if weather conditions are unfavorable. Also, your personal physical ability will be a factor. Ongoing physical training/conditioning is highly recommended before this hike to ensure a successful experience. This is a group hike, typically with five clients and one guide.

For more information, including the option of joining us on a highly rated backpack trip that also includes a magical Half Dome summit either for the final sunset or sunrise, see Half Dome Adventures.

Mileage & Difficulty

16.5 Miles

(Map and Elevation)

Strenuous

Length

Day Hike

Price

$500/ hiker

Per Person

Departure Info

Curry Village Parking Shuttle Stop #14

5:30 a.m.

Click Here to Submit Permit Date Requests

48-Hour Risk-Free Booking

You will receive a full refund if you cancel within 48 hours of the original booking date.

Lifetime Credit Policy

Book with confidence, knowing you can cancel for any reason 30 days before your trip date and receive a full, lifetime, transferable credit.

Free Date Changes

Not sure if your current trip dates work? Rest assured, you can change your trip date as many times as needed, provided you do so 30 days before both the current and the new trip dates, subject to our guide’s availability.

2026 Departure Dates by Month

2026 Dates will be made available only after permitting is complete, around April 11, 2026.

To join our list for 2026 Half Dome Permits, complete the 2026 Half Dome Permit Wishlist, before March 23, 2026 (including your name, requested dates, group size, and phone number). Email us at Staff@LastingAdventures.org with any questions or concerns.

Half Dome Day Hike

Meeting Location: Curry Village Parking at 3,977′
High Point: Half Dome Summit at 8,846′
Mileage and Elevation Gain/Loss: 16.5 miles, +/- 5,182′

For a detailed map with elevation profile of the tentative itinerary, click here: Map.

The Half Dome hike is a long, challenging, and rewarding day. We will leave Curry Village at 5:30 a.m. and can expect to return to the Valley around 6-8 p.m., depending on the group. This is an “extremely strenuous” hike of over 16 miles, which takes all day and ascends (as well as descends) nearly 5,000 feet. Day hikers will begin their journey in Happy Isles and ascend hundreds of granite steps via the steep Mist Trail next to Vernal and Nevada Falls. This hike culminates with a steep cable system where you climb the last 425 vertical feet using a 1/2-inch steel cable handrail. (The cable/summit time usually takes 2 hours alone.) On the return hike to the Valley floor, we will have the choice to descend on the John Muir Trail rather than returning on the same Mist Trail granite steps we climbed in the morning.

We strongly suggest you be physically prepared for this strenuous hike. Ongoing physical training/conditioning is highly recommended before this hike to ensure a successful experience. This is also a group hike; typically, there are five hikers and one guide. Not being prepared or on time will affect you, the guide, and the rest of the group.

If you have/gain your own permits for Half Dome, our rates for a private guide is $950 for 1-2 people and $475/each for three or more people. For information on obtaining your own Half Dome permit(s), please look at: Half Dome Permits for Day Hikers. For more information, including the option of joining us on a highly rated backpack trip that also includes a magical Half Dome summit either for the final sunset or sunrise, see Half Dome Adventures.

All trips include the required Half Dome Cable permits.
For a detailed packing list, please see our Day Hike Equipment List. If you have other items you would like to bring, but feel unsure, contact us at staff@lastingadventures.com to help you decide. Your guide will bring a first aid kit, water treatment supplies, toilet paper/trowel, sunscreen, bug spray, and a passion for adventure.
See here for our Frequently Asked Questions, Yosemite Weather, Yosemite Transportation Options, and/or Yosemite Lodging Options.
Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. Lasting Adventures is recognized for its commitment to safety and risk management. In this regard, the summit of peaks will not be attempted when clouds are in close proximity.
Safety harnesses are not a requirement for the Half Dome cables, and we neither recommend for nor against them. It is a personal decision that ultimately lowers risk. We do not supply harnesses and/or Via Ferrata systems. You are, however, welcome to bring your own. For answers to other Half Dome questions, visit our Half Dome FAQ.
Half Dome is one of the most challenging hikes in the entire National Park System. Participants should be free of health concerns that may impact the hike, and able to hike at a rate of at least 1.5 miles per hour on strenuous, uphill, and downhill, rugged trails and steps. Our goal is to get the entire group up and back down before dark. If your ability falls below this benchmark, you may be asked to sign out of the trip to ensure the timing/safety for the remainder of the group is not jeopardized. No refunds/credits will be provided. Think you may need more time to reach the summit? Feel free to contact us to schedule a private trip. (Our longest one-day hike was a privately scheduled 24-hour hike.) And remember, we have plenty of all-inclusive overnight options as well.
Your payment includes a Lasting Adventures Souvenir Half Dome T-Shirt.
Should reservations be necessary to enter Yosemite, your booking confirmation with us will serve as your entry reservation for the days booked with us.
You will need to pay the required entrance fee upon arrival. Additional fees may apply for international visitors. Entrance fees and additional fees are not included in your purchase.

See here for our full Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policies.

Your participation helps sustain our non-profit mission of supporting youth, families, and disadvantaged communities with positive experiences in America’s National Parks and natural spaces.

Are your Day Hikes private, and/or is there an option to join a group?

Yes, we book all of our Day Hikes as private and do not have an option to join a group. The only exception is our Half Dome in a Day hike in Yosemite, which allows up to 5 guests and 1 guide per trip.

Do you do half-day tours?

Unfortunately, no, we do not schedule half-day tours. However, as every Day Hike is private, you can modify and customize your day with the guide as needed upon meeting and/or throughout the tour. For example, if you need (or prefer) to end at a specific time, just let the guide know when you meet, and they can make that happen.

I am booking as a solo participant. Is that okay?

Yes, and lucky you, as you will have a private guide for that day.

Is there a recommended Equipment List?

Yes, see here for our Day Hike Equipment List.

What gear is provided by the guide?

Our Guides will supply trekking poles, the gloves for Half Dome cables, and will also carry first-aid supplies and water purification devices for water along the way. They also carry bathroom supplies (toilet paper, trowel, hand sanitizer), bug repellent, suntan lotion, and they are always armed with fun, natural facts and stories from the park.

Is lunch provided on Day Hikes?

No, and we suggest you bring your own trail lunch, snacks, and full water bottles.

Will there be parking available?

Yes, parking is always available at our meeting point, and your vehicle can remain there throughout the day.

Are there public transportation options available?

Although past clients have said they were glad they rented a vehicle, there are limited public transportation options for most of the trips we offer in Yosemite. See here for additional information: Yosemite Transportation Options.

What's your cancellation policy?

See our Half Dome in a Day Cancellation Policy on our Terms and Conditions Page, which is summarized below:

More than 90 days before the trip date, we will grant a full refund minus $50/person and a 2.7% processing fee for credit card transactions.
More than 60 days before the trip date, we will retain 25% of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the total value paid.
Between 60 and 31 days before the trip date, we will retain 50% of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the total value paid.
Less than 31 days before the start date, no refunds or credits will be issued.
Any date changes for Half Dome in a Day must occur at least 30 days before the currently scheduled date.

Are safety harnesses needed and included for Half Dome trips?

Safety harnesses are not required for Half Dome, and we neither recommend nor oppose them. It is a personal decision and ultimately poses a lower risk. We do not supply harnesses and/or via ferrata systems. You are, however, welcome to bring your own.

See here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

What Our Clients Say

					This review is for Jon on our Half Dome in a Day Hike- Our kind, patient, knowledgeable, expert guide! From 2 moms who are self proclaimed "intermediate" hikers who were nowhere near conditioned for this hike as we should have been, Jon helped us GET IT DONE! Right from the start, my water pack had a leak, and he gave me one of his. He offered to carry some of our stuff to lighten our loads. On our descent, my headlamp died in the dark, and he immediately gave me his. If it weren't for our guide, I would have given up at the start of the mist trail (and about 17 times after that), but Jon was a great support person who helped me push through. He did a great job of balancing his time with everyone in the group and always waited for me as I huffed & puffed up the trail. I also appreciate how knowledgeable he was about the history of the land and the stories he shared, it was very fascinating. 10/10 would recommend him as a guide for anything outdoor related! Wishing him the best in all he does. & thank you again for helping us accomplish this life goal 🥹🏞
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Andrea
10/09/2025
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Andrea
10/09/2025

						This review is for Jon on our Half Dome in a Day Hike- Our kind, patient, knowledgeable, expert guide! From 2 moms who are self proclaimed "intermediate" hikers who were nowhere near conditioned for this hike as we should have been, Jon helped us GET IT DONE! Right from the start, my water pack had a leak, and he gave me one of his. He offered to carry some of our stuff to lighten our loads. On our descent, my headlamp died in the dark, and he immediately gave me his. If it weren't for our guide, I would have given up at the start of the mist trail (and about 17 times after that), but Jon was a great support person who helped me push through. He did a great job of balancing his time with everyone in the group and always waited for me as I huffed & puffed up the trail. I also appreciate how knowledgeable he was about the history of the land and the stories he shared, it was very fascinating. 10/10 would recommend him as a guide for anything outdoor related! Wishing him the best in all he does. & thank you again for helping us accomplish this life goal 🥹🏞
					
					Had a blast! The guides were very knowledgeable and had great personalities which helped for a smooth hike!
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Ameer S.
8/05/2025
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Ameer S.
8/05/2025

						Had a blast! The guides were very knowledgeable and had great personalities which helped for a smooth hike!
					
					It was Amazing - I would do it again!! Half Dome has been on my bucket list for years and could never get a permit or a friend to go with me. I found Lasting Adventures and joined the group for 4th of July of 2025 and it was awesome!! Maddie was my guide and I am so thankful to have done this with a guide she was so knowledgeable and made this experience worth every penny! She knew all restrooms stops, all the water sources the best way to get up the cables and down the cables, she pointed out different and interesting foliage, it was just amazing. I will never forget it and I am hoping to go again!!!
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Maria L.
7/14/2025
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Maria L.
7/14/2025

						It was Amazing - I would do it again!! Half Dome has been on my bucket list for years and could never get a permit or a friend to go with me. I found Lasting Adventures and joined the group for 4th of July of 2025 and it was awesome!! Maddie was my guide and I am so thankful to have done this with a guide she was so knowledgeable and made this experience worth every penny! She knew all restrooms stops, all the water sources the best way to get up the cables and down the cables, she pointed out different and interesting foliage, it was just amazing. I will never forget it and I am hoping to go again!!!
					
					We participated in the one day hike from The Valley Floor up to Half Dome. Our guides were Dyson and Rowan. We started our day at 5:30 am in Curry Village and set out for a long day and a lot of miles ahead of us. Dyson and Rowan were professional and encouraging. Dyson shared his vast knowledge of Yosemite lore and history as well as wildlife and flora information. He set a good pace and checked in with us often to make sure we were all doing ok. I am 49 years old and it was a stretch of my physical and mental capacity. When I was 2/3 of the way up the cables, I thought I was out of gas in my tank. Dyson was exceptionally patient. He encouraged me to take my time and not to give up. He is the reason I made it to the top and achieved this incredible accomplishment. I highly recommend Lasting Adventures!
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Nicki M.
6/12/2025
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Nicki M.
6/12/2025

						We participated in the one day hike from The Valley Floor up to Half Dome. Our guides were Dyson and Rowan. We started our day at 5:30 am in Curry Village and set out for a long day and a lot of miles ahead of us. Dyson and Rowan were professional and encouraging. Dyson shared his vast knowledge of Yosemite lore and history as well as wildlife and flora information. He set a good pace and checked in with us often to make sure we were all doing ok. I am 49 years old and it was a stretch of my physical and mental capacity. When I was 2/3 of the way up the cables, I thought I was out of gas in my tank. Dyson was exceptionally patient. He encouraged me to take my time and not to give up. He is the reason I made it to the top and achieved this incredible accomplishment. I highly recommend Lasting Adventures!
					
					Lasting Adventures = Lasting Memories We participated in the one day hike from The Valley Floor up to Half Dome. Our guides were Dyson and Rowan. We started our day at 5:30 am in Curry Village and set out for a long day and a lot of miles ahead of us. Dyson and Rowan were professional and encouraging. Dyson shared his vast knowledge of Yosemite lore and history as well as wildlife and flora information. He set a good pace and checked in with us often to make sure we were all doing ok. I am 49 years old and it was a stretch of my physical and mental capacity. When I was 2/3 of the way up the cables, I thought I was out of gas in my tank. Dyson was exceptionally patient. He encouraged me to take my time and not to give up. He is the reason I made it to the top. The most amazing accomplishment. I'm so happy that I reached the summit!
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Nicki
6/11/2025
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Nicki
6/11/2025

						Lasting Adventures = Lasting Memories We participated in the one day hike from The Valley Floor up to Half Dome. Our guides were Dyson and Rowan. We started our day at 5:30 am in Curry Village and set out for a long day and a lot of miles ahead of us. Dyson and Rowan were professional and encouraging. Dyson shared his vast knowledge of Yosemite lore and history as well as wildlife and flora information. He set a good pace and checked in with us often to make sure we were all doing ok. I am 49 years old and it was a stretch of my physical and mental capacity. When I was 2/3 of the way up the cables, I thought I was out of gas in my tank. Dyson was exceptionally patient. He encouraged me to take my time and not to give up. He is the reason I made it to the top. The most amazing accomplishment. I'm so happy that I reached the summit!
					
					We has the most epic adventure with Lasting Adventures! Dyson was our guide and he was incredible. We learned so much about Yosemite and ourselves. After hiking up to Half Dome 2 years in a row and being turned away from the cables due to weather, the 3rd time was a charm. We felt safe the entire time and we are so glad that we chose to do a guided trip for our 3rd summit attempt. I don't think I would have gotten on the cables if Dyson had not been there to cheer us on. Thanks for a great trip!
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Tracie T.
9/07/2024
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Tracie T.
9/07/2024

						We has the most epic adventure with Lasting Adventures! Dyson was our guide and he was incredible. We learned so much about Yosemite and ourselves. After hiking up to Half Dome 2 years in a row and being turned away from the cables due to weather, the 3rd time was a charm. We felt safe the entire time and we are so glad that we chose to do a guided trip for our 3rd summit attempt. I don't think I would have gotten on the cables if Dyson had not been there to cheer us on. Thanks for a great trip!
					
					Highly recommended! Maddy was awesome on our “half dome in a day” hike
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Ankit M.
8/30/2024
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Ankit M.
8/30/2024

						Highly recommended! Maddy was awesome on our “half dome in a day” hike
					
					My friends and I recently had the pleasure of being guided by Maddie from Lasting Adventures for the Half Dome hike, and we can't recommend her enough! Maddie was incredibly organized, ensuring every detail of our trip went smoothly. She kept us motivated throughout (easily the hardest hike of my life) with her positive energy. Beyond being extremely well prepared, Maddie was also extremely informative, sharing a wealth of knowledge about the area, its history, and natural surroundings. Her ability to weave fascinating stories into our conversations made the tour both engaging and educational. She was also very helpful, always ready to assist with any needs (I needed first aid) or questions (ask her about the origin stories of the names of the various peaks in Yosemite). If you're looking for a tour guide who combines professionalism, warmth, and a genuine passion for the outdoors, Maddie is the one! Wholeheartedly recommended!
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Deepak M.
8/30/2024
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Deepak M.
8/30/2024

						My friends and I recently had the pleasure of being guided by Maddie from Lasting Adventures for the Half Dome hike, and we can't recommend her enough! Maddie was incredibly organized, ensuring every detail of our trip went smoothly. She kept us motivated throughout (easily the hardest hike of my life) with her positive energy. Beyond being extremely well prepared, Maddie was also extremely informative, sharing a wealth of knowledge about the area, its history, and natural surroundings. Her ability to weave fascinating stories into our conversations made the tour both engaging and educational. She was also very helpful, always ready to assist with any needs (I needed first aid) or questions (ask her about the origin stories of the names of the various peaks in Yosemite). If you're looking for a tour guide who combines professionalism, warmth, and a genuine passion for the outdoors, Maddie is the one! Wholeheartedly recommended!
					
					Half Dome day hike John was amazing. Very patient and encouraged me . He was kind to others on the trail and cables encouraging them too!! Highly recommend
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Avinash
8/25/2024
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Avinash
8/25/2024

						Half Dome day hike John was amazing. Very patient and encouraged me . He was kind to others on the trail and cables encouraging them too!! Highly recommend
					
					Half Dome in a Day I did Half Dome in a Day with Lasting Adventures and it was great! John, our guide made the experience even better and ensured we had the best day possible. He was very knowledgeable and accommodating, going above and beyond to make sure the group was comfortable and overall had the energy you’d want on a hike like this one. 100% recommend
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Sarah M.
8/25/2024
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Sarah M.
8/25/2024

						Half Dome in a Day I did Half Dome in a Day with Lasting Adventures and it was great! John, our guide made the experience even better and ensured we had the best day possible. He was very knowledgeable and accommodating, going above and beyond to make sure the group was comfortable and overall had the energy you’d want on a hike like this one. 100% recommend
					
					John led our Half Dome in a Day hike and Eric led us on a week of hiking all over Yosemite (the lodging package included Rush Creek Lodge accommodations). Both of these guides were exceptional, very hiker focused, safety-oriented, and kind. We could not have asked for a better experience!
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Kelly G.
8/17/2024
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Kelly G.
8/17/2024

						John led our Half Dome in a Day hike and Eric led us on a week of hiking all over Yosemite (the lodging package included Rush Creek Lodge accommodations). Both of these guides were exceptional, very hiker focused, safety-oriented, and kind. We could not have asked for a better experience!
					
					We had the best experience with Eric from Lasting Adventures. Me and my husband did a Half Dome 1 day hike. The hike was challenging yet amazing!
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Anna B.
7/15/2024
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Anna B.
7/15/2024

						We had the best experience with Eric from Lasting Adventures. Me and my husband did a Half Dome 1 day hike. The hike was challenging yet amazing!
					
					Amazing experience! We had the best experience with Eric from Lasting Adventures. Me and my husband did a Half Dome 1 day hike. The hike was challenging yet amazing!
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Anna B.
7/14/2024
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Anna B.
7/14/2024

						Amazing experience! We had the best experience with Eric from Lasting Adventures. Me and my husband did a Half Dome 1 day hike. The hike was challenging yet amazing!
					
					Thank you for making this bucket list Half Dome hike happen for me! The small group was great and it was so nice to get real time beta from an experienced guide. It was also nice to get guidance on how to handle the cable section. Since I went solo, having a guided adventure was worth it. Don’t put it off!
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Minah D.
10/13/2023
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Minah D.
10/13/2023

						Thank you for making this bucket list Half Dome hike happen for me! The small group was great and it was so nice to get real time beta from an experienced guide. It was also nice to get guidance on how to handle the cable section. Since I went solo, having a guided adventure was worth it. Don’t put it off!
					
					This group was great to work with and our guide was fantastic. Kind, knowledgable, and supportive!
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Johnny L.
10/13/2023
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Johnny L.
10/13/2023

						This group was great to work with and our guide was fantastic. Kind, knowledgable, and supportive!
					