Half Dome in a Day

Half Dome Hike in a Day

Yosemite National Park

Trip Highlights:

Half Dome

Mist Trail

Vernal & Nevada Falls

Yosemite Valley

The Half Dome hike in Yosemite is truly a trip of a lifetime! Hiking Half Dome in a day consists of a 16-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 8,842′ 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 12-15 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 steep granite steps via the steep Mist Trail next to both Vernal and Nevada Fall. This hike culminates with a steep cable system where you will 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 very strenuous hike that can provide a whole 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 guided well thousands of clients to the summit of Half Dome on hundreds of separate occasions. However, please note 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. Additionally, your personal physical ability will play a factor. Ongoing physical training/conditioning is highly recommended prior to this hike to ensure a successful experience. Please note that this is a group hike typically with 5 clients and 1 guide.

2023 Dates will be posted once the Half Dome Lottery is complete in mid-April 2023. If you would like to include specific dates in our lottery requests, please email us at staff@lastingadventures.org prior to mid-March 2023.

Mileage & Difficulty

16 Miles

Strenuous

Length

Day Hike

Price

$350/ hiker

Per Person

Departure Info

Curry Village Parking Shuttle stop #14

5:30 am

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2022 Departure Dates by Month

The Half Dome hike is a long, challenging and a rewarding day. We will leave Curry Village at 5:30 am and can expect to be back in the Valley around 7 pm if not later. 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 steep granite steps via the steep Mist Trail next to both Vernal and Nevada Fall. This hike culminates with a steep cable system where you will climb the last 425 vertical feet using a 1/2-inch steel cable handrail.

We strongly suggest you be physically prepared for this strenuous hike. Ongoing physical training/conditioning is highly recommended prior to this hike to ensure a successful experience. This is also a group hike and typically there are 5 clients and 1 guide. Not being prepared, or on time, will not only affect you and the guide; but also the rest of the group.

If you have/gain your own permits for Half Dome our rates for a private guide are $650 for 1-2 people and $325/each for 3 or more people. For information on obtaining your own Half Dome permit(s), please see: Half Dome Permits for Day Hikers. For multi-day fully outfitted backpacking adventures which include Half Dome see: Yosemite Backpacking Trips.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

For your protection, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Travel insurance provides you with trip cancellation/interruption, travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, air flight, baggage and baggage delay coverage to protect your financial investment. Travel Insurance is available at checkout for 10% of the total cost of your trip and offered through the Protect Group. This travel insurance does allow you to cancel your trip for any reason. See more information on this policy HERE.

Travel Insurance is the easiest and best way to protect both yourself and our smaller non-profit organization against last-minute cancellations. We will happily provide timely and accurate documentation for any insurance claim related to our trips upon request. If you do not purchase Travel Insurance that covers your situation, we will follow our Terms and Conditions.

TRADITIONAL BACKPACKING

Lasting Adventures runs traditional backpacking trips. Traditional backpacking is done without the use of porters, stock, or other assistance. You will be expected to carry all of your own personal gear and a share of the group gear and food in a backpack for the duration of this trip. This weight will typically be between 30-50 pounds and in no case more than ⅓ of your body weight.

As needed, it is recommended that participants discuss their ability to conduct a backpacking trip with their doctor, including (but not limited to) the ability to carry heavy loads over long distances and over strenuous and uneven terrain. Levels of difficulty listed on our web site are relative and in no way an objective declaration of difficulty, and a regular physical exercise program is recommended prior to going on your adventure. A subjective guide to difficulty levels can be found here: Difficulty Levels.

REQUIRED FORMS

In addition to full payment; final acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all the Required Forms. These forms are also attached to your confirmation email once you register online.

MEDICAL RELEASES: We will require an additional medical release for any guests on multi-day trips.

DIETARY CONSTRAINTS

Although we are able to accommodate many specific dietary constraints and choices, we prepare foods in a facility with peanuts, gluten, soy, and other major allergens, and are not certified as an ‘allergen-free’ facility. We take steps to limit the risk of cross-contamination, but we cannot guarantee that foods we prepare will be fully free of major allergens.

TRIP ITINERARIES

All trips are subject to itinerary changes for a wide variety of reasons including, but not limited to permitting, weather, forest fires, park or public land closures, and/or road closures. In most all situations we will offer an alternative itinerary of equal value and quality or a credit through the end of the following season. Payments are non-refundable for itinerary changes. If a trip is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued.

STAFF SCHEDULES

Due to the nature of backpacking, our guides work long hours. In order to provide the best possible experience to our guests and our guides, we limit the number of hours that our guides work to 15 hours per day. Guides will not be required to be available from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am, unless a different time period is agreed upon by the group prior to this standard break period.

During time off, our guides will be available for emergencies, but should be allowed to rest and should not be considered available for other purposes outside of working hours. Please refrain from requesting non-time-sensitive assistance from guides during this period. During working hours, our guides are also entitled to take off 10-minutes every four hours, as well as 30-minute meal breaks every 5 hours, between 6 am and 9 pm. We appreciate your cooperation with these scheduling requirements.

What to Bring

Two one-quart wide-mouth water bottles full for departure. Hydration pack is okay too if you are comfortable carrying it. We will supply water filters for re-filling your bottles along the trail. Natural water is unsafe to drink.
Electrolyte powder of your taste preference (3/4 cup)
Food. pounds recommended. Carbohydrates are good! Examples include: 4-7 energy bars, trail mix, jerky, candy, etc. A pre-made bagel sandwich keeps its shape and tastes great on the summit!
Quality hiking boots are recommended. Trail shoes are okay. We prefer good soles and ankle support. ABSOLUTELY no tennis shoes – you will not be allowed to join this hike if you arrive wearing them.
Hiking socks – NO cotton
Lightweight shorts
Polypropylene shirt to help wick away sweat and keep you cool – NO cotton
Hat. Preferably one you can get wet to cool your head.
Facecloth or bandana
Sunscreen and Lip Balm
Flashlight – 4 AA minimum or a headlamp mandatory
Sunglasses
Small digital camera with neck strap
Trekking Poles are very helpful and advised (knee relief)
We provide nitrile rubber coated gloves for the cable ascent. They are super sticky and work. Feel free to bring your own pair if you wish.
Lightweight rain gear or shells for the Mist Trail and possible afternoon thunderstorm.
Blister prevention supplies
Fanny Pack or Daypack (whichever you prefer) to carry all of your necessities
Zip lock baggies for trash
Pre-hike dinner: Eat a balanced meal with nothing that may upset your stomach during the hike. Pre-hydrate that day and night.
Pre-hike breakfast: Bagels, muffins, juice, granola, apple, banana – use the bear boxes!

Lasting Adventures, Inc. will bring first aid gear, water treatment supplies, toilet paper/trowel, extra sunscreen, and a passion for adventure.

Your payment includes a Lasting Adventures Half Dome t-shirt. Gratuities for guides are not required but are appreciated. Typically gratuities range from 10-20% of your trip’s total cost; not per guide.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Full payment is preferred for all Backpacking Trips. During check-out you may opt to pay a 50% deposit at time of booking and the remaining 50% 30 days from departure. If choosing this option you can either complete payment on your own with the self-service link in the confirmation email or you will be billed automatically at or shortly after the 30 day interval for the remaining amount. Feel free to contact us personally to set up any other payment plan. When registering online expect to pay a booking fee of 3.0% (which is capped at $30) and a processing fee of 2.7% (no cap). These fees can be avoided by paying by check. For detailed information see Payment Options.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

Lasting Adventures reserves the right to cancel trips. If a trip is cancelled by Lasting Adventures due to circumstances beyond our control a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. Lasting Adventures is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by you while preparing for the trip.

Multi-Day Adventures Cancellation Policy

The following cancellation policy is only for trips booked directly through our official website, lastingadventures.com. If you have booked via a third-party website, such as The Clymb, TripAdvisor Experiences/Viator, or bookyogaretreats.com, the below policy does not apply, and you are held to the third-party’s cancellation policy.

If you cancel or leave a multi-day trip for any reason:

More than 90 days prior to the trip start date, we will grant you a full refund.
Between 90 and 61 days prior to the trip start date, we will you a full refund minus a $50/person processing fee.
Between 60 and 46 days prior to the trip start date, we will retain 25 percent of the trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the full value paid.
Between 45 and 31 days prior to the trip start date, we will retain 50 percent of the trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the full value paid.
Less than 31 days prior to the trip start date, or once the trip has begun, there will be no refund or credit.
There will be no cost for cancellations for trips we are unable to run due to closures and/or restrictions by government officials. We will make departure determinations for trips 7 days in advance of the departure date. Refunds for trips not able to be run will be processed within 5 days of the intended departure date and can only be processed back to the original payment method used for the current trip.
- Any portion of a trip purchased with a credit from a previous year will revert back to a credit.
- Due to the difficulties of running seasonal programs, a lost season can affect us greatly. We appreciate any of our customers that would choose to take a lifetime, transferable credit for the value paid of their trip, should the trip not be able to operate due to government restrictions.
Final payments on multi-day trips are automatically processed/due at 30 days in advance of the trip. Any new multi-day booking made at/within 45-days in advance will be required to pay in full.
If we determine that a trip should be pulled or cancelled mid-way through the trip (for example, due to unhealthy smoke levels or other circumstances outside our control) we will provide a credit for the unused portion of the trip.

Departing From a Trip: Once a participant has joined a trip and the trip has begun, no opportunities for refunds or credits will be possible, regardless of the reason for departure. Costs associated with assisting a participant with evacuating from the wilderness will be passed on to the participant. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.

48 Hour Cancellation Policy: Cancellations of any trip can be made without penalty within 48 hours of the initial booking. After 48 hours our standard terms and conditions apply. To cancel, please email us at staff@lastingadventures.org or leave a voicemail at 800-513-8651. This policy does not apply if the booked trip occurs within 96 hours of the initial booking.

Minimum Participants: Our Guide Service multi-day trips we have a two person minimum. Should we fall short on these minimum, we will contact you 30-days in advance of your scheduled date with options that may include switching to another trip/date and/or a single-participant surcharge.

TRIP CHANGE/CREDIT POLICY

Once you book a trip with Lasting Adventures, the value you paid is valid towards switching to another trip in the current or the coming year, pending available spaces on the new trip. Changes to your booking and conversion to a credit must occur more than 30 days prior to your original start date. Changes within 30-days are subject to fees. Once changed to a lifetime credit, credits are non-refundable and are a dollar-for-dollar value.

REQUIRED FORMS

MEDICAL RELEASES: We will require an additional medical release for any guests on multi-day trips.

STAFF SCHEDULES

TRIP ITINERARIES

All trips are subject to itinerary changes for a wide variety of reasons including, but not limited to permitting, weather, forest fires, park or public land closures, and/or road closures. In most all situations we will offer an alternative itinerary of equal value and quality or a credit through the end of the following season. Payments are non-refundable for itinerary changes. If a trip is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued.

COUPONS

See our Coupon Use Terms and Conditions.

FIREARM POLICY

Lasting Adventures understands that firearm laws and policies vary in every area we operate in. Regardless of local laws and policies, Lasting Adventures does not allow firearms on any of our trips. Participants who bring firearms will not be allowed to participate while in possession of their firearm.

#1 Rated Guide Service in the West

"My son and I (both tax accountants) recently enjoyed a three-day private guided backpacking trip with Last Adventures. The trip met all our expectations; we had a great time! The guide’s love of her work and knowledge of Yosemite National Park made the trip a success. She planned all the details, provided excellent gear, and made sure everything worked out as planned"

"Lasting Adventures made my trip to Yosemite a dream vacation! It was stress-free because every detail was covered from food and transportation to clear meeting instructions and itinerary. Our guide took a hike that would have been fun and made it magical by explaining the history and ecology of the area we were hiking. He matched our pace and often let us lead. I can't say enough good things about Zachary and Lasting Adventures!”

“I did the Yosemite yoga 3 day backcountry camping. It was amazing! I would definitely do it again. The food was great! The scenery was superb camping in high country aside a mountain lake, and the guides and yoga instructor were fantastic!!!”

"We were a group of 7 family members (ages 22-65 years old), and for all of us it was our first hiking/backpacking/camping experience. We all had such an amazing yet challenging experience! Our guides’ spirit, cooking, and knowledge were great!”

“We backpacked with a group of 7 other people from 'Backpacker's Camp' to Mae Lake, up to Mt Hoffman, Cloud's Rest, and finally completed the trip with an amazing last day, summiting Half Dome at sunrise! It. Was. Incredible!! Our guides immediately made us feel comfortable and excited. Their passion for the wilderness, people, and their career as a guide is contagious. If you have the chance to go on a Lasting Adventures trip - please do it!”