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

Permits Included

The Half Dome day 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.

Please Note: Due to the 2023 record-setting snowpack, it is expected that Half Dome will not be open until later June. If registering for dates prior (June 9), and the cables are not in place, we will do an alternative hike instead that will be decided that am and based on current conditions. See more information below.

Due to a record setting snowpack this winter, be prepared for wet/muddy trails, and the possibility of stream/river crossings and/or walking on/crossing snow. Trekking poles will be provided. Also be prepared to experience Yosemite in unparalleled beauty as it comes to life after one of the wettest winter seasons on record. If seasonal access or trail conditions present issues, the tour/hike will be modified accordingly with the guide upon meeting and/or as needed, throughout your day of adventure. For more information and what to expect, see: Yosemite’s 2023 Snowpack & 2023 Summer Expectations.

Mileage & Difficulty

16 Miles

Strenuous

Length

Day Hike

Price

$400/ hiker

Per Person

Departure Info

Curry Village Parking Shuttle stop #14

5:30 am

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2023 Departure Dates by Month

Half Dome Day Hike

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 6-7 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 $750 for 1-2 people and $375/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.

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.

We will require an additional medical release for any guest who is currently under the care of a physician for any ongoing disease, illness, or any other condition/factor that may be a concern on the trip.

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 canceled due to circumstances beyond our control prior to its start date a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued.

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.

Required:

Two one-quart (or 1L) water bottles full for departure. Hydration pack is okay too if you are comfortable carrying it. We will supply water filters for refilling your bottles along the trail. Natural water is unsafe to drink.
Food and snacks. Carbs, fats, and proteins are essential! Examples include: 4-7 energy bars, trail mix, jerky, candy, etc. A premade bagel sandwich keeps its shape and tastes great on the summit!
Quality hiking boots/shoes are recommended. Rubber soles are required, no foam soles are allowed.
Hiking socks. No cotton. Wool is recommended.
Lightweight shorts or pants.
Lightweight shirt.
Hat. Preferably one you can get wet to cool your head.
Flashlight or headlamp.
Sunglasses.
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.

Optional:

Electrolyte powder of your taste preference (3/4 cup).
Face Cloth or bandana.
Sunscreen (provided, but feel free to bring your own).
Lip Balm.
Small digital camera with neck strap.
If you have other items you would like to bring, but feel unsure, please email us.

Lasting Adventures will bring first aid, water treatment supplies, toilet paper/trowel, extra sunscreen, bug spray, 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

For your protection and ours, we strongly recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance or Trip Protection, which can provide you with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption (including COVID-19), travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, airfare, and baggage loss/delay to protect your financial investment. One option offered through our booking system is the Enhanced Refund Terms through the Protect Group which is available at checkout for 10% of the total cost of your trip. See more information on this policy HERE. You are also welcome to purchase any other travel insurance or trip protection of your choice.

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. Please note, we are unable to provide refunds for trips covered by insurance. Your first course of action should be to contact the company responsible for insuring your trip.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Full payment is required upon registration for all Day Trips. Feel free to contact us directly 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 when paying by check. For detailed information see Payment Options.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES

Lasting Adventures reserves the right to cancel trips. If a trip is canceled 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 while preparing for the trip.

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 TripAdvisor/Viator, the below policy does not apply, and you are held to the third-party’s cancellation policy.

Day Hike Cancellation Policy

More than 30 days prior to the trip date, we will grant you a full refund less a $25 per/person processing fee.
With 72 hours notice, we will retain 50 percent of the total trip cost.
Within 72 hours there will be no refund or credit.

Half Dome in a Day Cancellation Policy

More than 90 days prior to the trip date, we will grant you a full refund less a $25 per/person processing fee.
More than 60 days prior to the trip date, we will retain 50 percent of the total trip cost.
Less than 31 days prior to the start date, there will be no refund or credit.

48 Hour Risk-Free 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.

Fire/Smoke Cancellation Policy

Fire/smoke cancellations are considered circumstances beyond our control. If your chosen travel insurance does not cover fire/smoke cancellations, a credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. In this case, you will be required to submit proof of the purchase of said travel insurance. If we cancel during your adventure with us, we will refund a credit equal to the amount of days not used. In both cases these credits will be lifetime/transferable.

Other Considerations

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 (below) is strongly recommended.

Infectious Disease Policy (including COVID): Any participant, on any program/trip, with any sign/symptom of a potential illness will not be able to participate and no refund/credits will be given. Many forms of Travel Insurance cover these circumstances. We ask that you screen yourself and/or your child prior to participation and contact us to cancel should any sign of illness be present. Health screenings can be expected on all youth programs.

Half Dome & Other Summits: Reaching the top of a summit, such as Half Dome, is a risky activity which can be made far worse by inclement weather. While we aim to get everyone to the top, summiting is not guaranteed. Lightning and rain can be deadly on exposed summits and our experienced guides may have to call off a summit bid if weather conditions are unfavorable.

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.

COUPONS

See our Coupon Use Terms and Conditions

#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!”