Complete Guide to Hiking Half Dome for the First Time
Hiking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is a bucket list hike, and a uniquely challenging and beautiful experience. This is a serious hike that takes 14-16 miles round trip and you’ll gain 4,800 feet of elevation to stand on the top of Half Dome, which is a total of 8,842 feet above the Valley floor.
In this post, we’re going to go over how to hike Half Dome in a single day, breaking down every section of the hike so that you know what to expect. We’ll also give some suggestions on what to pack, what time to start, and how to prepare for this long and strenuous hike.
Making it to the top of Half Dome is an amazing feeling!
Single Day Half Dome Hike Overview
Half Dome is a long, difficult hike- I won’t sugar coat it for you. It takes most day hikers 10-14 hours to finish this hike, depending on factors like the group’s fitness level, weather, and even trail maintenance.
In order to beat the crowds that accumulate at peak hours, we suggest aiming for an early start of 4:30 in the morning.
Since this is one of Yosemite's most popular hikes, and to moderate the crowds at the famous Half Dome cables, hiking this trail does require a permit. You can enter to win a daily lottery in the lottery system.
More information about the permit system can be found here:
But even hard things can be made fun and doable when you break it up into sections. We’re going to go over the 6 sections of this hike, including what to expect, the mileage, and tips for the cable route. The sections include the Mist Trail, Little Yosemite Valley Trail, Sub dome, the Cables, and the Return Trip.
Mist trail
Little Yosemite Valley
Half Dome Trail
Subdome
The Cables.
Return Trip
1. The Mist Trail
Parking for the Mist Trail route is at Happy Isles, near Half Dome Village, formerly Curry Village, and the Happy Isles Nature Center. Once you park you’ll walk 0.6 miles to the Mist Trail trailhead, which is well marked along the way. You’ll pass the famous mile marker sign and immediately start a steep but beautiful climb along the Merced River to the Vernal Falls Bridge.
After 0.8 miles you’ll reach the Vernal Falls Bridge, which is the last place to fill up on potable water and it’s also the last *actual* bathroom, so it could be a good place to take a quick rest. From the Vernal Falls Bridge you’ll hang a left and head straight up the slick steps of the Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Falls. Along the way you’ll pass the intersection for the John Muir trail, so make sure that you stay to the left to stay on the Mist Trail.
This part of the hike may be misty and wet depending on the time of year you hike, so I suggest putting on a rain shell to keep you dry. After 0.7 miles of hiking up nearly 700 steps and 1,000 feet in elevation gain, you’ll reach the top of Vernal Falls. The top of the falls is a wide swath of gray granite, and if you’re hiking in the dark it’s easy to get lost here. Keep an eye out for the viewing point to your left, which is fenced in.
You can follow the fencing to find the dirt path that will bring you past the famed Emerald Pools. Now you’re on the way to next section of the Mist Trail; hiking to the top of Nevada Fall. This will be another 1.9 miles along more steep steps and rocky switchbacks with another 1,000 feet of elevation gain. But it will also give you stunning views of Nevada falls along the way, so enjoy the thundering noise and refreshing mist from the falls.
At the top of Nevada Fall you’ll see a sign indicating the end of the Mist Trail and the beginning of the next section: Little Yosemite Valley. You’ll be taking a left to head to Little Yosemite Valley.
2. Little Yosemite Valley
The beginning of the Little Yosemite Valley section will be indicated by a sign, declaring the welcome news that Half Dome is only 4.5 miles away- woohoo! You’ll pass a primitive bathroom on the left as the trail circles around it and goes up a short, steep and rocky section until you get to the flat, sandy path of Little Yosemite Valley. You’ll pass an intersection that leads you to the campground, so make sure you stay toward the left on the wider path.
This section of the hike is about 1 mile long and provides an opportunity to fill up on filtered water if needed. There is also one last composting toilet in the campground, so this is your real last chance if you need it. Once you pass the composting toilet, the trail will veer left and pick up in elevation gain as you join the Half Dome Trail.
You can start to see little peaks of Liberty Cap along Little Yosemite Valley as the sun comes out.
3. Half Dome Trail
This section of the trail was tough, not going to lie. It is a constant and steady incline that breaks out into switchbacks at times, and it’s about 7,900 feet from the Valley floor, so you’re hiking at altitude. To survive, I suggest drinking lots and lots of water and electrolytes along the way. I don’t want to give the wrong impression however; because this section of the trail is truly beautiful.
You’re walking through a high alpine forest where you’ll be surrounded by ancient trees as you’re treated to a chorus of squirrels and birds. Along the way you’ll pass a sign pointing to the John Muir Trail, but you’ll want to stay left on the half Dome Trail. Along the way you’ll enjoy sneak peaks of Half Dome through the trees, and after a few miles the trees become more sparse, the trail becomes more rocky, and the views open up to see the Valley below.
Keep going along the exposed rock and you’ll meet with the ranger at the bottom of Sub dome, where they will check your ID and your permit. And that brings to the final section, and that is…
4. Sub Dome
Sub dome is the final section of Half Dome before the final ascent of the cables, and it’s the turnaround point if you don’t have a permit. The ranger should be sitting near the sign at the base of the sub dome, and they will check each member’s ID and the group leader’s permit before continuing. If no one is there, they may be hiking further up and you can catch up with up the trail. Before you start up the sub dome, the ranger will gather a group of hikers and go over some safety basics for the cables.
Ranger’s tips for hiking up the cables:
Take a break on the wooden planks
Always stay to the right side of the cables, for both going up and down.
Remember to wear grippy gloves. They may have a box of used gloves for use if you forgot a pair or don’t want to pack them.
ALWAYS stay on the inside of the cables. Stepping outside the cables becomes very dangerous on the slippery rocks.
NEVER attempt the cables in the rain. The rock becomes even more slick and you run the risk of falling off. Also, the weather may change at any time and it’s unpredictable.
Keep all unzipped pockets empty, and secure everything in a zip section of your backpack.
Communicate with those coming down as it gets tight
Once your party is checked in you’ll follow the trail to the left up a mellow but steep beginning before the trees clear away and you begin the ascent up the fully exposed sub dome. You’ll encounter some steep rock staircases and some switchbacks until you eventually walk right up the top on the sticky granite. Soon the trail will flatten out and you’ll be on the flat expanse of granite at the base of Half Dome, and you’ll get your first up close look at the final section of this hike; the cables of Half Dome.
5. The Cables
The cables are metal cables that go straight up the side of Half Dome. They’re installed yearly by the committed trail crew of Yosemite and are typically up late May or early June and taken down in early October. You’ll be hauling yourself up the cables to summit Half Dome, which are held into the rock by metal posts that go into pre-drilled holes in the rock, so be aware that they can be removed if you lift the pole up.
Between the metal posts are pieces of wood that are flat enough to stand on, and provide an opportunity to rest between each metal post. The rock between each post is very slick, so it will take a lot of strength in your arms to keep you to the cables. And the ascent isn’t always the same pitch and it’s not always flat, so you’ll need to step up over small rock ledges along the way.
For the most part the pitch is doable, but there is a short section that gets very steep. It’s right before it levels out though, so once you reach that point know that it’s almost over. At the top things start to level out, and you can take the weight out of your arms as you start to put more trust in the rock.
Eventually the cables will end, and you can walk right up to the summit of Half Dome- congratulations and take in the view!
6. Return Trip
Once you’ve made it to the top, take your time soaking in the view. All that hard work was worth it, and you’ve earned a rest.
It is a little windy at the top, but mostly it’s breathtaking. Looking down at the valley with waterfalls cascading onto the floor below is absolutely unbelievable, especially considering that in a few short hours you’ll be back at the bottom, looking up at this spot. Take some photos, take a rest, maybe have a snack, and then when you’ve had your fill you can continue with the other half of the journey; returning to the Valley.
Some people will say that going down the cables is scarier than going up, but I think it depends on the person. Personally, I found them both terrifying in equal measures, each for different reasons.
Here are some tips for going back down the cables:
Face backwards, so that you’re facing the rock and you’re lowering your feet to each wooden plank.
Keep at least 1 hand on the cables at all times.
Take your time and use the planks to take rests
Remember to stay to the right
Keep all unzipped pockets empty, and secure everything in a zip section of your backpack.
Stay on the inside of the cables.
Communicate with those coming up as it gets tight
If you’re comfortable, stop to take a look around. You may never see this view again, so stop and look out at the valley below on your way down. Once you’ve made it to the sub dome, you can continue back down. Remember that the sub dome is skinny in some areas and may only be single file, so make sure that you communicate with those coming up so that you can each stop in safe locations.
You’ll follow the beautiful Half Dome trail back to Little Yosemite Valley, where you can stop along the banks of the Merced river to fill up on filtered water to get us through the rest of the trip. It was also a beautiful day, and we stopped to take a long lunch and soak our feet in the refreshing waters of the Merced.
Once you’re past the Little Yosemite Valley you will be at the top of Nevada Falls, where you can choose to take the John Muir Trail (JMT) back down or you can retake the Mist Trail back down.
Taking the JMT is the preferred method by most as it’s less steep and therefore easier on the knees after a long hike, but it does add 2 miles to the trip. Or you can choose to take the Mist Trail back down, which is shorter but steeper.
We decided to take the Mist Trail, as it was pitch black when we started and qw wanted to see the waterfalls. We were rewarded with a treat, and although it was harder I’m glad we took the scenic Mist Trail. However you choose to get back down, remember to take your time and enjoy the trip.
The JMT and the Mist Trail reconnect towards the bottom of Vernal Falls, where you can continue to the Vernal Falls Bridge. Once you cross the bridge there’s one more steep trail back to the bottom of the Mist Trail at Happy Isles. Now you only have a short walk back to the car parked at Happy Isles and you’re DONE!
If you’re back at the car and you’re ready for dinner, I highly suggest going to the Deck near Curry Village for some pizza. It is absolutely delicious, and they have the most unique topping selection. Although it’s pricey, it’s a just reward for hiking to the top of Half Dome. And the portion sizes are generous, so it will go down easy.
Top Tips for Hiking Half Dome in a Day
Train for the hike- see more tips below.
Get there by 4:30 to beat the crowds.
Come prepared- see more tips below.
Do your research- we’ll provide resources below.
Pack plenty of food and electrolytes to fuel.
How to Train for Half Dome
This hike is challenging, and definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s a hike that is best experienced when you’ve properly conditioned for it, that way you’ll have a good experience on the trail. To make sure you’re in good shape, start training at least 6 weeks in advance of the hike. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Create a training plan and stick to it.
This doesn't have to be a very detailed plan, but should be something that you can stick to. It can be as simple as running 3x a week, hiking 1x a week, and doing resistance training 3x a week. Whatever is best for you, make sure you write it down somewhere and keep track of your exercises, that way you can track your progress.
Focus on cardio endurance
Hiking Half Dome in a day is a practice of endurance, so when you’re training be sure to focus on building your cardio. The best way to do that is by diversifying between anaerobic and aerobic exercises.
Anaerobic uses explosive energy, such as sprinting, and is great for building strength and muscle mass. Aerobic exercises, such as biking or running, are lower intensity for a longer period of time which is great for building endurance.
By incorporating long, steady state cardio such as running and biking, you’re building endurance for the length of the trail. And by incorporating short bursts of energy such as sprints or plyometric exercise, you’re increasing your strength to carry you up those steps on the Mist Trail.
Don’t forget to stretch!
Stretching is an often overlooked, but important, part of getting and staying in shape. When you keep your muscles responsive they are better able to adapt to the changes your body is going through, and it will feel more comfortable as you start a training plan and keep at it for 6 weeks. Stretching before and after exercise also prevents injury by priming the muscles for movement. A simple stretching routine will make this so much more comfortable!
Start hiking 1 day a week
Another great way to prepare for hiking Half Dome is to start getting your body used to altitude and being on uneven trails. So a great way to train for Half Dome is to hike! The good news is that this is a fun way to get in shape, and it’s a good opportunity to experiment with what food you’ll want to pack. You can try out new gear such as trekking poles or a water filter, and you’ll get used to carrying a backpack for mile after mile.
For more tips on getting in shape for hiking, check out out post:
A view of Nevada Falls along the Mist Trail.
What to Pack for Half Dome
Since Half Dome is such a unique hike that involves scaling up the side of a granite cliff, there is some specialty equipment required. And because it’s such a long hike you’ll want to be extra prepared. Here are some suggestions on what to pack:
Wear sturdy hiking boots.
You’re going to be doing 14-16 miles of tough hiking over various terrain, so you’ll want to make sure that your feet are sturdy by wearing proper footwear.
If you’re new to hiking and aren’t sure what hiking boots to get, we go over that:
2. Trekking poles will save your knees. Especially on the Mist Trail, there will be lots of big step ups that are going to tire you out. I was so grateful for my trekking poles on this hike!
3. A water filter. Due to the physical demands of this hike, you’re going to need to refill on water at some point, I ran out of 3 liters of water. Seeing as the last potable water is only 1 mile or so into the trail, it makes sense to bring a water filter. Also, it’s a great way to enjoy a refreshing drink right from the Merced River.
4. Grippy gloves. Those cables will absolutely shred your hands, so bringing gloves is non-negotiable. There are typically extra gloves available at the ranger checkpoint, but I prefer to be prepared with my own set just in case.
5. Lots and lots of snacks and electrolytes! You are going to need a lot of fuel on this hike, so come prepared with electrolytes and plenty of high protein snacks to enjoy along the way.
6. Extra layers. Due to the early hours that you need to start this hike, the temperature is going to fluctuate quite a bit. I found that I needed a wool beanie, hiking pants, and a long sleeve shirt when I first started hiking. But by the time I made it back to the bottom of the sub dome I was comfortable in a pair of bike shorts and a s-shirt because the sun had come out and the wind from the summit had died.
7. Sunscreen. Speaking of the sunny day, you’ll need to bring plenty of sunscreen and remember to reapply. You’ll burn easier as you gain altitude, and you don’t want a sunburn in Yosemite!
7. Your photo ID. You can’t climb to the top of Half Dome without a government issued photo ID, so don’t forget to pack it!
8. The essential ten.
There are some items that you should pack on every hike, we go over in that in this blog post in more detail:
When to Hike Half Dome
The cables on Half Dome in Yosemite National Park are typically put up each year before the summer hiking season begins and are taken down after the season ends. The exact dates can vary depending on weather conditions and other factors, but generally, the cables are put up in late May or early June and taken down in early October.
So if you want to hike along the cables to the summit, you’ll need to hike in that window. There are ways to summit Half Dome off season without the cables being installed, but that requires a whole new level of skills that are beyond the scope of this adventure crew.
Remember to check with the National Park Service or Yosemite National Park's official website for current trail conditions in the Park before attempting to summit Half Dome.
How to get Permits
If you’ve made it this far into the blog post you should know that summiting Half Dome requires the proper permits. This ensures that anyone attempting the Half Dome hike doesn’t have to deal with an unsafe amount of crowds, that the NPS can practice good crowd control, and it protects the trail from being overused.
The best way to get permits is through the preseason lottery, which opens every year in March and closes at the end of that month.
We go into a great amount of detail about how to win Half Dome permits in this post:
That’s all we have for now, but we welcome you to join our newsletter, where we send out monthly news and tips for all of your outdoor adventures. And claim your welcome gift of a hiking checklist!
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