There are hikes, and then there's Half Dome. Yosemite's most iconic summit sits at 8,839 feet and requires not just fitness, but planning, a permit, and the willingness to haul yourself up a 45-degree granite face using steel cables. It is one of the most demanding day hikes in the United States — and one of the most rewarding.

The Route: Mist Trail to Half Dome

Most hikers approach via the Mist Trail from Happy Isles Trailhead (elevation 4,035 ft). The route climbs 4,800 feet over 8 miles to the summit, passing two of Yosemite's most spectacular waterfalls along the way.

Miles 0–2.2: Happy Isles to Nevada Fall. The trail climbs steeply through Merced River canyon. You'll pass the Vernal Fall footbridge at 0.8 miles — get your camera out. The Mist Trail itself sprays hikers with mist from the falls; it's refreshing in summer and icy in spring. Above Vernal Fall, the trail steepens again to Nevada Fall. Both waterfalls are peak season (May–July) showstoppers.

Miles 2.2–6: Nevada Fall to Sub Dome. The route joins the John Muir Trail through Little Yosemite Valley — a relatively flat stretch through dense forest that gives your legs a brief reprieve. The Half Dome Trail branches off at mile 4.7 and begins climbing in earnest through pine forest to the base of Sub Dome at about 7,600 feet.

Miles 6–8: Sub Dome and the Cables. Sub Dome is a granite staircase of 600 steps cut into the rock — grueling but manageable. Above it, the famous cables await. Two parallel steel cables run 400 feet up the final 45-degree granite face. Wooden boards are placed every few feet as foot holds. This section is exposed, requires upper body strength, and is genuinely dangerous in wet conditions. Allow 30–45 minutes for the cables section each way.

The Summit is a flat granite plateau the size of several football fields. Views extend across Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and Clouds Rest. Take it in — you earned it.

Permit Requirements

A Half Dome Permit is required to use the cables (late May through mid-October). Permits are distributed via lottery on recreation.gov — preseason lottery in March, and daily lotteries two days before each available date. Only 300 permits are issued per day total. Book months in advance or plan around lottery availability.

Practical Tips

  • Start at 5–6 AM. Afternoon thunderstorms in summer can roll in fast above 8,000 feet. The cables become genuinely deadly when wet. Get down before noon.
  • Bring 4–5 liters of water. There are water sources at Nevada Fall and Little Yosemite Valley (filter required), but the upper mountain is dry.
  • Gloves for the cables. The cables have splinters and get hot in direct sun. Work gloves make a real difference.
  • Microspikes through May. The upper mountain holds snow long into spring. Check Yosemite NPS conditions before going.
  • Expect 10–14 hours. Fast hikers finish in 8 hours. Plan for more.

Gear You Need

Getting There

Happy Isles Trailhead is in Yosemite Valley. Private vehicles are not permitted to drive to Happy Isles — park at Curry Village or take the free Valley Visitor Shuttle (stop 16). Yosemite entrance: $35 per vehicle. Arrive by 5 AM to secure a parking spot in summer.

The Verdict

Half Dome is everything the hype says it is, and it demands everything you have. Go prepared, go early, and respect the mountain. If you pull it off, it's the kind of day you'll talk about for the rest of your life.