Do I need a wilderness permit to hike Half Dome?
Backpackers—including those who want to spend the night in Little Yosemite Valley—should apply for Half Dome permits with their wilderness permit. Backpackers beginning a wilderness trip outside Yosemite should apply for Half Dome day hiker permits as day hikers, using the information on this page.
Why do you need a permit for Half Dome?
You can hike to Sub Dome without a permit. Because of the popularity and the precarious nature of climbing the cables to reach the summit, especially when it is crowded, a permit is required to hike Half Dome during the season when the cables are up. This helps keep the summit from becoming a crazy house.
How far can you go up Half Dome without a permit?
about 0.5 mileYou are allowed to hike all the way to the Sub Dome, about 0.5 mile before the summit, without a permit. Generally the ranger will be sitting there, checking people's permits.
How hard is it to get a permit to hike Half Dome?
Permits are awarded in a preseason lottery for the entire summer hiking season. During a “typical year,” a maximum of 300 permits are awarded per day, with 225 for day hikers and 75 for backpackers. Applications are accepted during the month of March, regardless if you are hiking in June or September.
Can kids climb Half Dome?
Kids can hike Half Dome at Yosemite. While it is permitted to hike Half Dome at Yosemite with your children, you should only bring kids over ten who are fit, healthy, and experienced hikers. And you must make sure to provide enough food and water to hike with your children safely.
Can you sleep on top of Half Dome?
It's not a place where you'd want to set your favorite bowling ball down, since Half Dome's summit has the posture of a swaybacked horse, but you can safely lie down and take a nap without fear of rolling over in your sleep and finding yourself in midair.
Do you need a harness for Half Dome?
Do I Need A Harness? Most people do not use a harness to climb Half Dome. That said, some do and it's the optimal way to ensure safety (and peace of mind) while ascending and descending the cables. If heights make you nervous, we highly recommend wearing a harness or not attempting this section of the hike.
Can you hike Half Dome alone?
So, can you hike Half Dome by yourself? The highest elevation you will reach will be around 4,800 feet, where you'll see the most scenic views. It can be intimidating, but it's good to ask if you can hike Half Dome by yourself. Well, you can!
When did Half Dome permits start?
Since 2011, all hikers who intend to ascend the Cable Route must now obtain permits before entering the park when the cables are up between May and October. Permits are checked by a ranger on the trail, and no hikers without permits are allowed to hike beyond the base of the sub-dome or to the bottom of the cables.
Do I need a permit to get into Yosemite?
Other than the entrance fee, you don't need a reservation or permit to visit Yosemite. However, you should get a lodging or campground reservation if you plan to spend the night.
Do you need a permit to hike El Capitan?
Do you need a permit to hike El Capitan? Unlike some other popular hikes in Yosemite, such as Half Dome, you do not need a permit to hike El Capitan. The only time you would need a permit to hike to the summit of El Cap is if you plan to turn the adventure into a backpacking trip.
Do you need a permit to hike in Yosemite?
A wilderness permit is required year-round for backpacking, overnight climbing, or any other overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness. A wilderness permit is not required for day hikes (unless hiking to Half Dome) or for staying in lodging facilities and frontcountry campgrounds.
How many feet to climb Half Dome?
Half Dome Cables. The most famous--or infamous--part of the hike is the ascent up the cables. The two metal cables allow hikers to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing equipment. Since 1919, relatively few people have fallen and died on the cables.
How long does it take to hike Half Dome?
Most hikers take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back; some take longer. If you plan on hiking during the day, it's smart to leave around sunrise (or earlier) and then have a non-negotiable turn-around time. For instance, if you haven't reached the top of Half Dome by 3:30 pm, you will turn around.
What to bring for a half dome hike?
Bring well broken-in boots with good ankle support and good traction. Some of the most common injuries Half Dome hikers suffer are blisters and ankle injuries; good footwear is the best way to prevent these problems.
How high is Half Dome?
Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and a great challenge to many hikers. Despite an 1865 report declaring that it was "perfectly inaccessible, being probably the only one of the prominent points about the Yosemite which never has been, and never will be, ...
When are half dome permits available in Yosemite?
For day hikers, permits are available by lottery in March, with a limited number available two days in advance. Backpackers, including those who want to camp in Little Yosemite Valley, should request a Half Dome permit with their wilderness permit.
Where to compost in Yosemite Valley?
Composting toilets are available near Emerald Pool (above Vernal Fall), near the top of Nevada Fall, and in Little Yosemite Valley. At any other location, you are required to bury any solid human waste at least six inches (15 cm) deep and at least 100 feet (30 m) from water or trails. Pack out toilet paper.
How to scare a bear off Yosemite?
If you see a bear, act immediately to scare it away: make as much noise as possible by yelling. If there is more than one person, stand together to present a more intimidating figure, but do not surround the bear.
Where Does the Half Dome Hike Start?
The Half Dome hike starts from the Happy Isles shuttle stop. There is parking and accommodation within walking distance.
What happens if you get caught on Half Dome?
If you get caught on Half Dome without a permit, you’ll get a $250 fine. Some websites mention much higher fine numbers, but $250 is the actual ticket amount.
What is the best way to hike Yosemite?
Clouds Rest – This is considered the best hike in Yosemite by many. You’ll climb up to the summit and tower above Half Dome. North Dome – A moderate hike to nearby North Dome, with a similar summit to Half Dome and views into the Yosemite Valley.
What is it like to see the cables in the sub dome?
When you ascend the Sub Dome and see the cables for the first time, it’s definitely awe-inspiring. Some hikers take a look and call it a day here, and that’s a smart move.
How tall is Half Dome?
The hike up to Half Dome, towering over the Yosemite Valley at 8846 feet, is one of the great bucket list hikes. You’ll pass iconic waterfalls, hike through majestic sequoias, and then pull yourself up steel cables to stand at the summit. There’s a lot to know before you start; this isn’t just a hike where you show up at the trailhead and go.
How long is the Half Dome hike?
How long is the Half Dome hike? The most popular route to Half Dome and back is 17 miles, and typically takes between 9 and 12 hours. Most people do the hike in a day, but you can also camp and break it up.
How far can you hike to the sub dome?
If you haven’t gotten a permit, you still have a chance. You are allowed to hike all the way to the Sub Dome, about 0.5 mile before the summit, without a permit. Generally the ranger will be sitting there, checking people’s permits. Simply go up to the ranger and ask him if there are any empty permit slots open.
What is the half dome?
Half Dome is one of the most photographed features of Yosemite. (Photo: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images ) Rising over Yosemite Valley at an altitude of nearly 9,000 feet, Half Dome casts a striking figure over the park. Plenty of visitors hike to and even up to the top of the granite monolith, camping overnight in the remote area around it.
When is Half Dome open?
The backpackers' campground nearest to Half Dome is in Yosemite Valley behind the North Pines campground. It's open between April and October and has vault toilets.
How many sites are there in Tuolumne Meadows?
Sitting at 8,600 feet, Tuolumne Meadows offers the highest elevation for campers bringing RVs to Yosemite. The 304 sites accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length. The campground operates from July through late September, depending on the weather, and has its own grocery store and dump station. The nearest showers are just outside the park at Lee Vining. Tuolumne Meads is an hour and a half from Yosemite Valley.
How many sites are there at Crane Flat Campground?
The Crane Flat Campground has its own grocery store and sits at an elevation of 6,200 feet. The campground is open from July through September and holds 166 sites, which accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length and includes two wheelchair accessible sites. Showers are in Yosemite Valley, but the nearby Tuolumne Meadows Campground offers a dump station.
How many campgrounds are there in Yosemite National Park?
With over 1,200 square miles to explore, Yosemite National Park is impossible to see in just one day. Many guests who visit choose to camp, and 10 of the park’s 13 campgrounds accommodate RVs. All sites in the park have a fire ring, picnic table and food locker. Because so many guests choose to camp in Yosemite, the park requires reservations for camping from April through September.
Where is Lower Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley?
Lower Pines Campground welcomes campers to Yosemite Valley from March through October, depending on the weather. With a location near Curry Village, this campground offers guests convenient access to the grocery store and showers in the village. Most of the 60 sites are RV friendly and can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet in length. Five of the sites accommodate wheelchairs. The restroom has both drinking water and flush toilets.
Where to camp in Yosemite Valley?
Instead, you can just present your wilderness permit and pay a small fee. The backpackers' campground nearest to Half Dome is in Yosemite Valley behind the North Pines campground. It's open between April and October and has vault toilets. It doesn't have potable water, but you can get that at North Pines.
How long does it take to hike Half Dome?
It takes most people 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back. If you plan on hiking during the day, it's smart to leave before or at sunrise. You should have a non-negotiable turn-around time (i.e., if you're not at the summit by a certain time, you'll turn around).
What do you need to show a half dome permit?
The permit holder or alternate must show a government-issued identification card that matches the permit holder or alternate listed on the Half Dome permit at the permit checkpoint.
How high is Half Dome in Yosemite?
Yosemite National Park. Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and a great challenge to many hikers. Despite an 1865 report declaring it was "perfectly inaccessible, being probably the only one of the prominent points about the Yosemite which never has been, and never will be, ...
What to do while hiking in Yosemite National Park?
While on your hike. Do not leave gloves or other trash at the base of the cables. Do not feed animals. Proper food storage is required at all times. Do not leave food or scented items unattended unless they are stored in a Yosemite National Park allowed bear canister.
When are half dome cables put up?
The Half Dome cables are put up each spring and taken down each fall, typically from the Friday before Memorial Day through the Tuesday after Columbus Day. These dates are conditions dependent and may vary from year to year. You must have a permit to ascend the subdome steps or Half Dome cables.
Can you get a half dome permit in Yosemite?
Half Dome day use hiking permits are not available at any office in Yosemite National Park.
Is Half Dome dangerous?
The summit of Half Dome is extremely dangerous during thunderstorms. Check the forecast before you hike and plan to summit early as thunderstorms typically form in the afternoon. If a storm appears nearby, descend immediately with caution and patience on the cables and steps.
How many miles is Half Dome?
At 14 to 16 miles roundtrip and an elevation gain of 4,800 feet, climbing Half Dome via the cables is neither for the faint of heart nor the beginner hiker. Here are some tips for those who are ready for the arduous ascent.
How high is Half Dome in Yosemite?
Half Dome rises 4,737 feet above Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 8,844 feet above sea level. We’ve got some tips for how to get there via our Half Dome Hike page.
What to wear when climbing half dome?
Wear proper hiking footwear that’s well broken in and supportive. Gloves: Not just for style points. Gloves can also assist with comfort while climbing the cables. Just make sure to take them with you on your way down. Water: The element of life. Also, your best friend while climbing Half Dome.
Is there a drinking fountain at Half Dome?
Water: The element of life. Also, your best friend while climbing Half Dome. With only one drinking fountain at the Vernal Fall Footbridge, BYOW is required. Below are some guidelines from our friends over at the National Park Service.
Is a wilderness permit required for Half Dome?
Climbing Permits: Typically, wilderness permits are not required for nights spent on the wall. Half Dome is an exception. A Wilderness Permit IS required. Note that it is illegal to camp at the base of any wall in Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome.
Where to camp near Half Dome?
If you manage to obtain a Half Dome permit, there are several options for camping near Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. 1. Little Yosemite Valley Campground. Little Yosemite Valley Campground is a popular option for backpackers who wish to cut down on mileage for the day they reach Half Dome.
What is the Half Dome hiking permit?
Your Half Dome hiking permit will open up access to two starting points- Yosemite Valley Trailhead, and Glacier Point. Both of these provide access up the Half Dome. However, Yosemite Valley Trailhead is by far the more popular option. There’s a couple of things to consider before choosing your Half Dome Hike Permit.
How many Yosemite Half Dome permits are awarded?
If you are unsuccessful in the preseason lottery, your next option is entering the first-come, first-serve daily lotteries at the park. About 50 Yosemite Half Dome permits per day are awarded to day hikers.
How many permits are needed to hike Half Dome?
Only 225 permits a day are awarded to day hikers, while only 50 permits a day are awarded to backpackers. Moreover, because the hike to Half Dome is so long, and the climbing of the dome is weather-dependent, many choose to make this a multi-day adventure rather than a day hike.
How many miles is Half Dome?
In short, the Half Dome hike permit grants access to 16 to 18 miles of unrivaled trails (round-trip) depending on which trail-head you choose. This hike showcases awe-inspiring views, but it doesn’t come easy. Yosemite Park suggests it is only for the very fit hiker, as scaling this rugged mountain face isn’t for the faint of heart. Therefore, you should prepare your body with lots of hiking beforehand.
What is Half Dome?
Half Dome draws a large number of hikers, climbers, and campers each year, thanks to the unparalleled views of Yosemite National Park and the unique nature of the climb, which involves a steep rock incline, aided by chains that hikers hold on to. In 2010, the park implemented a lottery system that limits the number of hikers who can climb to ...
Why is the Half Dome so famous?
Why is it so iconic, exactly? First, Half Dome is a massive granite outcrop with a sheer rock face on one side and a rounded slope on the other, giving it its “half dome” appearance . Second, This dome rises about 5,000 feet above the valley floor, and 8,800 feet above sea level.
Recreation
- Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and a great challenge to many hikers. Despite an 1865 report declaring that it was \"perfectly inaccessible, being probably the only one of the prominent points about the Yosemite which never has been, and never will be, trodden by human foot...
Variations
- The Half Dome cables usually go back up the Friday before Memorial Day (conditions permitting) and come down the day after Columbus Day.
Prevention
- Bring well broken-in boots with good ankle support and good traction. Some of the most common injuries Half Dome hikers suffer are blisters and ankle injuries; good footwear is the best way to prevent these problems. One of the easiest ways to ensure a safe, enjoyable hike is to be sure to have plenty of water. Weather conditions and personal preference affect the amount of water yo…
Risks
- Many people find gloves helpful on the cables. However, if you bring your gloves up, pack them out. Hundreds of pounds of rotting gloves otherwise accumulate.
Climate
- The summit is typically 15°F (8°C) to 20°F (11°C) cooler than Yosemite Valley and windy conditions are common. Be prepared for cool temperatures and rain showers.
Safety
- Entering Emerald Pool and the Silver Apron is prohibited, and entering pools above waterfalls is strongly discouraged, because of frequent injuries and fatalities. Use extreme caution near flowing water; rocks adjacent to streams can be surprisingly slick.
Issues
- Even if you plan properly and bring the correct equipment, you might still encounter problems. Some cell phones have coverage from Half Dome and from some locations on the trail. Little Yosemite Valley Ranger Station is staffed during summer. You can find the ranger station on the north side of the valley, near where the Half Dome Trail begins to climb out of the valley. Park ra…
Behavior
- Squirrels, Steller's jays, chipmunks, and other animals also live along the trail; never feed them or allow them to get your food. Do not leave your pack unattended (e.g., at the base of the cables or while you take a swim or nap). Keep wildlife wild: respect them from a distance.
Access
- Most people begin the hike from Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16), which is about a half-mile from the trailhead parking lot or about 3/4 of a mile from Half Dome Village (formerly Curry Village) (parking available). Trailhead parking is just beyond Half Dome Village. Shuttle service doesn't begin until 7 am, so if you're arriving prior to then, you can walk on the road (closed to all but aut…
Facilities
- The nearest campgrounds are Upper, Lower, and North Pines Campgrounds, but reservations are very difficult to get in summer. Camp 4 walk-in campground is also busy. The nearest campgrounds outside Yosemite Valley that may have some first-come, first-served space are Bridalveil Creek and Tamarack Flat Campgrounds.