Are dogs allowed on Half Dome?

No, dogs are not permitted on Half Dome. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Half Dome?

Yes, Half Dome requires a permit. Day-use lottery permit required to ascend the subdome and cables; none needed below the cables. Apply through the issuing agency at https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm before your visit — many systems run lotteries with fixed application windows.

How difficult is Half Dome?

Half Dome is rated expert. It is 14.2 miles long with 4,800 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Half Dome?

Half Dome is best hiked in summer. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

1 / 5

ExpertOut and Back

Yosemite National Park/California

Half Dome

Yosemite Valley, California

14.2 mi

Distance

4,800 ft

Elev. Gain

7h 8m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

Iconic climb to the top of Half Dome (8,839 ft) using cable routes. Features stunning views of Yosemite Valley, Nevada Fall, and Vernal Fall. Lottery permit required for cables.

Trail Conditions

Open

Updated Apr 19, 2026 — may be out of date

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

Wildlife encountersChanging weatherSevere exposureSteep drop-offsAltitude sickness riskAfternoon thunderstormsTechnical terrainRoute finding requiredRemote location

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Mixed Surface

Permit required

Apply through the issuing agency. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates on the agency page.

Day-use lottery permit required to ascend the subdome and cables; none needed below the cables.

Get permit

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Reserve or permit

Apply for permit
Required permit application for this trail. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates here.

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:209-372-0200
Address:9039 Village Drive · Yosemite, CA · 95389

Best Seasons

Summer

Highlights

Cable routeSub DomeNevada FallVernal FallYosemite Valley views

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Verified from National Park Service public trails dataset

Trail centerline: National Park Service public trails dataset. Source ↗

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting unit

CA Unit D6· D

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the California hunting page

Half Dome

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Hazards & Warnings

Trail Details

Best Seasons

Highlights

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting unit

Nearby Trails

Nevada Falls

Vernal Falls and Clark Point via Mist and John Muir Loop

Mirror Lake Loop

Four Mile Trail

Four Mile Trail to Panorama Trail to Mist Trail

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

Other trails in Yosemite National Park

Mirror Lake Loop

Yosemite Falls Trail

Four Mile Trail

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

Four Mile Trail

Vernal Falls and Clark Point via Mist and John Muir Loop

Campgrounds near this trail

Upper Pines Campground

Lower Pines Campground

Glacier Point Ski Hut

Curry Village

Yosemite Valley Backpacker's Campground

Housekeeping Camp

Similar trails in California

Yosemite Falls Trail

Four Mile Trail

Potato Chip Rock via Mt. Woodson Trail

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

Mount Tallac Trail

Mission Peak from Ohlone College