Half Dome Tours and Tickets
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Half Dome
Half Dome is a must-see for adventure travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and photographers.
Hiking Half Dome requires a permit, so be sure to apply well in advance.
If hiking, wear sturdy and comfortable footwear suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, as well as sun protection, and bring gloves to ascend the metal cables that line the final stretch of the route.
Along the trail, flush toilets are located at the Vernal Fall Footbridge, and composting toilets are available at Emerald Pool (above Vernal Fall), at the top of Nevada Fall, and in Little Yosemite Valley.
People Also Ask
There are plenty of ways to experience Half Dome. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:
If you’re planning to hike Half Dome when the cables are up, there’s a US$10 application fee for a permit; if you’re awarded your permit, there’s a second US$10 fee for the permit itself. Of course, there’s Yosemite's US$35 entrance fee, unless you have an America the Beautiful pass (US$80). Non-US residents incur an additional US$100 fee to enter the park. Some tours may cover permits and entrance fees.
Yes, Half Dome is worth visiting, as it's one of the nation's most iconic mountains. Plus, any visit to Half Dome means a visit to the fabulous Yosemite National Park—John Muir once aptly wrote, "No temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite," and that sentiment still rings true today.
Per one customer who booked the Half Dome Guided Ascent, "Climbing Half Dome has been a dream of mine, and I couldn't have asked for a better guide than Gabe. From the first step to the final push up the cables, he was absolutely phenomenal. He paced the hike according to my ability, checked in regularly, and made sure I felt confident at every stage — especially on the cables, where his calm and steady presence made all the difference."
Whether hiking or climbing, the best month to do Half Dome is September when Yosemite National Park is less busy than summer. Permits are usually required for above the subdome starting the Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Columbus Day. Expect a preseason and daily lottery for passes.
Yes, Half Dome is considered a challenging climb as the hiking route gains about 4,800 feet (1,463 meters) of elevation and is steep and slippery in some areas. If you’re thinking about doing Half Dome, make sure you’re in decent shape with some hiking experience under your belt.
Hiking Half Dome can take around 10–12 hours, so you need to dress in layers for the climb. Most hikers start before sunrise when it's cooler, and as the day (and the hike) goes on, the heat will build. Bring lightweight layers, gloves for the cables, and extra socks.
Yes, hiking boots or trail running shoes are helpful for your Half Dome adventure in Yosemite National Park. It’s highly recommended that whatever shoes you pick offer good traction as you’ll need it to keep your grip on the granite as you ascend the cables.
No, you don’t need a harness while on Half Dome. If you do use a harness, make sure it's safe and appropriate for the climb. While hikers have died on Half Dome, it's often been due to wet, slippery granite or lightning, so think twice about ascending in bad weather.
No, hiking poles aren’t needed for Half Dome, but many hikers use them. They’re a great help, even for fit trekkers, as they help you stay balanced on varying terrains and take pressure off your joints, especially as you descend. If you bring them, put them away at the cables.
There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Half Dome. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Yosemite National Park:
View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Yosemite National Park.