Half Dome, Yosemite National Park
Hike Statistics:
Distance: 16.5 miles
Elevation gain: 5,305 feet
Highlights: Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Half Dome cables, Half Dome summit
About this Hike
Summiting Half Dome has become – in recent years – one of the most sought-after accomplishments in the hiking world. Yosemite National Park’s iconic centerpiece stands triumphantly above the floor of Yosemite Valley. From the valley floor, Half Dome rises nearly 5,000 feet. While it’s unsurprisingly a popular destination for rock climbers, a pair of steel cables installed on the rock’s northeastern face in 1920 allows everyday hikers to reach the summit. Those with enough determination, the right gear, and a high level of fitness can therefore summit Half Dome with ease.
To reach the base of Half Dome, you must hike the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail for nearly 7 miles. Along the way, you’ll pass the beautiful Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. As you gain elevation, you’ll begin to explore beautiful meadows and pine forests and eventually gain views of Yosemite’s sprawling mountain ranges. Eventually, you’ll reach the “subdome,” where you must climb an endless staircase carved into granite. After this, you’ll reach the beginning of the famous cables, which assist you in your steep final climb to Half Dome’s summit.
Though grueling, the hike is positively unforgettable. The views along the trail offer stunning glimpses into Yosemite’s vast, pristine wilderness. The 360-degree panorama at the summit is mind-boggling, offering a look straight down Yosemite Valley to the south, with Tuolumne Meadows to the north.
Tips for Half Dome
Before embarking to the summit of Half Dome, there are a few things to keep in mind…
- Summiting Half Dome requires a permit that can be acquired through a seasonal lottery. Visit the NPS website to learn more about the hike and how to prepare.
- The journey to Half Dome requires lots of hiking experience, endurance, and fitness. Many people opt to train specifically for this hike, through a combination of running and leg workouts.
- Thunderstorms have killed people on Half Dome in the past. Delays often form on the cables route since movement is restricted to single-file lines up and down. Do not allow thunderstorms – common on summer afternoons in Yosemite – to endanger you. Start the hike early (3-4 AM), check the forecast in advance, and head for cover at the first sign of a storm.
- Early in the hike, there is a ~2.5 mile section where you can opt to take either the John Muir Trail or Mist Trail. The JMT provides a high-up vantage point of Half Dome’s backside and an overlook of Nevada Fall, while the Mist Trail brings you up close to Vernal and Nevada Fall. I recommend taking the JMT on your journey to Half Dome and using the Mist Trail on the return journey.
Read more about Yosemite’s best offerings in my guest post on Two Wandering Soles.
