Half Dome is the hike. That sheer granite face rising 4,800 feet above Yosemite Valley, the famous cables ascending the final 400 feet of rock—it's an image that draws hikers from around the world. And with good reason: summiting Half Dome is one of the most thrilling hiking experiences in America.
But there's a catch: you can't just show up and climb. Since 2010, the National Park Service has required permits to ascend the cables, limiting daily visitors to protect both the mountain and the hikers. The permit system can be confusing, frustrating, and competitive—but understanding how it works dramatically improves your chances of standing on that iconic summit.
Here's everything you need to know about getting a Half Dome permit in 2026.
The Permit System Explained
Why Permits Exist
Before the permit system, over 1,000 hikers sometimes attempted Half Dome in a single day. The cables became dangerously crowded, with multi-hour waits and rescue situations common. Permits now limit daily climbers to approximately 300, creating a safer, more enjoyable experience.
Two Ways to Get a Permit
There are two permit opportunities:
- Preseason Lottery: Apply in March for dates throughout the season
- Daily Lottery: Apply 2 days before your desired date
Both lotteries are conducted through Recreation.gov. Let's break down each option.
The Preseason Lottery
How It Works
- Application Period: March 1-31
- Results Announced: Mid-April
- Dates Covered: Entire cables season (typically late May through mid-October)
- Cost: $10 application fee + $10 per person if successful
Applying
- Create an account on Recreation.gov
- Search for 'Half Dome Day Hike'
- Select up to 7 dates in order of preference
- Specify group size (up to 6 people)
- Pay $10 non-refundable application fee
Your Odds
Preseason lottery success rates hover around 20-25%, varying by day:
- Weekends: Most competitive (lower odds)
- Weekdays: Better odds, especially Tuesday-Thursday
- Early/Late Season: Better odds than peak summer
Tips for Success
- Apply for weekdays if possible
- Consider shoulder season dates (late May, early October)
- Select multiple date options
- Don't put all your eggs in one basket—have a backup plan
The Daily Lottery
How It Works
- Application Window: Midnight to 1 PM Pacific, 2 days before your hiking date
- Results Announced: Same evening around 6 PM Pacific
- Permits Available: ~50 per day
- Cost: $10 application fee + $10 per person if successful
Example Timeline
To hike Half Dome on Saturday, July 15:
- Apply between midnight and 1 PM on Thursday, July 13
- Results announced Thursday evening
- If successful, hike Saturday
Daily Lottery Strategy
The daily lottery is your second chance—and many hikers get permits this way. Success rates vary but are generally similar to the preseason lottery. Tips:
- Have flexible travel plans that allow last-minute confirmation
- Apply even if your preseason application failed
- Check results promptly and prepare to finalize plans quickly
When Are Permits Required?
Cables Season
Permits are required only when the cables are up, typically late May through mid-October. The exact dates depend on snow conditions and are announced each spring.
The Cables
The final 400 feet of Half Dome involve climbing the famous cables—steel cables strung along the steep granite slope with wooden crossbars for footing. This section is what requires the permit.
Off-Season
When the cables are down, no permit is required—but climbing the bare rock slope is extremely dangerous and not recommended. The granite is slippery even in good conditions, and falls have been fatal. This is technical climbing territory without the cables.
The Hike Itself
Trail Overview
- Distance: 14-16 miles round trip (depending on route)
- Elevation Gain: 4,800 feet
- Time: 10-14 hours
- Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Route Options
- Mist Trail: Shorter but steeper, past Vernal and Nevada Falls
- John Muir Trail: Longer, more gradual, meets Mist Trail below Nevada Fall
- Most Popular: Up Mist Trail, down JMT
The Cables Section
The final 400 feet up the subdome and main dome are the crux. You'll climb holding onto steel cables, pulling yourself up the steep granite. Gloves are essential—the cables can be rough on bare hands.
Key Considerations
- Start by 6 AM (or earlier) to allow time for the long day
- Bring 3-4 liters of water minimum
- Pack food, sun protection, and layers
- Bring gloves for the cables (work gloves available at the subdome base)
- Never climb in wet conditions—the rock becomes deadly slippery
Alternatives If You Can't Get a Permit
Mist Trail to Nevada Fall
The hike to the top of Nevada Fall (5.4 miles round trip) doesn't require a permit and offers spectacular scenery. You'll experience the best of the Mist Trail without the cables commitment.
Cloud's Rest
At 9,926 feet, Cloud's Rest is actually higher than Half Dome and offers arguably better views—including of Half Dome itself. No permit required, and the trail is less crowded.
Glacier Point
For Half Dome views without the climb, hike to Glacier Point via the Four Mile Trail or Panorama Trail. The vista of Half Dome from Glacier Point is iconic.
Try the Daily Lottery
If your preseason application failed, keep trying the daily lottery. Many hikers succeed this way—it just requires flexibility.
Permit Rules and Tips
What Your Permit Allows
- Access to the cables on your specified date only
- Valid for your group size only—no adding people
- Non-transferable—permits are checked and IDs verified
Important Rules
- You must carry a printed or digital permit
- All group members must be present when permits are checked
- Rangers check permits at the base of the subdome
- Permits are valid only for the date specified
If Weather Forces Cancellation
Half Dome is extremely dangerous when wet. If thunderstorms are likely, do not attempt the cables. Unfortunately, permits are not refunded for weather—this is part of the challenge of planning a Half Dome hike.
Pro Tips
- Apply for both preseason and daily lotteries
- Be flexible with dates and days of the week
- Have a backup plan for your Yosemite trip in case you don't get a permit
- Consider backpacker permits—they include Half Dome access
Quick Reference: Half Dome Permits 2026
| Permit Type | Application Period | Results | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preseason | March 1-31 | Mid-April | $10 app + $10/person |
| Daily | 2 days before (midnight-1 PM) | Same evening | $10 app + $10/person |
Getting a Half Dome permit requires planning, patience, and sometimes a bit of luck. Apply early, apply often, stay flexible, and have backup plans. The permit system can be frustrating, but it makes the Half Dome experience safer and more enjoyable for everyone who earns their spot on those famous cables.
And when you're finally standing on top, looking down at Yosemite Valley 4,800 feet below, you'll know it was worth every bit of effort.
