Half Dome Hike
8,842 ft | California
14 mi round trip
4,800 ft
11 hr
Strenuous
Half Dome Hike at a Glance
The Half Dome hike via the Half Dome via Mist Trail is 14 mi round trip with 4,800 ft of elevation gain, about 11 hr of hiking.
| Summit elevation | 8,842 ft |
|---|---|
| Trail | Half Dome via Mist Trail |
| Distance | 14 mi round trip |
| Elevation gain | 4,800 ft |
| Hiking time | About 11 hr |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Route last checked | October 25, 2026 |
Your time: about 7 h 5 min of moving time at Naismith pace (3 mph plus 1 hour per 2,000 ft climbed); about 8 h 50 min at a relaxed pace. A 160 lb hiker with a daypack burns roughly 4,000 kcal.
Adjust for your pace and breaks →Route line not shown. The 14 mi distance and 4,800 ft of gain for this hike are verified (nps.gov), but we don't yet have a trail track we trust, so the map shows only the destination. Carry an official map.
About Half Dome
At 8,842 feet, Half Dome is Yosemite's most famous summit. The Half Dome via Mist Trail covers 14.0 miles round trip (out-and-back) with about 4,800 feet of elevation gain — a long day of sustained climbing that finishes on the cables. The National Park Service puts the round trip at 14 to 16 miles depending on route, and says most hikers take 10 to 12 hours.
Permits
You need a permit to go beyond the base of the subdome whenever the cables are up, and rangers check permits there. About 225 day-hiker permits are issued per day.
- Preseason lottery: apply March 1–31 (eastern time); results are emailed in mid-April. One application can request up to six permits.
- Daily lottery: apply two days before your hike, between midnight and 4 pm Pacific; results are emailed that night.
- Fees: a $10 non-refundable application fee, plus $10 per person only if you win.
- The permit holder (or the listed alternate) must be with the group.
Details and applications: NPS Half Dome permits.
When the Cables Are Up
The cables are normally up from the Friday before Memorial Day through the day after the second Monday in October, and taken down for winter. Dates can change with conditions, so check the NPS page before you plan.
The Route
Most hikers start at Happy Isles (shuttle stop 16) and climb past Vernal and Nevada Falls on the Mist Trail, continue through Little Yosemite Valley, then climb the subdome and the cables to the summit. Taking the John Muir Trail instead of the Mist Trail for part of the way is longer but less steep, which is why the NPS gives a 14 to 16 mile range. The map on this page shows only part of the route, so carry the official park map.
Time, Water and Turnaround
Leave around sunrise or earlier and set a firm turnaround time; the NPS gives the example of turning around if you haven't reached the top by 3:30 pm. Carry at least 1 gallon (4 liters) of water: the only treated water is a fountain by the Vernal Fall footbridge in summer, and river water must be treated. Gloves with a good grip help on the cables (pack them out). If a thunderstorm is nearby, don't go up the cables, and leave the summit if you're already there.
Getting There
Parking: Curry Village Day Use Parking. Fee: $35 vehicle entrance fee.
Looking to link objectives or plan a weekend? Nearby summits include Clouds Rest, Sentinel Dome and Cathedral Lakes — each has its own guide on this site. See also the official NPS Half Dome page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike Half Dome?
The Half Dome via Mist Trail is 14.0 miles round trip with about 4,800 feet of elevation gain, and most hikers take roughly 10 to 12 hours of moving time. Add time for breaks and conditions — winter or wet weather can double the trip.
Do you need a permit to hike Half Dome?
Yes, whenever the cables are up. Rangers check permits at the base of the subdome. Apply in the preseason lottery (March 1–31) or the daily lottery two days before your hike; it costs a $10 application fee plus $10 per person if you win.
When are the Half Dome cables up?
Normally from the Friday before Memorial Day through the day after the second Monday in October. The National Park Service takes them down for winter, and dates can change with conditions.
How hard is the Half Dome hike?
It's rated Strenuous using the National Park Service difficulty formula (14.0 miles round trip, 4,800 ft of gain — about 340 ft of climbing per mile). The elevation profile on this page shows exactly where the steep sections fall.
Are dogs allowed on the Half Dome trail?
Rules vary by land manager — national parks often prohibit dogs on trails, while most national forests allow them on leash. Check with the managing agency for this trail before bringing your dog, and pack out waste.
When is the best time to hike Half Dome?
When the cables are up, from the Friday before Memorial Day through the day after the second Monday in October. Start at sunrise or earlier to reach the summit before afternoon thunderstorms.
How tall is Half Dome?
Half Dome stands at 8,842 feet (2,695 meters) in California.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Rapidly changing weather
- Ice possible on summit
- Wet leaves on trails
Turn-Around Time
1:00 PM (2:00 PM summer)
Plan to reach the summit by this time to allow safe descent before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Summit Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Downloads
Sources for The Half Dome Guide
Route last checked October 25, 2026.
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.
Nearby Peaks
Explore other mountains near Half Dome. Great for peak-bagging or planning your next adventure.
Peak Bagging Tip
Sentinel Dome is only 4.8 miles away. Consider combining these peaks for a bigger day or overnight trip!
Half Dome Hiking Guides
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