Climbing Half Dome: A Guide to Conquering Yosemite's Iconic Peak

Welcome to this unfiltered, uncensored guide to conquering Half Dome, the iconic granite monolith looming over Yosemite Valley at 8846 feet. This challenging day hike is bucket list material for many hikers. However, the strenuous climb up the sheer walls and the infamous cable section can be intimidating for some. But fear not! This guide will walk you through the hike step by step, offering practical advice and tips to help you prepare, conquer your anxiety, and safely bag the summit.

Quick Overview

Here's a sneak peek at what to expect from Half Dome:

Distance: The most popular route to Half Dome and back is approximately 17 miles, usually taking between 9 and 12 hours. Most people do the hike in a day, but camping and breaking it up is also an option.
Difficulty: Yosemite National Park describes Half Dome as "perhaps the most strenuous day hike in any park." Don't be intimidated, though; with the right preparation, it's within reach for most people.
Danger: While the hike is doable, it can be dangerous. People have died attempting this hike. This guide will help you navigate the cables safely and overcome your fears.
Permits: A permit is necessary when the cables are up, which is generally from just before Memorial Day through Columbus Day. We'll show you how to secure one using four different methods, including the pre-season permit lottery and permit jumping.

Consider an Alternative Hike

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Before diving into the details, it's essential to stress that obtaining a permit for Half Dome can be challenging. If you can't secure a permit, don't despair! Yosemite offers many non-permit hikes that are equally impressive and provide a great alternative. Some of the best include:

Clouds Rest
North Dome
Sentinel Dome

Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.

How to Get a Half Dome Hike Permit

Before even thinking about hiking Half Dome, you need a permit. Here are four ways to secure one:

Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.

1. Pre-Season Permit Lottery

Apply for the lottery online through Recreation.gov. It's open for most of March, and while it's not first-come, first-serve, you'll likely want to book your accommodation at Yosemite in conjunction with your permit. When you apply, be ready to specify your group size (up to 6 people), the desired dates, and an alternate permit holder, just in case.

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2. Daily Permit Lottery

The Parks Service releases around 50 permits in a daily lottery. Apply through Recreation.gov two days in advance. If you win, you'll be notified later in the afternoon, and you can hike after two days.

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3. Permit Jumping

If you haven't gotten a permit, don't give up! You can hike to the Sub Dome and ask the ranger if there are any available permit slots. Sometimes people have no-shows, and if there are empty slots, you can grab one.

4. Wilderness Permit with Overnight Camping

Another option is to apply for a wilderness permit, camping, and adding Half Dome to your reservation. This is only available for overnight permits close to Half Dome, so you can't easily plan a camping trip to Half Dome without actually going there.

Using Your Permit

Mist Trail

Your permit is valid from 12:00 AM on the date it was issued, so you can leave as early as you want. Having a permit allows you to park at the hiker trailhead parking lot. When you reach the Sub Dome area, a ranger will be there. Show your permit confirmation (email or printed), an ID that matches the name on the permit, and have a great hike!

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No Permit Hiking

Technically, Half Dome is open all year, but the cables section is up only from the Friday before Memorial Day through the Tuesday after Columbus Day. If you attempt the hike without the cables (when they're down), it's only for the most experienced hikers. Attempting this hike without proper training and experience can be extremely dangerous.

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Alternatives for When You Can't Get a Permit

The first three miles are the steepest. You'll pass Vernal and Nevada Fall as you tackle the steepest sections before the dome.

If you can't get a permit, don't let it deter you from enjoying Yosemite. There are plenty of other fantastic hikes that don't require a permit or are less demanding. Some options include Clouds Rest, North Dome, and Sentinel Dome.

Training for Half Dome

Little Yosemite Valley

Don't underestimate the importance of proper preparation. This strenuous day hike requires some fitness and endurance. Here's a training plan to help you get ready:

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Gradually work your way up to a 15-mile hike by adding 1-2 miles to your longest hike every week.
Feel comfortable climbing at least 4,000 feet in one day.
Do some pulling exercises, such as seated rows, for several weeks before the hike.
Spend some time at altitude to acclimate before you hike Half Dome. If you live at sea level, arrival at the Yosemite Valley a few days before your hike and doing hikes at higher elevations off of Tioga Road can help prepare you.

Gear You Need for Half Dome

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This is a proper backcountry hike, so it's essential to have the right gear. Here are some must-haves:

Catch your breath on this largely flat section along the Merced River.

3-4L of water (or less if you have a water filter – refill in the Little Yosemite Valley)
Plenty of snacks, like energy bars
A headlamp or flashlight for when you might be caught out after dark
An extra layer and light shell
A trowel and toilet paper in case of an emergency. There are no toilets past Little Yosemite Valley.
If you've used them and are comfortable with them, bring your trekking poles.

Specific Gear for the Cables

The Climb

The cable section offers unique challenges that you don't get on most hikes. Here's what we recommend:

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Footwear with a good grip; most hiking shoes and trail running footwear work well.
Nitrile work gloves are the best gloves for the cables; they're cheap, lightweight, and very grippy.
Maybe a via ferrata climbing lanyard and harness for extra safety, but most people climb the cables without one.

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Gear Notes

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You can leave your backpack at the base of the cables before climbing, but you'll want to lash your trekking poles to it instead of leaving them behind.
Be prepared for rodents at the base of the cables and summit; they'll try to snatch your snacks when you put your backpack down.
Don't leave gloves for other hikers; they usually end up as trash in the wilderness.
Bring a zip-loc bag to pack out all your trash.
The last reliable water source to refill at (with a filter) is the Merced River in Little Yosemite Valley.

A long but steady and gradual climb up the back of Half Dome

The Half Dome Cables

The cable section is the final challenge of the Half Dome hike, climbing the bare granite slope using steel cables for support. Here's what to expect:

Sub Dome

You'll walk up a 45-degree granite slope using the cables.
The cables have multiple sections that overlap, with a set of poles (stanchions) every 10 feet to hold the cables.
The poles are placed in holes drilled into the granite, and there are about 60 sets of poles along the way.
Between each set of poles is a 2x4 board. The board isn't secured to the granite, but rather attached to the poles with a small metal bracket.

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Is it safe?

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Climbing the Half Dome cables can be dangerous, and people have died doing it. However, most people who reach the cables make it up safely. This guide will help you stay safe by providing tips on how to climb the cables smartly.

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Tips for Climbing the Half Dome Cables

Permits only past this point. You'll make your way up steep rock steps to the base of the cables.

Arrive as early as possible to avoid the crowds. The earlier you get to the cables, the fewer people you'll encounter.
Go to the bathroom before the Sub Dome. There's nowhere to hide after that.
Eat and drink before climbing the cables.
Secure all your gear inside your pack, including whatever is in your pockets.
Leave your trekking poles at the base of the cables or lash them to your pack. Never swing them at the person behind you.
Don't look up, don't look down, and don't look out to the sides. Focus on one set of poles at a time.
DO NOT GO OUTSIDE OF THE CABLES.
Don't put your weight on a pole until you know it's securely in the hole.
If someone wants to pass you, be patient and let them. Don't move to the outside of the cables to give them room – let them deal with it.
If you panic, just stop, hold on, look at your feet, and collect yourself. If you feel too much anxiety, turn around and go back down calmly and backward. Stay in control and take it one step at a time.

Descending the Cables

The Cables

Going down is the easier part, but it's still essential to be careful. If it's crowded, descend backward, but on less steep sections, you can just walk down normally. Don't forget your gloves when you go down.

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It's Okay To Turn Around

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Reaching the base of the cables is an achievement on its own. Don't push yourself to climb the cables if you're not comfortable. Remember that fear is personal and relative, and it's okay to go back if you feel unsafe.

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The Cables When it Rains

Make your way up the steep slopes on the cables section to the summit.

The Half Dome cables can be dangerous when it rains. When the granite gets wet, it becomes slippery. Add lightning to the mix, and it's a recipe for disaster. Hikers should avoid the cables when it rains or if there's lightning in the area.

Deaths on the Half Dome Cables

In 100 years, nine hikers have died on the Half Dome cables. Most of those deaths occurred when the cables were down or in wet conditions. Statistically, the risk of dying on the cables is low, but it's essential to always exercise caution and common sense.

Where the Most Problems Occur

According to Yosemite National Park, here's where most problems occur for Half Dome hikers:

Sprained ankles and twisted knees, especially on the Mist Trail section.
Dehydration leading to exhaustion.
Slips and falls from exhaustion; hikers pushing themselves past their limits.
Hikers getting stuck out after dark without illumination.

In Summary

Conquering Half Dome can be a thrilling experience, but it's essential to be well-prepared, mentally and physically. With the right training, gear, and knowledge, you can safely and confidently reach the summit. Good luck – and have a great time!

Sources:

[1] https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm

[2] https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/203507

[3] https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wps1.htm

[4] https://www.sierraclub.org/outings/california/yosemite/half-dome/

[5] https://www.yosemitepark.com/hiking-trails/half-dome-trail/

[6] https://www.sobru.com/half-dome-cables-stair-cases-begin-installation-friday-morning/

This challenging day hike to Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is a bucket list item for many hikers, but it requires the right preparation and gear for a safe climb.
The strenuous hike up the sheer walls of Half Dome can be intimidating, but with practical advice and tips, it's within reach for most people.
The cable section of the Half Dome hike offers unique challenges and requires proper gear, such as footwear with a good grip and nitrile work gloves.
When climbing the Half Dome cables, it's essential to focus on one set of poles at a time and follow safety tips like leaving trekking poles at the base or lashing them to the pack.
Going down the Half Dome cables is the easier part, but it's still important to be careful and leave gloves on for the descent.
It's okay to turn around if you're not comfortable with climbing the cables, and fear is personal and relative.
The Half Dome cables can be dangerous when it rains, and hikers should avoid the cables in wet conditions or during lightning storms.
In 100 years, nine hikers have died on the Half Dome cables, mostly when the cables were down or in wet conditions, emphasizing the importance of caution and common sense.
Sprained ankles, dehydration, and exhaustion are common problems for Half Dome hikers, along with hikers getting stuck out after dark without illumination.
With the right training, gear, and knowledge, you can safely and confidently reach the summit of Half Dome, making it a thrilling adventure-travel experience.

Climbing Half Dome: A Guide to Conquering Yosemite's Iconic Peak