Landmarks
Half Dome
13 locals recommend
Tips from locals
Niv & Nav
January 23, 2022
Half Dome Cables The most famous--or infamous--part of the hike is the ascent up the cables. The two metal cables allow hikers to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing equipment. Since 1919, relatively few people have fallen and died on the cables. However, injuries are not uncommon for those acting irresponsibly. The Half Dome cables usually go back up the Friday before the last Monday in May (Memorial Day) and come down the day after the second Monday in October (Columbus Day). These dates are subject to change based on conditions. Tips while using the cables: Take your time and be patient with slower hikers Allow faster hikers to pass you (when possible) Remain on the inside of the cables Do not attempt the ascent if: Storm clouds are in the area The ground is wet (the cables and rock become very slick when wet; most accidents on the cables occur during wet conditions) The cables are down for the winter (typically, from the day after Columbus Day until Memorial Day weekend) (check conditions update for status and any available updates) Preparation Footwear Bring well broken-in boots with good ankle support and good traction. Some of the most common injuries Half Dome hikers suffer are blisters and ankle injuries; good footwear is the best way to prevent these problems. Gloves Many people find gloves helpful on the cables. However, if you bring your gloves up, pack them out. Hundreds of pounds of rotting gloves otherwise accumulate. Trash There is no trash service on trails. While hiking in Yosemite, be sure to pack out all trash. When possible, you can help park rangers by picking up trash that you encounter on the trail. Bearproof trash cans are available at trailheads. Water One of the easiest ways to ensure a safe, enjoyable hike is to be sure to have plenty of water. Weather conditions and personal preference affect the amount of water you need, but suggested minimum amounts per person are: 1 gallon (4 liters) if hiking to the top of Half Dome 2 quarts (2 liters) if hiking only to the top of Nevada Fall 1 quart (1 liter) if hiking only to the top of Vernal Fall The only treated water on the trail is available (summer only) at a drinking fountain at the Vernal Fall Footbridge (less than a mile from the trailhead). Merced River water is available up to Little Yosemite Valley, however you should treat this water by boiling, using iodine, or using a giardia-rated water filter. Drinking untreated river water may cause significant illness. Restrooms Flush toilets are available at the Vernal Fall Footbridge (below Vernal Fall). Composting toilets are available near Emerald Pool (above Vernal Fall), near the top of Nevada Fall, and in Little Yosemite Valley. At any other location, you are required to bury any solid human waste at least six inches (15 cm) deep and at least 100 feet (30 m) from water or trails. Pack out toilet paper. Safety Weather The summit of Half Dome is a dangerous place during a lightning storm. Check the weather forecast before your hike and try to reach the summit early in the day to avoid thunderstorms, which are more common in the afternoon (but can occur at any time). If a storm appears nearby, do not continue to the summit and, if in the summit area, leave the area (while still using caution when descending the cables and steps). The summit is typically 15°F (8°C) to 20°F (11°C) cooler than Yosemite Valley and windy conditions are common. Be prepared for cool temperatures and rain showers. Altitude Sickness A few visitors each summer have problems with altitude sickness. Symptoms may include severe headache and/or nausea. The only way to relieve altitude sickness is to descend immediately. Other environmental illnesses include heat exhaustion, dehydration, and hyponatremia (low electrolyte levels). In addition to drinking plenty of water, be sure to eat, and to take regular rest breaks in the shade. Emerald Pool Entering Emerald Pool and the Silver Apron is prohibited, and entering pools above waterfalls is strongly discouraged, because of frequent injuries and fatalities. Use extreme caution near flowing water; rocks adjacent to streams can be surprisingly slick. Emergencies Even if you plan properly and bring the correct equipment, you might still encounter problems. Some cell phones have coverage from Half Dome and from some locations on the trail. Little Yosemite Valley Ranger Station is staffed during summer. You can find the ranger station on the north side of the valley, near where the Half Dome Trail begins to climb out of the valley. Park rangers frequently patrol the trail, so the ranger station is not always staffed. You may need to send some members of your group to Yosemite Valley to get assistance. Wildlife Black bears frequent Yosemite's Wilderness and are adept at grabbing backpacks from hikers and campers--during both day and night. Always keep your food within arm's reach (or on your back); never leave it unattended. If you see a bear, act immediately to scare it away: make as much noise as possible by yelling. If there is more than one person, stand together to present a more intimidating figure, but do not surround the bear. Squirrels, Steller's jays, chipmunks, and other animals also live along the trail; never feed them or allow them to get your food. Do not leave your pack unattended (e.g., at the base of the cables or while you take a swim or nap). Keep wildlife wild: respect them from a distance. Improper food storage and feeding of wildlife may result in a fine (up to $5,000). Trailhead and Parking Information Most people begin the hike from Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16), which is about a half-mile from the trailhead parking lot or about 3/4 of a mile from Curry Village (parking available). Trailhead parking is just beyond Curry Village. Shuttle service doesn't begin until 7 am, so if you're arriving prior to then, you can walk on the road (closed to all but authorized vehicles) from either parking area to the trailhead. The nearest campgrounds are Upper, Lower, and North Pines Campgrounds, but reservations are very difficult to get in summer. Camp 4 walk-in campground is also busy. The nearest campgrounds outside Yosemite Valley that may have some first-come, first-served space are Bridalveil Creek and Tamarack Flat Campgrounds.
Half Dome Cables The most famous--or infamous--part of the hike is the ascent up the cables. The two metal cables allow hikers to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing equipment. Since 1919, relatively few people have fallen and died on the cables. However, injuries are not unc…
Dorothy
July 12, 2017
Iconic view from Yosemite National Park.
Jen
October 18, 2019
Half Dome is an iconic Yosemite feature. It is best seen either from Glacier Point (drive out Glacier Point Road, which is close to the Yosemite Cabin) and enjoy the unique view of Half Dome's profile and back side. You can also take the trail to Mirror Lake from Curry Village and enjoy the view of Half Dome from its base. Another cool/adventurous option is to take the Snow Creek Trail (a super steep, windy trail) and get some of the best head-on views of Yosemite from across its canyon.
Half Dome is an iconic Yosemite feature. It is best seen either from Glacier Point (drive out Glacier Point Road, which is close to the Yosemite Cabin) and enjoy the unique view of Half Dome's profile and back side. You can also take the trail to Mirror Lake from Curry Village and enjoy the view of…
Larry
May 19, 2019
Popular hiking destination in Yosemite National Park. It is a rather strenuous hike to the top but worth the view!
Garth
March 8, 2020
Camp Chilnualna Cabins are a great place to stay for when you decide to make the climb up Half Dome
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- 35 locals recommend