Half Dome Yosemite Chic

HALF DOME INFORMATION

Half Dome Hiking Trail Map

Preseason Lottery
During the preseason lottery, 225 permits are available for each day. The application period for this lottery is from March 1 through March 31 (eastern time). Applicants will receive an email with lottery results in mid-April or can get results online or by calling Recreation.gov. We are planning on the Half Dome cables being up from May 26 through October 10, 2023, but these dates could change based on weather conditions.

On each preseason lottery application, an applicant can apply for up to six permits (six people) and for specific dates or a range of dates. Applications will only be successful if the number of permits requested is available on at least one of the requested dates. If enough permits are available for more than one of the requested dates, permits will be automatically awarded to the highest priority date, as entered by the applicant.

The applicant must specify the name of the permit holder and may specify the valid email address of an alternate permit holder. Applicants may be a permit holder or alternate only once on only one application during the preseason lottery. (That is, a person's name may appear on only one application, as either a permit holder or alternate). People applying multiple times as permit holder/alternate permit holder will have all their lottery applications canceled. Permits are only valid if the permit holder and/or alternate specified on the permits is part of the group using the permits. The permit holder or alternate must be present with the entire group at the base of the subdome, where rangers will check for permits. The names of the permit holder and alternate may not be changed once the application is submitted. Permits are not transferable.

Alternate permit holders must have or create a Recreation.gov account within the specified amount of time noted on the application. Alternates must accept this role within the specified amount of time as noted on the application or they will not be considered a valid member of the group. An applicant may apply as a permit holder or accept as an alternate permit holder only once per lottery.

Half Dome Permits for Day Hikers
Permits to hike to the top of Half Dome are required seven days per week when the cables are up (as called for in the Half Dome Stewardship Plan in order to protect wilderness character, reduce crowding, protect natural and cultural resources, and improve safety). The cables are normally up the Friday before the last Monday in May (Memorial Day) and the last day to use the cables is the day after the second Monday in October. These dates are subject to change based on conditions (check current status).

A maximum of 300 hikers are allowed (about 225 day hikers and 75 backpackers) each day on the Half Dome Trail beyond the base of the subdome.

Permits for day hikers are distributed by lottery via Recreation.gov, with one preseason lottery having an application period in March and and daily lotteries during the hiking season. Backpackers—including those who plan to spend the night in Little Yosemite Valley—should apply for Half Dome permits with their wilderness permit rather than using the process described below.

Permits for Backpackers (including Camping in Little Yosemite Valley)
Backpackers—including those who want to spend the night in Little Yosemite Valley—should apply for Half Dome permits with their wilderness permit.

Backpackers beginning a wilderness trip outside Yosemite should apply for Half Dome day hiker permits using the information on this page.

Permits are distributed by lottery via Recreation.gov, with one preseason lottery with an application period in March and and daily lotteries during the hiking season.

To apply for a permit, visit Recreation.gov or call 877/444-6777 (call center is open from 7 am to 9 pm Pacific time; online requests can be made any time during a lottery period).

Click on the link below to download information on hiking Half Dome and obtaining a permit
RECREATION.GOV

HALF DOME HIKE

Half Dome (cables typically up from late May to early October) via Mist Trail 14 mi/22.5 km round-trip; via John Muir Trail 16.3 mi/26.3 km round-trip; via Mist and John Muir Trails 15.2 mi/24.4 km round-trip; 10 to 12 hours; 4,800 ft./1,463 m. elevation gain. Begin at Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16)

DO NOT BEGIN THIS ASCENT IF: 1) the cables are down, 2) there is any chance of rain (moisture makes the granite too slick for safety), or 3) there is any chance of lightning. Follow the Mist Trail or John Muir Trail to Nevada Fall. Continue on the trail, following the signs to Half Dome. The last 900 feet (275 m) of trail is a very steep climb up the east side of Half Dome. Cables assist hikers on the final 400 feet (122 m). They consist of two steel cables, about 3 feet apart and suspended at arm’s height from pipes set in the rock. The top of Half Dome is a fairly large and level open surface. Camping is not permitted on top of Half Dome.

HALF DOME PRE-SEASON PERMITS

PRE-SEASON LOTTERY: During the preseason lottery, 225 permits are available for each day. The application period for this lottery is from March 1 through March 31 (eastern time).

If you are hiking to Half Dome, and plan on using the cable up the dome, then you will need to get a permit. You can hike up to the base of the Dome, but you won't be able to take the steel cables over the dome without the permit. A maximum of 300 hikers are allowed each day to go up and over the Dome. Go to the Recreation.gov website to apply for your permit and do it in time because they sell out super fast! Getting around the Valley is easy.

Day use permits are available only through lotteries operated by Recreation.gov

Day use permits are not available through any office in Yosemite National Park, or at any VISITOR CENTER.

PLEASE PRINT YOUR PERMIT BEFORE COMING TO YOSEMITE

HALF DOME DAILY LOTTERY

Additional permits are available each day by lottery during the hiking season. These permits are available based on the estimated rate of under-use and cancellation of permits. The daily lotteries have an application period two days prior to the hiking date with a notification late that night. (So, to hike on Saturday, you would apply on Thursday and receive an email notification of results late on Thursday evening. Results are also available online, or by phone the next morning.) The application period is from midnight to 4 pm Pacific time.

Daily lottery applications only allow a permit holder (no alternate).

To apply for a permit, visit Recreation.gov or call 877/444-6777 (call center is open from 7 am to 9 pm Pacific time; online requests can be made any time during a lottery period).