Half Dome
Half Dome
Half Dome

Half Dome Tours and Tickets

2,593 reviews

Iconic Half Dome rises 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) above the floor of Yosemite Valley. Perhaps one of the most famous hikes in Yosemite National Park, Half Dome was once considered impossible to climb. Now hundreds of park visitors reach this magnificent granite formation’s summit each day, and countless more gaze at its towering face from below.

  • Yosemite National Park, California

Tours and Tickets to Experience Half Dome

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People Also Ask
Q:What is the best month to do Half Dome?
A:Whether hiking or climbing, the best month to do Half Dome is September when Yosemite National Park is less busy than summer. Permits are usually required for above the subdome starting the Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Columbus Day. Expect a preseason and daily lottery for passes.
Q:Is Half Dome a hard climb?
A:Yes, Half Dome is considered a challenging climb as the hiking route gains about 4,800 feet (1,463 meters) of elevation and is steep and slippery in some areas. If you’re thinking about doing Half Dome, make sure you’re in decent shape with some hiking experience under your belt.
Q:How to dress for Half Dome?
A:Hiking Half Dome can take around 10–12 hours, so you need to dress in layers for the climb. Most hikers start before sunrise when it's cooler, and as the day (and the hike) goes on, the heat will build. Bring lightweight layers, gloves for the cables, and extra socks.
Q:Do you need hiking boots for Half Dome?
A:Yes, hiking boots or trail running shoes are helpful for your Half Dome adventure in Yosemite National Park. It’s highly recommended that whatever shoes you pick offer good traction as you’ll need it to keep your grip on the granite as you ascend the cables.
Q:Do I need a harness for Half Dome?
A:No, you don’t need a harness while on Half Dome. If you do use a harness, make sure it's safe and appropriate for the climb. While hikers have died on Half Dome, it's often been due to wet, slippery granite or lightning, so think twice about ascending in bad weather.
Q:Do you need hiking poles for Half Dome?
A:No, hiking poles aren’t needed for Half Dome, but many hikers use them. They’re a great help, even for fit trekkers, as they help you stay balanced on varying terrains and take pressure off your joints, especially as you descend. If you bring them, put them away at the cables.