About Half Dome Permits
Overview:Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and a great challenge to many hikers. Despite an 1865 report declaring it was "perfectly inaccessible, being probably the only one of the prominent points about the Yosemite which never has been, and never will be, trodden by human foot," George Anderson reached the summit in 1875, and in the process created the predecessor for today's cable route.Today, thousands of people reach the summit. For most, it is an exciting, arduous hike; for a few, it becomes more adventure than they bargained for. Every summer park rangers must assist hundreds of people on the Half Dome trail.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 14 to 16-mile round-trip hike to Half Dome is not for the out of shape or unprepared visitor. Hikers gain an elevation of 4,800 feet on their way to the top of Half Dome, but the reward is worth the effort. Along the way, you'll encounter outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and - from the subdome and summit - panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.It takes most people 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back. If you plan on hiking during the day, it's smart to leave before or at sunrise, with a non-negotiable turn-around time. Check sunrise and sunset times before you embark on your hike, and always bring a flashlight or headlamp with good batteries. Although the trail is well marked, you should be prepared with a good topographic map and compass, with the ability to use them.Much of the hike to Half Dome is an unpredictable adventure into Wilderness, but preparation is paramount. Use the links in the Know Befor
How to Get There
For maps of the Yosemite area click http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/maps.htm . From Wawona to Curry Village Parking Drive time: 45 minutes Total distance: 27 miles Directions: Follow the Wawona Rd (CA 41 North) to Yosemite Valley. Continue right onto Southside Drive (one way road) to Curry Village. Take the first right on to Yosemite National Park Rd into Curry Village and follow signs to guest parking. From El Portal to Curry Village Parking Drive time: 35 minutes Total distance: 17 miles Directions: Take CA 140 east into Yosemite Valley. Turn right over bridge onto Southside Drive. Follow Southside Drive (one way road) to Curry Village. Take the first right on to Yosemite National Park Rd into Curry Village and follow signs to guest parking. From Big Oak Flat Entrance to Curry Village Parking Drive time: 40 minutes Total distance: 25 miles Directions: Follow the Big Oak Flat Rd (CA 120 E) to CA 140 junction. Turn left onto CA 140 to Yosemite Valley. Turn right over bridge onto Southside Drive. Follow Southside Drive (one way road) to Curry Village. Take the first right on to Yosemite National Park Rd into Curry Village and follow signs to guest parking. From Tuolumne Meadows to Curry Village Parking (SUMMER ONLY) Drive time: 1 hour and 30 minutes Total distance: 55 miles Directions: Follow the Tioga Rd (CA 120) West to the Big Oak Flat Rd. Turn left onto the Big Oak Flat Rd. Follow the Big Oak Flat Rd to CA 140 junction. Turn left onto CA 140 to Yosemite Valley. Turn
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Half Dome Permits
Heading to Half Dome Permits? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Half Dome Permits?
No central reservation system listed for Half Dome Permits. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234652) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Half Dome Permits?
For maps of the Yosemite area click http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/maps.htm . From Wawona to Curry Village Parking Drive time: 45 minutes Total distance: 27 miles Directions: Follow the Wawona Rd (CA 41 North) to Yosemite Valley. Continue right onto Southside Drive (one way road) to Curry Village. Take the first right on to Yosemite National Park Rd into Curry Village and follow signs to gu…
How do I contact Half Dome Permits?
You can reach the park at email: YOSE_Web_Manager@NPS.gov.
References & Official Resources
