Half Dome FAQ

Half Dome FAQ: Answers to our clients’ most frequently asked Half Dome Questions

Over the past 25 years, we’ve led thousands of clients to the summit of Half Dome. Here’s a list of Half Dome FAQ’s that come up on our adventures!

Half Dome Hike FAQ

When is the best time of year to summit Half Dome?

Anytime you are lucky enough to get a Cable Permit between Memorial Day weekend in May and Columbus Day in October. However, historically there are less crowds throughout Yosemite after Labor Day weekend.

Do you need special gear to summit Half Dome?

Safety harnesses are not a requirement for Half Dome and we neither recommend for or against them. We also do not provide them. It is a personal decision and ultimately does lower risk. See here for more information: https://yosemitehouse.com/half-dome-safety-gear.

How do you apply for Half Dome Permits?

For Half Dome Day Hikes: You apply for permits on Recreation.gov during the month of March for the following summer season. Lottery results are emailed around mid-April. There is an additional Daily Lottery also available two days prior to the hiking day. For more information see: Half Dome Permits for Day Hikers.

If you are interested in joining us for a Half Dome in a Day Hike, you can also email us your preferred dates by March 15th and we will add you to a permit request list. If awarded we will notify you in mid-April and hold the permits for 72-hours. We recomend you also applying to increase chances.

For Backpacking Trips to Half Dome, you are able to obtain a Half Dome permit if you also obtain a wilderness permit for one of seven trailheads. See here for more information: Half Dome Permits for Backpackers.

I Couldn’t Get a Half Dome Permit. Now What?

You can contact local outfitters and guide services such as Lasting Adventures, Inc. to inquire what dates they might have available. (Remember there is a charge for this service.) Other options include the two-day in advance Daily Lottery, or hiking the trail anyway and hoping you meet someone on trail that has an extra spot on their permit. Ultimately there is always next year.

When Is the Cable Route Open?

The cables are normally up on the Friday before the last Monday in May (Memorial Day), and they are last used on the day after the second Monday in October (Columbus Day).

How Long Does It Take to Hike Half Dome?

The hike’s duration varies depending on the route taken and individual hiking pace. On average, the round trip can take around 10 to 14 hours, including breaks and time spent at the summit.

Half Dome General FAQ

How Tall is Half Dome?

The summit of Half Dome stands approximately 8,842 feet (2,695 meters) above sea level.

How Did Half Dome Form?

Half Dome was formed through natural geological processes, primarily due to exfoliation, where outer layers of the granite peeled away over time. Erosion and glacial activity also played a significant role in shaping its current form.

What Kind of Rock Is Half Dome Made of?

Half Dome is primarily composed of granodiorite, a type of granite. This granitic rock is known for its durability and resistance to weathering, contributing to Half Dome’s iconic shape.

Who were the first people to discover Half Dome?

Half Dome and the surrounding Yosemite Valley were inhabited by Indigenous people, particularly the Ahwahneechee, for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. These Native Americans were among the first to appreciate the beauty of Half Dome, known to them as Tassiyakka.

In the modern era, the first documented ascent was by George G. Anderson in 1875.

Join Us on a Half Dome Guided Adventure!

View our current Half Dome trip listings below, and do Half Dome in style while learning more about the incredible history of this iconic landmark and Yosemite National Park.