Missing out on Half Dome permits can feel like a gut punch. It’s one of the most iconic hikes in Yosemite National Park, and for many, it’s the centerpiece of a trip.
But here’s the good news: Half Dome isn’t the only hike in Yosemite that delivers jaw-dropping views, big mileage, and that earned it feeling. In fact, some would argue the alternatives are even better.
If you didn’t get permits this year, don’t worry, you’ve still got options that will absolutely deliver.
Clouds Rest
Mileage: ~14.5 miles round trip (from Sunrise Lakes Trailhead)
Elevation Gain: ~1,775 ft
If you were dreaming of Half Dome views, this is your move.
Clouds Rest sits even higher than Half Dome and offers one of the most iconic panoramas in the park, looking straight down at Half Dome’s face. The final ridge is narrow and thrilling, giving you that same exposure and adrenaline without the cables.
Arguably the best view in Yosemite.
Mist Trail → Panorama Trail → Four-Mile Trail Loop
Mileage: ~13–15 miles (depending on route)
Elevation Gain: ~4,000–4,500 ft
This loop is a full-value day.
Start on the Mist Trail, climbing past Vernal and Nevada Falls (expect to get wet in spring), then traverse the Panorama Trail with sweeping views of Half Dome and the Valley. Finish with the long descent down the Four-Mile Trail back to Yosemite Valley.
You’ll see waterfalls, big walls, and endless views, basically a greatest hits tour.
Diverse, challenging, and incredibly scenic.
Mount Hoffmann
Mileage: ~6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~2,000 ft
Shorter, quieter, and right in the geographic center of the park.
Mount Hoffmann doesn’t get the same attention as other peaks, but it should. From the summit, you get a 360-degree view of Yosemite’s high country; Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Canyon, and beyond.
A hidden gem with a huge payoff.
Mount Dana
Mileage: ~6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~3,000 ft
If you want a challenge that feels big, Mount Dana delivers.
Starting at Tioga Pass, this hike climbs quickly to over 13,000 feet. The air gets thin, the terrain gets rugged, and the views just keep expanding. From the top, you’ll see into the eastern Sierra and deep into Yosemite.
High elevation, high reward.
So… Is Missing Half Dome Really a Loss?
Honestly? Not really.
Half Dome is iconic—but these hikes offer:
- Fewer crowds
- More solitude
- Just as much (if not more) scenery
- And that same sense of accomplishment
Sometimes missing out on one plan opens the door to something even better.
Want to Experience Yosemite Without the Stress?
If you’d rather not worry about permits, route planning, or logistics, we’ve got you covered.
At Lasting Adventures, we guide trips throughout Yosemite—including routes that feature many of these incredible hikes.
Join us on a guided backpacking trip and experience the best of Yosemite, no permit stress required.
Or check out what spaces we have left on our Half Dome adventures.
The post What to Hike if You Don’t Get Half Dome Permits appeared first on Lasting Adventures | Top-Rated Guide Services.