Half Dome Day Hike Permit
Required permit to climb the famous cables on Half Dome. One of the most sought-after day hikes in America.
“One of America's most sought-after wilderness permits.”
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when Half Dome permits become available due to cancellations.
Half Dome Quick Facts
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Booking Method
- Lottery
- Demand Level
- Extremely High
- Season
- Late May to October
About This Permit
Half Dome is Yosemite's most iconic summit. The final 400 feet require ascending steel cables bolted into the granite. On busy days, you'll wait in line for the cables. The reward: standing on top of one of America's most recognizable landmarks, 4,800 feet above the Valley floor.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Half Dome is among the most competitive permits in Yosemite. Thousands attempt to get permits each season, and success requires planning, persistence, and often a bit of luck. The permit system exists because this destination is genuinely special.
Key Dates
Permit Details
Pro Tips
- •Apply for weekdays in March lottery
- •Try daily lottery 2 days before
- •Start at 5am or earlier
- •Bring gloves and 4+ liters of water
- •Check weather for thunderstorms
What to Expect
Route Details
Highlights
- •14-16 mile round trip depending on route
- •4,800 feet of elevation gain
- •10-14 hours for most hikers
- •Steep cable section at the end
- •Crowds on summer weekends
- •Afternoon thunderstorms common
Best Time to Visit
June through September offers the best conditions. Avoid holiday weekends. Weekdays have fewer crowds and better lottery odds.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Lightning storms
- !Slippery cables when wet
- !Altitude (8,800 ft)
- !Heat exhaustion
- !Long exposure
When to Go
Conditions
Snow-free above 10,000 ft by mid-July most years. Afternoon thunderstorms common.
Crowd Level
HighAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +All routes accessible
Challenges
- !Mosquitoes through July
- !Afternoon storms
- !Crowded trailheads
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended Experience
Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.
Apply during the lottery window
Submit your application between March 1 and March 31. Apply for multiple dates to increase your odds.
Wait for lottery results
Results are typically announced Mid-April. Check your email and recreation.gov account.
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
Set up PermitSnag alerts
Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Rules & Regulations
- •Permit required for cables section
- •225 permits per day (preseason lottery)
- •50 permits per day (daily lottery)
- •No camping on Sub Dome or Half Dome
- •Pack out all trash
Gear Checklist
Required
- Gloves for cables
- Headlamp
- 4+ liters water
- Snacks/lunch
- Sun protection
Recommended
- Trekking poles
- Rain jacket
- Extra gloves
- First aid kit
Half Dome FAQ
How do I get a Half Dome permit?
Half Dome permits are available through two lotteries: preseason (March) and daily (2 days before). The preseason lottery awards about 225 permits per day. The daily lottery releases 50 additional permits.
What are my odds?
Preseason lottery: 20-30%. Daily lottery varies from 5% (weekends) to 50% (weekdays). Your best bet is applying for multiple weekday dates in the preseason lottery.
Can I hike Half Dome without a permit?
You can hike to the Sub Dome without a permit. The permit is only required for the cable section. Many hikers enjoy the views from Sub Dome and turn around.
What time should I start?
Most hikers start at 5-6am to finish before afternoon thunderstorms. The round trip takes 10-14 hours. Starting at Mist Trail is 14.2 miles, John Muir Trail is 16.4 miles.
Do I need gloves for the cables?
Yes. Gloves are essential for gripping the steel cables. Bring sturdy work gloves or leather gloves. Some hikers leave spare gloves at the base.
Other Yosemite Permits
Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list
JMT Yosemite
The legendary 211-mile trail from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney. Multiple Don...
May Lake
Wilderness permit for overnight camping starting from the May Lake trailhead in ...
May Lake to Snow Creek
Wilderness permit for overnight camping starting from the May Lake to Snow Creek...
Porcupine Creek
Wilderness permit for overnight camping starting from the Porcupine Creek trailh...
Yosemite Creek
Wilderness permit for overnight camping starting from the Yosemite Creek trailhe...
Ten Lakes
Wilderness permit for overnight camping starting from the Ten Lakes trailhead in...
You Might Also Like
Similar permits from other parks and wilderness areas
Don't miss your chance at Half Dome
Cancellations happen every day. Be the first to know with PermitSnag's instant alerts.