Do I need a permit to hike Half Dome?
Yes. You need a permit to hike Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served. The permit is the Half Dome Day Hike Permit.
Lottery permit
What the Half Dome permit costs and covers
- Fee
- $10 per application + $10 per person if awarded
- Group size limit
- 6 people
- Issued per day
- 225 people
- Applications open
- March 1
- Applications close
- March 31
- Results
- Mid-April
- Season starts
- Late May
- Season ends
- October
What the rules require
- Valid Half Dome permit required to hike beyond Sub Dome when cables are up
- Permits checked by rangers at the base of Sub Dome
- Hiking without a permit is a federal violation (fine up to $5,000 and/or 6 months jail)
- Up to six permits (six people) per preseason lottery application
- Camping prohibited at the summit or on Sub Dome
- Dogs, bikes, and drones are prohibited on the trail
Published rules for the Half Dome Day Hike Permit, quoted as written.
“The application period for this lottery is from March 1 through March 31 (eastern time).”
Read August 20, 2026 on the National Park Service, Yosemite National Park permit page
Published under the heading "Preseason Lottery".
Getting one
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates go back into the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Half Dome Day Hike Permit and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.
Common questions about the Half Dome permit
Do I need a permit to hike Half Dome?
Yes. You need a permit to hike Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served. The permit is the Half Dome Day Hike Permit.
How much does a Half Dome permit cost?
$10 per application + $10 per person if awarded.
When can I apply for a Half Dome permit?
The application window opens March 1. It closes March 31. Results: Mid-April.
How many people can be on one Half Dome permit?
6 people.
When is the Half Dome permit season?
Season starts: Late May. Season ends: October.
What if I lose the Half Dome lottery?
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates return to the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Half Dome Day Hike Permit for those cancellations and sends an alert when one appears.