Half Dome via Cables
Yosemite, CA
Elevation Profile
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Waypoints
Happy Isles Trailhead
Start from Happy Isles. Arrive early—the shuttle from Curry Village begins at 7am.
3,999 ft
Vernal Fall
First major landmark. Mist Trail goes right; John Muir Trail goes left.
5,000 ft
Nevada Fall
Top of Nevada Fall. Views of Liberty Cap. Little Yosemite Valley ahead.
6,302 ft
Sub Dome Junction
Permit check station. Rangers check your permit here. 400 feet of cables ahead.
8,501 ft
Half Dome Summit
The summit. Views in all directions. Turn back if thunderstorms are building.
8,839 ft
Route Details
Distance
14.9 mi
Elevation Gain
4,800 ft
Elevation Loss
4,800 ft
Max Elevation
8,839 ft
Estimated Days
1
Trailhead
Happy Isles Trailhead
Best Season
Cables installed late May through October. Start before dawn to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Lightning is the main hazard.
Permit Required
Day hike permit required through recreation.gov lottery. Apply 2 days before or 7 days before via advance lottery.
About This Route
Half Dome is the most iconic hike in Yosemite National Park and one of the most recognizable summits in the world. The cables route from Yosemite Valley to the summit and back is a strenuous 14-16 mile day hike gaining nearly 4,800 feet, with the final 400 feet on steel cables bolted into the granite dome. The cables are installed each spring (typically late May) and removed in fall (October). Without the cables, the final section is a technical climb. The permit system limits daily visitors to protect both the resource and safety. Thunderstorms are the primary hazard. The summit is fully exposed and lightning strikes have killed hikers on the cables. The park service recommends starting before dawn to summit by midday and descend before afternoon storms build. Check the forecast—if thunderstorms are predicted, turn back. The trail climbs through Yosemite Valley forest, past Nevada and Vernal Falls, through the Little Yosemite Valley, and up the Sub Dome steps before the cables. The sub-dome switchbacks and cables section require hand-over-hand climbing on a steep granite slab. Gloves are strongly recommended.
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