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The summit of Half Dome is extremely dangerous during thunderstorms. Check the forecast before you hike and plan to summit early, as thunderstorms typically form in the afternoon. If a storm appears nearby, descend immediately with caution and patience on the cables and steps. Use extreme caution if the cable route is wet. You are responsible for deciding if conditions are safe to proceed. Threatening weather, dehydration, exhaustion, injury, etc., are all valid reasons to turn back.

Half Dome Eligible Trailheads

There are seven Half Dome eligible trailheads. Each offer a different experience, varying in distance and elevation change. Read the descriptions for each trailhead and determine your preference before reserving a wilderness permit.

Need to Know

➡️ The quota for Half Dome permits for backpackers is 75 permits per day.
➡️ Reserving a Half Dome eligible trailhead also reserves Half Dome permits for your entire group. You do not need to otherwise indicate that you want to hike Half Dome on your reservation.
➡️ When you arrive to pick up your wilderness permit, let the wilderness center staff know that you would like to hike Half Dome during your trip. The fee is $10 per person hiking Half Dome, payable only in person at permit pick up. Cash is not accepted.
➡️ A wilderness permit cannot be used for day hikes. If you want to hike Half Dome in a day, you need a Half Dome Permit, not a wilderness permit.

Mileage and elevation change are not exact. Make sure to get your own topographic map (ADD LINK) to plan your wilderness travel route! The distance you cover and elevation change you experience will vary depending on your route, timeframe, abilities, and where you camp along the way.

HAPPY ISLES > LITTLE YOSEMITE VALLEY

Distance: approximately 8 miles one-way; 14-16 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: approximately 4,500-5,000 feet

The trail to Little Yosemite Valley starts at Happy Isles at the east end of Yosemite Valley. It travels near steep granite cliffs and past both Vernal and Nevada Falls. The shortest and steepest route via is the Mist Trail, while the John Muir Trail takes a longer and lower angle, but still steep path. This is the most popular and direct route to Half Dome. This trailhead requires you to camp in Little Yosemite Valley (LYV) on your first night.

GLACIER POINT > LITTLE YOSEMITE VALLEY

Distance: approximately 10 miles one-way; 20 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: approximately 3,200 feet

Though slightly longer than starting from Yosemite Valley, this is an easier hike from Glacier Point along the Panorama Trail to Little Yosemite Valley. This trailhead requires you to camp in Little Yosemite Valley on your first night. Glacier Point Road is closed during winter and typically opens in mid-May, but can open earlier or later depending on the snowpack. If Glacier Point Road is closed, you cannot access your trailhead and there is no refund.

HAPPY ISLES > PAST LYV (DONOHUE PASS ELIGIBLE)

Distance: approximately 8 miles one-way; 14-16 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: approximately 4,500-5,000 feet

This trail also starts at Happy Isles and follows the same route as the Happy Isles>Little Yosemite Valley trailhead but does not allow you to camp in Little Yosemite Valley. You must travel up the Merced River to beyond Moraine Dome or up Sunrise Creek beyond the Half Dome turn off before looking for a place to camp.

MONO MEADOW

Distance: approximately 11-12 miles one-way; 22-24 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: approximately 3,500 feet

Beginning from Glacier Point Road, this trail descends steeply to Mono Meadow; an area that is very wet throughout the summer. Expect log crossings over creeks and lots of mud. You must travel at least to the intersection of the Mono Meadow trail and the Buena Vista Trail before finding allowable camping. You must camp in the Illilouette Basin or south of it on your first night. You may not camp in Little Yosemite Valley on your first night.

 

SUNRISE (NO DONOHUE PASS)

Distance: approximately 11-14 miles one-way; 22-28 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: approximately 3,000-3,500 feet

This popular trail begins from Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake and follows switchbacks southbound toward Sunrise Lakes or Clouds Rest. Visitors can choose from several different loop options in this area such as Merced Lake, Half Dome, or Cathedral Lakes. There is a High Sierra Camp located at Sunrise. If you intend on camping within a mile of the High Sierra Camp, you must camp in the established backpacker’s area.

CATHEDRAL LAKES

Distance: approximately 16-18 miles one-way; 32-35 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: approximately 3,900 feet

This popular trail begins in Tuolumne Meadows and leads hikers into the heart of the Cathedral Range and provides various loop trip options. The trail heads south from Tioga Road. Camping is prohibited in the Budd Lake and Elizabeth Lake drainages. Dispersed camping is not allowed before Upper or Lower Cathedral Lakes. Fires are prohibited in the Cathedral Lakes Basin.

RAFFERTY CREEK > VOGELSANG

Distance: approximately 24-28 miles one-way; 48-56 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: approximately 4600-5,200 feet

This is the furthest of the Half Dome eligible trailheads. This trail follows the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River through sub-alpine meadows and then climbs along Rafferty Creek to Tuolumne Pass, Vogelsang, and destinations beyond. This is a popular area that provides access to various alpine environments in the Cathedral Range. There is a High Sierra Camp at Vogelsang. If you intend on camping within a mile of the High Sierra Camp, you must camp in the established backpacker’s area near Fletcher Lake. Fires are prohibited in the Vogelsang area, at Boothe Lake, and above 9,600 feet.