Half Dome Day Hike
Hiking Permits Included
|Professional Wilderness Guides
|Unforgettable Experiences
Half Dome Day Hike
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Cost:
$500/person
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Type:
Day Hiking
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Length:
12 – 16 Hours
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Difficulty:
Extremely Difficult
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Mileage:
17 miles
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Season:
June – September
Adventure Details
Hike up the iconic Half Dome cables on this single day guided day hike from Yosemite Valley! The hike up Half Dome in a day is one of the most popular hikes to do in Yosemite National Park, but be warned, this hike is not for the average hiker as it is a very strenuous and long day. On this guided Yosemite hiking tour up to Half Dome, we will pass the rushing Vernal and Nevada Falls, hike past the Little Yosemite Valley Campground as we make our way up the trail to hike up sub-dome and finally climb up the cables to officially summit Half Dome. After spending some time at the summit taking in the epic views and getting some rest after our summit hike, we will make our way back down the cables and head back to Yosemite Valley where your guided Yosemite hiking tour will come to an end. On our guided hike, we will ascend 4800ft from the valley floor to the top of Half Dome over 8 miles before hiking back down
ADVANCED HIKERS ONLY! - Not sure if this hike is for you? Check out our Half Dome Express 2 Day Tour (best for those just wanting to get up and down Half Dome in a less strenuous fashion) or our more scenic Yosemite Half Dome backpacking options that travel 4-5 days through the Yosemite backcountry before summiting Half Dome. The 4+ day itineraries are best for groups wanting a guided backpacking tour where you spend more time enjoying the Yosemite Wilderness and reach the top of Half Dome in a more leisurely manner.
Click the tab above labeled "Upcoming Tours" to view all upcoming tours and book onto a specific tour date.
Half Dome Day Hike Disclaimer
The hike up Half Dome is a very strenuous undertaking and is not suitable for the leisure hiker. Upon trip confirmation, we will send out medical and fitness forms to ensure that you are capable of doing this hike. Hikers who do not train for this hike tend to not be able to complete the hike. If a hiker is unable to continue at any point during the hike, they will be required to sit and wait on the trail for the rest of the group to continue on and get back to them before making their way back to valley. Hikers who are unable to physically complete the hike will not be eligible for a refund.
There are a number of aspects that are out of our control such as inclement weather, fire, smoke, park and trail closures etc. that may prevent us from completing the hike. For fire, smoke or park/trail closure related cancellations, please see our Terms and Conditions
Inclement Weather: Weather in Yosemite National Park can be very unpredictable and for that reason, summiting Half Dome cannot be guaranteed. It is not uncommon in the later summer months for rain and thunderstorms to roll in during the mid-to-late afternoon, generally on our way back from summiting but at times the weather can come earlier in the day and prevent us from summiting Half Dome. If your guide determines at any point in the hike that it is unsafe for us to summit due to rian/lightening/thunderstorm conditions, no refunds will be given. We will make every effort on our end to safely summit Half Dome but will not put our guests or guides in harms way if the weather does not permit us to summit.
Half Dome Day Hiking Tour Booking & Cancellation Policy
Day hiking permits for Half Dome are extremely difficult to receive and are highly sought after. When securing your space on a confirmed and permitted Half Dome Day hiking tour, full payment is due at the time of booking. Half Dome Day hiking tours are non-refundable once we have placed you onto a confirmed permit tour date.
Permits are issued at the beginning of April each year. Once the permit lottery has concluded we will receive our confirmed permit dates. Bookings made prior to Discovery Treks receiving confirmed permit dates are eligible for a full refund of any deposits paid up until you have agreed to and been placed on to a confirmed permit that we received through the lottery. Once your booking has been confirmed and placed onto a permit, your payment is non-refundable.
Pickup Locations
Meet your guide at Happy Isles Trailhead.
What to Bring
Pre-Arrival Preparation
- Hiking training for this trip is required. The day hike of Half Dome is a very strenuous hike covering 16 miles with nearly 5000ft of elevation gain.
- Pre-Hydration - Make sure to hydrate the day prior to the hike to ensure you are ready for the hike.
- Night before dinner - eat a good hearty dinner the night before for good energy during the hike.
- Pre-hike breakfast - eat a good base of food to start the hike. Bagels and other carb rich foods are a good option
- Day Pack
- Water - minimum 3L capacity. Your guide will carry water filtration to fill up in the creek/river if necessary
- Food & Snacks - we recommend bringing a lunch option (sandwich, wrap etc) and 3-5 nutrient rich snacks such as Cliff bars, trail mix, beef jerky etc.
- Trekking Poles - [optional] we recommend bringing trekking poles for knee relief and stability
- Gloves - [required] you will need to bring grippy rubber or leather gloves for use on the Half Dome cables. Ascending the cables without gloves is dangerous and will likely cut or injure your hands
- Hiking Boots - hiking boots or trail shoes with good rubber soles are required. No tennis shoes, sandals or soft soled shoes
- Hiking Socks - Wool is highly recommended, no cotton; hiking specific socks recommended
- Sunscreen & Lip Balm
- Hat & Sunglasses - full brimmed hats are recommend for full sun coverage
- Comfortable Hiking Clothes - no jeans
- Headlamp or Flashlight - Headlamps are highly recommend over handheld flashlights
- Lightweight Rain Gear - Jacket/Pants or poncho
June
July
Don't see a tour date that works for you?
We may still be able to schedule additional tour dates that fall within your travel window.
Please call our office to inquire at 480-247-9266.