- 14-16 miles
- 5,200 feet of elevation
- Advanced
- Must have shoes with traction, food, water, a headlamp, and other proper equipment.
- There is a very steep section where there are cables during certain times of the year. Please make sure to go on a day where the trail is not wet or snowy/icy as it is very easy to slip and fall.
- A permit is required to complete this hike during the season. On the off season, you do not need a permit although the cables will not be up.
Half dome is one of America’s most well-known hikes, although is a very strenuous hike. It is recommended you start this hike early (around 5am) to avoid having to go up or down the down during the dark. It typically will take most experienced hikers 10-12 hours to complete the trail completely. Make sure to double check the batteries of any flashlights and headlamps as if there is a situation where you do get caught in the dark, having a light could save your life. It is recommended to set a time frame to turn around if you are not comfortable in hiking in the dark, to avoid any non-wanted situations. It is also important to check weather conditions and previous weather conditions to ensure the trail is not wet or it is predicted to rain that day, as it can cause the half dome to become very slick. A lot of deaths come from people slipping due to poor weather conditions or poor shoe equipment. This hike is also not friendly to those with a fear of heights. If you are on this hike and have any anxiety, it is best to return if you are not able to control your nerves.
