Taking a Trip to Half Dome? You Will Need a Permit. Here is How to Get One.

The views as you enter Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park are always spectacular, but nothing amazes a visitor more than seeing majestic Half Dome rising high above the valley floor.

And although early guests of the park weren’t always able to reach the peak of the famed dome, thousands of hikers now challenge themselves to take on this strenuous, yet rewarding climb.

Permits are required to hike to Half Dome

If you are just hiking for the day, then you will need a Half Dome permit. If you plan to backpack and stay one or more nights, you will need a Wilderness Permit AND a Half Dome permit.

Applications for both permits are available online via a lottery system for the period from just before Memorial Day at the end of May to just after Columbus Day in mid-October.

This is the time when steel cables are placed along the steep incline to aid hikers for the last 400 feet of the trail. 

Obtaining permits via the lottery isn’t always easy. There are only 225-day hiker permits available each day.

Some have found it next to impossible to get the dates they want, while others, through perseverance, have been very successful.

When completing your application for a Half Dome permit, you will need to type in your name and contact information, including an email address.

You can list several trail options and the dates you want to visit. If your name/date is chosen, you will receive an email confirmation within two business days. You will then have 48 hours to pay your fees. 

The application fee for a Half Dome permit is $10. Once you've received your confirmation, this fee will apply to each member of your group. Therefore, if you're applying for a group, the total cost will be $10 multiplied by the number of individuals in your group.

Permits must be picked up in person the day before or the day of your hike at the Wilderness Center closest to the trailhead you are starting from.

There is also a daily lottery with around 50 permits available each day. The application process needs to start two days before your proposed hike. Winners of the lottery will be notified via email that evening.

Obtaining a backpacking permit

For those wanting to enjoy the scenery more leisurely, you may opt for a backpacking trip. The park only allows permits for 75 backpackers a day, with 50 available online and 25 available in person on a first-come-first-served basis the day before your planned hike. 

When filling out your online application for a wilderness permit, make sure you also apply for the Half Dome permit.

You will need to list the site of your first night of camping in addition to your name and contact information. A wilderness permit costs $5 for submission and $5 per person, in addition to the Half Dome permit fees listed above.

Once your permits are all settled, make sure you prepare properly for your trip. Day hikers, depending on how you pace themselves, could be looking at a 10 to 12-hour hike to and fro.

You may have to leave early in the morning and return when it’s dark, so a flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries is essential. You will be covering a variety of terrain, including steep granite steps, so taking practice hikes before your trip date is advised.

Bring plenty of food for energy and layers of clothing for protection. You will be hiking past waterfalls, so prepare to get wet. Good shoes are essential, especially for slippery conditions.

A hat and sunscreen are very helpful, and most importantly, bring plenty of water. Some have brought water filters to reduce the number of bottles they need to carry, but note the last areas to fill up your containers.

If you are backpacking, it's crucial to have a bear canister to protect food and scented supplies from bears. This safety measure is essential for a secure hiking experience.

It's important to be aware that if it is raining when you get to Half Dome, it may be wise to turn around and head back. Lightning has been known to strike in that area, especially around the steel cables.

Additionally, the granite slopes become extremely slippery, posing a significant climbing hazard.

Hiking to Half Dome is a demanding, challenging, yet wonderful adventure. Make an effort to plan your trip well, and you will be rewarded with spectacular vistas, a fantastic feeling of accomplishment, and memories to last a lifetime.

Happy hiking!