What time should I start Half Dome?
If you’re new to hiking and not sure how conditioned you are, aim to start around 4-5am. You may be starting your hike in the dark, but it’s much better than ending your hike in the dark. The first time I hiked half dome it took me nearly 7 hours just to make it to Little Yosemite Valley.
Can you see Half Dome without hiking?
Viewing Half Dome If you’re not a hiker, you’ll only see Half Dome from a distance, but it’s a prominent part of the Yosemite landscape. Tunnel View: From the vista point on Wawona Road just before you reach the tunnel, you can see Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Falls all in the same panoramic view.
Do you need a permit to hike Half Dome at night?
Backpackers—including those who want to spend the night in Little Yosemite Valley—should apply for Half Dome permits with their wilderness permit. Backpackers beginning a wilderness trip outside Yosemite should apply for Half Dome day hiker permits as day hikers, using the information on this page.
Are there day use permits for Half Dome?
Half Dome day use hiking permits are available only through lotteries on Recreation.gov. Half Dome day use hiking permits are not available at any office in Yosemite National Park. If you intend to camp overnight during your hike to Half Dome, do not apply here.
How long does it take to get to Half Dome?
Along the way, you’ll encounter outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, and—from the subdome and summit—panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra. It takes most people 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back. If you plan on hiking during the day, it’s smart to leave before or at sunrise.
What’s the most famous part of the Half Dome hike?
The most famous–or infamous–part of the hike is the ascent up the cables. The two metal cables allow hikers to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing equipment. Since 1919, relatively few people have fallen and died on the cables.
How tall is the Half Dome in Yosemite?
Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and a great challenge to many hikers.