2.3 hr
Overview
You'll find Half Dome Trail at the intersection with John Muir Trail: Happy Isles to Half Dome Trail, ~6 miles from the Happy Isles trailhead. The trail steadily climbs to the north-northwest through the forest for roughly a mile before turning west and then southwest toward Half Dome. You'll eventually emerge from the tree-cover onto solid granite and begin ascending a steep series of switchbacks to a saddle below the cables.<br><br>The most famous--or infamous--part of this trail 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. However, injuries are not uncommon for those acting irresponsibly.<br><br>The .Half Dome cables usually go back up the Friday before Memorial Day (conditions permitting) and come down the day after Columbus Day.<br><br><b>Tips while using the cables:</b><br><ul><br> <li>Take your time and be patient with slower visitors</li><br><li>Consider bringing used cycling gloves or gloves with traction to protect your hands. There will be a pile of used gloves at the base of the summit.</li><br> <li>Allow faster moving traffic to pass you (when possible)</li><br> <li>Remain on the inside of the cables</li><br></ul><br><b>Do not attempt the ascent if:</b><br><ul><br> <li>Storm clouds are in the area</li><br> <li>The ground is wet (the cables and rock become very slick when wet; most accidents on the cables occur during wet conditions)</li><br><li>You are not wearing sturdy shoes or hiking boots</li><br> <li>The cables are down for the winter (typically, from the day after Columbus Day until Memorial Day weekend) (Check <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href"http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm">conditions update</a> for status and any available updates)</li><br></ul>
Trail Stats
3.4 km
548 m
2677 m
2139 m
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Photos
The infamous cable climb on Yosemite's Half Dome rewards visitors with stunning views from the top.
The infamous cable climb on Yosemite's Half Dome rewards visitors with stunning views from the top.
Reaching to the Half Dome cable! It was a wonderful and unforgettable experience!!
Reaching to the Half Dome cable! It was a wonderful and unforgettable experience!!
At the top of Half Dome
At the top of Half Dome
Sunrise shot on Half Dome summit.
Sunrise shot on Half Dome summit.
Flying Squirrel after conquering Half Dome!!!
Flying Squirrel after conquering Half Dome!!!
Oh hey little guy!
Oh hey little guy!
The ant trail up Half Dome!
The ant trail up Half Dome!
Over the edge of Half Dome
Over the edge of Half Dome
The Visor
The Visor
Standing at the base of the Half Dome cables.
Standing at the base of the Half Dome cables.
Part of Sub-Dome's path
Part of Sub-Dome's path
On the top of Half Dome
On the top of Half Dome
Chillin' on top of Half Dome.
Chillin' on top of Half Dome.
July 5, 2018 On top of Half dome
July 5, 2018 On top of Half dome
Almost to the top, just a little more!
Almost to the top, just a little more!
Beginning the decent down the cables from the top.
Beginning the decent down the cables from the top.
USA! USA! USA!
USA! USA! USA!
Not a bad view of Yosemite Valley from the top of Half Dome.
Not a bad view of Yosemite Valley from the top of Half Dome.
The cables
The cables
This hike can get CROWDED!
This hike can get CROWDED!
A view down the cables.
A view down the cables.
Halfdome in August
Halfdome in August
This was definitely the most difficult part of the climb.
This was definitely the most difficult part of the climb.
Coming down the cables from the Half Dome summit.
Coming down the cables from the Half Dome summit.