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Half Dome via Mist Trail
Extremely StrenuousSAC: T3Out & Back

Half Dome via Mist Trail

Yosemite National Park • Yosemite Valley, California

Distance16.5 mi(26.5 km)
Elevation Gain+4,800 ft(+1463 m)
High Point8,839 ft(2694 m)
Est. Duration10 - 12 hoursTypical pace
Quick Answer & Key Takeaways

Half Dome via Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park is a 16.5-mile out & back trail with +4,800 feet of elevation gain, rated as Extremely Strenuous (SAC T3). Best hiked between Late May, June, July, August, September, Early October, the route requires approximately 10 - 12 hours and requires an official permit (NPS lottery permit strictly enforced 7 days a week when cables are up (typically Memorial Day through Columbus Day).).

Difficulty: Extremely Strenuous • Elevation gain: +4,800 ft
Water availability: Vernal Fall footbridge and Merced River near Little Yosemite Valley (filtration required).
Primary hazards: 400-foot 45° granite cable ascent, Sudden alpine thunderstorms & lightning strikes, Dehydration and quad cramping, Polished, slick granite
Permit requirement: NPS lottery permit strictly enforced 7 days a week when cables are up (typically Memorial Day through Columbus Day).

Trail Overview

The Half Dome trek represents the quintessential High Sierra day adventure. Departing Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley in predawn darkness, hikers ascend stone staircases bathed in the mist of Vernal and Nevada Falls. Passing through Little Yosemite Valley, the route climbs through fir forests up the subdome—a brutal stair climb over exposed granite shoulders. The climax is the Half Dome Cables route: two steel cables anchored into vertical drill holes with wooden 2x4 footboards laid across polished granite inclined up to 45 degrees. The summit plateau spans several football fields, rewarding hikers with jaw-dropping views of Tenaya Canyon, Clouds Rest, and the entire High Sierra crest.

Key Route Highlights

  • Vernal and Nevada Falls mist trails
  • Subdome granite staircase
  • Famous steel cable climb
  • High Sierra wilderness panoramas
Critical Hazards & Risk Factors
400-foot 45° granite cable ascent
Sudden alpine thunderstorms & lightning strikes
Dehydration and quad cramping
Polished, slick granite
Ranger Safety Recommendations:
  • Never attempt the cables if clouds darken the sky; granite conducts electricity, and several hikers have perished from lightning strikes.
  • Bring rubber-dipped work gloves for gripping the steel cables firmly.
  • Start no later than 5:00 AM to beat afternoon heat and summer convective storms.
  • Pack 4+ liters of water or a reliable water filter to refill at Little Yosemite Valley.
Field Preparation Tool

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Logistics & Regulations

Permits & Reservations

NPS lottery permit strictly enforced 7 days a week when cables are up (typically Memorial Day through Columbus Day).

Optimal Season

Late May, June, July, August, September, Early October

Water Availability

Vernal Fall footbridge and Merced River near Little Yosemite Valley (filtration required).

Pet / Dog Regulation

Not Allowed

Crowd Density

High Traffic

GPS Coordinates
37.7459, -119.5332Map →
CavingClub.org Field Safety BulletinAlways carry the Ten Essentials, 3 lights for caves, and decontaminate gear for bat protection.
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