Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a bucket-list seeker, the cables of Half Dome are an iconic Yosemite experience. This 16-plus mile journey is a combo of endurance, grit, and luck of the lottery! Here is your complete guide to conquering Half Dome, featuring the exact itinerary we used for a successful September summit.

The Half Dome “Need to Knows” Before You Go

1. The Permit (Non-Negotiable)

You must have a permit to climb the subdome and the cables. Rangers sometimes check these at the base of the subdome, and they do not make exceptions. You can apply for multiple people, you just need the person whose name is on the permit to be in the group with an ID.

• The Pre-Season Lottery: This opens March 1st and closes March 31st every year. You apply via Recreation.gov.
• Notification: You’ll find out your fate in mid-April.
• The Daily Lottery: If you miss the March window, you can apply for a daily permit two days before your desired hike date (e.g., apply Friday for a Sunday hike).

2. The Cables

The cables are typically “up” from the Friday before Memorial Day through mid-October. In 2026, they are expected to be up from May 24 to October 15, though snow levels can shift these dates.

“Do I need to wear a harness and clip in on the cables?”

This is totally a personal decision. Our group decided to not clip in, it seemed harder to unclip and reclip at every post. Also, some parts of the cables are very steep, but it never felt too dangerous to me since I was sturdy with my grip and footing.

Safety Warning: Never attempt the cables if the rock is wet or if there are clouds in the sky. Granite becomes a slip-and-slide when damp.

3. Be Prepared

The cables are not something to take lightly. Make sure you have grippy gloves and sturdy shoes with good traction. Make sure you follow my advice below and bring enough food and water. I also recommend hiking poles that you can leave at the base of the dome.

Where to Stay: Curry Village Tents

For a Half Dome hike, Curry Village is the gold standard because you can walk from your tent directly to the Happy Isles trailhead. These are so convenient, close to the trailheads, comfortable enough, and warm showers! There is also free electric car charging!

• Go for the Heated Tent: Not only will it keep you cozy, but heated tents are the only ones guaranteed to have an electrical outlet.
• The Bear Locker Rule: This is non-negotiable. Absolutely no food, trash, or scented items (deodorant, toothpaste, even sunscreen) can be left in your car or inside your tent.  Bring a padlock to keep yours secure!

Park Entry & Fees

Yosemite has simplified things for 2026—no entrance reservations are required this year! However, you still need to handle the entry fee:

1. Standard Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days). Yosemite is a cashless park, so have your credit card or mobile payment ready at the gate.
2. The “America the Beautiful” Pass: If you plan on visiting more than two National Parks a year, this $80 annual pass is a no-brainer. It covers your entire car and all passengers. Just show the physical card and your ID to the ranger at the kiosk.
3. Non-Resident Fees: If you have international friends joining, note that as of 2026, there is a $100 per-person surcharge for non-US residents at Yosemite unless they are covered by an annual pass.

Steal Our Half Dome Weekend Itinerary

Thursday: Arrive in Yosemite

• 1:00 PM: Leave the Bay Area.
• 5:30 PM: Arrive in Yosemite and check into Curry Village. Getting set up here is key because you are right at the trailhead for tomorrow.
• 7:00 PM: Early dinner and lights out. You have a very early wake-up call.

Friday: Summit Day

• 2:15 AM: Wake up and hit the trail. Starting in the dark ensures you reach the cables before the midday heat and the crowds.
• 4:00 PM: Finish the hike.
• Post-Hike Meal: Head straight to the Curry Village Pizza Deck. They offer Gluten-Free crust (and it’s actually delicious after 16 miles).
• 6:00 PM: Pure relaxation. You earned it.

Saturday: Recovery & Enjoy Yosemite

• Morning: Sleep in! Grab coffee and head up Tioga Road to Tenaya Lake. The “beach” here is the perfect spot to soak sore feet.
• Afternoon: Hike Polly Dome Lakes (approx. 6 miles round trip). It’s a gorgeous, flatter trail that takes you through granite slabs to hidden alpine lakes.
• Evening: Dinner at Curry Village followed by stargazing at Tunnel View. The sky is unbelievable when the valley lights are below you.

Sunday: The Giants

• 11:30 AM: Check out and head toward the south entrance.
• Hike Mariposa Grove: Walk among the Giant Sequoias before the drive home. It’s a peaceful way to end the trip before hitting the road by 3:00 PM.

Yosemite Packing Checklist

Don’t get caught on the subdome without the essentials. Here is the curated list for a Half Dome weekend:

The Essentials

[ ] Hiking boots (broken in!)

[ ] Gloves with grip (Essential for the cables—rubber-dipped work gloves are best)

[ ] Headlamp + extra batteries (You’ll be hiking 3–4 hours in pitch black)

[ ] Daypack (3L water capacity is the minimum recommended)

[ ] Permit + ID (Rangers will check both)

[ ] America the Beautiful Pass (For park entry)

[ ] Downloaded Alltrails map of route

Gear & Clothing

[ ] Hiking poles (Save your knees on the 4,800ft descent)

[ ] Reusable water bottles or hydration bladder

[ ] Moisture-wicking layers (Avoid cotton at all costs)

[ ] Wool hiking socks

[ ] Fleece & Down jacket (The summit is 15-20°F cooler than the valley)

[ ] Water filter (To refill at the Merced River if needed)

[ ] Portable power bank (Some tents don’t have outlets)

[ ] Camp shoes (after the hike you will NOT want to put your boots back on)

[ ] Earplugs & sleep mask(for trying to sleep early before the hike)

Wellness & Food

[ ] Electrolytes (Nuun or Liquid I.V. to prevent cramping)

[ ] Sunscreen & Bug spray

[ ] First aid kit (Blister pads/moleskin are your best friends)

[ ] Trail snacks (High-protein and salty snacks)

Any comments, ideas, or suggestions – leave a comment below!