Yosemite Valley, California
Half Dome via Mist Trail
Yosemite's bucket-list cable climb up a 4,800 ft granite monolith.
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Length
- 16.5 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 4,800 ft
- Duration
- 10–14
- Best Season
- Late May–Oct
- Permit
- Required
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Features
- Waterfalls, Cables
About the trail
The Half Dome day hike is a Sierra Nevada classic. The Mist Trail passes Vernal and Nevada Falls before joining the John Muir Trail, climbing through Little Yosemite Valley and the sub-dome. The final 400 vertical feet ascend the famous steel cables bolted directly into the granite. The summit offers a flat, expansive view over Yosemite Valley, Tenaya Canyon, and the High Sierra.
Trailhead map & directions
Trailhead: 37.7459, -119.5331Get directions →
Turn-by-turn route
- Park at the Trailhead Parking near Curry Village or take the Valley Shuttle to Stop 16.
- Walk to the Happy Isles trailhead and follow signs for Vernal Fall.
- Take the Mist Trail past Vernal and Nevada Falls (~3 miles).
- Continue through Little Yosemite Valley to the Half Dome junction.
- Ascend the sub-dome switchbacks and then the cables to the summit.
- Return via the John Muir Trail for a knee-friendlier descent.
Parking
Trailhead Parking lot near Curry Village fills before sunrise in summer. Backup: park at Yosemite Village and shuttle in.
Tips from the trail
- A permit is mandatory whenever cables are up — apply via the preseason lottery in March.
- Bring gloves with grip for the cables.
- Start no later than 5 AM in summer; afternoon thunderstorms close the cables.
- Carry 4+ liters of water and electrolytes.