Guided Half Dome Hike
1 day
With guide
About this activity
Early in the morning, meet your expert guide at a trail head that is confirmed at the time of booking. Here, you receive a safety briefing and review the day’s schedule. Your journey to Half Dome is carefully organized so that you set a good pace on this strenuous 17-mile (27-km) trip.
Once you have received your orientation, lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail. As you hike, you’ll learn about the geology and natural history of Half Dome, Yosemite, and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Along the way, soak up amazing views of Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome and the High Sierra as the trail rises 4,800 feet (1460m) from Yosemite Valley to the top of Half Dome.
The final section of the Half Dome ascent requires you to scale the mountainside for 400 feet (125m) using cables fastened into the steep rock face. Your guide shows you how to use your provided equipment before you climb the cable route. This part of the hike requires a permit that you must acquire before you reach Yosemite National Park. See Additional Info for instructions on how to obtain your permit, which is included in the price of this guided hike. You also have the option to sit out this final section; there is plenty of amazing scenery to enjoy, and your day will be amazing and challenging whether you reach the summit or not!
Upon completion of this epic adventure, you’ll be rewarded with the satisfaction of knowing you climbed Half Dome and learned new mountaineering skills. Return to the trail head to end your day, where you’ll receive a ‘Half Dome Summit Club’ patch to commemorate your achievement.
Please note: Hikers need to be in excellent physical condition and well-prepared for this challenging 12-hour trek. It's important that you are in shape prior to this trek, and you can consult your guide after booking on how to properly train. You must also be able to carry your own daypack (not included). It should be equipped with food, water, layered clothing, and a safety kit. Other necessities include a hat, sunblock and a flashlight. Detailed information on how to pack is provided on the voucher.
IMPORTANT: Hikers must obtain a permit to hike Half Dome. The supplier may have a permit depending on time of departure. To apply for a permit yourself, the Half Dome Permit Application Process is from March 1–31, and done through recreation.gov.
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Once you have received your orientation, lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail. As you hike, you’ll learn about the geology and natural history of Half Dome, Yosemite, and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Along the way, soak up amazing views of Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome and the High Sierra as the trail rises 4,800 feet (1460m) from Yosemite Valley to the top of Half Dome.
The final section of the Half Dome ascent requires you to scale the mountainside for 400 feet (125m) using cables fastened into the steep rock face. Your guide shows you how to use your provided equipment before you climb the cable route. This part of the hike requires a permit that you must acquire before you reach Yosemite National Park. See Additional Info for instructions on how to obtain your permit, which is included in the price of this guided hike. You also have the option to sit out this final section; there is plenty of amazing scenery to enjoy, and your day will be amazing and challenging whether you reach the summit or not!
Upon completion of this epic adventure, you’ll be rewarded with the satisfaction of knowing you climbed Half Dome and learned new mountaineering skills. Return to the trail head to end your day, where you’ll receive a ‘Half Dome Summit Club’ patch to commemorate your achievement.
Please note: Hikers need to be in excellent physical condition and well-prepared for this challenging 12-hour trek. It's important that you are in shape prior to this trek, and you can consult your guide after booking on how to properly train. You must also be able to carry your own daypack (not included). It should be equipped with food, water, layered clothing, and a safety kit. Other necessities include a hat, sunblock and a flashlight. Detailed information on how to pack is provided on the voucher.
IMPORTANT: Hikers must obtain a permit to hike Half Dome. The supplier may have a permit depending on time of departure. To apply for a permit yourself, the Half Dome Permit Application Process is from March 1–31, and done through recreation.gov.
Included
- First Aid
- Water filter
- Local guide
- Hiking poles, upon request
- Safety equipment for the Half Dome cables: gloves, custom designed safety belts, and carabiners
Not included
- Water
- Lunch & snacks
- Gratuities
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- IMPORTANT: Hikers must obtain a permit to hike Half Dome. The supplier may have a permit depending on time of departure. If you wish to apply for a permit yourself, the Half Dome Permit Application Process is from March 1–31, and done through recreation.gov. The application may be completed and submitted online for a maximum of 6 permits (for 6 people) per application (hikers do not have to obtain a permit for their guide). In addition, hikers who were unsuccessful or did not submit an application may apply two days before the day they would like to hike and they'll be notified the following morning on the outcome of their application. Please note if you have a permit at the time of booking
- Please provide your hotel and contact information (phone number, email and accommodations) in the Special Requirements box at checkout. Hotel information is for guides' reference only; pickup/drop-off is not included.
- Please note: Half Dome Hikes are challenging, strenuous hikes and require more planning than others. It is strongly recommended for hikers to complete a full training regimen when preparing for this hike. Please contact supplier (after booking) to discuss your plans to attempt Half Dome and how you are preparing for it
- Please dress in athletic wear and bring 120 oz of water, lunch, snacks, sunblock, sunglasses, wide brimmed sun hat/baseball cap and day pack (to carry essentials). Please see voucher for additional information for preparing for your hike
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative date or full refund.
Features
Sport
75%
Tourism
45%
Cultural
20%
Adrenaline
15%
Reviews
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Joh, Pat and Catherine at YExplore made this a great trip. My son was thrilled with the experience. Very professional and safety minded, while making it an informative and positive experience. Very fortunate to have found them.