Standing almost 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, Half Dome is an iconic granite peak that draws adventurers from around the world. This 17-mile trek with significant elevation gain is demanding, but those who reach the summit are rewarded with panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra—making it an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking a day of true adventure in one of Yosemite’s most renowned landscapes.

Meeting Point
Meet your guide at 6:00 AM in Simpson Meadow, across from Curry Village. View the map here. We aim to hit the trail promptly, so please arrive on time.
Trail Overview
This is a 17-mile round-trip with a challenging elevation gain of 4,800 feet. Expect a full-day hike, typically from dawn until dusk.
Trail Highlights
- Lower Trail: Starting at the Valley floor, we’ll follow the Merced River, moving past the stunning Vernal and Nevada Falls, where we’ll encounter over 400 granite steps along the Mist Trail.
- Middle Trail: Above the waterfalls, the trail leads through serene conifer forests, where we continue our ascent. The well-graded path makes for steady progress as we approach higher elevations.
- Summit Push: The final 3 miles feature some of the most rigorous elevation gain, with 2,850 feet to climb. The last obstacle is the iconic cable section, which assists hikers on the final 400 feet to the summit.
Summit and Return
At the top, enjoy panoramic views and a guide-prepared lunch. Take a well-deserved break before retracing our steps back to the trailhead. We aim to conclude by 5:00 PM, but the finish time can vary based on the group’s pace. Celebrate your achievement back at Curry Village with a refreshing meal and drink.

Travel & Logistics
If you are driving a personal vehicle, plan for extra time to get to your destination and find parking. Traffic can be heavy in Yosemite Valley during the peak months of summer and it is important that you arrive on time. Park in the large Curry Village lot and walk over to adjacent Simpson Meadow. View the map of our meeting point here.
For more information on parking and transportation, visit the Yosemite National Park homepage.
What To Bring
- Small daypack
- 3 Liters of water
- Snacks
- Additional layer or windshell
- Rain Jacket for the Mist Trail
- Sunscreen
- Gloves for the cables (gardening gloves)
Choose comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing. For footwear, go with sturdy hiking shoes that have good traction. Be sure to check the weather ahead of time so you can dress accordingly. Check the local forecast here: Yosemite Valley Weather.
Permits
To summit Half Dome, a permit is required, and these permits are distributed through a competitive lottery held each March. We’ll share the confirmed trip dates as soon as we receive our permits in mid-April. To get priority on our allocated permits, join our Half Dome Permit Sign-Up List.
Booking
Once the permit lottery is complete, we will contact you to confirm your dates. You will have 24 hours to book your spot before the date is released to the public on our website. Before booking, please review our flexible Cancellation Policy here.

Gear
We will provide trekking poles and a daypack upon request.
Lunch
Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions. If you have any snacks or food you know you will want, we encourage you to bring them along.
Professional WSA Guide
Our guides are passionate about Yosemite, dedicated to making your experience unforgettable, and excited to share their knowledge and love for this remarkable place. We look forward to summiting Half Dome with you!

Water
Please bring at least 3 liters of water per person to start. Your guide will have a water filter to refill along the way.
Transportation
Personal clothing and footwear
Please bring a pair of shoes suitable to hike in. Check the local forecast here: Yosemite Valley Weather and bring appropriate clothing. Always bring an extra layer or a wind shell. The summit of Half Dome sits at 8,800 feet, where even a slight drop in temperature or a breeze can feel cold.
Recommended 10-20% gratuity for guides
Trip Insurance