Half Dome

Overview

Half Dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. It is one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks in the park, known for its distinctive shape and challenging hiking trails.

Half Dome is a significant natural landmark and a symbol of Yosemite National Park. It is a popular destination for hikers and photographers, offering stunning views and a challenging ascent.

Hiking Photography Nature

Location

Address

Yosemite National Park, California

Neighborhood: Yosemite Valley

Coordinates

37.746800, -119.535100

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - Sunset

tuesday 8:00 AM - Sunset

wednesday 8:00 AM - Sunset

thursday 8:00 AM - Sunset

friday 8:00 AM - Sunset

saturday 8:00 AM - Sunset

sunday 8:00 AM - Sunset

Admission

Adults

$35 per vehicle

Children

$15 (ages 7-17), free for children under 7

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April to October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

3 hours

Full Experience

Full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild to warm

• Wildflowers
• Waterfalls

summer

Warm to hot

• Extended daylight
• Clear skies

autumn

Cool to mild

• Fall colors
• Cooler temperatures

winter

Cold to very cold

• Snowy landscapes
• Holiday lights

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Obtain a wilderness permit for the Half Dome cables route
Check trail conditions before hiking
Bring plenty of water and snacks

What to Bring

essential

Hiking boots Water Snacks Permit

seasonal

Warm layers Rain gear Snow shoes

not allowed

Drones Pets on trails

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate to high

• Altitude sickness
• Dehydration
• Heat exhaustion

Medical facilities: First aid available at visitor centers

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/Debit cards

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $35 per vehicle

parking $30 per week

food $15 per meal

souvenirs $20-$50

Dress Code

Hiking attire, Layered clothing, sturdy boots, Hiking boots with good traction, Flip flops, Sandal

Booking Tips

• Up to 24 weeks in advance
• Recreation.gov
• 24 hours
• Permit required for cables route

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Yosemite National Park Official App

Size: 100 MB

Features: Trail maps, Park information, Event schedules

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor centers, Lodges

Charging Stations: Visitor centers, lodges

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Distance: 190 miles

Travel Time: 4 to 5 hours

car

Gas and tolls 4-5 hours

bus

$50-$70 5-6 hours

From City Center

Distance: 180 miles from San Francisco

car

Gas and tolls 4-5 hours

bus

$50-$70 5-6 hours

shuttle

$100-$150 4-5 hours

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Iconic landscape, rich history, and diverse wildlife

Historical Significance: Home to Native American tribes for thousands of years, explored by early American settlers, and preserved as a national park

Insider Tips

Arrive early to secure parking at popular trailheads
The Mist Trail is one of the most popular and scenic routes to the base of Half Dome
The cables on Half Dome are only open seasonally, typically from late May to October

Local Recommendations

• Try the famous Yosemite Valley Lodge breakfast
• Ask rangers for updated trail conditions
• Visit the Yosemite Museum to learn about the park's history

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Glacier Point

Best Time: Sunrise

Tips: Wide-angle shots to capture the full view

Result: Stunning sunrise over Half Dome

#HalfDome #Yosemite #Sunrise

Miranda Trail

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Low-angle shots to emphasize the dome's height

Result: Dramatic light on Half Dome

#HalfDome #Yosemite #GoldenHour

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas

prohibited areas Inside buildings

flash photography Allowed in outdoor areas

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Prohibited

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Yosemite Valley Visitor Center

Distance: 1 mile

Walking: 20 minutes

Type: Visitor Center

Yosemite Falls

Distance: 2 miles

Walking: 40 minutes

Type: Waterfall

El Capitan

Distance: 3 miles

Walking: 1 hour

Type: Granite Monolith

Reviews

4.8

Based on 1,500 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Start early to avoid crowds and heat"
"Bring plenty of water and snacks"
"Check trail conditions before hiking"

Contact Information

+1 209-372-0200

info@yosemite.org

www.yosemite.org

Social Media

Related Tours & Activities (11)