California is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country, from sun-soaked beaches and vast deserts to towering redwood forests that seem to scrape the sky. Its mountains are just as spectacular, with rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and unforgettable views around every bend, and there’s no better way to experience them than on foot.
Now, one of the state’s most iconic adventures has earned national recognition. In her newly released book, 100 Hikes of a Lifetime U.S.A., National Geographic travel expert Stephanie Pearson named Yosemite’s Half Dome hike among the very best scenic trails in the country.
Once declared “perfectly inaccessible” by the California state geologist Josiah Whitney in 1869, Half Dome now draws around 50,000 hikers to its summit each year. It’s demanding, exposed, and definitely not the place to discover a fear of heights.
But for those who make it to the top, the reward is extraordinary, with sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, the Sierra Nevada, and some of California’s most awe-inspiring wilderness.
What to know before hiking Half Dome Trail
Hiking Half Dome is no casual stroll through Yosemite. The full round-trip trek covers roughly 14 miles and gains nearly 5,000 feet in elevation, so you’ll want to start well before sunrise, bring plenty of water, and pace yourself.
The final 400 feet are the most famous (and nerve-racking) part of the hike, requiring you to climb steep granite using a pair of steel cables bolted into the rock. They’re only installed seasonally, typically from late May through mid-October, which is the best time to go, and conditions can change quickly depending on the weather, as NPS explains.
You’ll also need a permit to reach the summit while the cables are up. Yosemite issues a limited number of permits each day through a preseason lottery held every March, with additional spots available via a daily lottery during hiking season.
Since only about 300 hikers are allowed beyond Sub Dome each day, planning ahead is essential. And one more thing: if rain or thunderstorms are in the forecast, don’t even think about it: wet granite and lightning are a terrible combination.
