Up the Cable: A Day on Half Dome, Yosemite’s Granite Sentinel
A demanding day-hike with cables, permits, and a summit view that rewards the effort.
Dawn arrives in Yosemite Valley like a held breath. The pines and cliff faces take on color slowly — first a cool blue, then copper, then the raw light that makes granite glow. On the valley floor, headlamps bob like tiny lanterns along the trailhead as a string of hikers threads the dark toward Half Dome. The mountain doesn’t rush; it waits. But the route up is an unambiguous conversation between body and rock, and by midmorning the cables — the final, famous passage — appear like a rope ladder to the sky, arcing up Half Dome’s rounded shoulder.
Trail Wisdom
Secure a permit early
Half Dome cable permits are issued via lottery and daily allocations — apply or check the National Park Service site well in advance.
Bring leather gloves for the cables
Protect your hands and improve grip; thin hiking gloves won’t cut it on the steel cable.
Hydrate and fuel proactively
Carry at least 3 liters of water and calorie-dense snacks — the climb is long and there are limited bailout points.
Start before sunrise
Early starts avoid midday heat, reduce crowds on the cables, and give you better light for photography.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Panorama Trail between Glacier Point and the valley for quieter views of the falls
- •Taft Point and Sentinel Dome for dramatic cliff-edge perspectives without the cable crowds
Wildlife
Mule deer, Peregrine falcon
Conservation Note
Permits and seasonal cable management reduce crowding and resource damage; follow Leave No Trace and use bear-resistant storage when camping.
Half Dome and the surrounding Yosemite Valley have been central to the Ahwahnechee people and later to conservationists like John Muir who helped establish the national park.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflower meadows, Snowmelt-fed waterfalls
Challenges: Variable snow on high slopes, Cables may not be installed yet
Spring delivers roaring waterfalls and wildflowers but may keep the cables off; check snow conditions and trail openings.
summer
Best for: Cables open, Stable weather
Challenges: Crowds and heat, Permit competition
Summer is prime cable season with long daylight and reliable conditions — but permits and park reservations are competitive.
fall
Best for: Clear air and fewer crowds, Brilliant valley colors
Challenges: Cool nights and early storms, Cables may be taken down late in season
Autumn offers crisp air and smaller crowds, though changing weather can shorten the window for a cable ascent.
winter
Best for: Snowy solitude from afar, Backcountry mountaineering (advanced)
Challenges: Icy slopes, closed cables, Requires technical winter skills
Winter closes the cables and transforms Half Dome into a technical, alpine climb best left to experienced mountaineers with the right gear.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking bootsEssential
Firm soles and ankle support are vital on steep granite and loose sections.
Leather or heavy-duty glovesEssential
Protects hands when gripping the steel cables and prevents raw palms.
Hydration system (3+ liters)Essential
Long exertion and limited water sources on the upper approach make ample water critical.
Headlamp with fresh batteries
Useful for pre-dawn starts or late returns when visibility is low.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit to hike Half Dome?
Yes — for the cable ascent during peak season you must have a permit (day-use cable permit through the lottery system); overnight wilderness permits are required for backpackers.
When are the cables up?
Cables are usually installed in late May or June and removed in October, weather-dependent — check the National Park Service for exact dates.
How difficult is the cable section?
The cables are steep and exposed; they require hand-over-hand climbing and a head for heights, but modern installations make it accessible to experienced day-hikers with proper caution.
Can beginners do Half Dome?
Fit beginners with hiking experience, proper preparation, and respect for exposure can do it, but the route is strenuous and not suitable for casual walkers.
What if I get altitude sickness?
Half Dome’s summit is under 9,000 ft, but the rapid elevation gain can affect some hikers — descend and rest if symptoms appear and seek medical help if severe.
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Dogs are not allowed on trails above the Yosemite Valley floor, and pets are prohibited in the wilderness and on the Mist Trail and the cables.
What to Pack
Leather gloves for the cables; 3+ liters of water for long exertion; layered clothing for temperature swings; high-energy snacks to sustain effort.
Did You Know
Half Dome’s iconic face was exposed and shaped by glacial erosion during the last ice age; the dome’s granite formed deep underground tens of millions of years ago.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Apply for cable permits months ahead; 2) Start pre-dawn to beat crowds and heat; 3) Check weather and cable status with the NPS; 4) Arrange park entry or lodging early — Yosemite fills fast in summer.
Local Flavor
Yosemite’s valley culture blends park rangers, local climbers, and historic concessions — sample park-baked goods in Yosemite Village, attend a ranger talk to learn Ahwahnechee history, and respect the traditions of backcountry stewardship.
Logistics Snapshot
Distance: 14–16 miles RT • Elevation gain: ~4,800 ft • Time: 8–12 hours • Permits: Required for cables (lottery/day use) • Nearest base: Yosemite Valley • Cables: Late May/June–Oct (weather dependent).
Sustainability Note
Permits and limited daily access to the cables help protect fragile alpine habitats and reduce congestion; follow Leave No Trace, pack out waste, and use bear-resistant containers in the backcountry.
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