How to Obtain a Half Dome Permit in Yosemite: A Complete Guide for 2025
- kyle
- Feb 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 24
If you’re a hiker in California dreaming of summiting Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime. This iconic granite monolith, towering 4,737 feet above Yosemite Valley, is a bucket-list trek for many. But before you lace up your boots and tackle the famous cables, there’s one critical step you can’t skip: securing a Half Dome hiking permit. Here’s everything you need to know about the process, based on the latest details from the National Park Service, to ensure you’re ready to take on this epic challenge.
Why Do You Need a Permit?
Half Dome isn’t your average day hike. The steep ascent via the cable route, combined with its popularity, means the National Park Service (NPS) limits access to protect both the wilderness and your safety. Permits are required seven days a week whenever the cables are up—typically from the Friday before Memorial Day (late May) through the day after the second Monday in October. This restriction caps the number of hikers at 300 per day (about 225 day hikers and 75 backpackers), reducing crowding, preserving natural resources, and enhancing safety on the trail beyond the subdome.
When to Plan Your Hike
Timing is everything. The cables are usually installed the Friday before the last Monday in May (Memorial Day) and taken down the day after the second Monday in October. However, these dates can shift depending on weather and trail conditions, so always check the current status on the NPS website before planning. For 2025, expect the season to run roughly from May 23 to October 14, barring any unexpected changes.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Half Dome Permit
The permit process involves a lottery system managed through Recreation.gov, with two main opportunities to apply: the preseason lottery and the daily lottery. Here’s how it works:
1. Preseason Lottery (Your Best Shot at Planning Ahead)
When: Applications are accepted from March 1 to March 31 each year for the entire hiking season.
How to Apply: Head to Recreation.gov starting at 7:00 AM Pacific Time on March 1. You can apply anytime during the month until 11:59 PM on March 31.
Details to Provide: You’ll need to specify up to six desired dates (in order of preference) and the number of hikers in your group (up to six people per application). One person applies as the group leader, and you can list an alternate leader who can also pick up the permit.
Cost: There’s a non-refundable $10 application fee, plus a $10 per-person fee if you’re awarded a permit (charged only if successful).
Results: The lottery is processed in early April, and you’ll be notified via email by mid-April (typically around April 11–13). Successful applicants get a reservation for their requested dates and group size, while unsuccessful ones are out of luck for this round—but don’t worry, there’s still the daily lottery!
Availability: About 225 permits per day are distributed through the preseason lottery, leaving a smaller pool for later opportunities.
Pro Tip: Apply early in March to avoid last-minute glitches, and be flexible with your dates—weekends and holidays are the most competitive.
2. Daily Lottery (Last-Minute Chance)
When: Held daily during the hiking season, typically from late May to mid-October.
How to Apply: Submit your application on Recreation.gov two days before your desired hiking date, between 12:01 AM and 1:00 PM Pacific Time. For example, to hike on a Wednesday, apply on Monday.
Details to Provide: Similar to the preseason lottery—list your preferred date and group size (up to six hikers).
Cost: The same $10 application fee applies, plus $10 per person if successful.
Results: You’ll get an email and text notification by 4:00 PM the same day you apply (e.g., Monday for a Wednesday hike). About 25–50 permits are available daily, depending on cancellations and no-shows from the preseason lottery.
Pickup: If you score a permit, confirm your group details online by 10:00 AM the day before your hike, or it’ll be released to others.
Pro Tip: Have a strong cell signal or Wi-Fi ready for notifications, as the daily lottery moves fast!
3. Picking Up Your Permit
Once you’ve secured a permit through either lottery:
Where: Visit a permit station in Yosemite, such as the Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center, during business hours (check seasonal hours on the NPS site).
When: Pick it up the day before or the morning of your hike by 10:00 AM. If you’re delayed, call ahead—permits are held until the close of business on your hiking day, but don’t risk losing it!
Who: The group leader or alternate leader named on the application must pick it up with a valid photo ID. Everyone in your group must hike together and carry a copy of the permit (digital or printed).
Special Cases: Backpackers
If you’re backpacking and plan to summit Half Dome as part of your trip, you can request a Half Dome permit with your wilderness permit on Recreation.gov. Up to 75 of the daily 300 permits are reserved for backpackers. Apply 24 weeks in advance for the 60% reservation pool or seven days in advance for the remaining 40%, and add the Half Dome option to your itinerary. The same $10 per-person fee applies if approved.
Key Rules and Tips
No Transfers: Permits are non-transferable—only the leader or alternate can claim them.
Check Conditions: Snow, ice, or storms can make the cables impassable, even with a permit. Always check Yosemite’s current conditions page.
Prepare Physically: The 14.2-mile round-trip hike from Yosemite Valley gains 4,800 feet in elevation. Train for endurance and grip strength for the cables.
Gear Up: Bring gloves for the cables, sturdy boots, plenty of water (at least 2–3 liters), and snacks. There’s no potable water past the Vernal Fall footbridge.
What If You Miss Out?
If both lotteries fail you, don’t despair. Cancellations happen, and permits sometimes pop up on Recreation.gov closer to the date. Keep an eye out, or consider hiking other stunning Yosemite trails like Glacier Point or Clouds Rest—no permit required!
Final Thoughts
Securing a Half Dome permit takes planning, a bit of luck, and quick action, but the reward is worth it: panoramic views from 8,842 feet, a sense of triumph, and bragging rights as a California hiking legend. Start marking your calendar for March 1, 2025, and get ready to conquer one of Yosemite’s most exhilarating adventures. Happy hiking!
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