Everything You Need to Know About Hiking Half Dome {Including What to Pack!}

So, you're thinking of hiking half dome...I don't blame you.

We did it for our second anniversary and I plan on doing it again with my kids one day.  It's honestly one of the most beautiful and breathtaking views you will ever get and for us...it's in our home state!

Husband and I did it for the first time together and got a lot of advice from friends beforehand, which allowed it to be an amazing experience for us (because let's be honest, even something as amazing as Half Dome can be unpleasant if you aren't prepared!).  So here is what we learned so that you, too, can have an incredible trip!

1.  Do your best to get your permit 6 months in advance, but if you don't get it, don't let that stop you.
We began planning our trip 3 months before we wanted to go, this meant that the 6 month deadline to apply for permits was already over.  However, they also open up a lottery 2 days before that you can apply for.  Depending on what time of year will determine how likely you are to get it at this time.  If you don't get it then, my advice would be to still try and hike it.  When applying for a permit 6 months in advance, you receive 6 permits.  This means that most hikers end up having extras with them.  You can start your hike and ask other hikers along the way if they have any extra permits - chances are you'll get one before sub dome, where the ranger checks for permits.  If that doesn't work, we asked the ranger if they turn down hikers without permits (by the time you reach the ranger, you are 90% of the way there).  The ranger we spoke to said that if the hiker is really nice, not pushy or arrogant, they have a hard time turning them away.  Sometimes they will ask to wait with them and see if any new hikers come with extra permits, but a lot of times they will let them go on.  This is not a guarantee and will probably depend on which ranger you get, but it's worth a shot!  A little kindness can go a long way (just don't tell anyone you got this advice from me!).

2.  Plan for a rest day after your hike.
We made it a 4 day weekend.  We arrived on Thursday, hiked on Friday, hung out in the valley on Saturday and headed home on Sunday.  This was PERFECT.  It was great to have a nice and relaxing day to wander around or sit by the camp fire.  If you are sore, this will allow your muscles to rest instead of getting stiff in the car.

3.  You don't need to be in the greatest shape of your life, but training isn't a bad idea.
Most people can hike Half Dome.  It is a tough, all day hike, but it's not anything an average (in shape) person can't do.  We trained, as in, we went on weekly hikes for the 2 months leading up to it and made sure to stay in decent shape, and we were not sore at all.  Being in shape just makes for a more enjoyable hike.

4.  Bring snacks and lots of water.
The biggest mistake anyone can make on a hike like this is to not have enough food or water.  Dehydration is the #1 issue they have and not having enough snacks can cause crankiness that no one wants.  Be smart.  Pack more than you need.

5.  Plan to eat dinner at the Yosemite restaurants after and have a backup in case you get back too late.
After a long day of hiking, the last thing you want to do is cook up a meal and do dishes at your camp site.  We got back in time to have dinner at the Curry Village Pizza Patio.  It was the best pizza we ever had!  However, if you got a later start than you wanted to hike or the hike just took longer than you expected, all of the restaurants may be closed by the time you get down.  In this happens, have an easy dinner planned as a backup.  We bought backpackers meals (just add hot water).  I'm really glad we didn't have eat those, but if we did, I would have been grateful!

6.  Start EARLY.
Trust me on this one.  We started at about 5AM.  This was perfect because we missed the crowds.  In fact, we were the first ones up the cables for the morning crew (the sunrise crew had just left) and we had the cables all to ourselves!  We've heard the cables get so backed up, that it could take you hours just waiting for your turn to go up them (this would cause you to miss your restaurant dinner!).  Plus, you would be pressured to go faster up the cables.  The cables are incredibly steep and scary, so it was nice to be able to take our time without anyone behind us rushing us.  You also might be able to beat the heat depending on what time of year you hike.

7.  Enjoy the top.
We decided to eat our lunch at the top.  This meant we spent a solid 30 minutes just enjoying the view and a meal.  We probably spent an entire hour up there and I'm so glad we did!  The view is too incredible to just hike up and come back down.

8.  Stay at Upper Pines campground.
This campsite is the closest one to the beginning of the half dome trail.  It was perfect for a 5AM start.  Other campsites you may have to take a bus in or add a couple more miles to your hike (which, is fine, but after 17 miles, I'm sure you'll feel that extra 2 miles).

9.  Hike up the Mist Trail and down the John Muir trail.  
We got this advice from some friends and we are so glad we did it this way.  Since we started so early, we began our hike in the dark.  We heard that the John Muir trail was more scenic with lots of great places to stop so we decided to leave that for the way down so we could take our time and enjoy it during the daylight.

10.  Take your time.
The view at the top is beautiful, but so is the entire trail up and down.  If you plan ahead and start early, you won't be rushed and can make sure to stop and take lots of pictures, soak up the scenery, and make lots of snack breaks!

Here's a list of what we packed.  For some people, this is overkill.  For others, this is necessary.  We felt like we were over prepared and didn't need most of it, but we were glad that we brought it all.  You can decide what is necessary for you.  The only thing that is absolutely necessary without question is to bring water.  Lots and lots of water.

What to Pack:
Water (12-1 gallon)
Water filter
Food (high energy)
Snacks (trail mix, granola bars, dried fruit, etc.)
Gloves for cables (YES, you need these)
Extra socks (in case yours get wet)
Mole skin and pocket knife
Toilet paper
First Aid kit (band aids, Neosporin, pain reliever, etc.)
Hat and bandana to cover face and neck
Sunscreen
Bug repellant
Hiking boots (don't be that guy wearing running shoes)
Wind breaker
Flashlight or headlamp
Too map
Permit
Camera
Walking stick (if you need one, we didn't use one)
Silver warmth emergency blanket
Poncho
Cash (in case you want ice cream at the end!)

And that's it!  Now you're ready to hike!  It's January right now, so it's a great time to start thinking 6 months ahead in order to make your reservations for the summer.  Get on it!

Happy hiking!