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Trip details · Half Dome

Half Dome packing checklist

  • ActivityDay hike
  • ParkYosemite National Park, CA
  • NearestWest Rim Trail, 357 mi

A very long day from Happy Isles that ends on the cables up the last 400 ft of granite.

Trip details

Distance
14–16 mi round trip
Elevation gain
About 4,800 ft
Permit
Required for the cables (lottery)
Best season
Cable season, late May to fall (our pick)

Source

"Our pick" seasons are our own call.

Packing list

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Check off what you already have. For anything you still need, there's a product suggestion.

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  3. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

    LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

    $17.95 on Amazon

    Refill from the Merced River on the long day.

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  4. Black Diamond Spot 400-R Headlamp

    Black Diamond Spot 400-R Headlamp

    $33.88 on Amazon

    Most people start before dawn.

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  5. Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat (UPF 50+)

    Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat (UPF 50+)

    $54.00 on Amazon

    The granite above the subdome is fully exposed.

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  6. Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz

    Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz

    $17.99 on Amazon

    Carry several liters.

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

Prices and stock checked on Amazon on Oct 12, 2026, and may have changed.

Photos

Half dome cables big (cropped)
Photo: Unclekyky (cropped by Maps and stuff) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Half Dome ropes 2
Photo: Daniel Schwen · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Coordinates 37.7459°N 119.5332°W

Elevation 8,800 ft

Park Yosemite National Park, CA

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