Half Dome Permits for Backpackers

Permits to hike to the top of Half Dome are required seven days per week when the cables are up, even for backpackers with wilderness permits. The quota for Half Dome permits for backpackers is 75 permits per day (50 available by reservation and 25 available two weeks in advance). The cost for Half Dome permits is $10 per person, payable at a wilderness center the day of or day before your trip, and is therefore not refundable.

Reservations for Wilderness Permits & Half Dome Permits

While making a wilderness permit reservation, be sure to specify that you want Half Dome permits. If Half Dome permits are available and Half Dome is reasonably part of your itinerary, you will receive a reservation that includes them. Half Dome permits received in this way will be valid for all dates your wilderness permit is valid.

First-Come, First-Served Wilderness Permits & Half Dome Permits

First-come, first-served wilderness permits are not available in 2021. Learn more about wilderness permits in 2021.

Normal process (not in effect in 2021):
The process for receiving a first-come, first-served wilderness permit, beginning at 11 am one day prior to your backpacking trip's start date, is unchanged. When requesting a wilderness permit for a trip beginning in Yosemite using this method, be sure to request Half Dome permits, and you will receive them if they are available and Half Dome is reasonably part of your itinerary. Half Dome permits received this way will be valid for all dates your wilderness permit is valid.

Hiking Half Dome with a Wilderness Permit Issued Outside Yosemite

Wilderness permits issued outside of Yosemite are not valid for hiking Half Dome. If you're beginning your backpacking trip outside of Yosemite, you'll need a Half Dome permit, which you can apply for using the lotteries. There are no exceptions.

Other Details

Can I get a wilderness permit that includes Half Dome and use it for a day hike?

No. Half Dome permits associated with wilderness permits are not valid for day hiking to Half Dome; they are only valid for backpackers.

I have a wilderness permit for an itinerary that travels near Half Dome. Can I use a Half Dome day hiking permit?

Yes, you may compete in the Half Dome permit lotteries. However, Half Dome permits for day hikers are only valid on the date specified on the Half Dome permit. You may also try for a first-come, first-served Half Dome permit, as described above.

I have a Half Dome permit but want to camp in Little Yosemite Valley. Do I need a wilderness permit?

Yes, you need a wilderness permit. If you get a wilderness permit, you can use your existing Half Dome permit with it.