Half Dome is a 16 mi trail with 4,800 ft of climbing — about 7h 45m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 14. About 30% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.
Underfoot & overhead cables, permit
16 mi and 4,800 ft of climbing work out to 7h 45m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.
Get the summer refuel plan →NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out
In July, Yosemite National Park runs around 90°F at the main visitor elevation. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.
48°F · Clear · wind 0 mph
NOAA forecast for Yosemite National Park — not for this trailhead specificallyWhen the park is very busy, you can get updates on current traffic conditions in Yosemite by texting ynptraffic to 333111.
Live NPS alert for Yosemite National ParkAbout 7h 45m of moving time for 16 mi and 4,800 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.
Planning figures for that much moving time are 3.9–7.7 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.
No — Half Dome is closed to dogs. Our Yosemite National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.
We rate it comfortable from age 14. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.
About 30% of the route is shaded, and Yosemite National Park peaks around 90°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.