Half Dome permits (Yosemite): dates & how to apply

Before you apply

• Backpacking? Use your wilderness permit instead. Backpackers, including those spending the night in Little Yosemite Valley, should apply for Half Dome permits with their wilderness permit. Backpackers starting a wilderness trip outside Yosemite apply as day hikers (NPS: Half Dome permits).
• Request your whole group on one application. Each preseason application can ask for up to six permits (six people), for specific dates or a range of dates. If more than one requested date works, permits go to your highest-priority date (NPS).
• Add an alternate while you can. "You can only add an alternate during the application process." Alternates need a Recreation.gov account and must accept the role within the time shown on the application (NPS).
• One application per person. A person's name may appear on only one preseason application, as permit holder or alternate. NPS says people applying multiple times "will have all their lottery applications canceled" (NPS).

Common mistakes

• Leaving the permit holder behind. The permit holder or alternate must be with the entire group at the base of the subdome, where rangers check permits. Names can't be changed after you apply, and "Permits are not transferable" (NPS).
• Expecting an alternate in the daily lottery. "Daily lottery applications only allow a permit holder (no alternate)" (NPS).
• Assuming the permit includes camping. "A Half Dome permit does not include any camping before, during, or after your hike" (NPS).
• Forgetting ID. Permit holders and alternates should bring a photo ID and the email confirmation showing the permit has been paid (NPS).

What changed this year

TBA. As of Oct 15, 2026, the official page (last updated June 3, 2025) doesn't announce rule changes for the coming season. Check NPS: Half Dome permits.

Tips

• Typical cable season (not guaranteed). As of Oct 16, 2026, NPS says: "The cables are normally up the Friday before the last Monday in May (Memorial Day) and the last day to use the cables is the day after the second Monday in October." NPS adds: "These dates are subject to change based on conditions." Permits are required seven days per week when the cables are up, so check current status on the NPS page before you plan (NPS: Half Dome permits).
• Flexible dates help. NPS says that in general, "your chances of success are higher on weekdays (especially beginning at the end of August)" in the daily lottery (NPS, page updated Jun 3, 2025).
• Cancel in time to get the per-person fee back. NPS says that fee is fully refundable if you cancel by 11:59 pm Pacific time the day before your hike, or if the cables are not up on your permit date (NPS).
• Prefer the phone? You can apply on Recreation.gov or by phone (the number is listed above). NPS says the call center is open from 7 am to 9 pm Pacific time (NPS).
• Daily cap: NPS allows a maximum of 300 hikers a day (about 225 day hikers and 75 backpackers) on the Half Dome Trail beyond the base of the subdome (NPS).