Overview
Half Dome’s final ascent uses fixed cables, and a permit is required whenever they’re up. Demand far exceeds the roughly 225 day-hiker slots, so access is handled by lottery through recreation.gov.
There are two ways in: a preseason lottery in March, and a daily lottery two days before your hike date. The daily draw is your safety net if the preseason one doesn’t land.
How the permit works
- 1Enter the preseason lottery in March for your preferred dates.
- 2Results post in mid-April; successful applicants are charged the per-permit fee.
- 3Missed out? Enter the daily lottery two days before you want to hike.
- 4Daily results arrive that evening by email — check and confirm quickly.
- 5The trip leader must carry ID and be present at the subwire.
Required documents
- recreation.gov account
- Photo ID for the trip leader
- Confirmed permit (digital is fine)
Insider tips
- Midweek dates draw far better odds than weekends and holidays.
- Apply for a small group — larger parties lower your chance of a full match.
- Start before sunrise; afternoon thunderstorms make the cables dangerous.
Sold-out alternatives
If your dates are gone, these get you a comparable experience.
Frequently asked questions
What are the odds?
Preseason success varies by date but is often well under a third for weekends. Midweek and shoulder-season dates do noticeably better.
When exactly is the preseason lottery?
The application window runs through March, with results in mid-April. Confirm current dates on recreation.gov.
Can I transfer my permit?
Permits are tied to the trip leader named at application. Check the current transfer rules before you go.
