How much water do you need for the Half Dome?

Park rangers recommend bringing at least four liters of water per person for this hike. There is no potable water along the Half Dome trail, although you can boil or otherwise filter or chemically purify the Merced River water, which is available up until the Little Yosemite Valley.



People Also Ask

Each year, park rangers and search and rescue personnel respond to approximately 250 emergency incidents in the park. Here are some quick tips to help you be safe while hiking in Yosemite: Carry a headlamp on every hike, even short day hikes. Carry and drink plenty of water (a minimum of 1 quart every 2 hours)

MORE DETAILS

The only treated water on the trail is available (summer only) at a drinking fountain at the Vernal Fall Footbridge (less than a mile from the trailhead). Merced River water is available up to Little Yosemite Valley, however you should treat this water by boiling, using iodine, or using a giardia-rated water filter.

MORE DETAILS

If you plan to hike Half Dome, you must have a permit. For day hikers, permits are available by lottery in March, with a limited number available two days in advance. Backpackers, including those who want to camp in Little Yosemite Valley, should request a Half Dome permit with their wilderness permit.

MORE DETAILS

The National Parks Service describes Half Dome as the most strenuous day hike in Yosemite, and probably the toughest (recommended) day hike in any National Park. So while you can certainly just show up and give the hike a go, you'll enjoy it more if your fitness level is up to snuff.

MORE DETAILS

You can go at your own pace, as long as you have enough daylight! With that being said, this is still an incredibly strenuous hike for the average person. You should have a few other day hikes of 12+ miles under your belt before you attempt Half Dome, including hikes that have a decent amount of elevation gain.

MORE DETAILS

The trail to Half Dome from Yosemite Valley is an extremely steep and strenuous hike covering over 14-16 miles. Hikers gain 4,800 feet of elevation along the trail that passes highlights such as Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, before reaching the cables on Half Dome's steep granite domes.

MORE DETAILS

Hiking the Half Dome Quick Facts Length (miles) - 14–23 miles round trip depending on route taken.. The Mist Trail is the shortest round trip route, coming in at 14.2 miles. If starting from the Little Yosemite campground, the round trip trek is a strenuous 7 miles.

MORE DETAILS

Our water is perfectly safe to drink, bath and swim in, but we recommend that you bring bottled water for drinking, due to the fact that our water has a high mineral content.

MORE DETAILS

The National Park Service considers ascending the 4,800 feet and traveling the minimum 14.5 miles to Half Dome's summit, “one of the most challenging day hikes in any national park.” Measured by vertical ascent, hiking Half Dome is roughly three times as challenging as hiking Angels Landing, and even includes a 7-mile ...

MORE DETAILS