Half Dome Permit 2026
Everything you need to know about Half Dome permits. There are two ways to get one, both through Recreation.gov: the preseason lottery in March, and a daily lottery held two days before each hike date.
Don't Miss Your Half Dome Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Half Dome availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit AlertsHow Half Dome Permits Work
Preseason Lottery
Apply once for the whole season, results mid-April
Daily Lottery
Apply midnight to 4 PM PT, results that evening
Permit Type
Cables required
Lottery Odds
Per NPS lottery statistics
📅 Key Dates for 2026
The cables are typically installed in late May and removed in mid-Octoberdue to weather conditions. Plan accordingly for your 2026 hike.
- • Preseason lottery: March 1-31, 2026
- • Preseason results: Mid-April 2026
- • Daily lottery: 2 days before each hike date, all season
- • Cables installed: Late May 2026
- • Cables removed: Mid-October 2026
- • Peak season: July - September 2026
🎯 Tips to Get a Permit
- ✓ Apply in the March preseason lottery first
- ✓ Request multiple dates or a date range
- ✓ Weekdays have better odds than weekends
- ✓ Set up PermitSnag instant alerts
🚶 Alternatives
- → Cloud's Rest (similar views)
- → Liberty Cap (next to Half Dome)
- → Sentinel Dome (easier option)
- → Nevada Falls (no permit needed)
Didn't Win the Lottery?
Awarded permits get cancelled and returned to Recreation.gov all season long. We monitor 24/7 and alert you the second a spot opens.
Get Half Dome Alerts
Be first to know when cancellations happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Half Dome?
Yes, a permit is required when the cables are up. Each lottery application costs $10, plus $10 per person if you win. A maximum of about 300 hikers per day are allowed.
When do Half Dome permits become available?
The preseason lottery runs March 1-31 on Recreation.gov, with results in mid-April. During the season, the daily lottery accepts applications two days before each hike date from midnight to 4 PM PT, with results emailed that evening.
Can I hike Half Dome without the cables?
Yes, you can hike to the base of Half Dome without a permit. The cables make the final ascent — without them, the climb is extremely dangerous and not recommended.