Half Dome Guided Ascent
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Half Dome Guided Ascent worth booking?
Half Dome Guided Ascent is a 10-hour experience in Yosemite National Park, United States, from $695 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $695 per person
Ready to stand on top of Yosemite’s most iconic summit? Join our expert guides for an unforgettable day on the trail, climbing through towering forests, past thundering waterfalls, and up the legendary cables to the summ
What you get
About this experience
Ready to stand on top of Yosemite’s most iconic summit? Join our expert guides for an unforgettable day on the trail, climbing through towering forests, past thundering waterfalls, and up the legendary cables to the summit of Half Dome. This all-day adventure is designed for strong hikers looking for a challenge—and a huge reward. With up to five guests per guide, you'll enjoy a safe, supportive, and personalized experience every step of the way. We currently have secured permits for six dates: • May 22 (Friday) • May 26 (Tuesday) • June 14 (Sunday) • July 5 (Sunday) • July 19 (Sunday) • October 13 (Tuesday) Each date has space for up to five participants. We'll handle the permits and logistics. You bring your spirit of adventure. Let’s make this the day you’ll never forget. Ready to summit? Let’s go.
What's included
Included
- Reservation into Yosemite on day of activity
- Knowledgeable guide with expert local insights and safety tips
- Half Dome Permit
Not included
- Gratuity for the guide (optional). A 10-20% tip is appreciated
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Half Dome
Join us for a full-day guided hike to the summit of Yosemite’s most iconic peak. This challenging adventure takes approximately 10–16 hours and begins in the early morning, leading you past Vernal and Nevada Falls, through shaded high country forests, and up the legendary Half Dome cables. Your expert guide will ensure a rewarding, and unforgettable experience every step of the way. From the summit—towering 8,836 feet above sea level—you’ll enjoy up to an hour to take in the sweeping 360° views of Yosemite Valley, Clouds Rest, and the High Sierra. This is not just a hike—it’s a journey into the heart of Yosemite and one of the most sought-after trekking experiences in the world. With limited permits available and a small group size, this is your opportunity to summit Half Dome with the support, insight, and encouragement of an expert local guide.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Yosemite National Park
Please meet your guide at the east end of the Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking area. Look for the large brown sign that reads “Proper Food Storage Required”—this is our designated meeting point. Your guide will be there and expecting you!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please meet your guide at the east end of the Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking area. Look for the large brown sign that reads “Proper Food Storage Required”—this is our designated meeting point. Your guide will be there and expecting you!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Wild Yosemite
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Please Note: National Park fees may apply for international visitors. If applicable, this fee is collected in-destination and not at the time of booking.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Half Dome Guided Ascent. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Absolutely Epic!
What an epic day. Gabe, the business owner, took us out himself. 10/10 would recommend. Some people would ask why do you need a guide? Gabe added so much, first he could prep us to make sure we weren’t missing anything for a hike like this, he took us off trail multiple times so we could see better views, he knows the awesome photo spots that aren’t on the trail, this is by far the best way to get a permit to take on Half Dome. Another huge perk is know all the little water spots to get refills along the hike. He’s also a great dude who both my wife and I enjoyed talking with throughout the day. We’ll be return customers for sure.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the incredible review. It truly means a lot to hear that you both had such an epic day on Half Dome with me. You both brought such a great attitude and energy to the day, and it was genuinely a pleasure spending time together out there. Thanks again for trusting Wild Yosemite with such a big adventure, and I’m already looking forward to getting you back out here for the next one. See you in Yosemite again soon! — Gabe
via Tripadvisor
Bucket list
My partners and I were lucky enough to experience this epic bucket list journey! Gabe and his team are simply the best Hands down!
Response from the operator: Wow — thank you so much! It was truly a joy and an honor to guide you and your partners up Half Dome. What an unforgettable adventure! You all did amazing on such a big climb, and it was inspiring to see you push through and savor the experience together. I’m so glad I could be part of making that bucket-list journey a reality for you. Hope to see you back in Yosemite for another adventure down the road! Warmly, Gabe
via Tripadvisor
Half Dome Hike
Climbing Half Dome has been a dream of mine, and I couldn’t have asked for a better guide than Gabe. From the first step to the final push up the cables, he was absolutely phenomenal. Gabe struck the perfect balance between being supportive and letting me challenge myself. He paced the hike according to my ability, checked in regularly, and made sure I felt confident at every stage — especially on the cables, where his calm and steady presence made all the difference. He shared so much about the area, offered great tips along the way, and genuinely made the whole experience feel safe, personal, and inspiring. Thanks to Gabe, I reached the summit feeling strong, proud, and deeply grateful. If you’re thinking about exploring Yosemite and want a guide who truly knows his stuff and has your back the whole way — Gabe and the team at Wild Yosemite are the ones.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much Peter for the kind words! It was an honor to be part of your Half Dome journey — you brought determination, grit, and a great attitude to every step. I’m so glad the experience was everything you hoped for. Hope to see you back in Yosemite for another adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Half Dome Guided Ascent: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Yosemite National Park.
How much does Half Dome Guided Ascent cost?
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Prices start at $695 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Yosemite National Park usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Half Dome Guided Ascent take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Yosemite National Park is not rushed.
Is Half Dome Guided Ascent worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Yosemite National Park, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Half Dome Guided Ascent?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Half Dome Guided Ascent suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Half Dome Guided Ascent?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Yosemite National Park can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Yosemite National Park and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Half Dome Guided Ascent start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Yosemite National Park within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Yosemite National Park?
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Yosemite tours cover Valley loops to El Capitan and Half Dome viewpoints, Glacier Point sunsets, Mariposa Grove sequoias and waterfall hikes in spring melt. Day trips from San Francisco run long, so we weight transparency on drive time. On Outty we rank every Yosemite National Park experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour, Yosemite Valley Private Hiking Tour, Yosemite Winter Highlights Small Group Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park?
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May to June for waterfalls, September to October for quiet trails. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Yosemite National Park?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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