In short
Half Dome 2027: lottery applications for the permit for the summit cables should be accepted from Monday, March 1, 2027 to Wednesday, March 31, 2027. Results are expected on Thursday, April 15, 2027. Best season: late May to mid-October (while the summit cables are up).
Entry dates estimated from previous years.To be confirmed once officially announced.
What are the 2027 lottery dates?
- Today
- March 1, 2027 Lottery opens for the permit for the summit cablesTime doesn't matter: it's a lottery
- March 31, 2027 Lottery applications close
- April 15, 2027 Lottery results
- Late May to mid-October Best season
What do you book and at what price?
| What you book | The permit for the summit cables |
| Price | Lottery $10 per application, then $10 per person if you winRough estimate, check the official website. |
What are the 3 routes like? from OpenStreetMap
Move your finger or mouse along a curve to read the km and the altitude. Approximate curves, from a terrain model.
Half Dome Trail
3.2 km+547 m gain2,128 m → 2,690 m
Altitude by distanceMin 2,128 m · max 2,690 m
Mist Trail
4.3 km+614 m gain1,229 m → 1,824 m
Altitude by distanceMin 1,229 m · max 1,824 m
Panorama Trail
8.8 km+241 m gain1,795 m → 2,220 m
Altitude by distanceMin 1,795 m · max 2,220 m
Length measured along the OpenStreetMap track, one way; elevation gain and altitudes from a terrain model. Approximate figures, check them against the official guide. Tracks © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Half Dome on the 3D map Follow the route in 3D, then explore the 62 other trails and races on the map. Open the 3D mapHow do you apply for the lottery, step by step?
- Create your Recreation.gov accountBefore March 1, 2027, so you don't lose time.
- Pick several datesWeekdays are less in demand than Saturdays.
- Apply between March 1, 2027 and March 31, 2027You pay the application fee even if you lose.
- Results around April 15, 2027If you win, you pay the permit for each person in your group.
Don't miss the date
Add the upcoming dates to your calendar: your phone reminds you 1 week before the first one, then the day before each, and on the morning of results day.
The next permit lotteries
Other great hikes with a permit lottery, in order of opening.
Frequently asked questions
Half Dome 2027: what is the opening date?
Lottery opens for the permit for the summit cables on Monday, March 1, 2027. Closes on Wednesday, March 31, 2027. Date estimated from previous years, to be confirmed.
Can you still get a permit after the March lottery?
Yes, through the daily lottery during the season: you apply 2 days before your hike date.
Half Dome 2027: when are the lottery results published?
Results are expected on Thursday, April 15, 2027.
Half Dome: how much does it cost?
Lottery $10 per application, then $10 per person if you win. Rough estimate, check the official website.
Half Dome: when should you go?
Best season: late May to mid-October (while the summit cables are up).