Subdome

The Subdome is the last true test on the Half Dome Trail — a short, brutally steep staircase of granite steps carved into an exposed rock face just before the cables begin. It gains roughly 460 feet in about 0.3 miles, with no handrails and no shade, and many hikers find it nearly as demanding as the cable climb itself. A backcountry ranger is stationed here to check permits before letting anyone continue toward the summit.

Permit Checkpoint

Everyone hiking beyond this point needs a valid Half Dome permit — there's no separate permit for the Subdome itself, but this is where rangers verify yours. Permits go through a National Park Service lottery: a preseason lottery runs in March with results by mid-April, plus a daily lottery two days before each hike (apply by 4 p.m. Pacific). Each application costs $10, with an additional $10 per person if you're selected.

What the Climb Feels Like

The switchbacks zigzag straight up open granite with long drop-offs on either side, so calm weather and dry rock matter here more than almost anywhere else in the park. After topping out, hikers cross a narrow saddle before reaching the base of the final 400-foot cable section to Half Dome's summit. Wet granite, thunderstorms, or a backed-up crowd at the base are all good reasons to turn around — the summit isn't going anywhere.