Packing List for Day Hiking Half Dome

Located in Yosemite National Park, Half Dome is one of the most iconic and beautiful day hikes in the United States. The hike features a stunning waterfall-lined trail, wildflowers, granite staircases, and an exhilarating climb of a 400 ft. rock.

While Half Dome is one of the most popular day hikes in Yosemite, it’s not a walk in the park— it’s a very strenuous, full day hike. The route is 14-17 miles round trip (dependent on route) with several very exposed areas.

This hike will challenge your comfort zone.

Make sure you’re fully prepared for your hike by checking out my full guide to day hiking Half Dome.

Half Dome Day Hike Packing Checklist

Hiking Gear:

Daypack

Trekking poles (recommended)

Headlamp

Navigation- paper map, AllTrails

GPS (recommended)

Battery block (recommended)

First Aid Kit

Water:

Recommended 4 L water

Water storage— bottles or a hydration bladder

Water filter (recommended)

Hiking Clothes:

Hiking pants or shorts

Hiking sun shirt or t shirt

Rain jacket

Down jacket

Sunglasses

Hat

Gloves for the cables

Hiking shoes/boots with good traction

Hiking socks

Hygiene:

Sunscreen

Baby wipes

Hand sanitizer

Pee rag

Trowel

Ziplock bag

Food:

Electrolytes

Main hiking meal

Lots of snacks

Trash bag ziplock

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