The Half Dome Hike in Yosemite National Park: A Notoriously Dangerous Expedition
How many fatalities have occurred on Half Dome? Up to 2024, there have been a minimum of 24 verified deaths on the cable section and the summit. If you factor in the well-liked Mist Trail that goes to Half Dome, then there have been at least 40 to 60 fatalities on the hike, depending on the source.
Half Dome: A Challenging Hike Worth the Risk
At the time of writing (2024), the list of deaths on Half Dome in this article is the most comprehensive available on the internet, although there may still be some incomplete details.
Considerations for Hiking at Yosemite National Park: A Word of Caution and Encouragement
The Meaning of Half Dome
The Granite Peak of Half Dome: The Most Epic Hike in California’s Yosemite National Park
The final section of the hike presents a particularly difficult challenge, especially the cables part, which could be hazardous if not approached with caution. This part of the trail involves scaling a steep granite slope with the assistance of cables, poles, and wooden boards.
Since 2010, permits have been necessary for the cable section to enhance safety and reduce congestion, and they are distributed through a lottery system.
I have also written a comprehensive guide to the Half Dome hike and safety tips before discussing the Half Dome deaths.
Check out this link for a comprehensive guide to hiking Half Dome, including tips, information, and photos. It’s a must-read for anyone planning to tackle this challenging hike!
Explore More: Half Dome Trek
What is the number of fatalities on Half Dome?
Estimating the exact number of deaths on the Half Dome hike is difficult, but the following figures appear to be the most reliable.
- There have been a minimum of 11 fatal falls on Half Dome, with most occurring in wet weather. Two of these incidents took place while the cables were down. Additionally, two falls were health-related, such as due to heart attacks or fainting. Three deaths from lightning strikes have occurred on the summit, as well as eight rock climbing deaths, some resulting from inexperience and others from natural forces. Two deaths have also occurred from base jumping, despite it being prohibited in Yosemite National Park. Furthermore, there have been at least 15 river deaths on the Mist Trail, and potentially more from other causes. Lastly, there have been numerous suicides on Half Dome, including jumping, poisoning, and self-inflicted gunshot wounds, although they are not included in this discussion of accidental deaths.
At least 24 accidental deaths have occurred on Half Dome’s main peak, the cable section, and the summit in total.
The combined death toll exceeds 40 when accounting for the Mist Trail. According to estimates from national park data, there have been around 40 deaths specifically on the Mist Trail, bringing the total number of deaths on Half Dome to 64 as of 2024.
No matter how you arrange these numbers, it is reasonable to claim that Half Dome is one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States.
List of Deaths at Half Dome in 2024
The most comprehensive list of deaths on Half Dome available online as of 2024, although some information may be lacking at this time.
- Fatal Accidents at Half Dome, Yosemite National Park from 1948 to 2019
Fortunately, there have been no fatalities on Half Dome since 2019. No deaths occurred from 2020 to 2024, but there were definitely some near misses.
I will address those shortly and examine what insights we can gain from them, with the hope that we can all benefit from increased safety.
What lessons can be gleaned from this situation?
After reviewing the list, it is evident that the majority of the fatalities on Half Dome were due, at least in part, to inclement weather. Wet conditions can cause the granite rocks to become extremely slippery, and being on an exposed peak like Half Dome makes one vulnerable to lightning strikes.
The key lesson from these statistics is to avoid hiking Half Dome in stormy weather. Adhering to this rule can greatly reduce your risk. At the very least, seek shelter below the tree line until conditions improve. While this hike may be a dream for many, it’s not worth the danger in adverse weather.
The Importance of Proper Footwear and Weather Awareness on Half Dome
For those interested in learning more about the Half Dome death stories and near misses, consider reading Off the Wall: Death in Yosemite by Michael P. Ghiglieri and Charles R. Farabee. The book delves into the history of these types of incidents.
Fatalities from Rock Climbing on Half Dome
There have been several fatalities among rock climbers on Half Dome due to the unique risks associated with this activity.
Separating these causes from others as most hikers take the regular trail to Half Dome, where they are not at risk of these dangers.
- Climbing Accidents at Half Dome Over the Years
Additional Half Dome Accidents
Numerous injuries, rescues, and some unusual deaths have occurred on the Half Dome hike over the years, including incidents not related to accidental falls from cliffs.
Here are a few well-documented and informative examples, although it’s not feasible to list all of them here.
- Multiple incidents of hikers in peril at Half Dome over the years
Recent incidents on the Half Dome hike in October 2023 show an increase in accidents and near misses, with bad weather being a contributing factor in some cases.
In the past few years, it appears that there has been at least one accident or fatality annually on Half Dome.
Fatalities on Mist Trail and Waterfalls
Many individuals have lost their lives on the Mist Trail, the most frequented path for hiking to Half Dome, throughout the years.
Estimates based on US National Park data suggest that over 40 deaths have occurred on the Mist Trail, with at least 15 of these fatalities attributed to falling into the swift and cold Merced River.
I have chosen not to include these cases with the other Half Dome deaths for various reasons.
- The Mist Trail and Alternative Routes to Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
Is Half Dome a safe or dangerous hike?
Undoubtedly, there are risks associated with climbing Half Dome, and it cannot be denied that this is a challenging hike for the majority of individuals.
Half Dome: A More Challenging Hike Than Angels Landing
Half Dome sees successful climbs by up to 9,000 people per month during the summer season, with relatively few incidents given the statistics. Before permits were required in 2010, up to 40,000 people per month climbed Half Dome, providing a better perspective on the current numbers.
Half Dome is not to be underestimated. Its steepness is truly remarkable and cannot be fully appreciated through pictures alone. Many people experience unexpected anxiety on the cables, even those who have successfully reached the summit.
Climbing Half Dome in the presence of storm clouds is highly discouraged due to the potential danger of lightning on the summit and the slippery conditions caused by wet cables and rock.
I would advise against the Half Dome hike for young children, elderly individuals who are not in good physical condition, or anyone who is not confident and comfortable with heights.
A young girl experienced a panic attack while climbing the cable section on Half Dome, leading to a traffic jam and safety concerns for everyone until she received help from bystanders to climb back down.
Consider using a climbing harness for the cable section on Half Dome to further reduce the risk. Some individuals opt for this approach, with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
I have a fear of heights, but I am an experienced hiker who has done many risky treks and climbs around the world. I have to admit that Half Dome was scary for me. One of the things I was thinking about was the possibility of another hiker above me falling and taking me out with them.
Do not release the cables under any circumstances, even for a brief moment. It may be tempting to pause and take photos, but without keeping hold of a cable with at least one hand, there is nothing preventing you from slipping and falling off the cliff.
What motivates individuals to hike Half Dome?
The hike to Half Dome offers a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience. I have never encountered anything quite like it, with an abundance of sights to take in along the journey.
Experience the Best of Yosemite in One Day: Waterfalls, Giant Sequoias, and Thrilling Cables!
Should you take the risk? It’s up to you. You can always hike to Half Dome, assess the situation, and decide to turn back if you’re uncomfortable. It’s okay to do so, and the rest of the hike is still worth it even if you skip the cable section. I enjoyed the Mist Trail so much that I hiked it multiple times in a row.
Explore the Upper Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Point hike for a thrilling and challenging adventure in Yosemite National Park, offering stunning views and a safer alternative to the Half Dome hike. The experience is especially breathtaking during the spring season when the waterfall is at its most powerful.
Half Dome Permit Lottery System
Since 2010, day use permits for the Half Dome cables section have been required by the National Park Service through a lottery system. This change was implemented due to the increasing crowding on the trail and concerns about safety.
Half Dome daily hiker permits reduced from 1,200 to 300
I experienced traffic congestion on the Half Dome cables despite the permit regulations, so I can’t imagine how terrible it must have been in the past when four times as many people were climbing the cables. I wish the permit system wasn’t needed, but I believe the Park Service made the right decision in this situation.
How to Obtain Permits for the Half Dome Hike All Year Round
Additional Travel Guides for National Parks in the United States
We hope this safety guide for the Half Dome hike in Yosemite National Park, California was helpful to you! Thank you for checking it out.
Make sure to explore my other hiking guides for the USA before your trip!
Additional Resources
- Navigating the Half Dome Hike at Yosemite National Park