Beyond the OverlookOur Half Dome Attempt via the John Muir Trail
A long day, brand-new boots, and a turnaround before the cables that still made us want to keep hiking.
Last reviewed September 2026 · How we review our guides
On our first visit, we walked from our campsite at Upper Pines toward Half Dome, going up the Mist Trail and returning via the John Muir Trail. Our outing was approximately 17 miles round trip, including the walk from camp. We were underprepared and had not realized we needed a permit for Half Dome. We turned around before the cables and felt good about that decision. We did not climb the cables or reach the summit, but the views were incredible throughout the journey.
I was wearing brand-new boots. By the end of that very long day, my feet were in a ton of pain. This was definitely not a hike to jump into without preparation. Yet even after all of that, I knew I needed to go hiking more. What a destination.
The lesson I would pass along is simple: build up to a big hiking day, wear footwear you have already tested on long walks, and understand your route and permit requirements before setting out. Turning around can still be part of an unforgettable day.
Planning context: NPS describes the full Half Dome summit hike as 14–16 miles round trip with about 4,800 feet of elevation gain; route choices affect distance. Those are summit-route figures measured from the trailhead. Our approximately 17-mile outing includes the walk from Upper Pines and the longer John Muir return; it is a reconstructed estimate, not a GPS measurement. A permit is required when the cables are up. Check the official Half Dome guide before planning an attempt.
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Where we stayed · Parking and early starts · Long-hike packing list