Climbing to base of sub-dome allowed without a permit

[Marmot]

well if you don't get the permit you can still hike the trail to half dome, you just won't be able to climb to the top of half dome at the end of the hike. it's still a beautiful hike and worth doing even if you are unable to get the permit to tread up the cables at the very end

[daddyray831]

so as long as u dont climb up the rock u can hike the entire trail up to the dome?

[Marmot]

so as long as u dont climb up the rock u can hike the entire trail up to the dome?

yes that is correct. you only need the permit to climb up the dome at the very end of the hike. and on the trail you will get to hike up some nice waterfalls (first vernal falls and the second is nevada falls) and you will see some very beautiful scenery on the way.

[kidlevo49]

Do you know how far the hike is? Will be in area soon with my girlfriend and have always wanted to see the dome since seeing that video of Alex H(can't remember how to spell his name)d

[dan]

A question you should also be asking is "how high is the hike?" The distance to Half Dome is 14 miles round trip and 4800 elevation gain. The last 800' or so is the elevation above the subdome, more or less. Here's a FAQ:

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/halfdome.htm