Half Dome, an iconic granite formation in Yosemite National Park, offers a challenging and rewarding tourist experience. Accessibility to its summit involves a strenuous 14-16 mile round-trip hike with significant elevation gain, culminating in the famous cable section, requiring excellent physical fitness and not being wheelchair accessible. While hikers can attempt it solo, many benefit from experienced companions due to its difficulty and permit requirements; guided tours are also available, often as part of larger Yosemite packages. Seasonal restrictions are crucial: the Half Dome cables are typically installed from late May/early June to mid-October, weather permitting, and a permit is mandatory for ascent during this period; outside these months, the cables are down, rendering the climb highly technical and dangerous. The approximate cost includes Yosemite National Park entrance fees ($35 per vehicle) plus a $10 lottery application fee and an additional $10 per person upon successful permit acquisition. The typical visit duration for the hike is an intensive 10-14 hours, often starting before dawn. Other useful insights include securing competitive permits through preseason or daily lotteries, and the necessity of proper gear like gloves for the cables, ample water, and appropriate footwear.