Half Dome is a challenging day hike with iconic views, suitable for experienced hikers comfortable with heights and cable ascents. The Inca Trail offers a multi-day trekking experience through diverse landscapes and historical sites, appealing to those seeking a cultural and moderately challenging adventure.
| Attribute | Half Dome, Yosemite National Park | Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Extremely Strenuous (rated 11/10) | Moderate |
| Trail Length (miles) | 14 to 17 | 26 |
| Elevation Gain (feet) | 4,800 | Average elevation gain is 3,280 feet, with a maximum elevation of 13,828 feet. Total elevation gain is about 8,225 feet. |
| Permit Requirements | Required to ascend the subdome or Half Dome cables, 24/7 when cables are up. Apply via lottery on Recreation.gov (preseason in March, daily lottery two days before hike) | Required for all Inca Trails (1, 2, 4, & 5 day treks). Limited to 500 per day, including tourists, guides, porters, and cooks. |
| Scenery | Outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, High Sierra, wildflowers, lush meadows, waterfalls | Includes mountain views, cloud forests, and Incan ruins. |
| Accessibility | Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16), trailhead parking near Curry Village. Shuttle starts at 7 am. | The trail starts at 82 km (51 miles) or 88 km (55 miles) from Cusco on the Urubamba River. Public and private transportation are typically used to return to Cusco from Aguas Calientes. |
| Crowd Levels (peak season) | Highest in summer (late June to early September). Cables section can be crowded. | Peak season is June to August. |
| Best Time to Hike (season) | Late May/early June through Columbus Day weekend in October (cables up). Spring for wildflowers/waterfalls. September to mid-October for cooler temps/fewer crowds. | Late March to May and September to mid-December. April, May, and October are also recommended. The dry season (April to October) is popular, but can be crowded. |
| Water Sources Availability | Treated water at Vernal Fall Footbridge (summer only). Merced River up to Little Yosemite Valley (treatment needed). | Multiple water sources like streams and rivers are available along the trail. Tour companies usually provide potable water 3 times a day and use filtration systems. |
| Camping Options | Upper, Lower, and North Pines Campgrounds. Little Yosemite Valley Campground (popular for backpackers). No camping on Half Dome or at Lost Lake. | There are 9 campsites. Campsites have basic amenities like toilets and open areas. |
| Wildlife Viewing Opportunities | Not specified in detail, but Yosemite is known for diverse wildlife. | Diverse wildlife includes spectacled bears, grey-breasted mountain toucans, deer, and various bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian, and butterfly species. |
| Technical Difficulty | Final 400 feet: 45-degree ascent on smooth granite via cables. | The trail is non-technical, but includes steep inclines and descents, uneven ground, and numerous staircases. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Overall rating not available. Difficulty: Extremely Strenuous (11/10) | Not available |