Do you need a permit to climb the face of Half Dome?
If you plan to hike Half Dome, you must have a permit. For day hikers, permits are available by lottery in March, with a limited number available two days in advance. Backpackers, including those who want to camp in Little Yosemite Valley, should request a Half Dome permit with their wilderness permit.
Do they check Half Dome permits?
Hiking without a permit What if you want to take your chances and hike without a permit? Rangers on the trail check permits just before the sub-dome and at other spots along the trail. If you hike Half Dome without a permit, you risk paying a $5,000 fine and/or 6 months in jail.
How many permits are given for Half Dome?
The quota for Half Dome permits for backpackers is 75 permits per day (50 available by reservation and 25 available two weeks in advance). The cost for Half Dome permits is $10 per person, payable at a wilderness center the day of or day before your trip, and is therefore not refundable.
Is it legal to climb Half Dome when cables are down?
Yes, but according to the official Yosemite website as of August 2016, “The National Park Service strongly discourages hikers from attempting the cable route when the cables are down.” Hikers shouldn’t attempt Half Dome without the protective handrails: The route is steep and exposed, and attempting it without the …
Can I hike Half Dome alone?
Actually, it is possible to hike half dome without a permit. I’ve hiked Half Dome four separate times, and I’ve never once had to use a standard Half Dome Permit. If you really want to get up Half Dome, then you totally can. In fact, I can think of 7 different ways to climb Half Dome without a traditional Permit.
Can a beginner climb Half Dome?
At 14 to 16 miles roundtrip and an elevation gain of 4,800 feet, climbing Half Dome via the cables is neither for the faint of heart nor the beginner hiker. Here are some tips for those who are ready for the arduous ascent.
How do you sneak into Half Dome?
Get Around the Half Dome Permit System with these 7 Alternate Options
- Ask for an Open Spot.
- Enter the Daily Lottery.
- Hike Half Dome at Night.
- Hike When the Cables are Down.
- Go Backpacking!
- Consider Hiking Cloud’s Rest Instead.
- Bonus: Go Rock Climbing.
Is it hard to get Half Dome permits?
Half Dome Permits/Lottery (Updated for 2019) Let’s face it, you’re not the only one who wants to scale Half Dome. However, obtaining a Half Dome permit isn’t impossible, it’s just really close. Half Dome hiking permits open up access to the Yosemite Half Dome, one of the most iconic features of Yosemite National Park.
Can you use harness on Half Dome?
Most people do not use a harness to climb Half Dome. That said, some do and it’s the optimal way to ensure safety (and peace of mind) while ascending and descending the cables. If heights make you nervous, we highly recommend wearing a harness or not attempting this section of the hike.
Is Half Dome a hard hike?
The trail to Half Dome from Yosemite Valley is an extremely strenuous hike covering over 17 miles. Hikers gain 4,800 feet of elevation along the trail that passes highlights such as Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, before reaching the cables on Half Dome’s steep granite domes.
Has anyone died hiking Half Dome?
Since 2005, there have been at least 13 deaths, 291 accidents and 140 search-and-rescue missions on Half Dome (2010 data not included). Before 2010, up to 1,200 people per day attempted the climb.
How long does it take to hike Half Dome?
This is a hike that requires you to be in shape. Most take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back depending on the routes up and down. Plan to leave around sunrise (or earlier) and then have a non-negotiable turn-around time.
How difficult is Half Dome hike?
The Half Dome is one of the most difficult day hikes at Yosemite. It is strenuous and will require physical fitness and mountaineering skills on the cable route. If you are not comfortable with heights, you may want to avoid the cable route.
How do you hike Half Dome?
Hiking up Half Dome Decide on the route you want to take. Start your hike at sunrise or earlier. Fill your water at Vernal Fall Footbridge or the Merced River. Use the bathroom at Vernal Fall Footbridge, Emerald Pool , Nevada Fall , or in Little Yosemite Valley . Turn around if you see thunderstorms in the area.
How long is Half Dome?
Most hikers take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back; some take longer.
