This year will mark the first year that permits are required for Half Dome climbs on weekends and holidays. Historically, those have been the busiest times on the route and climbing permits will keep the routes safe during peak times. Although there is only a $1 administrative fee (to cover the online permit registration process), some may be avoiding the hassle by planning their trips on a weekday, when permits are not required.
Good news for all is that the cables on Half Dome are scheduled to go up June 15, conditions permitting. The route will be closed during cable installation, but should weather cooperate and trail crews successfully put up the cables, the route will be back open for climbing the following day, June 16.
To learn more about current trail conditions, you can visit the NPS’s Yosemite National Park website. And for the most up-to-date happenings within the park, you can follow Yosemite National Park on Twitter.
