Changes At Half Dome
Yosemite, CA — Beginning in May, if you want to climb the cables of Yosemite’s Half Dome on weekends or holidays, you’ll need a permit.
“Over the last several years we have had incidents on the cables where individuals have died or suffered severe injuries as the crowding is so intense,” says Park Ranger Kari Cobb. “In order to limit the crowding and those types of situations, we have implemented a permit system.”
300 day use permits will be issued for the Half Dome cables on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. An additional 100 wilderness permits will be issued, which also allow for use of the Half Dome cables.
Last summer, Saturdays and holidays averaged 840 visitors per day on the cables. On peak days, visitor numbers were estimated at 1,100 to 1,200.
The day-use permits will be available starting March 1st through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. There is a $1.50 service charge for each permit obtained. They will be available on a first come-first served basis.
Written by bjhansen@mlode.com.
