Half Dome Cables In Place Soon
Yosemite Valley, CA– The cables allowing access for hikers to the summit of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park will be in place next week.
Park officials warn that the 17-mile trail to Half Dome from Yosemite Valley is an extremely strenuous hike. 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 shoulder.
Two seasons ago, park officials began requiring hikers to get permits on the popular trail to increase safety. Park workers place metal cables and wooden planks along the shoulder of the dome to help steady hikers as they approach the summit.
Visitors are required to have a permit to ascend the Half Dome cables seven days per week. Permits can be reserved three months in advance. Visitors hiking the trail leading up to the base of the Half Dome cables do not need a permit.
The cables will be in place Wednesday, June 22nd.
Written by tina.falco@mlode.com
