Permits for the Half Dome hike open in March

Permits for the Half Dome hike open in March

Winter weather can have an impact on summer plans and this year’s snowfall could impact the opening of of the Half Dome hike in Yosemite National Park. The installation of the Half Dome cables is typically completed by late May.  This year’s winter weather may extend the opening of this popular hike into June.

Don’t forget that permits are required to go up the cables. The trail allows a maximum of 300 hikers per day — about 225 day hikers and 75 backpackers per day.

Day hiker permits are obtained through Recreation.gov, via lotteries in March and throughout the hiking season. If you have flexibility regarding, these graphs illustrate the popularity of various days.

Please note that permits for day hikers do not include camping or lodging. Hikers must carry valid ID and payment confirmation. Backpackers who want to add the cable route as part of their plan should secure their permits with their wilderness permit via this link. 

Two separate fees apply for a Half Dome permit. There’s an initial non-refundable $10 fee per application charged upon submission. Another $10 fee per person is charged upon receiving the permit, refundable if canceled by 11:59 pm Pacific time the day before the hiking date or if the cables aren’t up.

Remember the Half Dome hike is challenging and spans 14 – 16 miles. It is not recommended for the unprepared or unfit due to a 4,800-foot elevation gain. Most hikers complete the round trip in 10 to 12 hours, starting at sunrise or earlier.

As your trip nears,  make sure to check weather forecasts, trail conditions, and any advisories issued by park authorities.