Half Dome Permits 2011

Half Dome is considered one of the most beautiful climbs in the country. Every year thousands of people travel to Yosemite National Park to see if they can make it to the top of Half Dome. The climb is certainly a challenging one, but the view of Yosemite Valley once you reach the top simply can’t be beat, nor can the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel once you successfully reach the top. In 2010, Yosemite National Park required visitors to have permits to climb Half Dome on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and on holidays. In 2011, those rules will be expanded to require that climbers have a permit to hike Half Dome on any day of the week. Reasons for the Change The main concern of Yosemite National Park officials is the safety of their visitors. When the park opted to require permits on weekends and holidays in 2010, the intention was to limit crowding on the Half Dome cable route and minimize injuries. However, while permits successfully limited the number of people on the Half Dome cable route to 450 people per day on weekends and holidays, the number of people who climbed Half Dome on non-permit days skyrocketed. To provide a little perspective, about 692 people per day climbed Half Dome on weekends and holidays in 2008. In the summer of 2010 an average of 635 people climbed Half Dome every weekday that the cable route was open. The more people on the route each day, the more likely accidents are to occur. Yosemite National Park officials attribute at least one fatality in recent times to overcrowding. That is why Yosemite activities officials have decided to enforce permits on every day that the cable route is open. Typically, Half Dome opens to climbers in mid May and the season lasts through mid October depending on weather conditions. By limiting the number of climbers to a maximum of 450 people per day every day, officials hope to make the Half Dome climb a safer and better experience for everyone. Getting a Permit Permits only cost $1.50 and can be easily attained through the Yosemite activities office. To learn more about Half Dome permits or to get one for your summer Yosemite vacation, visit www.recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777. Reserving your permit early helps ensure that you'll be able to climb Half Dome when you take your vacation. Permits will be available beginning March 1, 2011 for the months of May and June and then at the beginning of each month for the following three months. Be sure to get your permit early to guarantee that you'll be able to climb Half Dome. In fact, it's a good idea to make all your Yosemite activities reservations as early as possible to ensure the best vacation for yourself and your family. If you're looking for Yosemite lodging for your Half Dome climbing vacation, consider reserving a condominium, cabin, or home with Yosemite's Scenic Wonders. We offer comfortable, affordable Yosemite accommodations within the gates of the park. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to begin planning your memorable vacation. Photo credit: darren.murph