Beginning in 2010 all Yosemite tourists planning to hike past the subdome of the Half Dome trail will now be required to acquire a permit before attempting the ascent. The permits will be required on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and all federal holidays when the cables are up. These interim precautions have been set in place by the park service to ensure the safety of Yosemite tourists on the Half Dome Trail while the park develops a more long-term plan. Last year an average 400 hikers used the cables on the Half Dome Trail Monday thru Thursday and over 800 used the cables Friday thru Sunday.
Permits are available up to four months in advance with a minimum of one week advanced purchase. Tourists are reminded that there will most likely be a very high demand for permits, especially the first few days the permits are available. The $1.50 service charge for each reserved permit will not be refunded and the date for non-used permits can not be changed. Permits are not available at Yosemite Park but can be purchased by visiting the National Recreation Reservation Service at www.recreation.gov.
