SeeCalifornia.com

March 31, 2018 is the last day to apply for the Pre-season Lottery to climb Yosemite’s famed Half Dome this year. You need a permit with a specified date allowing you to climb when cables are installed and up May 25-October 9, 2018 (dates could change based on conditions.) The lottery system was instituted several years ago to manage overwhelming demand.

There is also a daily lottery in which approx. 50 permits are issued. For info visit Recreation.gov or call 877/444-6777

Climbing Half Dome

• Average climb takes 12 hours to complete.
• Hike ascends past several waterfalls, into a forest, and above the tree line.
• No climbing tools needed – just grab onto the cables and hold tight.
• 1 gallon water recommended for entire hike.
• 60-100 rescue injuries (usually due to slippery conditions) along trail each year.
• Set a time (approx. 6 hours into hike) as your half way mark.

Yosemite National Park and other parks in California offer less challenging and less time consuming hikes, with many guided hike opportunities. For those looking to get in free to national parks such as Yosemite, Lassen Volcanic and Joshua Tree in California, Saturday, April 21, 2018 is a National Parks Free Admission Day celebrating the first day of National Park Week.