Yosemite kicks off lottery system for Half Dome
A maximum of 300 hikers are allowed on the metal cables on the mountain’s steep granite shoulder each day. The permit can be obtained through the lottery system that started last Saturday
Park rangers say hikers can now apply for permits to ascend the summit of Yosemite National Park’s iconic Half Dome.
A maximum of 300 hikers are allowed on the metal cables on the mountain’s steep granite shoulder each day. Reservations are required, and a limited number of permits for this year can be obtained through a lottery system that started last Saturday.
The 27 kilometres trail is strenuous with a 4,800 feet elevation gain, and it is dangerous when wet.
The route had been inundated with thousands of visitors a day, so in 2011, park officials instituted a permit lottery for daily access to increase safety.
