The cables allowing access for hikers to the summit of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
will be in place and open for the season on Wednesday, June 22, 2011.The trail to Half Dome from Yosemite Valley is an extremely strenuous hike covering over
17 miles. Hikers gain 4,800 feet of elevation along the trail that passes highlights such as
Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, before reaching the cables on Half Dome’s steep granite
shoulder. Metal cables and wooden planks are placed along the steep shoulder of the dome
to assist hikers to the summit.Visitors are required to have a permit to ascend the Half Dome cables seven days per
week. Permits can be reserved three months in advance. For more information on permits
and availability, please visit www.recreation.gov. Visitors hiking the trail leading up to the
base of the Half Dome cables do not need a permit.
(via NPS)