Apply for Half Dome Permits March 1-31, 2015
By John P. DeGrazio
Today is the first day to apply for the Half Dome permit lottery which will run from 12am PST on March 1 to 11:59pm PDT on March 31. If you are planning on hiking to the summit of Half Dome on any day from May 22 to October 13, 2015, you will be required to obtain a permit to access the Sub Dome and cable portions of the Half Dome trail. Rangers will be stationed to check for permits, and you will be turned away if you do not have one. All permit applications are handled by Recreation.gov and can be made online or over the phone. The Yosemite National Park official website has more details about the process including a secondary daily lottery (48 hours prior to your selected date) for those who were shut out of the preseason lottery.
YExplore offers guided Half Dome hikes that give you an opportunity to attempt the 8842′ Summit in a day with the most experienced Yosemite guide service who consistently receives the highest ratings on Yelp and Tripadvisor. We break down the hike into manageable sections to help you focus on your goal. We will safely guide your group and give you the best possible chance for success while you learn about the area’s geology and natural history. We will also photograph the highlights of your trip with professional quality images and share them with you at the end of your adventure.
If you choose our services we will develop a strategy for applying for permits with you that may potentially increase your chances of success. Once your booking is confirmed, we will help you create a training routine and check in with you from time to time to monitor your progress. On the day of the hike, we will provide added safety equipment including reliable gloves and safety belts. From the beginning, our guides will help you confidently approach this hike by offering a profile of the terrain, setting designated rest stops, and coaching you to add confidence when you need it most. If you reach the summit with us, you’ll also earn a highly coveted YExplore Half Dome Summit Club patch of your very own.
Your safety is our number one priority, and we want you to be safe on this hike whether you choose our services or not. Please watch this safety video about the Sub Dome and Half Dome cables.
We will also offer an excellent alternative to Half Dome in the event you do not receive a permit but would like to experience the Yosemite Wilderness on a less popular but no less scenic trail.
Good luck to everyone, and try to remember these immortal words of Dr. Seuss on your summit day.
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