Event

Half Dome is popular—real popular. So, starting a few years ago, the authorities began limiting the number of people who can climb it each day during summer.

Starting at 12:01am today, adventurers looking to scale Half Dome this summer can start booking their permits, crossing their fingers that they're among the chosen. The "pre-season lottery," as this period is called, ends March 31, with results announced in mid-April. A limit of 225 hikers will be approved for each day between May 27 and Oct. 11 (the dates the cables will be up, weather permitting). You can tip the odds in your favor by using this handy chart furnished by NPS, which shows the most popular dates for hiking Half Dome, in your planning process. (Word to the wise: pick a Tuesday or Wednesday.)

Note for the spontaneous: Yosemite NP will issue 50 extra permits a day throughout the summer. You just have to sign up two days in advance (i.e., to hike Saturday you'd sign up on Thursday).

There is a cost to hiking Half Dome: a $4.50 application processing fee ($6.50 if you use the phone) and $8 per person.

Book it on Recreation.gov starting at 12:01am PST on March 1, or call 877.444.6777, 7am-9pm PST.

Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0

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