You are here

Home » Yosemite To Be Busy For Memorial Day, Half Dome Cables Not Up

Yosemite To Be Busy For Memorial Day, Half Dome Cables Not Up

Share

Published Date

May 23, 2019

Crowds are expected to descend on the Yosemite Valley during the long Memorial Day weekend. One place you won't be able to head to escape the crowds will be Half Dome. Yosemite National Park staff say the cables up the iconic granite dome won't be up before May 30.

Holiday weekend visitors are encouraged to arrive in the park before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Once in the park, visitors are urged to park their vehicles at the Yosemite Village, Yosemite Falls, or Half Dome Village day parking areas and enjoy Yosemite Valley by using the free shuttle bus service, bike paths, and hiking trails. Parking in Yosemite Valley is limited and parking is expected to fill early.

All campgrounds in Yosemite Valley, as well as Wawona and Hodgdon Meadow campgrounds, are on the reservation system (www.recreation.gov) and are sold out for the entire weekend. There are no first come, first served campgrounds currently open in Yosemite National Park. Camp 4 Campground is now on a daily lottery system. To enter the daily lottery, visit www.recreation.gov. There are a large number of campground and lodging options in the gateway communities surrounding the park.

The Tioga Road through Yosemite remains closed due to the heavy winter snowpack. The opening date for 2019 is undetermined. Tioga Road is a seasonal road that opens for the season as weather and road conditions allow. The El Portal Road, the Wawona Road, and Big Oak Flat Road are open to all vehicular traffic to Yosemite Valley.

Hiking Trails at high elevations remain snow-covered. Visitors planning to hike are encouraged to be prepared for winter hiking conditions, especially at elevations above 7,000 feet. Hikers should be prepared to turn back if they encounter challenging conditions like unexpected water crossings, snow, and ice on trails. The 4 Mile Trail from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point remains closed due to snow, ice, and recent rockfalls.

Half Dome Cables – Status Update

The Half Dome Cables, which are installed each season by the Yosemite Trail Crew as conditions allow, are still down and will remain down at least through May 30 due to snow, ice and other hazards on the trail.

There is no estimated date on when the cables will be ready for use. You can check the Yosemite National Park website for an update after May 30. Permits are required to climb the Half Dome Cables. For more information on Half Dome Permits, please visit https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm. 

Related Stories:

Yosemite To Delay Summer Campground Reservation Sales Amid Staffing Crisis
Badger Pass, Yosemite's Ski Resort, Won't Open This Winter
Yosemite's Permanent Reservation System On Hold After Changes At Interior

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.