You are here

Home » Cost To Hike Half Dome In Yosemite National Park Inching Upwards

Cost To Hike Half Dome In Yosemite National Park Inching Upwards

Share

Published Date

May 12, 2017

It will cost you a bit more to hike to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park this year/NPS

A walk through the woods, and then up the slick shoulder of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, is getting a tad bit more expensive.

Permits for making the trek to the top for an eagle eye view of the Yosemite Valley down below and Clouds Rest far off to the east will cost $10 this year, and that's on top of the $10 application fee. Depending on whether you went online in the past or called to land a permit, the $20 fee this year is an increase of between $5.50 and $7.50

Yosemite staff attribute the slight increase to "contractor costs." 

The Half Dome cables are currently down, but are scheduled to be installed at the end of May. Due to heavy snow pack and weather conditions, cable installation may be delayed, the park reports. The new Half Dome permit fees of a $10 application fee and a $10 permit fee will be charged beginning with the 2017 daily lotteries that will open once the cables are installed for the 2017 summer season. If cable installation is delayed, permit fees will be refunded to those who purchased permits through the preseason lottery.

Day use permits are required to ascend the Half Dome cables 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These permits are only available online through the daily lottery operated by recreation.gov. To apply for a daily lottery permit, applications are accepted from 12:01 a.m. to 1 p.m. two days in advance of the intended hiking date.

Day use permits cannot be obtained in person through any office in Yosemite National Park. Permit applicants must use their legal name when applying for a permit and a matching government-issued ID is required at the permit check point.

Overnight use permits are available through the Yosemite National Park Wilderness Center. For more information, visit this page.

For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200, press 1 and press 1 again.

Related Stories:

Op-Ed | National Parks Need More Than Love Right Now—They Need Lasting Investment
A Day In The Park: Yosemite National Park
Staffing Issues May Affect Your 2025 National Park Plans

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.

Comments

Submitted by Araceli Gonzalez on May 13, 2017 - 3:52pm.

Is rediculus. To have to go trough lottery tickets.  If you are paying for it.


Submitted by SmokiesBackpacker on May 13, 2017 - 5:36pm.

It's ridiculous period.  Do you know what it costs to climb Denali?  The same for taxpaying US citizens as for a Nepali Sherpa.  If you or I climb in the Himalaya, we have to pay disproportionate amounts as a foreigner. And that is the way it is around the world.  Some places charge US climbers in the form of entrance taxes.


Submitted by ecbuck on May 13, 2017 - 8:15pm.

Areceli - Have you climbed Half Dome? If you had, you would know how crowded - even dangerous - it is with a fee and permit.  $20 is nothing for the experience and limiting with a lottery is the only way to keep it safe and enjoyable, other than raising the fee to $100.  


Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact 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.