High Sierra Topix

The Half Dome cables are up for the season! The park helicopter (pictured) was necessary this year to help with some repairs. A permit is required to summit Half Dome. Most permits are available via preseason lottery, but a limited number are available every day, two days in advance. See https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm for details.

If you will be hiking to Half Dome, be prepared with several liters of water, good hiking boots, and a headlamp (with extra batteries). Be prepared to turn around if a thunderstorm appears possible. Stay back from the Merced River, which is running very high right now. If you see a bear on the trail or approaching you, scare it away by yelling loudly, angrily, and persistently. Always keep your food within arm's reach. Oh, and have fun!