How can I hike Half Dome without a permit?

How To Hike Half Dome Without A Permit

  1. Apply For The Daily Lottery.
  2. Hike To Half Dome And See If The Ranger Can Get You On Someone Else’s Permit.
  3. Wait Along The Trail And Offer Hiker’s Cash For Giving You Their Permit.
  4. Climb A Different Peak.
  5. Get A Wilderness Permit And Add Half Dome To Your Trip.

Do they check permits at Half Dome?

What if you want to take your chances and hike without a permit? Rangers on the trail check permits just before the sub-dome and at other spots along the trail. If you hike Half Dome without a permit, you risk paying a $5,000 fine and/or 6 months in jail.

Can you trade Half Dome permits?

The permit holder or alternate must be present with the entire group at the base of the subdome, where rangers will check for permits. The names of the permit holder and alternate may not be changed once the application is submitted. Permits are not transferable.

Do you need a permit for Half Dome when cables are down?

The Half Dome cables are put up each spring and taken down each fall, typically from the Friday before Memorial Day through the Tuesday after Columbus Day. These dates are conditions dependent and may vary from year to year. You must have a permit to ascend the subdome steps or Half Dome cables.

Which is scarier Angels Landing or Half Dome?

I’ve hiked both trails, and must admit the final stretch to the summit of Half Dome is scarier and, indeed, very likely more dangerous than the trail up Angels Landing. Nowhere on Angels Landing does the trail head up a 600-foot stretch of slick granite that at points reaches a 45-degree angle.

Can you hike Yosemite without a permit?

A wilderness permit is required year-round for backpacking, overnight climbing, or any other overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness. A wilderness permit is not required for day hikes (unless hiking to Half Dome) or for staying in lodging facilities and frontcountry campgrounds.

Can you camp on Half Dome?

Camping is not permitted on top of Half Dome or at Lost Lake. If you have a wilderness permit for Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley or Glacier Point to Little Yosemite Valley, you must camp in Little Yosemite Valley campground on the first night (and may camp there on subsequent nights) of your hike.