Half Dome Cables Go Back Up

Yosemite National Park will open the trail to the summit of Half Dome on Thursday, May 20 at 5:00 p.m. this year.

The trail to the summit of Half Dome is one of the most popular hikes in the park, in part because of the challenge that the final ascent provides as well as the outstanding scenery it provides. A series of metal cables are placed along the steep shoulder of the dome to assist hikers to the summit.

Trail workers are completing additional work this year along the trail, including replacing the wooden 2 x 4 cross pieces hikers use as support on the steep climb to the top.

The Half Dome hike is a round-trip hike of 17 miles and considered extremely strenuous. Hikers gain 4,800 feet of elevation along the hike that passes such highlights as Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and Half Dome itself.

The Little Yosemite Valley Ranger Station will also be open on May 20.