How to Get the Half Dome Permits for 2022?
The half dome permits for 2022 have been a highly controversial topic. Hikers and backpackers are aware of the importance of holding a permit and how to get it. However, if you have plans in mind to hike Half Dome for 2021, you might want to know the information first.
The annual lottery system by Yosemite National Park officials is very popular. The decision of how to hand out permits was based on the hikers who are entering the lotteries over recent years. There is about a 50% chance that you will be able to get hiking permits for the year 2021 after entering the lottery.
This post will look into the permit details to be convenient for those who have plans in mind to hike Half Dome for 2022.
Moreover, we will look into other hiking permits for other trails within Yosemite National Park.
The Half Dome
This is an extremely popular hike peak in Yosemite National Park. It’s a very famous trail that combines a long steep climb with a secure cable handrail descent. The cables are in place to provide hikers the means to safely navigate the final ascent of this route. You need to attach these cables by hand and they cross several large granite slabs along the way that give the trail its name.
The popularity has made this area very sensitive and therefore it’s important to control the number of hikers on this trail.
Why Do You Need a Permit to Hike the Half Dome?
The park service has implemented permit requirements to reduce the environmental impacts on this popular trail. This is an effort to enhance the quality of visits for all trails within Yosemite National Park. Permits are required because too many hikers caused damage to the fragile subalpine meadows along the way.
Hence, you need to go through a special reservation system. You can only acquire these permits if you enter this online lottery correctly and win it. With proper management of hiker traffic, there will be less impact on the natural environment in the area which is good for everyone who loves nature and wants it preserved forever.
Why Should You Enter Online Lottery?
It’s simple- the majority of people who want to hike Half Dome don’t get the permit, so the lottery is the only way you can get a permit. You just need to enter your name into an online lottery and hope that you will win it every year.
You should at least put in some effort just to try your luck if not for anything else. It’s a good experience as well because you never know what could happen. Perhaps you were always meant to have this hiking permit no matter if you are one of those who are lucky or not each year!
The Park Service manages over 6 million visitors each year which is why they don’t take any chances when using permits for the Half Dome trail. Yosemite National Park officials believe that having this online lottery system allows them to better serve visitors according to their best interests.
The Half Dome Permits for 2022
If you are planning for a trip to Yosemite National Park for the year 2022, now would be a good time to start planning it. The annual permit lottery is now open so you can enter it if you are planning a trip hiking Half Dome.
Primary Ways of Obtaining The Half Dome Permits for 2022
Obtaining the permits for hiking Half Dome is going to be a challenge. You will need some luck and patience just to get your name entered into the lottery.
Day Dome Lottery System
As this is mainly a day hiking adventure, the permits must be in hand in the morning before you set off. There is no overnight camping allowed on the Half Dome trail.
Again, this hike has to be done in one day with no stopovers or overnights permitted. The only exception is coming down the cables when it’s dark outside (before 9 pm).
This will require another permit for ascending and descending both ways. That means starting the hike with a permit in hand then acquiring another permit upon your return for that half of the hike. This could be very challenging if you are not able to do so within each calendar year because every year there will be new rules and regulations which you must comply with to get your hiking permits for Half Dome in 2022.
Who Can Enter the Online Lottery?
Everyone can participate in this annual lottery system regardless of age or where they live. However, please note that this is an international drawing which means that you must have a valid mailing address from outside the U.S.
Permit Details and When to Apply
- Permits are required all year round for Half Dome. You can apply through lottery system online. The lotteries include two types; a daily lottery and a large pre-season lottery.
- The lottery for Pre-season Half Dome will take place in March 2020. Permits are available by reservation only. So your chances of getting one through the online lottery is pretty good if you don’t get it at first. The best advice is to apply every year because you never know what could happen.
- In case you do not manage to win a pre-season lottery, the daily lottery will be your next option. This is held on National Park Service website and typically opens in April. There is no way you can get a permit before the month of May (even if for some reason it’s not sold out).
- The maximum number of permits per day limits to 475 which means that up to 50 people can win the daily lottery. It has to be before you actually get the Half Dome permits for 2022.
What are the Requirements?
- There are some requirements you need to meet in order to get your half dome hiking permit;
- Physically able to hike (you cannot bring a stroller or wheelchair)
- You must be at least 16 years old
- You must have a valid ID for further identification as your photo is part of the process
The Cost of Applying for the Day Dome Lottery System
A non-refundable permit fee of $10 to apply for the lottery.
Provided you win, you will be charged $10 per person to get your Half Dome permits for 2022. This is not refundable even if you do not get a permit.
What If You Don’t Win?
The good news is that you can try again the following year without penalty. It is possible to have three attempts every year you are eligible for the lottery system, so keep trying.
Yosemite Wilderness Permits
This is another method of applying for the half dome permits for 2022. If you plan to enjoy backpacking in Yosemite, Yosemite Wilderness Permits will allow you to stay overnight in the backcountry. You should try for this application months before your trip. This is due to its popularity, it could get competitive (in terms of availability).
Getting a Half Dome Permit
You must make sure you get a notification for each lottery service. Otherwise, it will not be on your user account.
Permit Details and When to Apply
This type of permit is available for backcountry areas of Yosemite National Park. They are the toughest to get, but you can make it easier by applying online before 4 AM Pacific Time on March 1.
Who Can Enter the Lottery?
Anyone physically able to hike can enter this lottery! Every year, there are nearly 12,000 applications just for 100 spots available. The lottery is only open for a day. Getting this permit requires in-depth trip planning – right from your budget to have an itinerary and detailed maps.
The Yosemite Wilderness Permit Application Process
- Physically able to hike (you cannot bring a stroller or wheelchair)
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have a valid ID for further identification as your photo is taken as part of the process
Note: You don’t need to have the Yosemite Wilderness Permits if you are hiking Half Dome from Little Yosemite Valley. Please speak to a ranger before your hike if you plan on doing this,
Where Do You Apply?
The application is available through recreation.gov at midnight on March 1. Applications are usually due in May, but you should apply early to improve your chances of getting one. You can also call (209) 372-0740 during normal business hours to have a permit faxed or mailed to you if needed. Click this link to apply for the Yosemite Wilderness Permit.
Cost of Applying for the Half Dome Permits for 2022
The standard permit cost is $5 and charges an additional $5 per person. There is no charge for applying if you don’t receive a reservation. There is also a refundable $5 fee to apply if your application is unsuccessful. This is possible before the day of, or after you apply.
Tips to have an Increased Chance of Winning The Half Dome Permits in 2022
- Inorder to increase your chances of winning the Half Dome permits, you need to plan far in advance – at least 3 months. You can apply on recreation.gov at midnight PST of March 1.
- Since the cost of applying is $5, it would be beneficial to apply for multiple days in case you do not win or if things don’t work out.
- If you plan on using a public transportation system when visiting Yosemity, enter that when making your reservation request. This will help rangers allot permits and make sure they have enough.
- Enter all the members of your group when applying to increase your chances of getting a permit for everyone, even if they plan on arriving at different times.
Conclusion
To sum up, this article looked into several aspects of how to get the half dome permits for 2022. It is very important to know about the different types of permits that are available and understand how they work.
Always take your time when planning out your trip to Yosemite so you do not miss out on anything. Also, make sure you apply for this permit before March 1, or else you will not be able to reserve a spot.
If you’re still not sure about how to plan your trip, consider hiring a Yosemite National Park Guide who will take care of the planning and preparation for you so all you have to do is enjoy your experience. Moreover, check out these amazing locations for hiking in South America.
