In an encore to last year’s well-received pilot program, America’s National Park Service is once again offering several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees. Upcoming fee-free days include Aug. 14-15, Sept. 25 and Nov. 11.
Yosemite is an obvious summertime choice, with stunning vistas available from Glacier Point that sweep major interest areas of the park from above. The famed Half Dome can be viewed in cross-section, detailing its true nature as a single granite ridge rising from the valley floor. Wispy waterfalls pour snow melt off the tops of these huge granite sentries.
The age of these gigantic granite domes is estimated to be 93 million years old, dating from the Cretaceous Period.
Half Dome’s granite crest rises more than 4,700 feet from the valley floor (about 8,800 feet above sea level) and about 50,000 hikers each year make the ascent up its steep incline. The easiest ascent is the Cables Route, constructed in 1919, whereby hikers can grasp two steel cables mounted into the rock as a climbing guide. The Cables Route spans 8.2 miles (along the Mist Trail, with an elevation gain of 4,800 feet) and will take 10 to 12 hours to complete one round-trip. Many visitors break up the long climb by camping at Little Yosemite Valley.
The top of Half Dome encompasses a large flat area that offers stunning views, including the sheer drop-off to the valley below. Ansel Adams took his famous 1927 “Monolith, the Face of Half Dome” photograph from a feature dubbed the “diving board” on the shoulder of the formation.
Beginning in January 2010, hikers now need a permit to climb Half Dome via the Cables Route Friday through Sunday and on federal holidays (May 21 through Oct. 11). The NPS instituted this policy citing safety concerns and to alleviate overcrowding. Only 400 permits are issued daily and are available through the National Recreation Reservation Service four months in advance. There is a $1.50 processing fee. Permits are not issued in the park. Visit the Web site at www.recreation.gov for more information.
