JMT late June permits and half dome

imported
#1

Hi guys, when would be the best time to apply for permits if I want to hike JMT around late JUNE/2014.

Is it true that once I have JMT wilderness permit, I don’t need another permit to use cable at half dome.

Has anyone camp at the half dome junction on your 1st day hike on JMT? where would be a better place to setup camp? off trail or on trail ?

granolagrinder

#2

If you go to the Yosemite NP web site it says you can (and should) apply for permits 6 months before your hike. When I did my hike I sent the permit in just past midnight exactly six months befor my start date by faxing it in and ended up with my third choice of trailhead to start at. I was hiking in a group of four which makes it a bit harder. I am not sure about the Half Dome question. Be prepared to be flexable in where you start and everything will work out just fine.

Big B

#3

I got my JMT permit reservation by phone exactly 24 weeks in advance of my planned start date in July, 2009. I called at the opening time of the permit office and was very fortunate to get my first choice trailhead which was Happy Isles. The permit states that you must camp beyond Little Yosemite Valley and Moraine Dome. There are camp sites just beyond Half Dome trail junction but check with the Rangers when you pick up your permit for exact restrictions. On day two, backtrack to the Half Dome trail early in the day which will beat the crowd. No special permit was required for Half Dome. Good luck!

Usedtocould

#4

A permit is required now for half dome. I believe it was new either this year or last year after several deaths caused by the cables being too crowded.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm

Jerm

#5

When you get your permit the the JMT the ranger will ask if you want to do Half Dome. If you do they will stamp it and you can do it as you hike out at any time.

kyle

#6

I’m hiking the JMT this summer but there are no permits left. It looks like my only option is shooting for the very limited first come, first served passes offered the day before starting the hike. I live on the East coast so going all the way out there and risking no permit is a little disheartening… are there any other options?

Alison