Lottery open to score Yosemite Half Dome cable permits

Hikers enjoy climbing alongside the cables on Half Dome during the summer of 2009. A group is fighting Yosemite National Parks policy that limits the number of hikers on the final 400-foot climb up Half Dome. They say Americans have a right to freely enjoy nature. The park service began limiting the number of hikers on the enormous sliced-in-half granite dome in 2010 to combat regular bottlenecks. less Hikers enjoy climbing alongside the cables on Half Dome during the summer of 2009. A group is fighting Yosemite National Parks policy that limits the number of hikers on the final 400-foot climb up Half ... more Photo: Bethany Gediman, Special To The Chronicle Photo: Bethany Gediman, Special To The Chronicle Image 1 of / 13 Caption Close Lottery open to score Yosemite Half Dome cable permits 1 / 13 Back to Gallery

Sign up now if you you plan on checking Yosemite's signature hike off your bucket list this year, but those willing to scramble up the 45-degree pitch would be wise to act quickly.

Only 300 people a day are allowed up the steep cables that lead to the summit of Half Dome. Those hoping to lock down a spot during the busy summer months are strongly advised to put their names in the hat during the preseason window during the month of March. You can apply for up to six people, and rank seven potential dates that work for you.

"Applications will only be successful if the number of permits requested is available on at least one of the requested dates. If enough permits are available for more than one of the requested dates, permits will be automatically awarded to the highest priority date, as entered by the applicant," confirm park officials, who suggest backpackers apply for wilderness permits at the same time they sign up for the cable hike.

After the cables go up for the season (usually just before Memorial Day), an additional 50 Half Dome permits are released each day, but park numbers show that only about a third of the applicants get day-of passes. The rate is only slightly higher for those reserving during the preseason, but at least you aren't left waiting until the last minute to see if you get a pass.

As you might expect, Friday-Saturday are the most competitive days to get permits. Park officials have broken down specific weekends by popularity to give you tips on how to improve your chances.

Winners of the preseason lottery will be notified in mid-April.