Yosemite: Half Dome cables open on June 22

Cables at Half Dome in Yosemite National Park will be in place on Wednesday, June 22, according to National Park Service officials.

The trail to Half Dome from the Yosemite Valley floor is more than 17 miles. Hikers gain 4,800 feet of elevation along the trail that passes Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. Metal cables and wooden plants are placed along the steep shoulder of Half Dome's summit to assist climbers.

Visitors are required to have a permit to climb the Half Dome cables. Permits can be reserved three months in advance. For information, visit http://www.recreation.gov.

Half Dome trail hikers who don't plan to use the summit cables don't need a permit.