Wilderness Permits
At the current time, wilderness permits are not required for nights spent on a wall. It is illegal to camp at the base of any wall in Yosemite Valley. If you must bivouac on the summit, you are required to follow all regulations:
- Do not litter, toss, or cache anything. If you hauled it up, you can carry it down.
- If you must have a fire, use an existing fire ring.
- Do not build windbreaks, platforms, or other "improvements".
Half Dome: Camping at the base of Half Dome is legal, but a wilderness permit is required. They can be obtained at the Wilderness Center next to the Post Office in Yosemite Village. To have the best chance of getting one, go there early in the morning the day before you hike up. Camping on the summit of Half Dome is prohibited.
Conservation and Regulations
Fight litter! Don't toss anything off a wall, even if you intend to pick it up later. Don't leave food or water at the top or on ledges "for future parties". Set a good example by picking up any litter you see, including tape wads and cigarette butts.
Don't leave fixed ropes as permanent fixtures on approaches and descents. These are considered abandoned property and will be removed.
Minimize erosion on your approach and descent. If an obvious main trail has been created, use it. Go slow on the way down to avoid pushing soil down the hill. Avoid walking on vegetation whenever possible.
If you need to build a fire for survival during an unplanned bivouac on the summit, use an existing fire ring. Building a new fire ring or windbreak is prohibited. Make sure your fire is completely out before you leave.
Clean extra, rotting slings off anchors when you descend. Bring earth-toned slings to leave on anchors.
Check the Camp 4 Kiosk or the Mountain Shop for the current Peregrine Falcon closures.
On first ascents: Please think about the impacts that will be caused by your new climb- Is the approach susceptible to erosion? Is there a lot of vegetation on the rock? "Gardening", e.g. killing plants, is illegal in Yosemite. Can the climb be done with a minimum of bolts? Motorized drills are prohibited.