Half dome is gorgeous piece of granite rock, prominently located in the valley of Yosemite National Park.  Many people come year after year to hike its 16.5 mile roundtrip hiking trail.  You think you can just scamper up it?  Sure, you may have the sheer willpower but do you have the permit power?

Here's the latest news straight from NPS.gov on Half Dome Permits:

Permits to hike to the top of Half Dome are now required on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays when the cables are up.  This is an interim measure to increase safety along the cables while the park develops a long-term plan to manage use on the Half Dome Trail.

This year, NPS is limiting the number of people to hike up it to 400/day, which will reduce that ominuous backlog at the cables during the final haul up to the top...and hopefully it'll prevent or reduce injuries and accidents along the way.  You can get your permit from one week out to four months in advance only through the National Recreation Reservation Service.  Don't try to simply get these once you're the park - the rangers will not be amused.

If you're wondering if this extra bit of Half Dome planning is worth it?  Most definitely.  Back in 2008, Gabe and Maria rock climbed the Snake Dike route on Half Dome while our friends hiked up it.  We met at exactly the same time on top: