Climbers Confused About Yosemite’s Great Wall Permit Program

Now, climbers must sign up to do Nose on El Cap, Half Dome, Washington Column, Leaning Tower, and a few others. Not everyone is happy with this decision.

“This is a huge deal for canyon climbers,” says climber and writer Peter Bell. “It conflicted with flight planning and on-site decision-making, and was carried out without public comment or waiting period.”

To address comment and public awareness issue, the Park Service has hosted virtual town hall events beginning September 7, 2022 – including this year’s Facelift event on September 22. Another event will take place on November 12 at the Bishop High Ball-Cragging Classic.

How we will approach the issue in the future depends on what we learn from public comments happening now And park managers analyze the cost and benefit of various options,” says head climbing ranger Jesse McGay.

McGahey explains: “Most large Yosemite walls begin in the selected wilderness, but due to the variables involved in this activity, the Night Walls Wilderness permit system has not been implemented in the past. We are completing our two-season pilot program but have not decided whether to request permits in the future. “.

He said the range of options includes:

1. Back to any permit requirement.
2. Self-registration throughout the year with additional outreach and education efforts.
3. Self-registration off-season and in-person during peak season.
4. A combination of self-registration and pickup in person in high season and printing from home using a system like Entertainment.gov For frequent wall climbers.

“I was at the helm of El Cap last week and saw positive changes,” McGahey said. “I have not seen any rings of fire, nor have I discovered any illegal caches.”