There is no penalty, but there are hundreds of folks who would be happy to know that two permits were returned to 'the system' and they had a greater chance for the Daily Lottery.

I like the idea of your wife going part way and waiting for you. That has worked for us on many hikes, including this one. (My son waited while my husband completed the hike.)

This page has more information including a link to MrHalfDome's website tripadvisor.com/Travel-g61000-d139183

What part of the hike are you worried about for your wife? My family did this several years ago and the weakest link in our group was my wife. However, she was a trooper and we took our time making our way to Half Dome. My wife was very concerned about having the upper body and arm strength (she doesn't have much) to make it up the cables, but really had no issue at all. In fact, seeing the cables made her all that more determined since she felt she couldn't stop short of getting to the top after going all that way.

If there is any way to convince your wife to go, the reward is so worth it. Not only is there the sense of accomplishment, but the view is just amazing

.

There is NO penalty if you cancel your permits...no data base of people who bail out....cancel it at least 2 days in advance for a refund...plus those permits add to the 2-day mini-lottery. If your wife has trepidation - don't force her. It is a monster hike BEFORE the Sub Dome and cables. The Mist Trail is a killer. Either go with her as far as she can - or do it alone. There are enuff people to assist you.

Then you can "give": your permit to a hiker on the trail who does not have a permit. They need to be with you when you reach the ranger at Sub Dome.

Rick

Mr Half Dome

HikeHalfDome.com

Thanks everybody. I am most worried for my wife about the hike itself. I think she can handle the cables. But I actually twisted my own knee this week in sf, trying to ride a tandem across the bridge, lol. How do I go about canceling my ticket, so it goes back in the system?

Here is the information I have:

1. To cancel the entire permit, contact www.recreation.gov or telephone them at 877-444-6777. This will put the number of people on your cancelled permit into *the 2-day before* inventory.

2. The $8.00 per person permit fee is refundable provided (a) THE PERMIT HAS NOT BEEN PRINTED and (b) THE PERMIT IS CANCELLED MORE THAN 2 DAYS IN ADVANCE of the hike.

3. The fee to enter the lottery ($4.50 if you entered the permit lottery on-line or $6.50 if you called recreation.gov to enter) is not refundable.

There is no database kept of Half Dome Trail permit holders who had a permit and did not use it and did not cancel. So no worries for the future.

You and your wife will have a wonderful time enjoying Yosemite without climbing Half Dome on this trip.

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