Yosemite: Half Dome trail, cables to remain closed through Thursday

Yosemite National Park says the trail and cables to the top of iconic Half Dome will remain closed through Thursday because of the Meadow fire burning in the park’s high-elevation wilderness. The fire grew to almost 2,600 acres on Monday.

Hikers and backpackers who have permits to summit the 8,800-foot peak for Tuesday and Wednesday are being contacted and informed about the closure by park officials. Permit holders will receive a refund of the $8 per person fee, a park spokeswoman said.

Permits are required to use the cables on Half Dome from late May until Oct. 14. They allow hikers to ascend the steepest, final portion of the trail to the top of the peak. Permits are distributed via lottery before the season starts and a daily summer lottery.

Trails in the area, including those to Little Yosemite Valley, Merced Lake and Clouds Rest, also remain closed because of the fire. Helicopters evacuated about 85 hikers and climbers from the top of Half Dome on Sunday after a smoke column was spotted around 12:30 p.m., a park statement says.

Yosemite was supposed to host a 9/11 Yosemite Climb that would take veterans and active duty military service members who have a disability to the top of Half Dome. Participants in the climb, aimed at helping them overcome adversity, were supposed to head to Little Yosemite Valley on Tuesday and go for the summit on Wednesday.

No word yet on whether the climb will be rescheduled.

Check the park’s website, Facebook page and Twitter for updates on the fire and closures.