Yes, no permit needed for a day hike in Yosemite (other than Half Dome).
Cloud's Rest is fantastic. So is Mt. Hoffman (though a much shorter hike). And North Dome ain't bad either! You haven't really seen Half Dome until you do North Dome.
http://www.yosemitehikes.com/tioga-road/north-dome/north-dome.htm You can also do North Dome from the Valley (by going up Yosemite Falls) but that is a huge day.
You know, what I really need to start doing is tell you where I'm headed and when I'll be there, then have you come up with an itinerary for me
I'm convinced it'll be better than whatever I plan for myself!
I'm printing out the info for Hoffmann and North Dome now. If there's poor weather or if we're in a rush for some reason, it looks like they could be faster backup options.
