A wilderness permit is required for each party staying overnight in the wilderness. Beginning in 2022, reservations are now handled by Recreation.gov. (1) Reservations by lottery for hikes beginning in Yosemite can be made up to 24 weeks in advance of departure date. (2) Reservations not by lottery are made online on Recreation.gov, first-come, first-served, up to about 22 weeks in advance and up until 7 days before the intended start date. (3) Permits become available in-person (walk-up) on a first-come, first-served basis at a permit issuing station at 11:00 AM the day before intended start date.

The maximum number of people per party is 15 (8 if hiking cross country), but some trailhead quotas are less than that. There is a daily quota of overnight hikers permitted to enter at each trailhead. No permit is required for day hikers. Usually 60 percent of the daily quota of hiker slots may be reserved ahead of time, the other 40 percent become available as first-come, first-served beginning at 11:00 AM the day before your hike. Any unused reservations are added to the 40 percent one day in advance of intended entry date.

The Dog Lake Trail has space for 12 people per day with reservations, while 8 slots are set aside as first-come, first-served permits.

Lottery

Lottery rules have changed and are complicated, so it is best to read the information about the lottery on the Yosemite website: Wilderness Permit Reservations.

Online Wilderness Permit Applications

Backpackers going to Young Lakes should submit an online application for the lottery 24 weeks in advance of departure date. Check Yosemite's handy chart - Wilderness Permit Reservation Window - which tells you when to submit your application for the lottery.

Establish an account with Recreation.gov and apply for your permit at Recreation.gov - Yosemite Wilderness Permits

You can check on the current status of available permits at Planning Your Wilderness Trip