Little Yosemite Valley Wilderness Permits

A Wilderness Permit is required for each party camping overnight in the Yosemite National Park wilderness. A maximum quota of 18 overnight backpackers is admitted to Little Yosemite Valley from Happy Isles each day on reserved permits.

Reservations are now handled by Recreation.gov. Establish an account with Recreation.gov. A lottery system is now used by everyone seeking a permit, not just John Muir Trail hikers. Reservations are by a weekly lottery for 60% of available permits for hikes beginning in Yosemite and can be made up to 24 weeks in advance of departure date. Any of the 60% reservations that remain "become available on a first-come, first-served basis after the lottery process is complete for that week's reservations up until seven days in advance." The lottery application period is every Sunday through Saturday, beginnng in mid-November and continuing through early May.

"Walk-up" Wilderness Permits

No permit is required for day hikers. Usually 60 percent of the daily quota of overnight hiker slots may be reserved ahead of time, the other 40 percent become available as "walk-up" permits. They are released on a first-come, first-served basis on Recreation.gov seven days in advance at 7:00 AM PDT. Competition online is stiff, so be logged on and ready to go at 7:00 AM.

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. Anyone seeking a Yosemite wilderness permit now may use the lottery.

Online Applications

Backpackers seeking a Yosemite wilderness permit reservation should submit an online application at Recreation.gov 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. Those who choose not to use the lottery system can apply beginning about 22 weeks before your departure date.

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

Half Dome Permits

If you want to climb Half Dome and your wilderness permit is for the Happy Isles trailhead, you do not need to reserve a Half Dome permit in advance. When you pick up your wilderness permit, request to add Half Dome at a fee of $10 for each person in your party who wants to climb Half Dome. These permits are good for climbing Half Dome any day during the time your wilderness permit is valid. For more information, see Half Dome Permits for Backpackers

Picking Up Your Permit

Reserved permits may be picked up the day before your hike or the day of your hike (by 10 AM) at any Wilderness Center in Yosemite (best to use the one closest to your trailhead). Office hours change, so check Yosemite Current Conditions for the hours.