Yosemite National Park Wilderness Permits

Wilderness Permits

Free wilderness permits are required year-round for all overnight trips into Yosemite's wilderness. They are not required for day hikes. Yosemite uses a trailhead quota system which limits the number of people who may begin overnight hikes from each trailhead, each day.

This system is designed to avoid overcrowding and to reduce impacts to wilderness areas. At least 40% of each trailhead quota is available on a first-come first-served basis the day of, or one day prior to, the beginning of your trip.

If you are starting a trip outside the park, obtain a permit from the land agency who manages your entry trailhead. Please plan your trip before you apply for a wilderness permit or write for a reservation.

You may make a reservation for a wilderness permit.

Leave an accurate itinerary with family or friends, as it will be their responsibility to initiate a search if you do not return as scheduled.

Bear canisters are required in most of Yosemite's wilderness.

Wilderness Permit Station Locations:

Please obtain your free permit from the Wilderness Permit Station nearest your departure trailhead.

Check hours of operation.

Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center (Open summer only; visitor center in winter): in Yosemite Village next to the post office.

Big Oak Flat (Open summer only; self-registration during winter): on the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) at the park entrance.

Tuolumne Meadows (Open summer only; self-registration at ski hut): Located in parking lot 1/4 mile from the Tuolumne Meadows Ranger Station.

Badger Pass (Open winter only): Ranger Station A-Frame at Badger Pass on Glacier Point Road.

Hetch Hetchy : Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station. The Hetch Hetchy Road is open limited hours. There is no access to Hetch Hetchy trailheads while the road is closed. Visit the conditions update page for more information.

Wawona (Open summer only; self-registration during winter): Information Station in the Hill's Studio adjacent to the Wawona Hotel, just off the Wawona Road (Highway 41).

Call 209/372-0200 for open permit station locations and hours.

For those making trips from Cherry Lake in the Stanislaus National Forest to Kibbie Lake and Lake Eleanor in Yosemite, you must get your permit from the Stanislaus National Forest Ranger Station on Highway 120 in Groveland. For more information call 209/962-7825.

For visitors entering the park from Chiquito Pass in Sierra National Forest , permits for the whole trip must be obtained from the Forest Service in North Fork. Call 559/877-2218 for more information.

Reservations:

Research and plan your trip before submitting a reservation request. Visit http://www.yosemitestore.com/ for a selection of maps and books to help you plan your trip.

Wilderness users who plan to enjoy Yosemite's beautiful high country during our peak season (May through September) are encouraged to make permit reservations. A $5 per person non-refundable processing fee is charged for all confirmed reservations.

Check availability: If the date or trailhead isn't listed, space is available for at least one person (but not necessarily for your entire group) as of the last time this report was posted. Trailheads and dates listed indicate which days are full .

Please note that reservations are only accepted between May 15th and September 15th. A wilderness permit, available on a self-registration basis, is still necessary.

By phone: reservations for summer trips are accepted from 2 days to up to 24 weeks in advance by calling 209/372-0740 (8:30 am to 4:30 am, Monday-Friday).

By mail and web: reservation requests for summer trips (mid-May through September) are accepted from 2 weeks to 24 weeks in advance online or by writing to Yosemite Association, PO Box 545, Yosemite, CA 95389. Making a request does not guarantee a reservation. If your requested trailhead and dates are available, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail. If your reservation request is made less than two days or more than 24 weeks in advance, it will be rejected without notice .

Have the following information ready at the time of your request:

• Name
• Address
• Daytime phone
• Number of people in the party
• Method of travel (i.e. ski, snowshoe, foot, horse)
• Number of stock (if applicable)
• Start and end dates
• Entry and exit trailheads
• Principal destination

Include alternate dates and/or trailheads . A $5 per person non-refundable processing fee is charged for all confirmed reservations. Payment by check or money order should be made to the Yosemite Association. Credit card payments are accepted with valid card number and expiration date. Reservation phone lines are often busy. We encourage you to make your request in writing. Mailed requests are processed simultaneously with phone requests.