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.
Check availability? Click here. Trailheads and dates listed indicate which days are full. If the date or trailhead isn’t listed, space is available for at least one person.
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.
Permits are also available by advance reservation. Wilderness permits are not a registration; leave an accurate itinerary with family or friends before you begin 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.
Reservations for summer trips (mid-May thru mid-September) are accepted from 2 weeks to up to 24 weeks in advance by writing to:
P.O. Box 545
Yosemite, CA 95389
(Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm PST)
- Mailed requests are processed simultaneously with phone requests.
- Please provide the following information for phone or written requests: name, address, daytime phone, number of people in the party, method of travel (i.e. ski, snowshoe, foot or horse), number of stock if applicable, start & end dates, entry & exit trailheads, principle destination & alternate dates and/or trailheads.
- A $5 per person non-refundable processing fee is charged for all reservation requests. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Yosemite Association. Credit card payments are accepting with a valid card number and expiration date.
- Permit stations are located in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Big Oak Flat, Hetch Hetchy, Tuolumne Meadows and Badger Pass. Some permit stations are closed seasonally with permits available by self-registration.
- For more information on Wilderness Permits and conditions call 209.372.0200 and select the “Wilderness” option.