California Backcountry Permits
From the granite domes of Yosemite to the ancient sequoias, California's wilderness offers unparalleled diversity. Home to the highest peak in the lower 48.
About California Permits
California's Sierra Nevada holds some of North America's most competitive permits. The John Muir Trail lottery sees over 20,000 applications for 1,500 spots. Half Dome sells out in minutes. Mount Whitney day hikes require winning a separate lottery. But the payoff is world-class scenery: granite domes, alpine lakes, and the highest peak in the lower 48.
Best Time to Visit
Sierra high country is best mid-July through September when snow has melted. June can work for lower elevations. October brings fall colors but early snowstorms. The Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe has a longer accessible season.
Signature Experiences
The most sought-after permits in California
Half Dome
10/10“Stand atop one of America's most iconic granite monoliths, 4,800 feet above Yosemite Valley floor.”
JMT Yosemite
10/10“Walk 211 miles along the spine of the Sierra Nevada, from Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mount Whitney—the highest peak in the contiguous United States.”
Mt. Whitney Zone (Day Use)
10/10“One of America's most sought-after wilderness permits.”
Parks & Wilderness Areas
Browse permits by location (19 locations)
Yosemite National Park
Home to towering granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and some of America's most iconic wilderness. Yosem...
Inyo National Forest
Gateway to the John Muir and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas along the eastern Sierra Nevada....
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Home to the world's largest trees and the deepest canyon in North America....
Desolation Wilderness
Pristine alpine wilderness in the Lake Tahoe region with over 130 lakes....
Point Reyes National Seashore
Coastal wilderness with backcountry camping on dramatic Pacific bluffs....
King Range National Conservation Area
The Lost Coast Trail — California's longest stretch of undeveloped coastline....
Trinity Alps Wilderness
Northern California's premier alpine wilderness in Shasta-Trinity National Forest....
San Gorgonio Wilderness
Southern California's highest peak (11,503 ft) in San Bernardino National Forest....
San Jacinto Wilderness
Southern California alpine wilderness accessible via Palm Springs Aerial Tramway....
Thru-Hikes & Long Trails
Epic multi-day traverses in California (4 trails)
JMT Yosemite
Yosemite
The legendary 211-mile trail from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney. Multiple Donohue Pass-eligible t...
14-21 days
High Sierra Trail
SEKI
A legendary 72-mile trans-Sierra traverse from the giant sequoias to the summit of Mount Whitney—Ame...
6-8 days
Trans-Catalina
Catalina
A rugged 38.5-mile traverse across Santa Catalina Island—from the harbor town of Avalon to the remot...
3-5 days
TRT Thru-Hike
TRT
A 165-mile loop circumnavigating Lake Tahoe along ridgelines spanning two states, four national fore...
10-14 days
Also in California
These parks in other regions also belong to California
Search California Permits
Find specific permits or browse all 254 permits
Half Dome
LotteryPopularYosemite · California
JMT Yosemite
LotteryPopularYosemite · California
Mt. Whitney Zone (Day Use)
ReservationInyo NF · California
Mt. Whitney Day
LotteryPopularSEKI · California
Cathedral Lakes
ReservationYosemite · California
Lyell Canyon (Donohue Pass eligible)
ReservationYosemite · California
Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley
ReservationYosemite · California
Happy Isles to Past LYV (Donohue Pass eligible)
ReservationYosemite · California
Kearsarge Pass (JMT)
ReservationInyo NF · California
Mt. Whitney Trail (Overnight)
ReservationInyo NF · California
Mt. Whitney Overnight
LotterySEKI · California
High Sierra Trail
ReservationSEKI · California
Rafferty Creek to Vogelsang
ReservationYosemite · California
Lyell Canyon (no Donohue Pass)
ReservationYosemite · California
Glen Aulin
ReservationYosemite · California
Happy Isles to Illilouette
ReservationYosemite · California
Glacier Point to Little Yosemite Valley
ReservationYosemite · California
Baxter Pass (JMT)
ReservationInyo NF · California
Bishop Pass (JMT)
ReservationInyo NF · California
Cottonwood Pass (PCT)
ReservationInyo NF · California
Explore Other Regions
Planning a bigger trip? Check out permits in other areas.
California Permit FAQ
How many backcountry permits does PermitSnag track in California?
PermitSnag tracks over 254 backcountry permits across California, including day-use permits, overnight permits, thru-hike entries, and specialized permits like canyoneering and river access.
What are the most popular permits in California?
The most competitive California permits include Half Dome, JMT Yosemite, Mt. Whitney Zone (Day Use). These permits often sell out immediately when released.
How do I get notified about California permit cancellations?
Sign up for PermitSnag to receive instant alerts when California permits become available due to cancellations. Our system monitors availability 24/7 and notifies you immediately.