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's Yosemite trailheads are quota-limited, and a cancelled one goes straight back on Recreation.gov. Mount Whitney works the same way once its draw has run. Half Dome is the exception: NPS absorbs a cancelled permit into the next daily draw, so there the lottery really is the only way in. The payoff is world-class scenery: granite domes, alpine lakes, and the highest peak in the lower 48.
We check 222 of these permits for cancellations, including Mt. Whitney Day, JMT Yosemite and Kearsarge Pass (JMT), and alert you the moment a spot opens.
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.
Top California permits
The most sought-after permits in this category.
- Half Dome permit· Yosemite
- Mt. Whitney permit· SEKI
- John Muir Trail permit· Yosemite
- Cathedral Lakes permit· Yosemite
- Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley permit· Yosemite
- Happy Isles to Past LYV (Donohue Pass eligible) permit· Yosemite
- Kearsarge Pass (JMT) permit· Inyo NF
- Lyell Canyon (Donohue Pass eligible) permit· Yosemite
- Mount Whitney Overnight permit· SEKI
- High Sierra Trail permit· SEKI
- Lost Coast Trail permit· Lost Coast
- Baxter Pass (JMT) permit· Inyo NF
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.”
Mt. Whitney Day
10/10“Stand atop the highest point in the contiguous United States, where on a clear day you can see over 100 miles in every direction.”
JMT Yosemite
10/10“One Yosemite permit covers the whole 211-mile John Muir Trail, and only two trailheads in the park can issue it.”
Parks & Wilderness Areas
Browse permits by location (20 locations)
Yosemite permits
Home to towering granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and some of America's most iconic wilderness. Yosem...
Inyo National Forest permits
Gateway to the John Muir and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas along the eastern Sierra Nevada....
Sequoia & Kings Canyon wilderness permits
Home to the world's largest trees and the deepest canyon in North America....
Desolation permits
Pristine alpine wilderness in the Lake Tahoe region with over 130 lakes....
Point Reyes permits
Coastal wilderness with backcountry camping on dramatic Pacific bluffs....
Lost Coast permits
The Lost Coast Trail, California's longest stretch of undeveloped coastline....
Trinity Alps permits
Northern California's premier alpine wilderness in Shasta-Trinity National Forest....
San Gorgonio permits
Southern California's highest peak (11,503 ft) in San Bernardino National Forest....
San Jacinto permits
Southern California alpine wilderness accessible via Palm Springs Aerial Tramway....
Thru-Hikes & Long Trails
Epic multi-day traverses in California (3 trails)
JMT Yosemite
Yosemite
The legendary 211-mile trail from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney. Two Donohue Pass-eligible trailh...
2-3 weeks
High Sierra Trail
SEKI
A legendary 72-mile trans-Sierra traverse from the giant sequoias to the summit of Mount Whitney, Am...
6-8 days
Trans-Catalina
Catalina
A rugged 38.5-mile traverse across Santa Catalina Island, from the harbor town of Avalon to the remo...
3-5 days
Also in California
These parks in other regions also belong to California
Search California Permits
Find specific permits or browse all 268 permits
Half Dome
LotteryPopularYosemite · California
Mt. Whitney Day
LotteryPopularSEKI · California
JMT Yosemite
LotteryPopularYosemite · California
Cathedral Lakes
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
Lyell Canyon (Donohue Pass eligible)
ReservationYosemite · California
Mt. Whitney Overnight
LotterySEKI · California
Baxter Pass (JMT)
ReservationInyo NF · California
Bishop Pass (JMT)
ReservationInyo NF · California
Duck Pass (JMT)
ReservationInyo NF · California
Glacier Point to Little Yosemite Valley
ReservationYosemite · California
Glen Aulin
ReservationYosemite · California
Happy Isles to Illilouette
ReservationYosemite · California
High Trail – PCT (JMT)
ReservationInyo NF · California
JMT North of Devils Postpile
ReservationInyo NF · California
JMT South of Devils Postpile
ReservationInyo NF · California
Lyell Canyon (no Donohue Pass)
ReservationYosemite · California
Mt Whitney Trail Crest Exit
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 268 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 popular California permits include Half Dome, Mt. Whitney Day, JMT Yosemite. The most competitive of those 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.