Reservation8/10
Steep Ravine Camp
Walk-in environmental campsites near the famous cabins....
View Steep Ravine Environmental Camp permit details and availability
LotteryOvernightVery High Demand
Steep Ravine Cabins
Historic rustic cabins on the coast, allocated by lottery. One of California's hardest reservations.
“One of America's most sought-after wilderness permits.”
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Steep Ravine Cabins Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodLottery
Demand LevelExtremely High10/10
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodLottery
Demand Level10/10
LocationCA SP
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.
2
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
3
Set up PermitSnag alerts
Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
When to Go
Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand1/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill1/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk1/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment3/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.
Recommended Experience
Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Steep Ravine Cabins is among the most competitive permits in Mt. Tam. Thousands attempt to get permits each season, and success requires planning, persistence, and often a bit of luck. The permit system exists because this destination is genuinely special.
Lottery Statistics
Competitive
estimated success rate
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Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Steep Ravine Cabins.
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🐻
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
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Steep Ravine Cabins FAQ
How do I get a Steep Ravine Cabins permit?
Steep Ravine Cabins permits are obtained through a lottery system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit Steep Ravine Cabins?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Steep Ravine Cabins permit?
This permit has a demand score of 10/10, making it extremely competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Steep Ravine Cabins permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Golden hour at Steep Ravine Cabins offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.
Best Light
Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.
Classic Shots
- 📍Classic view of Steep Ravine Cabins
- 📍Mt. Tam scenery
- 📍Trail or route documentation
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