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SEKI Wilderness Permit — Grant Grove — Don Cecil (East) permit area in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - backcountry hiking destination
Each entry point carries its own quota

SEKI Wilderness Permit — Grant Grove — Don Cecil (East)

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks · California

Wilderness permit for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks via Grant Grove — Don Cecil (East).

Get an alert when Don Cecil East opens on your dates.

Get alerts for your Don Cecil East dates

A Don Cecil East permit is booked by the day you start. Tell us every date you'd go and we'll ping you the second one of them opens up.

Leave the second date blank if only one day works. A wider window catches more openings.

Party

70% of the openings our scanner caught on Don Cecil East were gone within 10 minutes.

Don Cecil East reservation dates

max group size
8people

How to get a Don Cecil East permit

As of September 2026, Don Cecil East in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Don Cecil East rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Don Cecil East permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.

Type
Overnight
Location
CA
  1. Step 1: Create a National Park Service account

    Sign up at National Park Service if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.

  2. Step 2: Know the release schedule

    Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.

  3. Step 3: Be ready when permits drop

    Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.

  4. Step 4: Monitor for cancellations

    If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.

More on Don Cecil East: Live availability activityWhen Don Cecil East permits open up

When to hike Don Cecil East

Weather Forecast

Trailhead (5,000 ft)

⚠️

Backcountry Tips

  • Day 4: Extreme heat (96°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
  • Day 5: Extreme heat (96°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
  • Day 6: Extreme heat (99°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.

Today

☁️

76°

58°

Tue

☀️

81°

60°

Wed

☀️

91°

67°

Thu

☀️

96°

71°

Fri

☁️

96°

73°

Sat

☁️

99°

74°

Sun

☀️

99°

75°

View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.

Don Cecil East rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Don Cecil East.

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.

Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Don Cecil East · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides

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Don Cecil East FAQ

How do I get a Don Cecil East permit?

PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Don Cecil East cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Don Cecil East permits use a reservation system.

When is the best time to visit Don Cecil East?

Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Don Cecil East permit?

This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.

What if I can't get a Don Cecil East permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.

Don Cecil East trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

No active conditions reported

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Trip Reports

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Alternatives to a Don Cecil East permit

Where to stay near Don Cecil East

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