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SEKI Wilderness Permit — Lodgepole — JO Pass permit area in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - backcountry hiking destination
Each entry point carries its own quota

SEKI Wilderness Permit — Lodgepole — JO Pass

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks · California

Wilderness permit for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks via Lodgepole — JO Pass.

Get an alert when JO Pass opens on your dates.

Get alerts for your JO Pass dates

A JO Pass 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 JO Pass were gone within 10 minutes.

JO Pass reservation dates

max group size
15people

How to get a JO Pass permit

As of September 2026, JO Pass in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California requires a permit issued via reservation. JO Pass rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled JO Pass 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 JO Pass: Live availability activityWhen JO Pass permits open up

When to hike JO Pass

Weather Forecast

Trailhead (5,000 ft)

⚠️

Backcountry Tips

  • Day 4: Extreme heat (98°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
  • Day 5: Extreme heat (99°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
  • Day 6: Extreme heat (98°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.

Today

☀️

85°

54°

Wed

☀️

89°

61°

Thu

☁️

91°

54°

Fri

☁️

98°

64°

Sat

☁️

99°

65°

Sun

☀️

98°

64°

Mon

☀️

98°

66°

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

JO Pass rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for JO Pass.

Food Storage

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

Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for JO Pass · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides

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JO Pass FAQ

How do I get a JO Pass permit?

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

When is the best time to visit JO Pass?

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

How competitive is the JO Pass permit?

This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.

What if I can't get a JO Pass 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.

JO Pass trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

No active conditions reported

Sign in to report trail conditions.

Questions

No questions yet

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Trip Reports

Write Report

No trip reports yet

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Write the First Report

Alternatives to a JO Pass permit

Plan the full trip, not just the permit

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