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National Park Service · CA

Yosemite Wilderness

Trailhead-quota wilderness permits for Yosemite backpacking trips, including John Muir Trail starts and the Donohue Pass exit quota.

Permit requiredovernightItinerary dependent
Access requirement

2 ways to get a permit

Weekly 24-week lotteryLottery

Apply in the weekly lottery 24 weeks (168 days) before your start date; leftover dates stay reservable first-come until seven days out. Trip window: 2026-05-01 → 2026-10-31.

Apply on official siteVerified · Jul 26, 2026Available this season
Seven-day releaseTimed release

Available from seven days to three days before the trip start date. Trip window: 2026-05-01 → 2026-10-31.

Apply on official siteVerified · Jul 26, 2026Available this season
Permit rules
Quota60 percent of each trailhead quota is reservable through a weekly lottery 24 weeks ahead; 40 percent releases seven days in advance. A separate daily exit quota applies to John Muir Trail hikers exiting the park over Donohue Pass.
GroupTrailhead quotas apply; some trailheads limit group size and large groups (8+) are restricted to certain trails.
Fees$10 per application plus $5 per person when a permit is awarded.
TransferPermit holder rules are enforced by the park; permits are picked up in person or via mobile issuance.
SafetyBear canisters are required, and high passes can hold snow well into summer.
Where to stay

Campgrounds nearby

Official campground records near this destination. Availability is labeled with the source actually checked.

Porcupine Flat Campground

4.2 miles away · 56 sites

6 of 7 nights open

Reservable + first-come · Porcupine Flat Campground Fee - All Sites $24.00 Porcupine Flat Campground Fee - Standard Sites (RV or Tent) and Tent Only Sites

Aug 2539Aug 2639Aug 2735Aug 282Aug 29—Aug 3031Aug 3143
Availability: Recreation.gov
Official campground site

Yosemite Creek Campground

4.2 miles away · CA · 76 sites

7 of 7 nights open

Reservable

Aug 2560Aug 2659Aug 2758Aug 2839Aug 2936Aug 3066Aug 3167
Availability: Recreation.gov
Official campground site

White Wolf Campground

6.0 miles away · CA · 74 sites

7 of 7 nights open

Reservable · White Wolf Campground Fee - All Sites $36.00 White Wolf Campground Fee - Standard Sites (RV or Tent) and Tent Only Sites

Aug 2538Aug 2637Aug 2738Aug 2821Aug 2911Aug 3040Aug 3140
Availability: Recreation.gov
Official campground site

North Pines Campground

8.6 miles away · CA · 99 sites

No openings found

Reservable

Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 30—Aug 31—
Availability: Recreation.gov
Official campground site