Ansel Adams Wilderness Permit 2026
Gateway to the High Sierra, with Thousand Island Lake and the John Muir Trail. There is no lottery: permits are first-come reservations on Recreation.gov, released in two waves.
Don't Miss Your Ansel Adams Wilderness Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Ansel Adams Wilderness availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit Alerts2026 Permit Timeline
First Release (60% of quota)
Second Release (40% of quota)
Quota Season
Fees (Inyo side)
🏔️ Popular Entry Points
Agnew Meadows
Most competitive. Access to Thousand Island Lake and the JMT. Book the morning your date releases.
Rush Creek
Less competitive alternative from the June Lake side, with access to Waugh Lake and beyond.
The 2-Week Release
40% of every quota is held back until two weeks out. Sold-out trailheads get a second life at 7 AM PT.
Plan Ahead for 2026
Popular entry points fill quickly on release day, and cancellations trickle back all season. Set up alerts so you never miss one.
Get Ansel Adams Wilderness Alerts
Be first to know when cancellations happen.