John Muir Trail Lottery 2026
Complete guide to the JMT permit lottery. Key dates, odds, and strategies to secure your permit for the iconic 211-mile trek through Yosemite.
Don't Miss Your JMT Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors JMT availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit Alerts2026 Lottery Timeline
Weekly Lottery Window
Apply Sunday to Saturday, 24 weeks before entry
Results
Accept and pay by Thursday or lose the permit
Last-Minute Release
40% of each trailhead quota
Estimated Odds
Happy Isles (most popular)
🎯 Tips to Improve Your Odds
- ✓Apply for less popular trailheads (Lyell Canyon, Rafferty Creek)
- ✓Consider shoulder season (September-October) for better availability
- ✓Apply every eligible week, not just once
- ✓Set up PermitSnag alerts for cancellation availability
📋 Alternative Permits
- →Inyo National Forest (less competitive)
- →Ansel Adams Wilderness
- →Sequoia National Park
- →First-come-first-served at wilderness centers
Don't Miss Your Chance
The JMT is the most competitive permit in the US. Many hikers secure their permits through cancellations. Get instant alerts when spots open.
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Be first to know when cancellations happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the JMT lottery open for 2026?
There is no single application window. JMT permits from Yosemite go through the park's rolling weekly lottery on Recreation.gov: apply during the Sunday to Saturday window 24 weeks before your entry date, with results the following Monday. Lotteries for the 2026 season run from roughly November 2025 through early May 2026.
What are the odds of winning the JMT lottery?
Odds vary by trailhead and week. Happy Isles is the longest shot because the Donohue Pass exit quota caps every southbound start. Applying for less popular Donohue-eligible trailheads like Lyell Canyon or Glacier Point, or for shoulder season dates, improves your chances.
Can I get a JMT permit without the lottery?
Yes! Yosemite releases 40% of each trailhead quota 7 days before the entry date at 7 AM PT, and cancelled or unclaimed reservations return to Recreation.gov all season. Southbound alternatives from Inyo National Forest use a different system entirely. PermitSnag can alert you instantly when spots open.