2026 Wilderness Permit Lottery Calendar
Complete deadline calendar for JMT, Half Dome, The Wave, Glacier, and the most competitive backcountry permits. Key dates, odds, and strategies to improve your chances.
| Permit | Lottery Opens | Lottery Closes | Results | Odds | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | March 15, 2026 | March 20, 2026 | ~10% | Apply early for Happy Isles. Consider Inyo National Forest alternatives for better odds. | |
| Rolling 168 days before | Ongoing | Instant | ~25% | Permits release 7 days ahead. Check at 7am PT for best availability. | |
| January 2026 | February 28, 2026 | March 1, 2026 | ~5% | One of the hardest permits to get. Apply for multiple dates. | |
| February 1, 2026 | March 15, 2026 | April 1, 2026 | ~30% | Grinnell Glacier popular. Apply for advance reservations, not zone permits. | |
| January 2026 | February 1, 2026 | February 15, 2026 | ~15% | South Kaibab + Bright Angel combo most popular. Consider shoulder season. | |
| January 2026 | February 28, 2026 | March 15, 2026 | ~8% | Core Zone most competitive. Aasgard Pass is the hard entry point. | |
| February 1, 2026 | March 1, 2026 | March 5, 2026 | ~12% | Tribal permit. Book directly through Havasupai Tourism. | |
| Rolling 90 days before | Ongoing | Instant | ~40% | Permits release 90 days out. Bottom-up is easier than top-down. | |
| January 2026 | February 28, 2026 | March 5, 2026 | ~20% | Day permits easier than overnight. Trail Camp offers best overnight option. | |
| February 1, 2026 | March 15, 2026 | April 1, 2026 | ~25% | 10+ day trips. Apply for Mowich Lake for best odds. |
Don't Miss the Lottery
Set up PermitSnag to monitor your permit. We'll alert you the moment spots open from cancellations — many hikers get their permits this way.
Start Monitoring FreeFrequently Asked Questions
When do most wilderness permit lotteries open?
Most Recreation.gov lotteries open in January-February for the upcoming summer season. Key dates: JMT opens January, The Wave opens February 1st, Glacier opens February 1st. Always check Recreation.gov for exact dates.
How can I improve my lottery odds?
Multiple strategies: (1) Apply for less popular trailheads and dates, (2) Apply for shoulder season (May, September, October), (3) Enter as a group - larger groups have slightly better odds, (4) Set up PermitSnag alerts for cancellations.
What happens if I don't win the lottery?
Don't give up! Many permits become available through cancellations. The key is being fast. PermitSnag monitors cancellations 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens. Many successful hikers got their permits this way.
Can I get a permit without entering the lottery?
Yes! Many permits are available first-come-first-served at ranger stations. Others have rolling release dates (like Half Dome and Zion Narrows). Some trailheads have no quota and are always available.
What's the hardest permit lottery to win?
The Wave in Arizona has the lowest odds at ~5%. The Enchantments and JMT Happy Isles are also extremely competitive at ~8-10%. Glacier and Zion are easier with 25-40% odds.