How to Get a Yosemite Falls Permit
Over 2,500 feet of switchbacks in about three and a half miles to the north rim of Yosemite Valley, and then the whole quiet side of the park.
Check Yosemite Falls permit availability25
People Per Day
Recreation.gov permit 445859 lists a $10 reservation fee and a $5 per-person use fee, plus a $10 lottery registration fee for the weekly lottery.
Permit Cost
1-3 nights
Duration
strenuous
Difficulty
About Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is a Yosemite Valley wilderness trailhead climbing the north rim from Camp 4, in Yosemite National Park. NPS sets the daily quota at 25 people: 15 reservable by lottery 24 weeks in advance and 10 released first-come, first-served one week in advance. NPS asks permit holders to park at the Yosemite Falls parking area. The camping restrictions are the thing to plan around. Your first night must be north of Yosemite Valley and south of Tioga Road, at least one air mile from any road and four trail miles from the Valley, and at least half a mile back from the rim, with no camping at or near the top of the falls, at Yosemite Point or on North Dome. Half Dome is not available with this trailhead. Valley reservations run April 24 to October 18, 2026.
NPS calls this a very strenuous hike up switchbacks to the top of the falls, the north rim of the Valley, and beyond, gaining over 2,500 feet in approximately 3.5 miles. Past the rim it is the gateway to North Dome, El Capitan and the Tioga Road country, on trails that see a fraction of the traffic below.
The Experience
The climb is unrelenting and full of day hikers to Columbia Rock. Above the falls the crowd evaporates and you are walking the rim with the Valley 3,000 feet below on one side and forest on the other.
The trail starts at Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley. NPS puts Columbia Rock at 1.2 miles, the top of Yosemite Falls at 3.6 and Yosemite Point at 4.2.
Where you can camp is tightly drawn. NPS requires your first night's camp to be north of Yosemite Valley and south of Tioga Road, at least one air mile from any road and four trail miles from Yosemite Valley, and at least half a mile back from the rim. The area around the top of Yosemite Falls is day use only, and camping is not permitted at or near the top of the falls, at Yosemite Point, or on North Dome.
Beyond that the rim opens up. NPS lists Eagle Peak at 6.0 miles, North Dome at 7.9, El Capitan at 7.9 and the Tioga Road at 9.2 via Porcupine Creek.
What to Expect
A daily quota of 25 people: 15 by lottery 24 weeks out, 10 released one week out
Over 2,500 feet of climbing in about 3.5 miles, per NPS
Flush toilets in Camp 4 at the trailhead
Parking at the Yosemite Falls parking area
A camping zone bounded by Yosemite Valley to the south and Tioga Road to the north
Get Yosemite Falls Alerts
Be first to know when cancellations happen.
Permit Requirements
Your first night's camp must be north of Yosemite Valley and south of Tioga Road
Camp at least one air mile from any road and four trail miles from Yosemite Valley
Camp at least one-half mile back from the rim of the Valley
The area around the top of Yosemite Falls is day use only, and camping is not permitted at or near the top of the falls, at Yosemite Point, or on North Dome
Maximum group size is 15 people, or 8 for cross-country hiking more than a quarter mile off trail
Allowed bear-resistant food canisters are required throughout Yosemite Wilderness
Half Dome is not available with this trailhead
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •An allowed bear-resistant food canister
- •At least three litres of water capacity, since the climb is dry and south-facing
- •Water treatment for the creek above the falls
- •A stove for camps where fires are restricted
Hazards & Safety
Heat and dehydration on a south-facing climb with over 2,500 feet of gain
Cliff edges along the rim, where the drop is 3,000 feet
Thin water on the rim in late summer
Bears throughout the Valley and the rim country
Best Time to Visit
Valley reservations open April 24 in 2026. Spring is the best time for the falls and the coolest for the climb. Midsummer is punishing on the switchbacks. October gives cold, clear rim walking with almost nobody up there.
Pro Tips
Start the climb before sunrise in summer - the switchbacks face south and there is no shade
Carry more water than feels sensible, because the rim runs dry by late summer
Camp half a mile back from the rim, which is a rule rather than advice
April and October are the good months on this trail, not July
Park at the Yosemite Falls lot, which NPS names for this trailhead
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Yosemite Falls permit?
+
Yosemite Falls permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Yosemite Falls?
+
Valley reservations open April 24 in 2026. Spring is the best time for the falls and the coolest for the climb. Midsummer is punishing on the switchbacks. October gives cold, clear rim walking with almost nobody up there.
How difficult is Yosemite Falls?
+
Backpackers who want the Valley rim and are prepared for a hard, hot climb on day one.
What gear do I need for Yosemite Falls?
+
Essential gear includes: An allowed bear-resistant food canister, At least three litres of water capacity, since the climb is dry and south-facing, Water treatment for the creek above the falls, A stove for camps where fires are restricted.
Don't Miss Your Yosemite Falls Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Yosemite Falls availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit Alerts
