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About Backcountry Permits
America's most spectacular wilderness areas require permits to protect fragile ecosystems and ensure quality experiences. From the granite walls of Half Dome permits to the sandstone waves of The Wave permit, these protected lands see millions of visitors each year.
Permit systems vary by agency and location. National Park permits typically use Recreation.gov for reservations and lotteries. National Forest permits and wilderness areas often have different quota systems. Utah & BLM permits like the Vermilion Cliffs manage their own lottery systems.
The most competitive permits (think JMT permits, Enchantments permits, or Grand Canyon river permits) have lottery success rates under 10%. But cancellations happen daily. PermitSnag monitors availability around the clock so you can catch those openings.
Browse by Region
National Parks
America's crown jewels managed by the National Park Service. These iconic landscapes require permits to protect their pr...
National Forests & Wilderness
Designated wilderness areas within National Forests, managed by the US Forest Service. Home to some of the most competit...
Wild & Scenic Rivers
Multi-day river expeditions on America's protected wild and scenic rivers. Managed by various federal agencies including...
Thru-Hikes & Long Trails
Multi-day point-to-point traverses and iconic long-distance trails. From the 211-mile JMT to the 93-mile Wonderland Trai...
Mountaineering & Summit Permits
High-altitude summit permits and technical climbing routes across America's greatest peaks. From the glaciers of Denali ...
California
From the granite domes of Yosemite to the ancient sequoias, California's wilderness offers unparalleled diversity. Home ...
Utah & BLM
Utah's red rock country and BLM-managed lands contain some of the most otherworldly landscapes on Earth. From slot canyo...
California State Parks
California State Parks manage backcountry camping from coastal bluffs to mountain forests. Reservations open 6 months ah...
Utah State Parks
Utah State Parks offer primitive camping at reservoirs, desert islands, and red rock valleys. From Antelope Island's bis...
Featured Destinations
Bucket-list permits that draw adventurers from around the world
Grand Canyon
Rim-to-Rim
“Descend through two billion years of Earth's history, cross the Colorado River at its deepest, and climb out the other side of the greatest canyon on Earth.”
Enchantments
Core Zone
“Camp among the spires and alpine lakes of Washington's most legendary wilderness—where granite towers rise above turquoise waters in a landscape of pure magic.”
Enchantments
Enchantments Thru
“The crown jewel of Washington wilderness—granite spires, turquoise alpine lakes, and the infamous Aasgard Pass create an otherworldly landscape that draws hikers from around the world.”
Colorado Rivers
GC Rafting
“Raft through nearly two billion years of Earth's history, past 47 major rapids, hidden waterfalls, and ancient civilizations—accessible only by river.”
Most Competitive Permits
High demand, limited spots. These require planning and persistence.
Permit Directory
Browse Backcountry Permits
Find permits for day hikes, overnight backpacking, thru-hikes, canyoneering, and river trips across federal and state lands.
National Park Permits
Day-use, overnight, and wilderness permits at America's crown jewels
California Wilderness Permits
Sierra Nevada, Lost Coast, and backcountry access
Utah & BLM Permits
Red rock canyons, slot canyon permits, and desert wilderness
National Forest & Wilderness Permits
USFS wilderness areas with quota systems
Thru-Hikes & Long Trails
Multi-day point-to-point traverses and epic long-distance trails
River Permits
Multi-day rafting and river access permits
California State Park Permits
Backcountry camping and trail permits
Mountaineering & Summit Permits
High-altitude summit permits and technical climbing routes