California Backcountry Permits
From the granite domes of Yosemite to the ancient sequoias, California's wilderness offers unparalleled diversity. Home to the highest peak in the lower 48.
About California Permits
California's Sierra Nevada holds some of North America's most competitive permits. The John Muir Trail lottery sees over 20,000 applications for 1,500 spots. Half Dome sells out in minutes. Mount Whitney day hikes require winning a separate lottery. But the payoff is world-class scenery: granite domes, alpine lakes, and the highest peak in the lower 48.
Best Time to Visit
Sierra high country is best mid-July through September when snow has melted. June can work for lower elevations. October brings fall colors but early snowstorms. The Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe has a longer accessible season.
Signature Experiences
The most sought-after permits in California
Parks & Wilderness Areas
Browse permits by location
Yosemite National Park
Home to towering granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and some of America's most iconic wilderness. Yosem...
Inyo National Forest
Gateway to the John Muir and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas along the eastern Sierra Nevada....
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Home to the world's largest trees and the deepest canyon in North America....
Desolation Wilderness
Pristine alpine wilderness in the Lake Tahoe region with over 130 lakes....
Point Reyes National Seashore
Coastal wilderness with backcountry camping on dramatic Pacific bluffs....
King Range National Conservation Area
The Lost Coast Trail — California's longest stretch of undeveloped coastline....
Trinity Alps Wilderness
Northern California's premier alpine wilderness in Shasta-Trinity National Forest....
San Gorgonio Wilderness
Southern California's highest peak (11,503 ft) in San Bernardino National Forest....
San Jacinto Wilderness
Southern California alpine wilderness accessible via Palm Springs Aerial Tramway....
Hoover Wilderness
Alpine wilderness in eastern Sierra between Yosemite and Mono Lake....
Emigrant Wilderness
Granite high country wilderness in Stanislaus National Forest....
Carson-Iceberg Wilderness
Volcanic high country wilderness along the Sierra crest near Sonora Pass....
Mokelumne Wilderness
Alpine wilderness at Carson Pass with volcanic peaks and pristine lakes....
Ventana Wilderness
Rugged coastal wilderness in Big Sur with hot springs and redwoods....
Channel Islands National Park
Remote island wilderness off the Southern California coast....
Mount Shasta Wilderness
Climbing and wilderness permits for California's volcanic giant (14,179 ft)....
Catalina Island Conservancy
Trans-Catalina Trail and backcountry camping on Catalina Island....
Redwood National and State Parks
Backcountry camping among the world's tallest trees....
Search California Permits
Find specific permits or browse all 250 permits
Half Dome
LotteryPopularYosemite · California
JMT Yosemite
LotteryPopularYosemite · California
Mt. Whitney Zone (Day Use)
ReservationInyo NF · California
Mt. Whitney Trail (Overnight)
ReservationInyo NF · California
Mt Whitney Trail Crest Exit
ReservationInyo NF · California
Mt. Whitney Day
LotteryPopularSEKI · California
Cathedral Lakes
ReservationYosemite · California
Happy Isles to Illilouette
ReservationYosemite · California
Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley
ReservationYosemite · California
Happy Isles to Past LYV (Donohue Pass eligible)
ReservationYosemite · California
Mt. Whitney Overnight
LotterySEKI · California
High Sierra Trail
ReservationSEKI · California
Lyell Canyon (no Donohue Pass)
ReservationYosemite · California
Lyell Canyon (Donohue Pass eligible)
ReservationYosemite · California
Young Lakes via Glen Aulin Trail
ReservationYosemite · California
Glen Aulin
ReservationYosemite · California
Glen Aulin to Cold Canyon/Waterwheel
ReservationYosemite · California
Baxter Pass (JMT)
ReservationInyo NF · California
Bishop Pass (JMT)
ReservationInyo NF · California
Duck Pass (JMT)
ReservationInyo NF · California
Explore Other Regions
Planning a bigger trip? Check out permits in other areas.
California Permit FAQ
How many backcountry permits does PermitSnag track in California?
PermitSnag tracks over 250 backcountry permits across California, including day-use permits, overnight permits, thru-hike entries, and specialized permits like canyoneering and river access.
What are the most popular permits in California?
The most competitive California permits include Half Dome, JMT Yosemite, Mt. Whitney Zone (Day Use). These permits often sell out immediately when released.
How do I get notified about California permit cancellations?
Sign up for PermitSnag to receive instant alerts when California permits become available due to cancellations. Our system monitors availability 24/7 and notifies you immediately.
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