Yosemite Wilderness Permit — Cathedral Lakes
Wilderness permit for overnight camping starting from the Cathedral Lakes trailhead in Yosemite National Park.
“One of America's most sought-after wilderness permits.”
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Be notified instantly when Cathedral Lakes permits become available due to cancellations.
Cathedral Lakes Quick Facts
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Booking Method
- Reservation
- Demand Level
- Extremely High
The Experience
Why It Matters
Cathedral Lakes is among the most competitive permits in Yosemite. Thousands attempt to get permits each season, and success requires planning, persistence, and often a bit of luck. The permit system exists because this destination is genuinely special.
Permit Details
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Cathedral Lakes FAQ
How do I get a Cathedral Lakes?
Cathedral Lakes is obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to get a Cathedral Lakes?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Cathedral Lakes?
This permit has a demand score of 9/10, making it extremely competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What happens if I can't get a Cathedral Lakes?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
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Don't miss your chance at Cathedral Lakes
Cancellations happen every day. Be the first to know with PermitSnag's instant alerts.