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Wilderness permit for overnight camping starting from the Glacier Point to Illil...
Yosemite Wilderness Permit — Yosemite Falls
Yosemite National Park · California
Each entry point carries its own quota
Wilderness permit for overnight camping starting from the Yosemite Falls trailhead in Yosemite National Park.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Yosemite Falls were gone within 10 minutes.
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Yosemite Falls Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh7/10
SeasonApril 24 - October 18
CostRecreation.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.
Daily Quota25 people
Max Group Size15 people
Yosemite Falls Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park, California requires a permit issued via reservation.
- Yosemite Falls is a high-demand permit, rating 7/10 on PermitSnag's demand index.
- The permit season for Yosemite Falls runs April 24 through October 18.
- Cancelled Yosemite Falls permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Key Dates
SeasonApril 24 - October 18
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level7/10
LocationSierra Nevada, CA
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
What to Expect
Route Details
Route Type
Varies
Duration
1-3 nights
Difficulty
StrenuousHighlights
- •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
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.
Hazards & Considerations
- !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
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- UV index 8. High altitude sun is intense—sunscreen and hat essential.
Today
⛅
62°
44°
Sun
⛅
57°
44°
Mon
☁️
66°
41°
Tue
☀️
66°
38°
Wed
☀️
68°
39°
Thu
☀️
71°
45°
Fri
☀️
74°
47°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
When to Go
Peak: May through SeptemberShoulder: Late April and October
Conditions
Yosemite Falls at full volume, cool climbing, snow patches on the rim.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +The falls are the loudest they get
- +Cool temperatures for a brutal climb
- +Reservations open from April 24
Challenges
- !Snow and mud on the upper rim
- !Creek crossings running high
- !Wet rock on the switchbacks
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand4/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill1/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk3/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation2/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment3/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Backpackers who want the Valley rim and are prepared for a hard, hot climb on day one.
Recommended Experience
One prior trip with 2,500 feet of gain carrying a pack.
Not Recommended For
Anyone who cannot climb 2,500 feet with a full pack, or who wants Half Dome.
About This Permit
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.
The Experience
Why It Matters
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 Route
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.
The Feeling
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.
Rules & Regulations
- •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 Checklist
Required
- 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
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Yosemite Falls
🚐
Shuttle Services
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Key Landmarks
Columbia Rock
The first viewpoint on the switchbacks.
Top of Yosemite Falls
Day use only. No camping here or nearby.
Eagle Peak
The high point of the Three Brothers on the north rim.
North Dome
Facing Half Dome across the Valley. No camping on the dome.
Yosemite Falls FAQ
How much elevation does the Yosemite Falls trail gain?
NPS says the trail gains over 2,500 feet in approximately 3.5 miles from Yosemite Valley to the top of the falls.
Can I camp at the top of Yosemite Falls?
No. NPS says the area around the top of Yosemite Falls is for day use only, and camping is not permitted at or near the top of the falls, at Yosemite Point, or on North Dome.
Where can I camp on a Yosemite Falls wilderness permit?
North of Yosemite Valley and south of Tioga Road, at least one air mile from any road, four trail miles from Yosemite Valley, and half a mile back from the rim.
How many people per day get a Yosemite Falls wilderness permit?
NPS sets the quota at 25 people per day: 15 by lottery 24 weeks in advance and 10 first-come, first-served one week in advance.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunset from Eagle Peak or the rim west of the falls, looking down the length of the Valley.
Best Light
Early morning from Yosemite Point, with Half Dome catching first light across the Valley.
Beat the Crowds
Day hikers turn around at the top of the falls. Everything past the four-mile camping line is quiet.
Classic Shots
- 📍Upper Yosemite Fall from Columbia Rock
- 📍Half Dome from North Dome
- 📍The Valley floor from the rim near Eagle Peak
Can't Get a Yosemite Falls Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Mirror Lake to Snow Creek
Same AreaThe other big Valley climb, the steepest way to the north rim toward Snow Creek and North Dome.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
The same 25-people-a-day quota and an even steeper climb, from the east end of the Valley.
Yosemite Creek
Easier AlternativeReaches the same rim country downhill from the Tioga Road instead of up from the Valley.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
You skip the 2,500-foot climb entirely, but you need Tioga Road open.
Porcupine Creek
Same AreaThe Tioga Road access to North Dome and Indian Rock on the north rim.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
A far shorter approach to North Dome, on a smaller 20-person quota.
🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Yosemite Falls trip
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