Do I need a permit to backpack Wonderland Trail?

What the Wonderland Trail permit costs and covers

Fee

$6 reservation fee + $12 per person per night (15 and under free)

Group size limit

5 people

Applications open

February - early access lottery opens on Recreation.gov

Applications close

Check Recreation.gov for the exact February close date

Results

Individual access windows open between March and April

Season starts

June 1 - first reservable camp date

Season ends

October 10 - last reservable camp date

What the rules require

• A wilderness permit is required for all overnight camping in the park, year-round
• Camping is only permitted at the camp areas and on the dates on your permit itinerary
• Full Wonderland hikers must camp in designated camps only - cross-country zones are not permitted
• Maximum party size is 5 for standard sites; 12 for designated group sites, Alpine zones and Winter zones
• Groups of 24 or more require a Special Use Permit
• All food, garbage and scented items must be hung from a bear pole or secured in an approved canister
• Reservations are held until noon on your start date and cancelled after that unless you arrange late pickup
• Reservations must be made at least two days before the trip start; walk-up permits can be had the day of or one day before
• Pets, weapons other than firearms, bicycles and other wheeled devices are not allowed on park trails or in undeveloped areas
• Travel above 10,000 feet or on glaciers also needs a climbing special use permit and the annual climbing fee

Published rules for the Wonderland Trail Permit, quoted as written.

Getting one

Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates go back into the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Wonderland Trail Permit and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.

Common questions about the Wonderland Trail permit