Want first pick on this season’s backpacking trails?

Awesome! This page has everything you need.

We’ve assembled a volume of cheatsheets with key dates, instructions and application info for every popular backpacking & wilderness permit in the Southwest.

Step 1: What are you looking for?

2021 - Spring Season

Want reminders for these dates on your calendar app? Get our FREE 2021 Spearhead Calendar!

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Wilderness permit information

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Step 3: SELECT YOUR PERMIT

COVID-19 Update: We’ve done our best to provide up-to-date information for the 2021 season, but parks may change their procedures to meet public health requirements. Be sure to double check updates from your destination park before finalizing any plans.

R: = Reserved / W: = Walk-up

Yosemite national park

Half Dome

Check Out: Our Write-Up on Preparing for Half Dome

Quota Enforced: The Half Dome cables usually go up the Friday of Memorial Day weekend (last weekend in May) and come down the day after Columbus Day (2nd weekend in October). 

Lottery? Yes - for both pre-season & daily permits

Best Way to Apply: Online for both pre-season and daily lotteries

• Day Hikers:
  Pre-season & daily lottery permit info
  Pre-season & daily lottery application form (Recreation.gov)

• Backpackers:
  Permit information
  Wilderness permit online application form (Yosemite.org)
  Note: indicate you want to summit Half Dome in the form

When to Apply:

• Reserved: Annual lottery application period: Mar. 1 - Mar. 31

• Daily Lottery (Walk-ups): The daily lotteries have an application period two days prior to the hiking date with a notification late that night. (So, to hike on Saturday, you would apply on Thursday and receive an email notification of results late on Thursday night. Results are also available online, or by phone the next morning.) The application period is from midnight to 1 pm Pacific time.

Permits Awarded Per Day: 300 max

• Day Hikers: Reserved:: 225 - preseason lottery / Walk-ups: approx. 50 - daily lottery (based on cancelled pre-season permits)

• Backpackers: Reserved & Walk-ups: 75 total

Odds of Approval: Weekdays: 47%, weekends: 24%, according to 2018 statistics - these graphs show how popular different days are.

Cost: $10 application fee, plus $10 per person when picking up the permit

Yosemite national park

Backpacking Trips in the Park

Check Out: Our Section on Yosemite Backpacking

Quota Enforced: Apr. 1 - Oct. 31 (peak season: late June - mid Sept.)

Lottery? No - first-come-first-served

Best Way to Apply: Online at Yosemite.org
Permit information
Trail availability
Online application form

When to Apply:

• Reserved: Exactly 168 days (6 mo.) before desired start date for best odds. Visit here for application window based on your target start date.

• Walk-ups: Walk-up permits typically become available at visitor centers upon opening the day before your desired start date and are first-come-first served.

Permits Awarded Per Day: Varies per trail. Visit here for a list of daily quotas on each trail.

Odds of Approval: Varies per trail. Overnight trips on the JMT usually have much higher demand, as do any trails requested during the weekend in peak season. Yosemite’s trail availability page is extremely helpful!

Cost: $5 application fee plus $5 per person at the time application is submitted

Yosemite national park

Thru-hiking the John Muir Trail Starting from Yosemite (southbound)

Quota Enforced: Apr. 1 - Oct. 31 (peak season: mid June - mid Sept.)

Lottery?

• Reserved (168 Days Prior to Trip): Yes - online application

• Walk-ups (2 Weeks Out Rolling Lottery): Yes - See ‘When to Apply’ below.

Best Way to Apply: Online at Yosemite.org
Permit info for JMT thru-hikers
JMT online application form
JMT rolling lottery application

When to Apply:

• Reserved: Exactly 168 days (6 mo.) before desired start date for best odds. Visit here for application window based on your target start date.

• Walk-ups: If you are flexible on the start date for your trip, you can submit one application for a longer range of dates by using the JMT rolling lottery application. This application is only for JMT thru-hikers exiting the park over Donohue Pass.

Permits Awarded Per Day: 45 total hikers exiting over Donohue Pass per day:

• Via Lyell Canyon - Reserved:: 25 / Walk-ups: 0 (walk-ups should use the JMT rolling lottery application mentioned above)

• All Other Access Points - Reserved: 20 / Walk-ups: 0

Odds of Approval: Varies according to application date. On average, at least 70% of JMT thru hike applications are denied, simply due to high demand. See the Reservation Requests section of this Yosemite webpage

Cost: $5 application fee plus $5 per person at the time application is submitted

The Eastern Sierras

Mt. Whitney Summit
(non-technical hike)

Spearhead Adventure Article: Our Complete Write-Up on Mt. Whitney Permits & Summit Hike

Quota Enforced: May 1 - Nov. 1

Lottery?

• Reserved: Yes - preseason annual lottery

• Walk-ups: No walk-ups allowed whatsoever during quota season, so cross your fingers for that lottery entry.

Best Way to Apply: Online at Recreation.gov
Permit information
Online application form

When to Apply: Feb 1 - Mar. 15

Permits Awarded Per Day: Reserved: 100 day hikers, 60 overnight / Walk-ups: 0

Odds of Approval: Roughly 34% based on 2019 statistics.

Cost: $6 per person when application is submitted + $15 per person once the permit is awarded in April

The Eastern Sierras

Backpacking in Inyo National Forest

Spearhead Adventure Article: Check Out Our Write-Ups on Eastern Sierras Backpacking Trips

• Backpacking Big Pine Lakes the Right Way! (Big Pine Area)

• Backpacking to Cottonwood Lakes and Mt. Langley Summit (Lone Pine Area)

• Backpacking Duck Pass to Red’s Meadow via Iva Bell Hot Springs (Mammoth Area)

• Backpacking Thousand Island Lake (Mammoth Area)

Quota Enforced:  For most wilderness areas, quota season is May 1 - Nov. 1 (see add. notes below).

Lottery? No - first-come-first-served

Best Way to Apply: Online at Recreation.gov
Permit information
Online application form

When to Apply:

• Reserved: Exactly 168 days (6 mo.) before desired start date for best odds

• Walk-ups: Walk-up permits become available at visitor centers upon opening the day before your desired start date and are first-come-first served.

Permits Awarded Per Day: Varies per trail - List of trail names and quota

Odds of Approval: first-come-first serve - odds are high if you’re diligent with your application

Cost: Entering Mt. Whitney Zone: $15/ Person. All other areas: $5/ Person. Advanced online reservations include an additional application fee of $10 flat.

Additional Notes - Wilderness Permit Requirements:

• Boundary Peak, Inyo Mountains, Owens River Headwaters, and White Mountains Wildernesses - Wilderness permit is not required. Campfire permit required for stove use.

• Ansel Adams Wilderness - Permits are required year round for all overnight trips. (Trail code begins with AA) - Reservation and quota period apply May 1 through November 1.

• Golden Trout Wilderness - Permits are required year round for all overnight trips. (Trail code begins with GT) - Reservation and quota period apply Last Friday in June through Sept 15th .

• Hoover Wilderness - Permits are required year round for all overnight trips. (Trail code begins with HH) - Hall Natural Area is Day Use Only. Permit not required for day use. - Only Yosemite Mountain Guides are permitted to guide Hoover Wilderness. - Trails are not limited by quotas. No reservations needed.

• John Muir Wilderness - Permits are required year round for all overnight trips. (Trail code begins with JM) - Permits are required year round for Day Use of the Mt. Whitney Zone. - Reservations and quota period apply May 1 through November 1.

• South Sierra Wilderness - Permits are required for trips that go into Golden Trout Wilderness. (Trail code begins with SS) - Trails are not limited by quotas. No reservation needed. - Wilderness permit is recommended in South Sierra Wilderness.  

The Eastern Sierras

Thru-Hiking the John Muir Trail Starting from Cottonwood Lakes (northbound)

Quota Enforced: Apr. 1 - Oct. 31 (peak season: mid June - mid Sept.)

Lottery? No - first-come-first-served

Best Way to Apply: Online at Recreation.gov
Permit information
Online application form

When to Apply:

• Reserved: Exactly 168 days (6 mo.) before desired start date for best odds.

• Walk-ups: Walk-up permits become available at visitor centers upon opening the day before your desired start date and are first-come-first served.

Permits Awarded Per Day: Depends on the trailhead you start from. Mt. Whitney can be extremely difficult to win a permit from, so most hikers heading NOBO opt to start at Cottonwood Lakes. Here’s a list of trail names and quotas for Eastern Sierras trailheads.

Odds of Approval: first-come-first serve - odds are high if you’re diligent with your application

Cost: Entering Mt. Whitney Zone: $15/ Person. All other areas: $5/ Person. Advanced online reservations include an additional application fee of $10 flat.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI)

Backpacking in the High Sierras

COVID-19 Update: As of February 2021, SEKI is planning to resume in-person, “walk-up” permit issuance for the 2021 quota season. Because of the pandemic, we are working on safety measures to make this possible while protecting visitor and employee health. Walk up permit availability will be subject to possible change if pandemic conditions necessitate to ensure visitor and staff safety.

Quota Enforced:  On a typical year, quota season starts the Friday before Memorial Day and ends on the Saturday of September that falls between the 23rd and the 29th.

• The 2021 Quota Season: May 28 - Sept. 26

Lottery? No - first-come-first-served online

Best Way to Apply: Online at Recreation.gov (as of Feb. 2021)
Permit information
Trail descriptions & entry points
Trail conditions
Online application form

When to Apply: For the 2021 season, backpacking permits become available for reservation on Recreation.gov starting February 9th @7am PST.

• Reserved: Permits are released on a daily rolling basis, and can be reserved as early as six months ahead of your desired start date. Specifically, each day at 7am PST, the park’s entire allotment of permits becomes available for that exact same day of the month six months down the line (i.e. Aug. 23rd permits become available Feb. 23rd.).

• Walk-ups: All quota season permits (reserved and walk up) are issued in-person beginning at 1 PM the day prior to entry. No-shows are released into the walk-up pool.

Permits Awarded Per Day: Varies per trail - List of trail names and quotas (pages 7-11)

Odds of Approval: 100% if desired dates are open. Those who apply six months in advance will have a high chance of getting their dates accepted.

Cost: $10 application fee plus $5 per person at time of reservation within the quota season

SoCal Peaks

Backpacking to Mt. San Gorgornio Summit

Quota Enforced: Backpacking trips AND day hiking permits both require a wilderness permit year-around.

Lottery? No - first-come-first-served

Best Way to Apply: Email completed application form to permits@sgwa.org; fax or postal mail also accepted.
Trail information
Permit instructions
Downloadable permit application form

When to Apply: Applications accepted up to 90 days in advance

Permits Awarded Per Day: Call the Mill Creek Visitor Center at 909-382-2882 and see if there is a space open for the day you want.

Odds of Approval: 100% if desired dates are open

Cost: A National Forest Adventure Pass (parking) is required for all hikers - $5 per day / $30 annually (see here for details)
Overnight wilderness permits are $0.

Campground Reservations

Spearhead Adventure Article: Our Ultimate Guide to Camping at Joshua Tree National Park

Reservation Season: Labor Day to Memorial Day (specific dates subject to change)

Lottery? No - first-come-first-served online

Best Way to Apply: Online at Recreation.gov
Jumbo Rocks
General info | Campground map | Online reservations & photos

Ryan
General info | Campground map | Online reservations & photos

Indian Cove (north entrance)
General Info | Campground map | Online reservations & photos

Black Rock (west entrance)
General Info | Campground map | Online reservations & photos

Cottonwood (south entrance)
General Info | Campground map | Online reservations & photos

Sheep Pass (groups only)
General Info | Campground map | Online reservations & photos

When to Apply - Six months in advance on the same day of the month as your desired start date.

Individual campsite reservations can be made up to six months before your trip and are released on a daily rolling basis. How it works—each day at 7am, the park’s entire allotment of campsites becomes available for that exact same day of the month six months down the line. For example:

Fall Trips

• For a trip starting September 1st, apply on March 1st (7am PST)

• For a trip starting October 2nd, apply on April 2nd…

• For a trip starting November 3rd, apply on May 3rd…

Spring Trips

• For a trip starting February 10th, apply on August 10th (7am PST)

• For a trip starting March 11th, apply on September 11th…

• For a trip starting April 12th, apply on October 12th…

Odds of Approval: 100% if desired dates are open. With over 300 campsites in the park, you’ll very likely get a campsite if you’re this diligent.

Cost: $15-$25 per night, depending on the campground; group sites at Sheep Pass run $35-50 per night.

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Step 3: SELECT YOUR PERMIT

COVID-19 Closures in Zion - Many of the backcountry and canyoneering routes in Zion are currently CLOSED due to COVID-19 as well as a recent toxic cyanobacteria bloom in the Virgin River. Some routes ARE currently open & available—these permits are issued online only. Check Zion’s Wilderness Reservations and Permits site for details and updates.

R: = Reserved / W: = Walk-up

Zion

Backpacking the Narrows
(top-down thru hike)

Spearhead Adventure Article: Check out Backpacking the Zion Narrows and Wilderness Permits in Zion

Quota Enforced: Usually mid spring to late fall, depending entirely on water levels

Lottery?

• Advance Calendar Reservation: No - first-come-first-served

• Walk-ups: No - first-come-first-served

Best Way to Apply: Online at Nps.gov
Permit information
Advance reservation online application

When to Apply: Up to 3 months in advance on the 5th day of the month, 10am MST (i.e. apply on Aug. 5, 10am for all dates desired in Oct.). See our Zion Wilderness Permit page for more details.

Permits Awarded Per Day: Reserved: 6 campsites / Walk-ups: 6 campsites

Odds of Approval: first-come-first serve—odds are reasonable if you apply as soon as permits become available

Cost: $5 application fee, plus the following cost per person when you pick up the permit:
$15.00 - 1-2 people
$20.00 - 3-7 people
$25.00 - 8-12 people

Zion

Backpacking Trips in the Park

Spearhead Adventure Article: Check out Zion Backpacking Trips and Wilderness Permits in Zion

Applies to: The East Rim, Hop Valley, La Verkin Creek (Kolob Arch), Southwest Desert (Chinle Trail), The Narrows, The West Rim, Wildcat Canyon (Northgate Peaks)

Quota Enforced: Year around for overnight trips inside the park

Lottery?

• Advance Calendar Reservation: No - first-come-first-served

• Walk-ups: No - first-come-first-served

Best Way to Apply: Online at Nps.gov
Permit information
Online application form

When to Apply: Up to 3 months in advance on the 5th day of the month, 10am MST (i.e. apply on Aug. 5, 10am for all dates desired in Oct.). See our Zion Wilderness Permit page for more details.

Permits Awarded Per Day: Varies per trail

Odds of Approval: first-come-first serve—odds are high if you apply as soon as permits become available

Cost: $5 application fee, plus the following cost per person when you pick up the permit:
$15.00 - 1-2 people
$20.00 - 3-7 people
$25.00 - 8-12 people

Zion

Canyoneering The Subway and/or Mystery Canyon

Spearhead Adventure Article: Check out Canyoneering the Subway and Wilderness Permits in Zion

Applies to: Due to the popularity of the Subway and Mystery Canyon, the park created an online lottery for reservations in these two canyons.

Quota Enforced: Lottery in effect early April - late October (specific dates vary annually)

Lottery?

• Canyoneering Advance Lottery (3 months in advance): Yes

• Advance Calendar Reservation: No - first-come-first-served

• Last-Minute Drawing (2-7 days in advance): Yes

• Walk-ups: No - first-come-first-served

Best Way to Apply: Online at Nps.gov
Permit information
Advance Lottery online application
Calendar reservation system (leftover from lottery)
Last-minute drawing online application

When to Apply: For the Advance Lottery, apply 3 months prior to your desired trip date (see example below). Any unclaimed lottery permits become available through the Advance Calendar Reservation System the 5th day of the following month. Additional permits for this route also become available through the Last-Minute Drawing up to 7 days before your trip. I know….it’s complicated. See Zion’s Subway Permits page for examples on when/how to apply.

• Canyoneering Advance Lottery: 3+ months in advance (i.e. apply in July for all dates desired in Oct.)

• Advance Calendar Reservation: Up to 3 months in advance on the 5th day of the month, 10am MST (i.e. apply on Aug. 5, 10am for all dates desired in Oct.)

• Last-Minute Drawing: 2-7 days in advance

Permits Awarded Per Day:

• The Subway - Reserved: 80 people per day / Walk-ups: cancellations only

• Mystery Canyon - Reserved: 12 people per day / Walk-ups: cancellations only

Odds of Approval: Odds are displayed on each lottery's webpage and vary according to season. Expect <10% odds, especially during peak and weekends.

Cost: $5 application fee, plus the following cost per person when you pick up the permit:
$15.00 - 1-2 people
$20.00 - 3-7 people
$25.00 - 8-12 people

Zion

Popular Canyoneering Routes Using the Last-Minute Drawing

Spearhead Adventure Article: Check out Wilderness Permits in Zion

Applies to: Behunin Canyon, Jolley Gulch, Keyhole Canyon, Lodge (Employee) Canyon, Pine Creek Canyon, Refrigerator Canyon - lower, Spry Canyon, Telephone Canyon

Quota Enforced: Year around for canyoneering trips inside the park

Lottery? No - first-come-first-served

Best Way to Apply: Online at Nps.gov
Canyoneering permit information
Advance reservation online application
Last-minute drawing online application

When to Apply: For advance reservations, apply up to 3 months ahead of your desired trip on the 5th day of the month, 10am MST (i.e. apply on Aug. 5, 10am for all dates desired in Oct.). Additional permits for these routes also become available through the Last-Minute Drawing up to 7 days before your trip. See our Zion’s Canyoneering Permits page for examples on how/when to apply.

• Advance Calendar Reservation: Up to 3 months in advance on the 5th day of the month, 10am MST (i.e. apply on Aug. 5, 10am for all dates desired in Oct.)

• Last-Minute Drawing: 2-7 days in advance

Permits Awarded Per Day: Varies per canyon

Odds of Approval: These canyons are all extremely popular. For best odds, apply the minute permits become available for your target date.

Cost: $5 application fee, plus the following cost per person when you pick up the permit:
$15.00 - 1-2 people
$20.00 - 3-7 people
$25.00 - 8-12 people

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Step 3: SELECT YOUR PERMIT

R: = Reserved / W: = Walk-up

Havasupai Falls

Backpacking

Important COVID-19 Update: As of October, 2020 all Havasupai tourism remains suspended. It is not currently known when tourism will resume. Additionally, all missed reservations after May 5, 2020 are eligible to be rescheduled to the 2021 season. At this point, things aren’t looking great for new trip openings in 2021. We’ll post any/all new updates as they’re received.

Spearhead Adventure Article: Check out Our Full Section on Havasupai Falls

Quota Enforced: Feb. 1 - Nov. 30 (peak season Apr. - Oct.)

Lottery? Yes - pre-season reservations only (walk-ups not allowed)

Best Way to Apply: Online at havasupaireservations.com
Permit information
Online application

When to Apply: Typically all pre-season reservations for the entire year are released on Feb. 1st.

Permits Awarded Per Day: R: 350 people per night / W: 0

Odds of Approval: Odds are low and difficult to determine. Having a plan entering into February will maximize your chances of winning a campsite that year.

Cost: Camping Fee: $25.00 per night, per person + Tax (10%)
Entrance Fee: $90.00 per person + Tax (10%)
For Example:
1 night $126.50 per person
2 nights $154.00 per person

Coyote Buttes North, aka "The Wave"

Day Hike

Quota Enforced: Year round (peak season Mar. - Oct.)

Lottery? Coyote Butte runs two separate lotteries—one for advanced reservations and another in-person lottery for daily walk-ups

• Reserved: Yes - Online

• Walk-ups: Yes - In-person at the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (GSENM) visitor center in Kanab, UT

Best Way to Apply: Online at Recreation.gov
Permit information
Online application form

When to Apply:

• Reserved: Four months in advance - Here’s a timeline indicating when to submit your lottery application.

• Walk-ups: The in-person lottery starts at 9am local time

Permits Awarded Per Day: Reserved: 10 / Walk-ups: 10

Odds of Approval:

• Reserved: Odds are displayed on each lottery webpage and vary according to season. Expect less than 10% odds.

• Walk-ups: Roughly 10-20% depending on the season.

Cost: $9 application fee plus $7 per person on the day of the hike

The Grand Canyon

Backpacking Permits (North & South Kaibab Trails)

Spearhead Adventure Article: Check out Our Complete Write-Up on Backpacking the Grand Canyon

Quota Enforced: Year around (peak season Apr. - May, Sept. - Oct.)

Lottery?

• Reserved: Yes - monthly

• Walk-ups: Park uses a multi-day first-come-first-serve system for in-person walk-ups (it’s a pain in the ass—see our write-up for details)

Best Way to Apply: Fax or mail only (crazy, right?)
Permit information
Downloadable application form

When to Apply:

• Reserved: At least 4 months in advance by the end of the month. Here’s a timeline indicating when to send in your permit form (scroll to: When to Apply).

• Walk-ups: Applicants must take a number and attend the Backcountry Information Center’s daily permit waitlist drawing until he/she gets a permit. Usually takes three consecutive days of attending to earn one. You can find an example timeline here (scroll to: Waitlist). My own trip took three days—don’t be late for the drawing.

Permits Awarded Per Day: Varies per trail (i.e. Bright Angel - Reserved: 32 campsites; Indian Garden - Reserved: 15 campsites; Walk-ups: limited number available)

Odds of Approval: No data. Permits are MUCH harder to win for campsites in the Corridor (Bright Angel, Indian Garden, Cottonwood), although odds should be reasonable if you meet the criteria for the Advanced Lottery above. Outside of the Corridor, odds significantly increase if you submit your paperwork on time.

Cost: $10 per permit plus $8 per person camped below the rim

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