GSMNP Firefly
Opens: TBD
Closes: TBD
2027 lottery dates have not been announced. Check the official page for updates.
Official Permit Page →Permit Dates to Know
Some trails require a little more planning than others. Here's when to get your name in the hat. Always double-check official dates before applying.
Half Dome
Opens: Mar 1, 2026
Closes: Mar 31, 2026
Preseason lottery runs in March. Daily lotteries are held two days before your desired hike.
View Full Schedule
Mar 1–31, 2026
Preseason lottery
Apr 11, 2026
Lottery results announced
May 13–Oct 11, 2026
Daily lottery applications
May 15–Oct 13, 2026
Half Dome cables scheduled up
May 17, 2026
Deadline to confirm and purchase awarded preseason permits by 11:59 PM PT
Oct 14, 2026
Cables scheduled down
John Muir Trail (SOBO)
Opens: Nov 2, 2025
Closes: May 2, 2026
Yosemite trailhead permits use weekly lotteries, followed by general availability for unclaimed quota.
View Full Schedule
Oct 20, 2025–Apr 23, 2026
In-park self-registration period (tentative end)
Nov 2, 2025–May 2, 2026
Weekly wilderness permit lotteries
Nov 14, 2025–Oct 18, 2026
General on-sale for remaining quota; inventory added after lotteries
Oct 15, 2026
Overnight parking prohibited on Tioga and Glacier Point Roads
John Muir Trail (NOBO)
Next Period: Nov 2, 2026
Through: Apr 30, 2027
Inyo National Forest trailhead reservations. Quota season permits can be booked up to six months in advance.
View Full Schedule
Nov 2, 2025–Apr 30, 2026
Non-quota season; permits bookable two weeks ahead
May 1–Nov 1, 2026
Quota season; reservations up to six months ahead, with additional inventory two weeks ahead at 7 AM PT
Jun 30–Sep 15, 2026
Cottonwood Pass / Golden Trout Wilderness quota season; same advance-booking windows
Nov 2, 2026–Apr 30, 2027
Non-quota season; permits bookable up to two weeks ahead
Mount Whitney
Opens: Feb 1, 2026
Closes: Mar 1, 2026
Main lottery is for quota-season permits. A permit is still required outside quota season, but reservations are not lottery-limited.
View Full Schedule
Nov 2, 2025–Apr 30, 2026
Non-quota season; reserve up to two weeks ahead
Feb 1–Mar 1, 2026
Mount Whitney lottery applications
Mar 15, 2026
Lottery results published
Apr 21, 2026
Deadline to confirm lottery awards and pay $15 per person
Apr 22, 2026
Unclaimed lottery dates released at 7 AM Pacific
May 1–Nov 1, 2026
Quota season
Nov 2, 2026–Apr 30, 2027
Non-quota season; permits required, reserve up to two weeks ahead
Pacific Crest Trail
Opens: Oct 15, 2026
Closes: Oct 22, 2026
Registration opens ahead of scheduled permit release days. Register first, then apply during your assigned appointment.
View Full Schedule
Oct 15, 2026 · 10:30 AM PT
First registration period opens
Oct 22, 2026 · 3 PM PT
First registration period closes
Nov 4, 2026
First permit release day
Nov 5, 2026 · 10:30 AM PT
Second registration period opens
Dec 11, 2026 · 3 PM PT
Second registration period closes
Jan 13, 2027
Second permit release day
Jan 14, 2027 · 10:30 AM PT
Registration and applications reopen
The Enchantments
Opens: TBD
Closes: TBD
The 2027 lottery schedule has not been announced. Check the official page for updates.
Official Permit Page →Wonderland Trail
Opens: Feb 10, 2026
Closes: Mar 3, 2026
Early-access lottery for Mount Rainier wilderness reservations. Remaining permits are released during general on-sale.
View Full Schedule
Feb 10, 2026 · 7 AM PT
Early-access lottery opens
Mar 3, 2026 · 7 PM PT
Early-access lottery closes
Mar 14, 2026 · 7 AM PT
Lottery award notifications begin
Mar 21, 2026
Early-access reservations begin, based on assigned windows
Apr 25, 2026 · 7 AM PT
General reservations open
Oct 12, 2026
Last reservable campsite date
Oct 13, 2026
Wilderness Information Centers close; some self-registration continues
Dates and permit rules can change due to weather, trail conditions, and agency decisions. Always confirm details with the issuing agency.
