BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS, MINNESOTA

Boundary Waters // Photo: © Jim Brandenburg

Jan 25: Boundary Waters reservations for all permits open 9:00am CT (always the last Wednesday in January)

Boundary Waters contains over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.
A permit is always required to enter the BWCA Wilderness:
- Visitors taking an overnight paddle, motor or hiking trip, or a motorized day trip into the BWCAW from May 1 – September 30 are required to obtain a quota permit through Recreation.gov. Walk-up permits may be obtained at any permit issuing station on the entry date or one day prior when available, however, reservations are recommended since there are a limited number of quota permits for each entry point.
- Self Issued permits are required for non-motorized day use visitors year-round and for all overnight visitors entering the BWCAW from October 1 – April 30. Self Issued permits are also required for Day Use Motor visitors from October 1 - April 30. Self Issued permits are available from kiosks at BWCAW entry points and Forest Service offices (no reservation required and no recreation fees).Permits are required for any overnight trip between May 1 and September 30.
All permits for all entry points are available the last Wednesday in January every year. So on January 26 at 9:00am CT, they can be booked online via Recreation.gov.

Quick Links:

BROOKS CAMP, KATMAI NATIONAL PARK, ALASKA

Brooks Camp Bear Bridge // Photo: Me! (Randy Johnson)

Jan 05: Brooks Camp reservations open for the entire 2024 season (Jun 1 - Sep 17) at 8:00am Alaska Time

Campgrounds

Brooks Camp is only open June 1 to September 17 (roughly) and costs $12 per person per night to stay in their campground.
Campers are limited to 7 nights in July and 14 nights per calendar year. Group size is limited to 6.
I know camping sounds crazy, but the Brooks Camp Campground is surrounded by an electric fence and it’ll be about $1,000 less than any of the lodges/cabins available out there. They provide most standard campground amenities. They do have fire rings but visitors are not allowed to cook any food over the fire, because, ya know, GRIZZLY BEARS!
There are lodges available through Bristol Adventures but they’re expensive and they do a lottery for the chance to reserve a lodge 1.5 years out.
I was fortunate enough to finally go to Alaska and camping here was top of my list. I only had time to camp there one night but it was truly an unforgettable experience. Camping felt safe—all things considered—and I will absolutely not hesitate to camp again next time I go back. Such a wild wild experience.

Quick Links

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK, UTAH

Canyonlands Nat’l Park // Photo: Me! (Randy Johnson)

Feb 10: Canyonlands permits for all locations for June 10 to September 9, 2024 available for reservation starting at 8:00a MT
May 10: Canyonlands permits for all locations for September 10 to December 9, 2024 available for reservation starting at 8:00a MT
Aug 10: Canyonlands permits for Island in the Sky and The Maze for 12/20/2024 to 3/9/2025 available for reservation starting at 8:00a MT
Nov 10: Canyonlands permits for all locations for 3/10/2025 to 6/9/2025 available for reservation starting at 8:00a MT

If you're planning an overnight trip (via 4WD vehicle, bicycle, or on foot) into the backcountry of Canyonlands National Park or the Orange Cliffs Unit of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, you must have a permit.
You may have an overnight permit for up to 14 consecutive nights. If you are backpacking, you may stay up to seven consecutive nights in any one site or zone. If you are using the designated vehicle camps, you may stay a maximum of three consecutive nights at a camping area before having to relocate.

Campgrounds

Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground - 12 Total Campsites
- All sites are first-come, first-served. They do not take reservations. Campsites fill most days spring through fall.
The Needles Campground - 26 Total Campsites ($20/night)
- Loop A is available first come, first served only.
- Loop B campsites may be booked on Recreation.gov up to six months in advance for dates within the peak seasons (March 15 to May 31 & September 1 to October 31).

Quick Links

CONUNDRUM HOT SPRINGS, COLORADO

Conundrum Hot Springs // Photo: Flickr user Wanderstruck

**UPDATE**: As of February 15, 2023 at 8am MT, permits for the Conundrum Hot Springs zone and all permitted zones for Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness can be reserved by visiting the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permits webpage of February 15, 2023 through July 31, 2023.

Feb 15: Conundrum Hot Springs reservations for overnight permits for April 1 to July 31, 2024 open 8:00am MT
Jun 15: Conundrum Hot Springs reservations for overnight permits for August 1 to November 30, 2024 open 8:00am MT
Oct 15: Conundrum Hot Springs reservations for overnight permits for December 1 to March 31, 2024 open 8:00am MT

The Conundrum Hot Springs are located about 8.5-miles (17mi. RT) from the Conundrum Creek Trailhead at 11,200ft above sea level. (Hike info on AllTrails). There are 20 campsites available for advance reservation on Recreation.gov.

The best time to visit Conundrum Hot Springs is July-September. From early October through the end of June the campsites and trail are snow-covered, the trailhead is inaccessible to vehicles, avalanche hazards exist in the valley and route finding is difficult.
Limit of two permits, per person, per calendar year. Maximum length of stay from June 1-Sept 1 is three nights. There is a seven night maximum stay the rest of the year.
These hot springs have been historically overused and abused in the past, leading to the current permit system. PLEASE do not abuse this area or any others and be sure to LEAVE NO TRACE!
The trail starts at 8,800 feet elevation and crosses Conundrum Creek 3 times along the way. Primitive log bridges span the first and the second crossings, but the third crossing requires wading through the creek which can be extremely difficult depending on the time of year and snowpack.

Quick Links

DENALI ROAD, DENALI NATIONAL PARK, ALASKA

Denali Road, Denali National Park // Photo: Me! (Randy Johnson)

**UPDATE**: THE DENALI ROAD LOTTERY REMAINS CANCELLED FOR ALL OF 2024. The well documented Pretty Rocks Landslide at Mile 43 forced the NPS to close Denali Road at the end of the 2021 (right before my visit, DOH!). The dates below are old dates just so you have an idea of when they typically do run the permit lottery.

May 01: Denali Road lottery application period opens for the entire month (2021 date)
May 31: Denali Road lottery application period ends. (2021 date)

For 4 days in September (estimated to be September 17-21), lucky permit winners are given the chance to purchase a single day-long permit which lets them drive as much of the Denali Park Road as the weather conditions allow. If the park has seen early snow, the Park Road might only be open as far as Savage River (mile 15). Otherwise, you will typically be able to drive all the way out to Wonder Lake (mile 85). Only 1,600 permits are awarded (400 per day), and last year there were 12,600 applicants.
Lottery applications are accepted from May 1 – May 31 on this Recreation.gov website.

Quick Links

Denali Road Permit Lottery Registration at Recreation.gov

ENCHANTMENTS, WASHINGTON

Enchantments // Photo: Me! (Randy Johnson)

Feb 15: Enchantments permit lottery registration opens 7:00am PT
Feb 29: Enchantments permit lottery registration closes 11:59pm PT
Mar 07: Enchantments lottery results published
Apr 01: Enchantments unclaimed permits returned to reservation system 7:00am PT

A permit is required for all overnight trips in the Enchantments between May 15 and October 31. Permits allow your group to camp overnight in one of the five permit zones within the Enchantments Permit Area (map).

If you plan on day-hiking or thru-hiking, simply fill out a free day-use permit at your starting trailhead.

The five permit area zones are (map):

Core Enchantment Zone: 5 groups per day
Snow Lake Zone: 3 groups per day
Colchuck Lake Zone: 5 groups per day
Stuart Lake Zone: 5 groups per day
Eightmile/Caroline Zone: 4 groups per day

Campgrounds

Eightmile Campground is the best campground in the area to stay at the night before or after your trek.
- Advance reservations are available online 6 months prior to your arrival date. Book your campsite here.

Bridge Creek Campground just down the road from Eightmile, but it’s first-come first-served and they only have six single campsites.

Quick Links

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA

Glacier National Park // Photo: Me! (Randy Johnson)

**NEW FOR 2024**: Glacier National Park has transitioned the backcountry permit system to Recreation.gov. Under the new system, lottery applications for backcountry permits for the entire season will be accepted on March 15 ONLY. You will NOT submit any itinerary information with the lottery application. If your lottery application is chosen, you will be assigned a date and time when you can access the Glacier National Park Wilderness Permits system on Recreation.gov in order to submit your desired wilderness camping itinerary.

Mar 15: Glacier National Park lottery applications for overnight permits between June 15 to September 30 accepted TODAY ONLY
May 01: Glacier National Park backcountry permits not reserved during the early access lottery will become available to the public at 8:00a

In 2022, Glacier Nat’l Park increased the old 50/50 split between advance reservation campsites vs. walk-in campsites to about 70/30. They strongly encourage backpackers to submit advance reservation requests to take advantage of this extra campsite availability.
Lottery applications for backcountry permits for the entire season will be accepted on March 15 ONLY on Recreation.gov. You will NOT submit any itinerary information with the lottery application. If your lottery application is chosen, you will be assigned a date and time when you can access the Glacier National Park Wilderness Permits system on Recreation.gov in order to submit your desired wilderness camping itinerary.
All backcountry permits not reserved during the early access lottery will become available to the public on May 1, 2024 at 8:00a.

Campgrounds

Advance Reservations (All other campgrounds that aren’t listed below are first-come first-served)

Fish Creek Campground
Many Glacier Campground (half of campsites are first-come first-served)
St. Mary Campground

Quick Links

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, ARIZONA

Grand Canyon North Rim // Photo: Me! (Randy Johnson)

**NEW FOR 2024**: Grand Canyon National Park has transitioned the backcountry permit system to Recreation.gov. Under the new system, most everything is the same in that you still apply for the permit lottery 6 months prior to your desired trip date—you just do it all on Recreation.gov now instead of faxing/mailing them an application. HOORAY!!!

Jan 16: Grand Canyon backcountry permit lottery applications accepted for all June trips (must submit by Feb 1)
Feb 16: Grand Canyon backcountry permit lottery applications accepted for all July trips (must submit by Mar 1)
Mar 16: Grand Canyon backcountry permit lottery applications accepted for all August trips (must submit by Apr 1)
Apr 16: Grand Canyon backcountry permit lottery applications accepted for all September trips (must submit by May 1)
May 16: Grand Canyon backcountry permit lottery applications accepted for all October trips (must submit by June 1)
Jun 16: Grand Canyon backcountry permit lottery applications accepted for all November trips (must submit by July 1)
Jul 16: Grand Canyon backcountry permit lottery applications accepted for all December trips (must submit by Aug 1)
Aug 16: Grand Canyon backcountry permit lottery applications accepted for all January trips (must submit by Sep 1)
Sep 16: Grand Canyon backcountry permit lottery applications accepted for all February trips (must submit by Oct 1)
Oct 16: Grand Canyon backcountry permit lottery applications accepted for all March trips (must submit by Nov 1)
Nov 16: Grand Canyon backcountry permit lottery applications accepted for all April trips (must submit by Dec 1)
Dec 16: Grand Canyon backcountry permit lottery applications accepted for all May trips (must submit by Jan 1)

If you wish to camp anywhere in the park, other than in developed campgrounds on the North Rim or the South Rim, you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center.
A backcountry permit is NOT required for:
- day hikes (this includes nighttime "day" hikes)
- day stock rides
- overnight camping at Mather Campground and Desert View Campground (campground reservations for Mather Campground at www.recreation.gov)
- overnight camping at North Rim Campground between May 15 – Oct 15 (campground reservations at www.recreation.gov)
- overnight camping with private stock at Mather Campground or (May 15 – Oct 15) North Rim Campground
- overnight stays at the dormitories or cabins at Phantom Ranch (advanced reservations with Grand Canyon National Park Lodges required)

Camping

Mather Campground has 327 campsites that can be booked in advance on Recreation.gov exactly 6 months before your desired trip date.
North Rim Campground has 87 campsites that can be booked in advance on Recreation.gov exactly 6 months before your desired trip date.

Quick Links

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING

Grand Teton National Park // Photo: Me! (Randy Johnson)

Jan 10: Grand Teton permit applications accepted 8:00am MT for overnight stays May 1 - October 31
May 15: Grand Teton last day to request any advance backcountry permit online for the rest of the year
May 16: Grand Teton today through Dec 31, backcountry permits are only available in person on first-come first-serve basis

Overnight Permits

Backcountry reservations go live on the January 10, 2023 at 8:00am MT. Reserve your backcountry permits here.

The backcountry brochure has pretty much all the information you could ever need to plan your trip.

Teton Crest Trail

The Teton Crest Trail covers 38-miles through the Teton Range, but there are many different options to hike it. Normal backcountry wilderness permits are required if you plan to hike the trail. Utilize the Grand Teton backcountry brochure to plan your trip. The Clymb has a great guide for different hiking routes and obtaining permits.

Campgrounds

There are a handful of campgrounds within the park that you can book here, but the neighboring Bridger-Teton National Forest offers the best free dispersed camping areas in the entire country, in my opinion.

Winter Camping

Primitive winter camping is allowed in the plowed parking lot adjacent to the Colter Bay Visitor Center for $5 per night from December 1 to April 15. Camp on the snow covering the parking lot. Pay at the self-pay station by the restroom.

Backcountry camping is allowed throughout the year. You must obtain a backcountry permit, free of charge. Call the permits office 307-739-3309 for more information, or check the backcountry brochure.

Quick Links

HAVASU FALLS, ARIZONA

Havasu Falls // Photo: Me! (Randy Johnson)

Feb 01: Havasu Falls permits become available for the entire year

Official Havasupai Reservations website with all information
- To visit Havasu Falls, you must purchase a permit from HavasupaiReservations.com
- You are required to purchase a minimum 4-day/3-night stay for the campground which ends up being $455/person for a 3-night stay, minimum.
- PRO TIP: The helicopter seems like a good option to get out, but I personally wouldn’t bother. The line will be way too long, and locals always have priority for getting on the helicopters and will be leapfrogging you all day. If you do finally get on, your bag(s) will be on a different helicopter so you’ll have to wait again at the top for your bags to come in.
- PRO TIP: Paying for a donkey to carry your bags up is a decent option. You’ll still have to wait at the top for your bags, but we only ended up waiting 20 minutes or so for my friends bag to come up.

Quick Links

Official Havasupai Reservations website with all information

JOHN MUIR TRAIL, CALIFORNIA

John Muir Trail // Photo: Me! (Randy Johnson)

**UPDATE**: Wilderness permit reservations for John Muir Trail through-hikers are now issued through the same process as all other Yosemite wilderness permit reservations (via Recreation.gov here)

Reservations by lottery are available 24 weeks (168 days) in advance on Recreation.gov. If you hope to reserve a permit, you should apply exactly 168 days in advance.
Reservations not taken by lottery are available on a first-come, first-served basis on Recreation.gov from about 22 weeks in advance until seven days before intended start date.
Permits are available in-person on a first-come, first-served basis at permit issuing stations starting at 11 am one day before intended start date.

Quick Links

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WASHINGTON

Mount Rainier // Photo: Me! (Randy Johnson)

Feb 12: Mt Rainier early-access lottery applications accepted starting at 7:00 am PT
Mar 04: Mt Rainier early access lottery closes at 9:00p PT
Mar 21: Mt Rainier early-access reservations open for trips starting between late May and early October
Apr 25: Mt Rainier reservations go on-sale at 7:00 am PT for trips starting between late May and early October (General On-Sale)
Oct 08: Mt Rainier last day online reservations can be made. Self-registration available at some locations. First-come, first-served permits.

Overnight Wilderness Permits

You can apply for the Early Access Lottery February 12 through March 4. The park then starts accepting reservation requests online March 21. The link to the reservation system will go live at that time. Reservations are submitted via Recreation.gov so make sure you have an account setup there and are logged in ready to go.
Mt. Rainier does not accept reservations for trips starting after October 8. If your hike or climb starts after October 8, you must show up in the park in person and attempt to acquire a first-come, first-served permit.
- The only way to acquire a first-come, first-served permit is by coming to a Ranger Station, which is subject to availability. First-come, first-served permits cannot be issued over the phone. There is no fee for a first-come, first-served permit. Remember to bring:
  - An emergency contact phone number
  - The make, model, color, and license plate number of any vehicle being left behind in the park.

Campgrounds

There are 4 campgrounds within the National Park limits, 3 of which can be reserved on Recreation.gov.
- Cougar Rock (SW section of park) (reserve here)
  - 173 sites (map), $20/night
  - Season: Late May to late September
  - Potable water; flush toilet; Elev: 3,180ft
- Ohanapecosh (SE section of park) (reserve here)
  - 188 sites (map), $20/night
  - Season: Late May to late September
  - Potable water; flush toilet; Elev: 1,914ft
- White River (NE section of park)
  - 112 sites (map), $20/night
  - Season: Late June to late September
  - Potable water; flush toilet; Elev: 4,400ft
- Mowich Lake (NW section of park)
  - Primitive campground: 13 tent pads and 10 primitive walk-in tent-only sites
  - No fee, first-come first-served, must self-register at campground kiosk
  - No potable water; vault toilet; fires prohibited; Elev: 4,929ft

Wonderland Trail

The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile trail encircling Mount Rainier.
Hiking the Wonderland Trail requires normal backcountry wilderness permits, so refer to the Overnight Wilderness Permit section above for info. You will need to map out your route and daily mileage and estimate what wilderness campsites you plan to stay at and apply for your permit accordingly. Pretty much everything you need to know, including a map with marked campsites, can be found in the Mount Rainier Wilderness Trip Planning Guide.
The Wonderland Trail has eighteen trailside wilderness camps and three non-wilderness camps. NOT ALL CAMPS HAVE GROUP SITES. Parties with 6-12 people will need a camp that has a group site.

Climbing Permits

Summit attempts or glacier travel above 10,000' requires the purchase of an annual climbing pass. Climber registration is required before each climb.
Two climbers per party minimum, unless you have obtained prior written authorization for a solo climb from the Superintendent.
A Climbing Pass is $51/person 25 years and older, and $35/person 24 years and younger, per calendar year. Proceeds from pass sales go toward climber education and safety, and high altitude human waste disposal.

Quick Links

MOUNT ST. HELENS, WASHINGTON

Mount St. Helens // Photo: Me! (Randy Johnson)

Feb 01: Mount St. Helens permits for all March dates are released at 7:00a PT
Mar 01: Mount St. Helens permits for all April dates are released at 7:00a PT
Apr 01: Mount St. Helens permits for all May dates are released at 7:00a PT
May 01: Mount St. Helens permits for all June dates are released at 7:00a PT
Jun 01: Mount St. Helens permits for all July dates are released at 7:00a PT
Jul 01: Mount St. Helens permits for all August dates are released at 7:00a PT
Aug 01: Mount St. Helens permits for all September dates are released at 7:00a PT
Sep 01: Mount St. Helens permits for all October dates are released at 7:00a PT
Oct 01: Mount St. Helens permits for all November dates are released at 7:00a PT

Climbing permits are required year round on Mount St. Helens. However there is no limit of number of climbers each day from December 1 to March 31. And during those non-quota winter months, permits are free and self-issued at the trailheads.
In an effort to reduce crowding and protect natural features, from April 1 to October 31 the number of climbers per day is subject to a quota.
- April 1 to May 14 – 350 climbers per day
- May 15 to November 30 - 110 climbers per day
While you can reach the summit starting from a variety of trailheads, there are two primary trailheads/routes. Each offers parking, pit toilets and limited primitive campsites but no running water nor trash service.
- Climbers Bivouac Trailhead (Monitor Ridge/Summer climbing route): Generally available late June through October depending on snow conditions. The access trail is the Ptarmigan Trail #216A and merges into Monitor Ridge Trail #216H. Climb is 10 miles round-trip and has 4,500’ elevation gain. There is a composting toilet at the tree line about 2.25mi in at the intersection with the Loowit Trail.
- Marble Mountain Sno-Park (Worm Flows/Winter climbing route): Available year-round, but generally used November through late June when snow forces the closure of the road to Climbers Bivouac. The access trail is #244. The climb is 12 miles round-trip and has 5,500’ of elevation gain.

Quick Links

MOUNT WHITNEY, CALIFORNIA

Mount Whitney // Photo: Me! (Randy Johnson)

Feb 01: Mt Whitney permit lottery registration opens
Mar 01: Mt Whitney permit lottery closes at 11:59p PT
Mar 15: Mt Whitney lottery results published (estimated date)
Apr 22: Mt Whitney dates from unclaimed lottery released at 7:00a PT

Whether backpacking or just day-hiking, a permit is required at all times to hike Mount Whitney Trail between May 1 and November 1.
This is an extremely challenging 20-mile round trip to the summit of the tallest peak (14,505ft) in the lower 48. Please do your research and over-prepare for this hike, especially if day-hiking! People regularly get rescued off the mountain. Read about our Mount Whitney trip and the two-groups of ill-prepared hikers we provided shelter to at midnight at Trail Camp.
Day Use Permit - Valid for one day only, from midnight to midnight. Consecutive day use permits are not allowed. Only 100 permits per day are issued.
Overnight Permit - Includes multi-night trips starting on the Mt Whitney Trail and allows camping along the trail and summiting Mt. Whitney. Outpost Camp and Trail Camp are the two prevalent and most popular camping destinations along the trail—both have access to lake or river water. Only 60 permits per day are issued.

Campgrounds

The ideal place to camp in Whitney Portal which is located just down the road from the trailhead. Book your campsite here.
The next closest campground is at the base of the mountain at Lone Pine Campground. Also a good option. Book your campsite here.
If you’re like me and free camping is your jam, there are plenty of amazing free dispersed campsites in the Alabama Hills area (map).

Quick Links

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO

Rocky Mountain National Park // Photo: Me! (Randy Johnson)

**NEW FOR 2024**: Rocky Mountain National Park has migrated their Wilderness Backcountry Permit system to Recreation.gov. Under the new system, all backcountry permits will become available on March 1 at 8:00a MT on Recreation.gov for trips May 1 through October 31.

Mar 01: Rocky Mountain backcountry permit reservations open at 8:00a MT for overnight backpacking permits May through October

Backcountry Permits

RMNP starts accepting reservations for wilderness campsites on March 8 at 8:00a MT on Recreation.gov, where links for "Wilderness Campsite Reservation Request Application" and "Most Recent Wilderness Campsite Availability List" will appear at that time.

Campgrounds

There is no free dispersed camping within the park. All camping must be done at a campground or at one of their designated backcountry campsites.
There are 3 campgrounds that you can book in advance online at Recreation.gov. They are Asplenglen Campground, Glacier Basin Campground, and Moraine Park Campground.
There are 2 more campgrounds that are first-come first-served. They are Longs Peak Campground and Timber Creek Campground.

Quick Links

THE WAVE, COYOTE BUTTES NORTH, ARIZONA

Jan 01: The Wave lottery registration opens for May permits
Feb 01: The Wave lottery registration opens for June permits
Mar 01: The Wave lottery registration opens for July permits
Apr 01: The Wave lottery registration opens for August permits
May 01: The Wave lottery registration opens for September permits
Jun 01: The Wave lottery registration opens for October permits
Jul 01: The Wave lottery registration opens for November permits
Aug 01: The Wave lottery registration opens for December permits
Sep 01: The Wave lottery registration opens for January permits
Oct 01: The Wave lottery registration opens for February permits
Nov 01: The Wave lottery registration opens for March permits
Dec 01: The Wave lottery registration opens for April permits

NEW FOR 2023: If you have an extra permit, I will pay quadruple the permit price to join you on a moments notice! Three damn years of trying to get one of these permits and I JUST KEEP LOSING!!!
NEW FOR 2021: A daily maximum of 64 people are permitted to visit Coyote Buttes North—48 through the online permit lottery, and 16 through the in-person walk-in lottery.
- In past years, they issued 20 total permits per day to hike to The Wave—10 online and 10 in-person
All the info you need on both applying online or in-person is located here. I’ve tried both multiple times to no avail. In my opinion, this is the #1 hardest permit to get due to the extremely small number of daily permits they issue.

Quick Links

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING

Yellowstone National Park // Photo: Me! (Randy Johnson)

**NEW FOR 2023**: Yellowstone has migrated their backcountry permit system to Recreation.gov (thank goodness).

Mar 01: Yellowstone early-access lottery applications accepted starting at 8:00a MT
Mar 20: Yellowstone early-access lottery closes at 11:59p MT
Apr 01: Yellowstone early-access reservations open for trips starting between May 15 and October 31 (ends April 24)
Apr 26: Yellowstone general on-sale for peak season reservations go on-sale at 8:00a MT for trips between May 15 and October 31
Aug 01: Yellowstone snowmobile permit lottery applications accepted (closes Aug 31)
Aug 31: Yellowstone snowmobile permit lottery application period ends 11:59p MT
Sep 06: Yellowstone snowmobile permit lottery winner announced
Oct 01: Yellowstone snowmobile remaining permit inventory made available to public at 8:00a MT

Backcountry Permits

Most all backcountry permit information you could want is available on the new page on Recreation.gov where you book your permits and apply for the advance lotteries. In the Quick Links below you can find additional info such as Trails & Maps and Backcountry Situation Reports.

Campgrounds

There are only 5 campgrounds that you can reserve in-advance online through Yellowstone National Park Lodges. There are 7 more campgrounds that are first-come first-served. See the full list here.
Canyon Campground is easily the most centrally located and right next to Yellowstone Falls and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. We loved our stay here and location couldn’t have been more perfect for exploring the entire park over 3-4 days. After that, Madison Campground probably has the best location. Yellowstone Camping website
Use this website to get a live look at Yellowstone campground vacancy and how early or late they reached capacity.

Snowmobiling

You can easily just purchase a guided snowmobile tour through a company, but if you want to snowmobile in Yellowstone without the presence of a commercial guide, you’ll need one of the harder to get permits out there.

Quick Links

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA

Jan 15: Yosemite campground reservations open for May 15 to June 14
Feb 15: Yosemite campground reservations open for June 15 to July 14
Mar 01: Half Dome Cables permit lottery registration opens for the entire month
Mar 15: Yosemite campground reservations open for July 15 to August 14
May 25: Half Dome Cables daily lotteries begin and continue through Oct. 11
Mar 31: Half Dome Cables permit lottery registration closes
Apr 11: Half Dome Cables lottery results published
Apr 15: Yosemite campground reservations open for August 15 to September 14
May 15: Yosemite campground reservations open for September 15 to October 14
May 22: Half Dome Cables daily lotteries begin (apply two days in advance)
Jun 15: Yosemite campground reservations open for October 15 to November 14
Jul 15: Yosemite campground reservations open for November 15 to December 14
Aug 15: Yosemite campground reservations open for December 15 to January 14
Sep 15: Yosemite campground reservations open for January 15 to February 14
Oct 15: Yosemite campground reservations open for February 15 to March 14
Nov 15: Yosemite campground reservations open for March 15 to April 14
Dec 15: Yosemite campground reservations open for April 15 to May 14

Half Dome Cables

The cables up Half Dome are typically up May 24 to October 15 each year. It is a 18-mile round-trip hike that takes you up two waterfalls en route to the infamous Half Dome Cables route to the summit of Half Dome. Know your abilities and your limits, be smart, and NEVER attempt the Half Dome cables if it is wet or there is rain in the forecast.
The permit lottery registration opens on March 1 on this Recreation.gov site and you’ll have the entire month to get your lottery registration complete. On April 10, you can log into your Recreation.gov account to see if you were awarded the permit or not. If you were, then you’ll have until April 24 to accept your permit and complete the purchase.
On May 20, daily lotteries for Half Dome Cables permits begin. You just need to apply two days in advance of your desired hiking date. These daily lotteries will be open through October 11.
PRO TIP: Start early! Like 3 or 4am early! It’s a long hike with a ton of vertical gain (19-miles AND 5,100ft of vert!) and a long day. Bring super grippy gloves—you’ll need them to grip the chains up Half Dome and keep your hands warm (PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR GLOVES AT THE BASE OF HALF DOME! LEAVE NO TRACE!) And the last accessible water source is the Merced River right at the top of Nevada Falls, so drink up and replenish your water supply there while you drink in the amazing view!
PRO TIP: Most people like to dayhike this, but I recently backpacked up which allows you to get up the cables of Half Dome way earlier, plus you’ll have a better chance of getting a permit by completing the Wilderness Permit form and checking the box indicating that you’d like to summit Half Dome.

Backcountry Permits

Wilderness permit reservations are available (and strongly recommended) up to 24 weeks (168 days) in advance, and up until two days before your hike. Bookable on Recreation.gov.
PRO TIP: If you get a wilderness permit to go backpacking in Yosemite, there is a “Backpackers Campground” located just off of North Pines Campground (map) where you are allowed to stay one night before you start backpacking AND one night after you are done backpacking. You just need to pay the $6/person/night fee (bring exact change!) at the campground and leave your vehicle at the Happy Isle parking lot (they do have a 15-minute unloading zone in the North Pines campground to drop any gear off.

Campgrounds

There are 4 campgrounds in Yosemite Valley and in my opinion these are hands-down the hardest campgrounds in the country to book. Use the links below to go directly to their reservation sites on Recreation.gov. The only free dispersed camping options are located outside of the park and are a significant drive from Yosemite Valley—hence the popularity of these four campgrounds in the valley.

Lower Pines Campground
North Pines Campground
Upper Pines Campground
Camp 4 Campground - **Reservations will be required at Camp 4, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow Campgrounds from February 1 through February 28 (these campgrounds normally operate on a first-come, first-served basis in February). All February reservations for Wawona, Camp 4, and Hodgdon Meadow Campgrounds will be released on December 15, 2022 at 7:00a PT on Recreation.gov.

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ZION NATIONAL PARK, UTAH

The Narrows // Photo: Me! (Randy Johnson)

Jan 05: Zion calendar reservations available for backcountry permits for March
Jan 05: Zion advance lottery opens for Subway permits for March
Feb 05: Zion calendar reservations available for backcountry permits for April
Feb 05: Zion advance lottery opens for Subway permits for April
Mar 05: Zion calendar reservations available for backcountry permits for May
Mar 05: Zion advance lottery opens for Subway permits for May
Apr 05: Zion calendar reservations available for backcountry permits for June
Apr 05: Zion advance lottery opens for Subway permits for June
May 05: Zion calendar reservations available for backcountry permits for July
May 05: Zion advance lottery opens for Subway permits for July
Jun 05: Zion calendar reservations available for backcountry permits for August
Jun 05: Zion advance lottery opens for Subway permits for August
Jul 05: Zion calendar reservations available for backcountry permits for September
Jul 05: Zion advance lottery opens for Subway permits for September
Aug 05: Zion calendar reservations available for backcountry permits for October
Sep 05: Zion calendar reservations available for backcountry permits for November
Oct 05: Zion calendar reservations available for backcountry permits for December
Nov 05: Zion calendar reservations available for backcountry permits for January
Dec 05: Zion calendar reservations available for backcountry permits for February

Backcountry Permits

A Zion Wilderness Permit is required for overnight backpacking trips, all canyoneering trips, overnight climbing bivouacs, and river trips.
On the fifth day of every month at 10:00am MT, you can make ‘Calendar Reservations’ for trips 2 months ahead of your desired hiking date. Reservations are available online.
There’s also a Last Minute Lottery that opens up 2 days before your desired trip if you’re planning on the fly.

All permits must be picked up in person the day before or the day of your trip, so plan accordingly! View the Zion Wilderness Guide for pickup locations and hours.

Subway & Mystery Canyon

There is an advance lottery for these permits that also opens on the 5th of each month, but for hikes starting 2 months out. For example: On March 5, you can sign up for the lottery for any permit in the month of June). Sign up for the advance permit lottery here.
There’s also a Last Minute Lottery that opens up at 1:00p MT 2 days before your desired trip if you’re planning on the fly.
Bottom-Up: The more popular, less technical day-hiking route that requires route finding, creek crossing, and scrambling over boulders. Starts from the left fork of North Creek.
Top-Down: This technical route requires rappelling skills, 60 feet of rope, extensive route finding experience, and swimming through several deep pools of very cold water. Starts from Wildcat Canyon Trailhead.

Narrows

Most people day-hike the Narrows from the bottom-up by taking the free shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava stop. Doing so does not require a permit.
Hiking the Narrows from top-bottom requires a permit whether you’re day-hiking or backpacking and camping overnight.
- Zion website for Narrows Top-Bottom permits
- Narrows Map

Campgrounds

There are many places within close proximity to Zion Valley for free dispersed camping, but I can’t give away my spots! Do some research!
Watchman Campground - 176 campsites located at the South Entrance in Zion Valley (Zion website) (Book a campsite)
- Watchman Campground facility is open during the following season(s):
  - January 01, 2020 – February 27, 2020 (First-come, First-served)
  - February 28, 2020 – November 29, 2020 (available by reservation 6 months before your desired date) on Recreation.gov.
South Campground - 117 campsites located at the South Entrance in Zion Valley (Zion website) (Book a campsite)
- Only available to book online 14 days before your desired date.
Lava Point Campground - Located 1-hour outside of Zion valley. 6 primitive campsites, pitted toilets, trash cans, but no water. (Zion website)

2025 OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PERMIT CALENDAR

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS, MINNESOTA

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BROOKS CAMP, KATMAI NATIONAL PARK, ALASKA

Campgrounds

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CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK, UTAH

Campgrounds

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CONUNDRUM HOT SPRINGS, COLORADO

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DENALI ROAD, DENALI NATIONAL PARK, ALASKA

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ENCHANTMENTS, WASHINGTON

Campgrounds

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GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA

Campgrounds

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GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, ARIZONA

Camping

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GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING

Overnight Permits

Teton Crest Trail

Campgrounds

Winter Camping

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HAVASU FALLS, ARIZONA

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JOHN MUIR TRAIL, CALIFORNIA

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MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WASHINGTON

Overnight Wilderness Permits

Campgrounds

Wonderland Trail

Climbing Permits

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MOUNT ST. HELENS, WASHINGTON

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MOUNT WHITNEY, CALIFORNIA

Campgrounds

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO

Backcountry Permits

Campgrounds

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THE WAVE, COYOTE BUTTES NORTH, ARIZONA

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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING

Backcountry Permits

Campgrounds

Snowmobiling

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YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA

Half Dome Cables

Backcountry Permits

Campgrounds

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ZION NATIONAL PARK, UTAH

Backcountry Permits

Subway & Mystery Canyon

Narrows

Campgrounds

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