Permits

Wilderness Permits Permits at the Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center

Free wilderness permits are required year-round for all overnight trips into Yosemite's wilderness. They are not required for day hikes. Yosemite uses a trailhead quota system which limits the number of people who may begin overnight hikes from each trailhead, each day.

This system is designed to avoid overcrowding and to reduce impacts to wilderness areas. At least 40% of each trailhead quota is available on a first-come first-served basis the day of, or one day prior to, the beginning of your trip.

If you are starting a trip outside the park, obtain a permit from the land agency who manages your entry trailhead. Please plan your trip before you apply for a wilderness permit or write for a reservation.

Permits are also available by advance reservation. Wilderness permits are not a registration; leave an accurate itinerary with family or friends before you begin your trip.

Wilderness Permit Station Locations:

Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center: in Yosemite Village next to the post office.
Open daily from 7:00 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Big Oak Flat (Open Summer Only): Big Oak Flat Visitor Center at the Highway 120 west park entrance.
Open Wednesday through Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (closed for lunch).

Tuolumne Meadows (Open Summer Only): Located in parking lot 1/4 mile from the Tuolumne Ranger Station
Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center open daily from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Badger Pass (Open Winter Only): Ranger Station A-Frame at Badger Pass on Glacier Point Road.

Hetch Hetchy: Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station.

Wawona: Wawona Information Station.
Open 8:30 - 4:30 (closed for lunch).

Please obtain your free first-come first-serve permit from the Wilderness Permit Station nearest your
departure trailhead. Call (209) 372-0200 for open permit station locations and hours. For those making trips from Cherry Lake in the Stanislaus National Forest to Kibbie Lake and Lake Eleanor in Yosemite, you must get your permit from the Stanislaus National Forest Ranger Station on Highway 120 in Groveland. For more information call (209) 962-7825.

For visitors entering the park from Chiquito Pass in Sierra National Forest, permits for the whole trip must be obtained from the Forest Service in North Fork. Call (559) 877-2218 for more information.

To make a permit reservation for summer trips write: Wilderness Reservations, P.O. Box 545, Yosemite, CA 95389, or call 209-372-0740 from 9AM - 4PM Monday - Friday. Please select the option on Permit Information for details on reservations.

Wilderness users who plan to enjoy Yosemite's beautiful high country during our peak season (May through September) are encouraged to make permit reservations.

Reservations are available from 24 weeks to two days in advance of the trip start date and can be made online on a secure server, by calling 209-372-0740, or by writing to:

Have the following information ready at the time of your request: (reservation form)

Include alternate dates and/or trailheads. A $5 per person non-refundable processing fee is charged for all reservation requests. Payment by check or money order should be made to the Yosemite Association. Credit card payments are accepted with valid card number and expiration date. Reservation phone lines are often busy. We encourage you to make your request in writing. Mailed requests are processed simultaneously with phone requests.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/wilderness/permits.htm
File created 9/99 Hayes Roberts
Updated Wednesday, 10-Jan-01 19:16:31
Yosemite National Park Division of Interpretation


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