Guides · United States · 2026
USA wilderness permits: how the John Muir Trail lottery works (2026)
Public-level permit facts for the John Muir Trail in the United States. Yosemite lottery, Donohue Pass quota, Half Dome as a separate lottery, bear canister required. Fee amounts are not copied here.
Wilderness permit: Yosemite lottery
A wilderness permit is required. For a continuous JMT hike, Yosemite issues one permit for the entire trip. Full-trail access beyond the park is limited to Happy Isles to Past LYV (Donohue Pass eligible) and Lyell Canyon (Donohue Pass eligible). Donohue Pass exit quota is 45 people per day (15 from Happy Isles / 30 from Lyell Canyon).
nps.gov · 2026-08-25Reservations: 60% by lottery 24 weeks ahead, 40% seven days ahead. Apply the week your 24-week window opens. Permit cost is not copied on this page.
nps.gov · 2026-08-25Half Dome cables: a separate lottery
The cables are not covered by the JMT wilderness permit. If you plan to use them, NPS requires a separate Half Dome lottery.
nps.gov · 2026-08-25Bear canister required
Allowed bear-resistant food canisters are required for food storage in all areas of Yosemite Wilderness; hanging food is not legal. That is both regulation and a public safety fact on this corridor.
nps.gov · 2026-08-25nps.gov · 2026-08-25Also in this desk: John Muir Trail · United States · Permit & season calendar.