Last Issue
Never miss a permit deadline again
November 2026
Hey all,
You read it in the subject line: Yosemite backpacking permits for next year are already being released. Just like this year, you can enter a weekly lottery to secure a permit for trips starting six months from now. In November, you can apply for trips starting in April and May 2027.
I do not recommend entering the lottery since there are other ways to get a permit without having to pay the lottery entrance fee. Here are other options:
- Get an unclaimed lottery permit on the Friday after the lottery closes.
- Get a last-minute permit a week before your trip.
- Snag a canceled permit. You can try Outdoor Status Alerts to help with this.
Check out the timeline for detailed information and dates.
California
King Range (Lost Coast) — overnight
| • | 3 months ahead7am PT Reservations open 3 months ahead of the trip start date. Book in November for trips starting in February 2027. Add to calendar |
Point Reyes — overnight
| • | 3 months ahead7am PT Reservations open 3 months ahead of the trip start date. Book in November for trips starting in February 2027. Add to calendar |
Sequoia and Kings Canyon — overnight
| • | 6 months ahead (starting May 28)7am PT Reservations open 6 months ahead of the trip start date. Book in November for trips starting in May 2027. Add to calendar |
Yosemite — overnight
| • | Every Sunday12:01am PT Lottery opens 25 weeks ahead of the trip start date. Lottery closes the following Saturday at 11:59pm PT. |
| • | Every Friday9am PT Leftover reservations open ~23 weeks ahead of the trip start date. |
Southwest
Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) — day-use
| • | Oct 3111:59pm MT Lottery closes for trips in February 2027. |
| • | Nov 112am MT Lottery opens for trips in March 2027. Lottery closes on November 30 at 11:59pm MT. Add to calendar |
Grand Canyon — overnight
| • | Nov 18am MT Leftover reservations open for trips starting in February 2027. Add to calendar |
| • | Nov 25pm MT Lottery closes for trips starting in March 2027. |
| • | Nov 1612am MT Lottery opens for trips starting in April 2027. Lottery closes on December 1 at 5pm MT. Add to calendar |
Zion Angels Landing — day-use
| • | 1 day ahead12:01am MT Last-minute lottery opens 1 day ahead of the trip date. Lottery closes 1 day ahead the trip date at 3pm MT. Add to calendar |
| • | 1 day ahead (starting Dec 1)12:01am MT Last-minute lottery opens 1 day ahead of the trip date. Lottery closes 1 day ahead the trip date at 3pm MT. Add to calendar |
Zion Left Fork North Creek (Subway) — day-use
| • | 2 days ahead12am MT Last-minute lottery opens 2 days ahead of the trip date. Lottery closes 2 days ahead the trip date at 3pm MT. Add to calendar |
East Coast
Great Smoky Mountains — overnight
| • | 30 days ahead12am ET Reservations open 30 days ahead of the trip start date. Book in November for trips starting in December. Add to calendar |
Past deadlinesIt’s not too late! These parks may still have permits left. Maroon Bells-Snowmass — overnight Mt. Whitney — day-use/overnight |
Was this helpful? Reply to this email to let me know.
See you next month! Expect to hear from me on November 25th for all deadlines in December.
 | Jordan Vincent |