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Never miss a permit deadline again
November 2024
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 between April 25 and May 17, 2025.
I do not recommend entering the lottery since there are other ways to get a permit without having to pay the lottery entrance fee (which goes to Rec.gov, by the way). Here are other options:
- Get an unclaimed lottery permit a week after the advance lottery closes.
- Get a last-minute permit seven days before your trip. 40% of permits are released this way.
- Snag a canceled permit. You can try Outdoor Status Alerts to help with this.
Check out the timeline for detailed information and dates.
Other than that, it’s a quiet time for permit reservations (see below).
In other news, my wife and I are expecting our first child in a few days. If you don’t hear from me next month, you know why 😅.
California
Yosemite — overnight
| • | Weekly12:01am PT Advance lottery opens every Sunday and closes the following Saturday. Apply in November for trips starting between April 25 and May 17. |
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. Add to calendar |
Inyo — overnight
| • | 6 months ahead7am PT Advance reservations open 6 months ahead of the trip start date. Book in November for trips starting in May. Add to calendar |
Southwest
The Wave — day-use
| • | Oct 3111:59pm MT Lottery closes for trips in February. |
| • | Nov 1 Lottery opens for trips in March. Lottery closes November 30 at 11:59pm MT. Add to calendar |
Grand Canyon — overnight
| • | Nov 15pm MT Lottery closes for trips starting in March. |
| • | Nov 1612am MT Lottery opens for trips starting in April. Lottery closes December 1 at 5pm MT. Add to calendar |
The Subway, Zion — day-use
| • | Nov 112am MT Advance lottery opens for trips between January 1 and March 31. Lottery closes November 25 at 3pm MT. Add to calendar |
| • | 2 days ahead12am MT Last-minute lottery is held 2 days ahead of the trip from 12pm to 3pm MT. Add to calendar |
Angels Landing, Zion — day-use
| • | 1 day ahead12:01am MT Last-minute lottery is held 1 day ahead of the trip from 12am to 3pm MT. Add to calendar |
Hawaii & Alaska
Napali Coast — overnight
| • | 90 days ahead12am HT Reservations open 90 days ahead of the trip start date. Book in November to start in February. Add to calendar |
Midwest & East Coast
Great Smoky Mountains — overnight
| • | 30 days ahead12am ET Reservations open 30 days ahead of the trip start date. Book in November to start in December. Add to calendar |
Past deadlinesIt’s not too late! These parks may still have permits left. Indian Peaks Wilderness — overnight Maroon Bells-Snowmass — 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 |