Last Issue
Never miss a permit deadline again
November 2025
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 2026.
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.
US government shutdown
Since the government shutdown started on October 1st, many parks are experiencing reduced services. Most are still open, but some permit lotteries have been paused (such as the Grand Canyon National Park). Check individual park websites for the latest updates.
California
Desolation — overnight
| • | 6 months ahead (starting May 22)7am PT Reservations open 6 months ahead of the trip start date. Book in November for trips starting in May 2026. Add to calendar |
Inyo — overnight
| • | 6 months ahead (starting May 1)7am PT Reservations open 6 months ahead of the trip start date. Book in November for trips starting in May 2026. Add to calendar |
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 2026. 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 2026. Add to calendar |
Sequoia and Kings Canyon — overnight
| • | 6 months ahead (starting May 22)7am PT Reservations open 6 months ahead of the trip start date. Book in November for trips starting in May 2026. Add to calendar |
Yosemite — overnight
| • | Nov 212:01am PT Lottery opens for trips starting between April 24, 2026 and May 2, 2026. Lottery closes on November 8 at 11:59pm PT. Add to calendar |
| • | Nov 912:01am PT Lottery opens for trips starting May 3–9, 2026. Lottery closes on November 15 at 11:59pm PT. Add to calendar |
| • | Nov 149am PT Leftover reservations open for trips starting between April 24, 2026 and May 2, 2026. Add to calendar |
| • | Nov 1612:01am PT Lottery opens for trips starting May 10–16, 2026. Lottery closes on November 22 at 11:59pm PT. Add to calendar |
| • | Nov 219am PT Leftover reservations open for trips starting May 3–9, 2026. Add to calendar |
| • | Nov 2312:01am PT Lottery opens for trips starting May 17–23, 2026. Lottery closes on November 29 at 11:59pm PT. Add to calendar |
| • | Nov 289am PT Leftover reservations open for trips starting May 10–16, 2026. Add to calendar |
| • | Nov 3012:01am PT Lottery opens for trips starting May 24–30, 2026. Lottery closes on December 6 at 11:59pm PT. Add to calendar |
Southwest
Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) — day-use
| • | Oct 3111:59pm MT Lottery closes for trips in February 2026. |
| • | Nov 112am MT Lottery opens for trips in March 2026. Lottery closes on November 30 at 11:59pm 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 |
Hawaii
Nā Pali Coast State Park (Kalalau Trail), After February 1, 2026 — overnight
| • | 90 days ahead (starting Feb 1)12:01am HT Reservations open 90 days ahead of the trip start date. Book in November for trips starting in February 2026. Add to calendar |
Nā Pali Coast State Park (Kalalau Trail), Before February 1, 2026 — overnight
| • | 90 days ahead12:01am HT Reservations open 90 days ahead of the trip start date. Book in November for trips starting in February 2026. 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 |
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See you next month! Expect to hear from me on November 25th for all deadlines in December.
 | Jordan Vincent |