Last Issue
Never miss a permit deadline again
April 2026
Hey all,
Did you enter any lotteries last month? If you couldn’t get permits, you still have a chance; many parks are now releasing unclaimed lottery permits. See below for details and reservation links.
Mt. Whitney permit release
For Mt. Whitney, in particular, we know in advance how many unclaimed lottery permits will be released on April 22. Since lottery winners have until April 21 to claim their permits, more permits will get released as time passes. I’ll keep updating the page regularly so you can plan accordingly.
The Half Dome lottery
The Half Dome lottery, which allows you to day-hike Half Dome, is open. It closes in a couple of days, on March 31. Here are some tips on maximizing your chances of getting a permit. For those who prefer to backpack it, here is what you need to know.
The Angels Landing lottery
If you want to hike Zion National Park’s Angels Landing this summer, the advance lottery opens on April 1. Here are some tips on maximizing your chances of getting a permit.
California
Desolation — overnight
| • | 6 months ahead7am PT Reservations open 6 months ahead of the trip start date. Book in April for trips starting in October. Add to calendar |
Inyo — overnight
| • | 2 weeks ahead (starting May 1)7am PT Last-minute reservations open 2 weeks ahead of the trip start date. Add to calendar |
| • | 6 months ahead7am PT Reservations open 6 months ahead of the trip start date. Book in April for trips starting in October. Add to calendar |
King Range (Lost Coast) — overnight
| • | 3 months ahead7am PT Reservations open 3 months ahead of the trip start date. Book in April for trips starting in July. Add to calendar |
Mt. Whitney — day-use/overnight
| • | Apr 227am PT Last-minute reservations open for trips starting between May 1 and November 1. Add to calendar |
Point Reyes — overnight
| • | 3 months ahead7am PT Reservations open 3 months ahead of the trip start date. Book in April for trips starting in July. Add to calendar |
Sequoia and Kings Canyon — overnight
| • | 6 months ahead7am PT Reservations open 6 months ahead of the trip start date. Book in April for trips starting in October. Add to calendar |
Yosemite Half Dome — day-use
| • | Mar 3111:59pm PT Lottery closes for trips between May 22 and October 12. |
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. |
Pacific Northwest
Central Cascades — overnight
| • | Apr 77am PT Reservations open for trips starting between June 15 and October 15. Add to calendar |
Enchantment — overnight
| • | Apr 17am PT Leftover reservations open for trips starting between May 15 and October 31. Add to calendar |
Mount Rainier — overnight
| • | Apr 257am PT Last-minute reservations open for trips starting between May 1 and October 12. Add to calendar |
Mount St. Helens — day-use
| • | Apr 17am PT Reservations open for trips in May. Add to calendar |
North Cascades — overnight
| • | Apr 297am PT Leftover reservations open for trips starting between May 15 and October 10. Add to calendar |
Olympic — overnight
| • | Apr 157am PT Reservations open for trips starting between May 15 and October 15. Add to calendar |
Southwest
Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) — day-use
| • | Mar 3111:59pm MT Lottery closes for trips in July. |
| • | Apr 112am MT Lottery opens for trips in August. Lottery closes on April 30 at 11:59pm MT. Add to calendar |
Grand Canyon — overnight
| • | Apr 18am MT Leftover reservations open for trips starting in July. Add to calendar |
| • | Apr 15pm MT Lottery closes for trips starting in August. |
| • | Apr 1612am MT Lottery opens for trips starting in September. Lottery closes on May 1 at 5pm MT. Add to calendar |
Zion Angels Landing — day-use
| • | Apr 112am MT Lottery opens for trips between June 1 and August 31. Lottery closes on April 20 at 11:59pm MT. Add to calendar |
| • | 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 |
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 |
Rockies
Yellowstone — overnight
| • | Apr 268am MT Leftover reservations open for trips starting between May 15 and October 31. Add to calendar |
Hawaii
Nā Pali Coast State Park (Kalalau Trail) — overnight
| • | 90 days ahead12:01am HT Reservations open 90 days ahead of the trip start date. Book in April for trips starting in July. 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 April for trips starting in May. Add to calendar |
Past deadlinesIt’s not too late! These parks may still have permits left. |
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See you next month! Expect to hear from me on April 25th for all deadlines in May.
 | Jordan Vincent |