🏔 Wilderness
John Muir Trail
About This Permit
The 211-mile John Muir Trail runs from Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mount Whitney — the highest point in the contiguous US. A thru-hike requires coordinating at least two permit systems: a Yosemite wilderness permit for the northbound start at Happy Isles (or a southbound Inyo NF permit if starting at Whitney Portal), plus a separate Half Dome permit if your route crosses it. Cancellations on recreation.gov are the most realistic way to land a peak-season date on short notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What permit do I need to hike the John Muir Trail?
There is no single "JMT permit." Northbound hikers (starting at Happy Isles in Yosemite) need a Yosemite Wilderness permit for the Happy Isles trailhead — the most competitive permit on the route. Southbound hikers (starting at Whitney Portal) need an Inyo National Forest wilderness permit. Both are booked on recreation.gov, and both are extremely hard to get during peak summer.
How far in advance can I book a JMT permit?
Yosemite wilderness permits open 168 days (24 weeks) before your trip start date. 60% of each trailhead quota is released via weekly lottery 24 weeks out; the remaining 40% is released online 7 days out. There is no reliable walk-up window in peak season — NPS advises not counting on it. For peak July–August dates, the 24-week lottery pool fills quickly.
How long does the JMT thru-hike take?
Most thru-hikers complete the 211-mile trail in 17–25 days, averaging 8–12 miles per day with significant elevation change. Faster hikers finish in 14–16 days. The permit system is tied to your trailhead entry date, not the full duration of your trip.
Can I still get a JMT permit last-minute?
Yes — cancellations surface regularly on recreation.gov as plans change. PermitAlert scans every 60 seconds and texts you the moment a Happy Isles or Whitney Portal permit opens. Mid-week dates in July and most dates in September have the best odds.
Key Facts
- State
- CA
- Season
- July – October (optimal snow-free window for thru-hiking)
- Quota
- 45 per day at Donohue Exit (southbound JMT); trailhead-specific quotas for all entry points
- Trailhead
- Happy Isles Trailhead, Yosemite Valley (northbound start)
- Entry Point
- Happy Isles → Little Yosemite Valley (Yosemite wilderness permit required)
- Difficulty
- 5/5(Nearly impossible)
Get an SMS the moment a cancellation opens — we scan every 60 seconds.
Set an Alert for This Permit