Backcountry Permits
California Wilderness
& Backcountry Permits 2026
Reservation systems, lottery windows, permit fees, bear canister requirements, and fire permit rules for wilderness areas in California. California has the most wilderness acreage in the lower 48, managed by multiple federal agencies. Popular corridors like the John Muir Trail/Mount Whitney and many Yosemite zones use a lottery system. Reservations open 6 months in advance on recreation.gov. Bear canisters are required throughout the Sierra Nevada.
USFS / NPS / BLM (multiple agencies)
Lottery System Active
Bear Canister Required
Fire Permit Required
2026 Permit Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Permit Fee
$15
per person
Lottery?
Yes
January 1 – March 1 (JMT/Whitney lottery)
Self-Issue?
Yes
30% of areas
Wilderness Acres
14.8M
155 designated areas
Permit System
California Permit & Reservation System
Details on how to obtain a wilderness permit in California, including reservation windows, lottery systems, and walk-up availability.
Managing Agency
USFS / NPS / BLM (multiple agencies)
- Official Site
Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Book online →
Reservation Window
Up to 180 days in advance (approximately 6 months)
Lottery System
Lottery Active
Application window: January 1 – March 1 (JMT/Whitney lottery)
Daily Quota
Varies by trailhead and area - check permit system for current quotas
Self-Issue Permits
Available
Available at approximately 30% of areas - fill out permit at trailhead kiosk; no advance reservation needed
Popular Areas
John Muir Trail, Mount Whitney, Yosemite Half Dome, Desolation Wilderness, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Emigrant Wilderness
Designated Areas
Permit Fees
California Wilderness Permit Fees
Per Person Fee
$15.00
Fee per person per entry or per night depending on area regulations.
Reservation Window
180d
How far in advance you can book on recreation.gov or equivalent system.
Safety & Leave No Trace
Bear Canister, Fire & Leave No Trace Requirements
Bear Canister
Required - hard-sided bear canister (or bear box) mandatory for food, scented items, and trash. Approved canisters include BearVault, Garcia, Counter Assault, and others. Check specific area for approved list.
Fire Permit
Required - obtain a free fire permit before any open flame on federal land outside developed campgrounds.
Check notes below for seasonal restrictions.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace principles apply throughout all designated wilderness. Camp 200+ feet from water, trails, and other parties. Pack out all waste.
California Wilderness System
Total Designated Wilderness in California
Total Wilderness Acres
14,800,000
Total acres of federally and state designated wilderness in California.
Designated Areas
155
Number of separately designated wilderness areas in California.
Important Notes
California-Specific Wilderness Rules
California Campfire Permit (free) required for all open flames on federal land outside developed campgrounds. Bear canisters are mandatory throughout the Sierra Nevada wilderness areas from Yosemite south to Sequoia-Kings Canyon. Fire restrictions frequently imposed June–September in dry years — check inciweb.nwcg.gov before your trip.
Source: USFS / NPS / BLM (multiple agencies) (www.fs.usda.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Permit systems and quotas change frequently - always confirm current availability directly with the managing agency before your trip.