One of the great things about the John Muir Trail is that you can start in Yosemite National Park, and get your permit for the whole trip. WHITNEY PORTAL (SOUTHERN TERMINUS ACCESS) Obtaining a permit to access the John Muir Trail via the Mount Whitney Trail can be difficult. Permits for travel along the Pacific Crest Trail are required in some but not all areas along the trail. Wilderness Permits - 2019. Additionally, the interim exit quota allows the park to collect more data to inform future planning efforts. Decide where you will begin your overnight hike. The exit quota helps restore traditional wilderness use patterns, balance access for JMT hikers with non-JMT hikers in the Yosemite Wilderness, and reduce physical and social impacts. Soaring granite peaks, crystal clear mountain streams, the shimmering reflection of clouds in stunningly azure alpine lakes, and verdant meadows painted brilliantly with wildflowers in the spring and early summer stir the imagination and beg for exploration. Other entrance trailheads will not be approved. Those beginning a long-distance trip at Mono/Parker Pass trail may do so, but must camp in the national forest and head south of Yosemite via Koip Peak Pass. The park is implementing an exit quota over Donohue Pass as an interim solution. This plan allows for the use of quotas as a tool to manage wilderness zone capacities. Read our main permit … Day-use permits for Half Dome are not available in the park. From 2011 to 2015, there has been a 100% increase in JMT permits requested. Wilderness permits are available during business hours at any permit issuing station beginning at 11 am the day before the beginning of your wilderness trip. Over the last several years, Yosemite National Park has noted a significant increase in demand for permits to hike the John Muir Trail (JMT). Additionally, due to increased popularity of the Snow Creek Cabin, a quota (six people per night) is in effect. Wilderness permits are only issued to a limited number people for each trailhead in order to provide outstanding opportunities for solitude, as required by the Wilderness Act. Over the last several years, Yosemite National Park has noted a significant increase in demand for permits to hike the John Muir Trail (JMT). This means that getting a JMT permit is getting harder, and this lottery system is super competitive. Information on the permit was last updated on July 19, 2011. I discuss how to get a reservation for the John Muir Trail with the new 45 a day Donahue Pass exit quota. Permits for the regular season are available through a lottery during the month of March each year. Ownership and use of this permit is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management's Bishop Field Office under the serial number CACA 035674. Half Dome permits can be requested on the wilderness permit application and are valid for the same dates as the wilderness permit. Southbound hikers need only a single permit to hike the entire JMT, including exiting at Mt. The overwhelming demand for JMT permits has led to hikers starting their trips at other trailheads. Whitney. Traditionally, JMT hikers have started their trips at either the Happy Isles or Lyell Canyon trailheads. Because of the ongoing pandemic and reduced levels of trail maintenance in 2020, this will be a challenging year for long-distance travel on the PCT.Please read our current COVID-19 statement and our Guidance for Traveling the PCT During the Covid-19 Pandemic. The reservation is what costs you, the permit is free. 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