How to Secure Backpacking Permits on Recreation.gov
- Blog
- 30 Jun, 2025
For many of the most iconic backpacking trips in the U.S.—like the Grand Canyon’s Rim-to-Rim trek, the Enchantments in Washington, or the John Muir Trail in California—you’ll need to secure permits through Recreation.gov. This centralized online platform is used by federal land management agencies to issue permits, manage lotteries, and provide access to popular public lands. While it simplifies the process in many ways, demand for permits is often high, and scoring one can be competitive. Here's how to improve your chances.
Step 1: Research Your Destination and Permitting Requirements
Before diving into the website, understand the specific permit rules for your trip. Each location has different:
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Permit windows (when reservations open),
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Group size limits,
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Trailhead quotas,
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Entry and exit point requirements, and
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Seasonal restrictions.
Start by searching your desired trail or park on Recreation.gov and read the associated permit information carefully.
Pro tip: Some areas require participation in a lottery system, while others release permits on a first-come, first-served basis.
Step 2: Create and Set Up a Recreation.gov Account
You’ll need an account to apply for permits or enter lotteries.
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Visit Recreation.gov
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Click “Sign Up” in the top right corner
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Enter your email, password, and contact info
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Save your credit card details for faster checkout during timed releases
Step 3: Know the Permit Release Schedule
Recreation.gov uses several different systems depending on the location:
Advance Reservations
These open on a rolling basis, often 6 months in advance of your start date. For example:
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Yosemite Wilderness Permits open 24 weeks ahead.
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Grand Canyon Corridor Permits open on the first of the month, 4 months in advance.
Permit Lotteries
High-demand areas like the Enchantment Permit Area and Half Dome Cables use lottery systems. Applications are usually accepted during a specific window months ahead of the trip.
Daily/Walk-Up Releases
Some parks release unclaimed permits daily at 7 a.m. local time online, especially during peak season. These are often available for trips starting within the next few days.
Step 4: Be Prepared on Permit Day
For highly competitive permits:
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Know the exact time permits are released (usually 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. local time).
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Be logged in early—at least 10 minutes before.
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Have your desired dates, group size, trailheads, and backup options ready.
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Use a computer with a fast internet connection (mobile apps can lag).
If you’re applying for a lottery, set a calendar reminder so you don’t miss the entry window.
Step 5: Complete the Permit Application
Once you’ve secured a spot or entered a lottery:
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Fill out all required fields (entry point, group size, itinerary)
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Pay the permit fee (some lotteries also have a non-refundable application fee)
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Save or print your permit confirmation
Some permits allow for limited modifications (like group size or dates), but others do not—so double-check everything before submitting.
Step 6: Check Back for Cancellations
If you didn’t get your permit:
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Keep checking back—many permits get canceled or released later.
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Use third-party tools or browser extensions that monitor availability.
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Try the daily permit releases if your trip is within the next few weeks.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
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Be flexible with dates and trailheads
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Apply as early as possible
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Use less-popular access points or shoulder season dates
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Join with multiple group leaders (each can apply, increasing odds)
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