A wilderness permit is a park-issued document that authorizes you to backpack in a particular area or trail. It's also called a backpacking permit or just a permit. Not every park requires permits to go backpacking, but many parks in California do. Permits are often capped to ensure minimal disturbance in the natural area. They thus can be sought after in popular areas.
It's nice to avoid permits on your first trip couple of trips. Check out my companion website rangergupta.com, which shows backpacking trails in Northern California based on the current availability of permits.
However, if you are really excited about a trip, don't let a permit stop you—plan for it.
Below are questions to ask yourself and strategies based on the answer to maximize your chance of getting a permit:
Do I need a permit for the trail?
This can be challenging to understand and may require 10-15 minutes of Googling.
Are there unlimited permits?
In some parks, there are an unlimited number of permits available. The park may still require a permit for emergencies and to track popularity. These permits are usually available online, at the ranger's station, at the trailhead, by calling a number, or by mail.
If there are a limited number of permits, can I get a permit in advance, or is the only option a "walk-in" permit?
Many places offer half their permits in advance, meaning the permit is available online 6 months before your trip start date. And the other half of the permits are available as walk-in, which generally means the permit goes up ~1 week in advance online or same day in-person. I recommend relying on something other than a walk-in permit on your first trip since you want to plan the trip in advance.
Is the permit very popular?
If it is, then make sure you are ready for the process.
If you are buying it online, make sure you are logged in before the permit goes up, and then make sure you click the button for it right when it goes up.
Practice ahead of time booking your permit on a different day to make sure you know how the website works and all the questions you will have to answer. Often, they will ask you what campsites you will stay at and what trailheads you will start at - practicing ahead of time ensures you know the answers to these questions when the time comes.
In addition, have 1-10 other trip itineraries you are willing to swap in - this just means if the ideal permit you are looking for doesn’t work, you have backups.
No sure if the permit is popular? Look at how often the permit is reserved on other dates. Or, see how fast the permit of interest is taken by trying to book it for an earlier date.
In addition, sometimes permits accidentally go online before the official start time, so it’s worth logging in an hour early to check. This won’t happen at places like Yosemite that are very popular.
If you reserve the permit in person, be prepared. Know where the permit office is located and ask a ranger about the popularity and how early people start lining up to get permits.
Lastly, have a backup option in case your permit is taken. Almost always, there is a nearby trail with a permit available.
What permits can you make work for your trip?
Sometimes there are multiple permits you can use for a trip. That may mean going in the opposite direction than most folks hike, making your first day shorter or longer, or camping at a less popular spot.
What are the details for picking up the permit?
Sometimes the permit can be "picked up" online. In those cases, the sites state the permit needs to be printed, but a digital copy usually suffices. Also, be aware that you may need to click a button at a specific time. For example, Inyo requires you to click a "print" button before 11am on the day your permit goes into effect.
Sometimes it has to be picked up in person, in which case, you often will want to pick up your permit the night before so you can start your trip early the following morning. Check if your permit allows you to stay in a campground the night before or the night after, so you don't have to book additional housing.
Your permit generally must be picked up during business hours and can only be picked up the day before or the day of. If you pick up the permit on the day of your trip, it generally has to be picked up by a specific time. If the timing doesn't work, call the ranger station or email them: sometimes, they will make exceptions.
Lastly, your permit usually requires the person listed as the trip leader to pick up your permit. Unfortunately, sometimes it will require everyone on the trip to be there.
Are there other stipulations on the permit that you need to know before leaving?
Sometimes you must carry a bear canister or a WAG bag. Additionally, there may be other stipulations, like you can't have a campfire or you need to camp a certain distance away from the trail. It's better to know this before you leave so that you can be prepared.
I’m confused navigating how to create a fun trip based on what’s available, what do I do?
Call the park’s ranger station and ask them for recommendations on what to do. They are an incredible resource. As long as you give them specific information about how many miles and elevation gain you can do, they will be able to help find you a great trip.
