PermitScout

The Toughest Step Shouldn't Be the Permit!

Get instant notifications when Yosemite high-country, JMT, Eastern Sierra, and Whitney permits become available for your preferred dates. Stop refreshing recreation.gov manually and let PermitScout watch for cancellations 24/7.

Start Monitoring for Free ✨ No credit card required • Set up in under 2 minutes

Setup your first trail monitor

Pick a permit area, choose up to 7 dates, and get alerted when spots open

Trailheads are grouped by trip style: Yosemite High Country, JMT/Donohue, Eastern Sierra, and Whitney.
Select up to 7 dates when you want to go backpacking

Now watching more than JMT starts

PermitScout now separates high-demand permit areas so you can monitor the route family that matches your trip.

Yosemite high country added
Yosemite High Country
Rafferty/Vogelsang, Cathedral Lakes, Glen Aulin, and pass-through routes from Tuolumne.
Yosemite JMT / Donohue
Happy Isles→Past LYV and Lyell Canyon starts for southbound JMT-style trips.
Eastern Sierra JMT Access
Kearsarge, Bishop, Cottonwood Pass, and Cottonwood Lakes for flexible Sierra entry.
Mt. Whitney
Whitney Portal overnight monitoring for northbound JMT and summit-focused trips.
Every 5 Minutes
Automatic Monitoring
24/7/365
Instant Alerts
Email Notifications
When Permits Drop
Multiple Dates
Track Up to 7 Dates
Per User
100% Free
No Hidden Costs
Permits disappear in minutes - especially for popular trails like Half Dome and JMT access points. Manual checking means you'll miss cancellations that become available at random times throughout the day.

Real Permit Release Patterns (Recent Data)

Happy Isles→Past LYV
8 recent permit releases
7 days ahead:
37.5%
10 days ahead:
25%
11-26 days ahead:
37.5%
Average: 12.5 days in advance
Lyell Canyon
9 recent permit releases
7 days ahead:
55.6%
25-40 days ahead:
44.4%
Average: 18.8 days in advance
Key Insight:

Most permits (37-56%) are released exactly 7 days in advance, likely during the 7:00 AM Pacific batch release. However, permits can appear anywhere from 7-40 days ahead.

Without continuous monitoring, you'd miss the unpredictable releases that happen weeks in advance or random cancellations throughout the day.

How PermitScout Works

Set Your Preferences

Choose up to 7 dates across your preferred Yosemite trailheads. Takes under 2 minutes to set up.

We Monitor Continuously

Our system checks recreation.gov every 5 minutes, 24/7. No more manual refreshing!

Get Instant Alerts

Receive email and SMS notifications within minutes when permits become available. Book fast!

Start Your Permit Hunt

Yosemite Wilderness Permit Monitoring Made Easy

Popular Monitored Trails

  • Happy Isles→Past LYV (Donohue Pass Eligible) - Direct access to John Muir Trail
  • Lyell Canyon - Alternative JMT starting point
  • Both trails provide access to iconic destinations like Donohue Pass and the John Muir Trail

Perfect for JMT Hikers

Planning a John Muir Trail (JMT) adventure? These Yosemite wilderness permits are your gateway to one of America's most spectacular long-distance trails. Monitor permit availability for optimal JMT starting points.

Why Recreation.gov is Challenging

The Problem with Manual Checking
  • Permits release at random times - not just at midnight
  • Cancellations happen 24/7 - you can't predict when
  • Popular permits disappear in minutes - especially for JMT access
  • Recreation.gov doesn't offer alerts - you're on your own

The PermitScout Advantage

Our automated monitoring system checks recreation.gov every 5 minutes for Yosemite wilderness permit availability. No more refreshing browsers or missing opportunities while you sleep.

Free Service: PermitScout is completely free to use. No subscriptions, no hidden fees - just reliable wilderness permit notifications.

Start Monitoring Yosemite Wilderness Permits Today

Join thousands of backpackers who never miss a permit opportunity

Get Free Permit Alerts ✨ Setup takes less than 2 minutes • No credit card required