The 2026 Permit Guide: How to score a John Muir Trail or PCT permit this year

If you’re dreaming of tackling the iconic John Muir Trail (JMT) or the epic Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2026, securing a permit is your first major hurdle. These trails draw thousands of hikers annually, and permits are strictly limited to protect wilderness integrity.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from application dates to insider tips, helping you navigate the process for a JMT thru-hike permit or PCT long-distance permit. Whether you’re planning a southbound JMT adventure or a northbound PCT thru-hike, we’ll break it down step by step.

The Complete Thru-Hiker’s Guide

This post is part of our comprehensive series on conquering your thru-hike (or section hike). Follow the links below to master every aspect of your trek.

• How to plan a thru-hike in 2026: Permits, resupplies, and physical prep
• Appalachian trail guide: Mastering a thru-hike or section hike
  • How much does a thru-hike cost? A 2026 budget breakdown for the Appalachian Trail
  • Appalachian Trail gear list
• The 2026 Permit Guide: How to score a John Muir Trail or PCT permit this year (this post)
• How to poop in the woods: A 2026 guide to backcountry hygiene
• Thru-hiking nutrition: Cold-soaking vs. stoves
• The thru-hiker’s mental health guide: Preparation, trail blues & post-trail depression
• Smartphone service on the trail (AT, PCT, JMT, and general guidance)

Important information

• The JMT drawings have already started for 2026 Southbound.
• California fire permit: Even for the PCT long-distance permit, you must carry a valid California Campfire Permit to use a backpacking stove. These are free and available at ReadyforWildfire.org.
  While the permit is free, you’ll need a reliable, wind-resistant stove like the MSR PocketRocket 2 to make it worth the paperwork.
• Half Dome permits: A JMT permit does not automatically include Half Dome. If starting from Yosemite, you must specifically check the “Half Dome” box on your wilderness permit application and pay the additional fee of $10/person.
  If you win the Half Dome add-on, don’t forget to pack a pair of high-grip gloves for the cables—your blister-free hands will thank you.

What is the John Muir Trail?

The John Muir Trail stretches 211 miles from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, passing through the High Sierra’s most stunning landscapes.

• Total elevation gain: Nearly 46,000 feet.
• Average duration: 18–22 days.
• Key highlights: Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park.

Understanding the JMT backpacking permit system is crucial because the trail crosses multiple jurisdictions. However, your “permit of origin” covers the entire journey, meaning you only need one permit from your starting agency.

What is the Pacific Crest Trail?

The Pacific Crest Trail spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. In 2026, the PCT long-distance permit is the “golden ticket” for thru-hikes or section hikes exceeding 500 continuous miles.

• Daily quota: 50 northbound (NOBO) starts per day (March 1 – May 31).
• Duration: 4–6 months.
• Ecosystems: High desert, alpine Sierra, and Pacific Northwest rainforests.

For those searching for a PCT section permit, note that the interagency process managed by the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) only applies to trips over 500 miles. Shorter trips require individual permits from each land management agency (e.g., USFS, NPS, BLM).

Why do you need a permit for the JMT or PCT?

Permits are more than just paperwork; they are a management tool under the Wilderness Act to ensure low impact on fragile alpine ecosystems.

1. Preservation: Limits prevents “social trails” and campsite sprawl.
2. Solitude: Ensures your High Sierra wilderness permit actually grants you a quiet experience.
3. Safety: Helps rangers account for hikers in the event of wildfires or search-and-rescue operations.

Pro tip: In 2026, the JMT permit success rate for peak season (July–August) remains approximately 30–35%. Having a backup “Plan B” is essential.

How to apply for a John Muir Trail permit in 2026

The JMT application process depends entirely on your direction of travel. All applications are managed via Recreation.gov.

Southbound (SOBO) JMT permits

Starting in Yosemite (Happy Isles or Lyell Canyon) is the most popular route. Yosemite uses a rolling weekly lottery 24 weeks (168 days) in advance.

• Lottery window: Opened Sunday at 12:01 a.m. PT; closes Saturday at 11:59 p.m. PT.
• Results: Emailed Monday evening.
• Timeline: Lotteries for the 2026 peak season began November 2025.
• Status: Lotteries for the 2026 peak summer season (July/August) are currently active (as of January 2026). If you want a July start, you must apply now.

Northbound (NOBO) JMT permits

Starting at Whitney Portal (Inyo National Forest) requires a Mount Whitney Zone permit.

• Lottery period: February 1 – March 1, 2026.
• Quota: 60 overnight permits per day.
• Alternative: Start at Cottonwood Pass or Horseshoe Meadow. These Inyo National Forest permits are easier to get and allow you to join the JMT near Mile 200.

How to apply for a Pacific Crest Trail permit in 2026

The PCTA issues permits in two main “waves.”

Important note: As it is currently January 2026, the primary lottery waves have passed, but “Ongoing Release” permits are still available.

2026 PCT long-distance permit schedule

Tips for securing a 2026 backpacking permit

To increase your JMT permit success rate or land that coveted April PCT start date, follow these strategies:

• Be flexible with trailheads: In Yosemite, Lyell Canyon often has higher availability than Happy Isles.
• Mid-week start dates: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are statistically easier to snag than Saturdays.
• Smaller group sizes: Groups of 1–2 have a much higher success rate in filling “orphan” permit slots than groups of 6+.
• Monitor cancellations: On Recreation.gov, check at 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. PT, as this is when cancelled permits often cycle back into the system.

Alternatives if you don’t get a permit

Don’t hang up the boots just yet. If you miss the 2026 JMT permit application windows, consider these options:

Important Note on “Walk-ups”: Yosemite no longer holds a “porch line” for permits. Instead, 40% of the daily quota is released on Recreation.gov exactly 7 days in advance at 7:00 a.m. PT. These often disappear within seconds, so treat this like a second lottery.

1. Section hiking: String together smaller sections (under 500 miles for PCT) using local ranger station permits.
2. Flip-flopping: Start in the middle of the trail and hike in one direction, then return to the start and hike the other way.
3. The Tahoe Rim Trail: A 165-mile loop that offers a similar High Sierra experience with much easier permit access.
4. Walk-up permits: Yosemite holds 40% of permits for “last minute” release 7 days in advance online.

Frequently asked questions

Permit checklist

• Recreation.gov account: Create and test your login.
• Flexible dates: Have a 3-5 day window.
• Trailhead alternatives: If Happy Isles is full, try Sunrise Lakes or Lyell Canyon.
• Browser ready: Be logged in 5 minutes before the 7:00 a.m. PT releases.