Yosemite How To Get Half Dome & Wilderness Camping Permits | Quick Guide

This is a quick guide video on how to apply for Yosemite National Park permits. I noticed the process was rather lengthy and couldn't find a video on YouTube that offered to give me the information I wanted straight and quickly! So, we made it ourselves and hope you find it helpful.

1. Create a Recreation.gov login account if you don't have one already.
2. Go to https://ww.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit... to view your lottery window for the date you are trying to get permits for. We recommend you apply the minute you are able to, 24 weeks in advance. Applications cost $10. TIP: You will need to know the trailhead you are entering and exiting in order to apply for a Wilderness Permit.
3. If you do not win a permit, pick another week for your trip and try again.
4. If you win a permit, accept it immediately and pay the extra $5 per person on your permit. Your confirmation IS NOT your permit. You will still need to pick up your permit in person.
5. Once you get to Yosemite National Park, you must pick up your permits BEFORE 11AM on the day before or day of your permit. Pick them up at the Wilderness Cetner in Yosemite Village. They open at 830am. NOT the Visitor's Welcome Center and NOT anywhere in Curry Village.
6. If you won a wilderness camping permit, you are automatically eligible for half dome permits. Just pay the $10 per person fee when you pick up your permits.
7. If you are camping at Little Yosemite Valley you do not need bear canisters because the campsite provides Bear Boxes. TIP: Although there are plenty of campsites at Little Yosemite Valley, not all of them are created equal. Plan on getting there early enough to pick out a good spot with shade and its own Bear Box. Not ever plot has a Bear Box.

Stay tuned for our full length video on Yosemite National Park with a better look at camping in Little Yosemite Valley and summitting Half Dome!