If you're heading on a hiking trip in 2023, check our permit calendar to plan ahead and secure reservations for some of the most popular trails.
While many routes within National Parks and other major hiking destinations are open to the general public, some get so congested during peak season that officials limit traffic via a permit system. Some deadlines for the 2023 season have already passed, but here are the remaining dates to know for securing reservations to the top backcountry trails.
April
- April 1 - Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: Unclaimed permits for The Enchantments go back into the advance reservation system at 7 a.m. PST
- April 1 - Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness: Lottery for The Wave opens to applications for August permits
- April 1 - Yellowstone National Park: Early-access reservations open for trips beginning between May 15 and October 31
- April 5 - Zion National Park: Backcountry permit reservations available for June
- April 15 - Olympic National Park: Permits available for advance reservation for May 15 through October 15 at 7 a.m. PST
- April 20 - Grand Canyon National Park: Backcountry permit applications can be submitted for hikes starting in September
- April 22 - Inyo National Forest: Unclaimed dates for Mt. Whitney are released for web reservations at 7 a.m. PST
- April 25 - Mt. Rainier National Park: Wilderness permit reservations for trips starting between late May and early October go on sale
- April 26 - Yellowstone National Park: General reservations open for trips beginning between May 15 and October 31
May
- May 1 - Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness: Lottery for The Wave opens to applications for September permits
- May 5 - Zion National Park: Backcountry permit reservations available for July
- May 15 - Grand Teton National Park: Final day to request an advanced backcountry permit online for 2023 (only available in-person beginning the next day)
- May 20 - Grand Canyon National Park: Backcountry permit applications can be submitted for hikes starting in October
- May 24 - Yosemite National Park: Half Dome Cables daily lottery begins
June
- June 1 - Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness: Lottery for The Wave opens to applications for October permits
- June 5 - Zion National Park: Backcountry permit reservations available for August
- June 15 - Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness: Reservations for overnight permits at Conundrum Hot Springs from
- August 1 to November 30 open at 8:00 MST
- June 20 - Grand Canyon National Park: Backcountry permit applications can be submitted for hikes starting in November
July
- July 1 - Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness: Lottery for The Wave opens to applications for November permits
- July 5 - Zion National Park: Backcountry permit reservations available for September
- July 20 - Grand Canyon National Park: Backcountry permit applications can be submitted for hikes starting in December
August
- August 1 - Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness: Lottery for The Wave opens to applications for December permits
- August 5 - Zion National Park: Backcountry permit reservations available for October
- August 20 - Grand Canyon National Park: Backcountry permit applications can be submitted for hikes starting in January 2024
September
- September 1 - Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness: Lottery for The Wave opens to applications for January 2024 permits
- September 5 - Zion National Park: Backcountry permit reservations available for November
- September 20 - Grand Canyon National Park: Backcountry permit applications can be submitted for hikes starting in February 2024
October
- October 1 - Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness: Lottery for The Wave opens to applications for February 2024 permits
- October 5 - Zion National Park: Backcountry permit reservations available for December
- October 8 - Mt. Rainier National Park: Final day for booking reservations for the season
- October 15 - Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness: Reservations for overnight permits at Conundrum Hot Springs from December 1 to March 31 open at 8:00 MST
- October 20 - Grand Canyon National Park: Backcountry permit applications can be submitted for hikes starting in March 2024
November
- November 1 - Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness: Lottery for The Wave opens to applications for March 2024 permits
- November 5 - Zion National Park: Backcountry permit reservations available for January 2024
- November 20 - Grand Canyon National Park: Backcountry permit applications can be submitted for hikes starting in April 2024
December
- December 1 - Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness: Lottery for The Wave opens to applications for April 2024 permits
- December 5 - Zion National Park: Backcountry permit reservations available for February 2024
- December 20 - Grand Canyon National Park: Backcountry permit applications can be submitted for hikes starting in May 2024
