Last updated: November 1, 2023
Place
Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Amenities
7 listed
Bicycle - Rack, Information, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Permits Issued, Recycling, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible
Visit the Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center to learn about wilderness safety, pick up wilderness permits and maps, and rent bear canisters.
Wilderness permits are required year-round for any overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness. Permits are not required for day hikes (except if hiking to Half Dome).
Wilderness Permit Reservations
Wilderness permits are only issued to a limited number of people for each trailhead in order to provide outstanding opportunities for solitude, as required by the Wilderness Act.
Late April through mid-October
Sixty percent of wilderness permit reservations become available by lottery 24 weeks in advance. Of these, any remaining reservations after each week's lottery become available on a first-come, first-served basis the Friday after the lottery application period closes and are available up to three days in advance. The remaining 40% of reservations become available seven days in advance (up to three days in advance).
Late October to mid-April
During late fall through early spring, wilderness permits are available without a reservation and on a self-registration basis. You can get a wilderness permit the day before or day you intend to start your hike at the permit issuing station nearest the trailhead. While trailhead quotas are still in effect, most trailheads don't fill up. Bear canisters are only available for rental at the Exploration Center.
Most of Yosemite is covered in snow during winter. Before planning a wilderness trip during this time, please ensure you're prepared for winter conditions.
John Muir Trail
If you plan to hike the John Muir Trail (JMT) as a continuous hike, you only need one wilderness permit from Yosemite for the entire trip (you do not need a "Whitney stamp" or permits from other national forests or national parks). The only two trailheads that provide access to the full John Muir Trail beyond Yosemite are Happy Isles to Past LYV (Donohue Pass eligible) and Lyell Canyon (Donohue Pass eligible).
- Learn more from our Frequently Asked Questions
- Learn more about wilderness conditions and current closures.
Half Dome Permits
If you're planning to hike to the top of Half Dome, you need a Half Dome permit, which you can request on your wilderness permit application. (This is a different process than if you're planning to day-hike to Half Dome.)
Hours
- May through mid-October: 8am to 5pm daily
- November through late April: The Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center is closed. Permits are available on a self-registration basis at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, from 9am to 5pm.
Phone Hours
From Monday through Friday, 9am to noon and 1pm to 4:30pm, from March through early October you can speak to a wilderness ranger by calling 209/372-0826.
Getting Here
Located in Yosemite Village, between The Ansel Adams Gallery and the post office. Park at Yosemite Village Parking, it's about a five-minute walk. Or, take the free shuttle to stop 5.
Rules & Regulations
Bear-resistant food canisters are required in Yosemite's Wilderness. Use a canister to store all food or scented items when left unattended. Whenever food or scented items are out, please keep them within arm's reach, even while day hiking.
Certain bear-resistant portable containers designed for backpackers to store food are allowed for use in Yosemite (however, only the Garcia Backpackers' Cache 812 is available for rental in Yosemite).
Accessibility
This facility is accessible. Designated accessible parking spaces are located behind the post office which is adjacent to the Wilderness Center.