In short
11 US permit lotteries in our calendar. Almost all work the same way: an account created ahead of time, an application during the window, a fee you pay even if you lose, then a short deadline to confirm.
The dates
| Guide | Window | Results | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Wave | November 1 to November 30, 2026 (then every month) | December 1, 2026 | $6 per application, then $7 per person per day if you win |
| The Subway | November 1 to November 25, 2026 (then every month) | – | $6 per application, then $10 per person if you win |
| Phantom Ranch | November 1 to November 25, 2026 (then every month) estimated | – | Cabin $226.39 a night for 2, dorm $100 per person in 2027, plus taxes |
| Grand Canyon backcountry | November 16 to December 1, 2026 (then every month) | December 2, 2026 | $10 per permit, then $15 per person per night below the rim |
| Angels Landing | January 1 to January 20, 2027 estimated | January 25, 2027 | $6 per application, then $3 per person, plus park entry |
| Mount Whitney | February 1 to March 1, 2027 estimated | March 15, 2027 | $6 per application, then $15 per person if you win (2026) |
| The Enchantments | February 15 to March 1, 2027 estimated | March 15, 2027 | $6 per application, then $5 per person per day (2026) |
| Half Dome | March 1 to March 31, 2027 estimated | April 15, 2027 | Lottery $10 per application, then $10 per person if you win |
| Glacier backcountry | March 1 to March 15, 2027 estimated | March 20, 2027 | $10 per application, then about $7 per person per night |
| Wonderland Trail | March 15 to March 31, 2027 estimated | April 10, 2027 | About $20 reservation fee, plus park entry |
| John Muir Trail | 24 weeks before your start date estimated | – | $10 per application, then $5 per person |
The method, in 4 steps
- Create your account before the window opens. No time lost on the day.
- Pick several dates, ideally weekdays.
- Apply during the window. The first and last day give the same odds.
- Watch for the results and pay for the permit by the stated deadline.
What our guides say
- The Wave: Monthly lottery for the month 4 months ahead: 48 spots per day, 6 people per application.
- The Subway: Quarterly lottery: 1 to 25 November for January to March, 1 to 25 February for April to June.
- Phantom Ranch: Free lottery from the 1st to the 25th of each month, about 14 months before the stay. Dorms reopened in September 2026.
- Grand Canyon backcountry: Monthly lottery, from the 16th to the 1st: the one opening 16 November is for April 2027 starts.
- Angels Landing: One lottery per season, plus a day-before lottery.
- Mount Whitney: Up to 15 dates per application: include weekdays.
- The Enchantments: One pre-season lottery a year, then a daily lottery the day before, on site.
- Half Dome: Preseason lottery in March; there is also a daily lottery, 2 days ahead.
- Glacier backcountry: Early-access lottery in March.
- Wonderland Trail: Early-access lottery in the spring.
- John Muir Trail: Weekly lottery, 24 weeks before the start date.
To check
- The platform for each lottery: most use Recreation.gov, but not all. Phantom Ranch goes through Xanterra, the Grand Canyon lodge operator (confirmed by the Park Service, October 2026). Check each guide for the others. Official website
Don't miss an opening
Add every opening on this page to your calendar: your phone reminds you 1 week before and the day before each one.
Frequently asked questions
Are lottery fees refunded if you lose?
Usually not: you pay the application fee even if you lose. Example, Half Dome: Lottery $10 per application, then $10 per person if you win.
Which lottery is next?
Grand Canyon backcountry: November 16, 2026.
See also
The WaveOpens November 1, 2026The SubwayOpens November 1, 2026Phantom RanchOpens November 1, 2026Grand Canyon backcountryOpens November 16, 2026Angels LandingOpens January 1, 2027Mount WhitneyOpens February 1, 2027Lotteries and ballotsEvery dateHikesBy activityLottery, quota, fixed date: the 4 ways to get inThe basics
Sources and checks. Dates, prices and requirements come from the calendar's guides, which give the official source and how reliable each one is. Anything not in them yet is flagged “To check”. Page updated on October 27, 2026.