A wilderness permit is required year-round for any overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness. Permits provide for overnight access to undeveloped areas in the park and involve backpacking a significant distance from a trailhead and all development. Wilderness permits can NOT be used for campgrounds , day hike permits or lodging facilities. Nearly 95% of Yosemite National Park is congressionally-designated Wilderness. When in the wilderness, every visitor has the responsibility to minimize their impact and practice Leave No Trace. Visit our website to learn more about Yosemite’s Wilderness History. In order to minimize human impact and provide visitors with opportunities for solitude, wilderness permits are only issued to a limited number of people for each trailhead each day. Since many trails are very popular, advanced reservations are recommended.