Wilderness permit for overnight backcountry trips at Kings Canyon: what applies in 2026?

Exact conditions

Status

Required under the listed conditions

Applies to

overnight guests

Place or corridor

All Kings Canyon wilderness entry points, including the Roads End (Cedar Grove) and Grant Grove trailheads. Permits are picked up at the station closest to your trailhead — Roads End Ranger Station, Grant Grove, or Cedar Grove.

Effective dates

May 22, 2026 through September 26, 2026

Published fee

$15

Release model

rolling window

Release detail: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance of your trip and are released daily at 7:00 AM Pacific. Reservations can be made between six months and one week prior to entry. Permits must be physically picked up and validated; pick up from 1:00 pm the day before entry until 10:00 am on the entry day, or the reservation is cancelled at 10:00 am and released to walk-ups.

Fee detail: $15 per trip plus $5 per person during the quota season, paid on Recreation.gov. Free outside the quota season. The per-person portion is refundable for cancellations or party-size reductions up to one week before the trip.

Exceptions and limits

• Day hikers do not need a wilderness permit.
• Outside the quota season (September 28, 2025 - May 21, 2026) wilderness permits are free, self-issued at trailhead kiosks, and not limited by daily quotas.
• Reservations are available for most, but not all, entry points.