Wilderness Permits
A Wilderness Permit is required for each party camping overnight in the Yosemite National Park wilderness. A maximum quota of 15 overnight backpackers is admitted to Cathedral Lakes each day on reserved permits.
Yosemite permit reservations are now handled by Recreation.gov. Establish an account with Recreation.gov. A lottery system is now used by everyone seeking a permit, not just John Muir Trail hikers. Reservations are by a weekly lottery for 60% of available permits for hikes beginning in Yosemite and can be made up to 24 weeks in advance of departure date. Any of the 60% reservations that remain "become available on a first-come, first-served basis after the lottery process is complete for that week's reservations up until seven days in advance." The lottery application period is every Sunday through Saturday, beginnng in mid-November and continuing through early May.
"Walk-up" Wilderness Permits
No permit is required for day hikers. Usually 60 percent of the daily quota of overnight hiker slots may be reserved ahead of time, the other 40 percent become available as "walk-up" permits. They are released on a first-come, first-served basis on Recreation.gov seven days in advance at 7:00 AM PDT. Competition online is stiff, so be logged on and ready to go at 7:00 AM.
Lottery
Lottery rules have changed and are complicated, so it is best to read the information about the lottery on the Yosemite website: Wilderness Permit Reservations. Anyone seeking a Yosemite wilderness permit now may use the lottery.
Online Applications
Backpackers seeking a Yosemite wilderness permit reservation should submit an online application at Recreation.gov for the lottery 24 weeks in advance of departure date. Check Yosemite's handy chart - Wilderness Permit Reservation Window - which tells you when to submit your application for the lottery. Those who choose not to use the lottery system can apply beginning about 22 weeks before your departure date.
Establish an account with Recreation.gov. and apply for your permit at Recreation.gov - Yosemite Wilderness Permits
Upper Cathedral Lake
Fees
Reservations require a $10 processing fee and a $5 fee per person. Once your permit is accepted, an email will be sent to you with a link for payment. You must pay your fees within the time limit indicated on your email. First-come, first-served (walk-up) permits now have the same fees.
Wilderness Center
Picking Up Your Permit
Permits may be picked up the day before your hike or the day of your hike by 10:00 AM at a Wilderness Center in Yosemite Valley (near the post office), in Tuolumne Meadows (1 mile east of the visitor center on the main road), or at the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station. (For late arrivals, log onto your account on the Recreation.gov website and modify your application saying "Yes" for late arrival). Office hours change, so check Yosemite Current Conditions for the hours.
Obtaining a First-Come, First-Served Walk-up Permit
Appear in person at one of the wilderness permit offices (best to be at the one closest to your trailhead) between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.