May Lake
Yosemite National Park · California
May Lake is one of the permitted entry points in Yosemite National Park on recreation.gov. Its current demand score is 85/100. Permit Ranger watches this pass around the clock and alerts you the moment a sold-out date opens up.
When permits are released
60% of quota is awarded by weekly lottery 24 weeks ahead; unclaimed lottery permits release Fridays at 9:00 AM Pacific. The remaining 40% opens 7 days before entry at 7:00 AM Pacific. (Half Dome lottery is separate.)
Demand
Very high demand (85/100)
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed in this area.
Popular trails nearby
- White Wolf to Aspen Valley Trail - 5.0 on AllTrails
- Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley (Panorama Trail) - 4.9 on AllTrails
- Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail - 4.9 on AllTrails
- Half Dome via the John Muir Trail (JMT) - 4.9 on AllTrails
- Upper Yosemite Falls, North Dome, Indian Rock, and Snow Creek Trail - 4.9 on AllTrails
Frequently asked questions
When do May Lake permits open?
60% of quota is awarded by weekly lottery 24 weeks ahead; unclaimed lottery permits release Fridays at 9:00 AM Pacific. The remaining 40% opens 7 days before entry at 7:00 AM Pacific. (Half Dome lottery is separate.) Check the recreation.gov page for the exact on-sale details for your dates.
What if my dates are sold out?
Cancellations happen all season as plans change. Add May Lake to a trip window on Permit Ranger and you get an instant alert the moment a date you need opens back up.
How competitive is May Lake?
The live demand score is 85/100. Odds of catching an opening are low - most dates book up well ahead.
Does Permit Ranger book the permit for me?
No. Permit Ranger never books on your behalf. When a watched date opens, you get an alert with a direct link so you can book it yourself on recreation.gov.
Nearby passes
- Budd Creek (cross-country only) - 7 mi away
- Cathedral Lakes - 7 mi away
- Lukens Lake->Yosemite Creek - 7 mi away
- Luken->Lukens Lake - 7 mi away
- Happy Isles->Illilouette (No Donohue Pass) - 8 mi away
Book on recreation.gov · All Yosemite National Park passes · Yosemite National Park permit guide