Central Plateau

Yellowstone National Park · Wyoming

Central Plateau is one of the permitted entry points in Yellowstone National Park on recreation.gov. Its current demand score is 84/100. Permit Ranger watches this pass around the clock and alerts you the moment a sold-out date opens up.

When permits are released

Peak-season trips (May 15 – October 31) go on general sale April 26 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time (after the March early-access lottery). Non-peak trips (November 1 – May 14) go on sale October 6 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time. Cancellations reopen sites year-round; permits are picked up in person at a Backcountry Permit Office.

Demand

Very high demand (84/100)

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed in this area.

Popular trails nearby

Frequently asked questions

When do Central Plateau permits open?

Peak-season trips (May 15 – October 31) go on general sale April 26 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time (after the March early-access lottery). Non-peak trips (November 1 – May 14) go on sale October 6 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time. Cancellations reopen sites year-round; permits are picked up in person at a Backcountry Permit Office. 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 Central Plateau 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 Central Plateau?

The live demand score is 84/100. 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

Book on recreation.gov · All Yellowstone National Park passes · Yellowstone National Park permit guide