Wilderness Use Permits

 

Get Your Permit

A permit is required year-round for all overnight stays in the Wilderness and must be obtained before backpacking overnight. A wilderness permit allows the permit holder and their group to camp in a designated camp or area. Wilderness Use Permits must be obtained in person at the Pine Springs Visitor Center.

Permit Fees

• Reservation Fee: A $6.00 non refundable reservation fee is required for each overnight permit reserved.
• Overnight Recreation Fee: A $6 per person per night fee is required for each hiker on the permit.
• Entry into the parks requires a fee or pass.
• Over 96% of the Recreation Fee goes directly to funding Guadalupe Mountains National Park projects that improve the visitor experience.
• Transfer Policy: Reservations and permits are non-transferable. Only the listed trip leader or alternate leader identified at the time of reservation may be issued the permit. Proof of identity will be required to obtain your permit (acceptable forms of identification include driver’s license, work ID, school ID, credit card, passport, etc.). Discount Pass Policy: America the Beautiful (ATB) Interagency Passes, including Senior, Access and Annual Pass, do not apply to Wilderness Overnight Use Permits.

Walk Up Permits

Walk-up permits for unreserved sites in the Wilderness may be issued on-site on a first-come, first-served basis at the Pine Springs Visitor Center from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Noon, daily. Walk up permits may be obtained up to 24 hours in advance of the trip.

Please be sure to have at the ready:

• Your driver's license
• Your proposed itinerary
• Your vehicle's license plate number
• You must be prepared to demonstrate that you possess a minimum of one landfill-safe commercial toilet bag system per person per night for the duration of their trip before your permit will be issued.

This will help to expedite the process and have you ready for the trails!

 

Permit Reservations

Beginning September 30, 2022, reservations are encouraged but not required. Advanced reservations for overnight Wilderness trips may be made up to three months in advance. Reservations must be made at least two days in advance of the trip start. Reservations must be converted into a permit up to two days in advance of the start of your trip at the Pine Springs Visitor Center from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., daily.

Reserve Your Backpacking Trip Now