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Pacific Crest Trail
70 miles of high Sierra crest trail through Yosemite's wild backcountry
About
The Pacific Crest Trail runs 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, and roughly 70 miles of it cross Yosemite National Park's high country, from Donohue Pass in the south to Dorothy Lake Pass at the park's northern boundary. Inside Yosemite, the PCT largely shares tread with the John Muir Trail, threading through granite passes, glacier-carved lakes, and open subalpine meadows well above 9,000 feet. This isn't a casual afternoon walk — it's remote, high-elevation backcountry travel, and most visitors experience it as a multi-day trip rather than a day hike.
Tuolumne Meadows Is the Hub
Most people access this stretch of the PCT through Tuolumne Meadows, where thru-hikers pass roughly 942 miles from the Mexican border and 1,714 miles from Canada. The Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center issues permits, rents bear canisters, and has current trail and weather information — but it's only open seasonally, from late May to about October 15. One well-regarded stretch, Tuolumne Meadows to Sonora Pass, covers more than 70 miles of granite peaks and alpine lakes and is rated a hard, multi-day undertaking.
Permits Are Not Optional
- A wilderness permit is required year-round for any overnight stay in Yosemite's backcountry, including PCT travel.
- Permits can be reserved up to 24 weeks ahead, with limited walk-up availability starting 4 days before your trip.
- Trailhead quotas are capped by design, so book early for popular entry points near Tuolumne Meadows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hike the PCT through Yosemite?
Yes. Yosemite requires a wilderness permit year-round for any overnight backcountry stay, including PCT travel. Reserve up to 24 weeks in advance, or try for limited walk-up availability starting 4 days before your trip at the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center.
Where does the PCT enter and exit Yosemite?
It enters from the south near Donohue Pass and exits at the park's northern boundary at Dorothy Lake Pass, crossing roughly 70 miles of high Sierra terrain in between.
Is the PCT through Yosemite a day hike?
Not realistically. This section is remote, high-elevation backcountry best tackled as a multi-day trip. Most visitors sample it near Tuolumne Meadows rather than hiking the full stretch in one day.
When is the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center open?
Typically from late May through about October 15, depending on snow conditions. It's closed the rest of the year, so plan permit pickups accordingly.
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