Free permit alerts
Get the permit. Then go get the summit.
For Mt. Whitney, the hardest part isn't the climb... it's the permit. Spots open up all season when people cancel, and they're gone in minutes. Tell us the permit, your dates and your group size. We watch Recreation.gov and text you the moment enough spots open. Free.
How it works
- Pick your permit. Choose the permit, the dates you want and how many are in your group.
- Confirm your phone. We text you a one-time code so alerts only go to you.
- Get the text, book it fast. When enough spots open, we text you the Recreation.gov link. You book it yourself.
Permits we watch
- Mt. Whitney Day Use (all routes) (groups up to 15)
- Mt. Whitney Overnight (Mt. Whitney Trail) (groups up to 15)
- Half Dome Cables (daily permit) (groups up to 6)
- Half Dome overnight: Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley (groups up to 15)
- Mt. St. Helens Climbing Permit (groups up to 12)
- Enchantments Core Zone (overnight) (groups up to 8)
- Lost Coast: King Range Wilderness (overnight) (groups up to 3)
Some permits, like Angels Landing and The Wave, only hand out spots by lottery, so there's nothing to watch for. We stick to permits where cancelled spots go back up for anyone to book.
Alerts open in spring
We pause over the winter, when these permits aren't in play. Leave your email and we'll tell you the day permit alerts open, so you're set before the season starts.
One email when alerts open in spring, and one when charms are ready to order. Unsubscribe anytime.
Permit alert questions
Is it really free?
Yes. No card, no catch, no app. We run it because the people chasing these permits are the same people who want to carry the summit home afterward.
Do you book the permit for me?
No. We never book, hold or buy permits. Your text has the Recreation.gov link, and you book it yourself in your own account. Be quick... open spots go fast.
How often do you check?
Every few minutes, one gentle request at a time. Most spots open up when someone cancels, and they can be gone again within minutes, so turn on notifications for our texts.
How many texts will I get?
A code to confirm your phone, then a text only when enough spots open for your group on a date you picked. Some weeks that's never. Your alert ends after your last date.
Are you part of Recreation.gov?
No. Summit Charms is independent and isn't affiliated with Recreation.gov, the Forest Service, the Park Service or the Bureau of Land Management. We can't promise a spot will still be there when you go to book.
How do I stop the texts?
Reply STOP to any text. You can also reply HELP, or email support@mysummitcharms.com.
After the summit
Got the permit and made the top? Hold up the summit sign and take the photo. We turn it into a pack charm cut to your outline, sign and all. How Summit Charms are made
Summit Charms is independent and isn't affiliated with Recreation.gov or any public land agency. Terms · Privacy · Help