Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits

Inyo National Forest

Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. Several of our trails give entry to the John Muir Trail or Pacific Crest Trail with the opportunity to trek in the longest roadless section of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Our trails offer possibilities for hiking, photography, peak bagging, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the High Sierra. Whether you are seeking solitude, exceptional scenery, or sharing a wilderness adventure, there are many ways to create a memorable experience. 

Come, take a deep breath of clean mountain air. Put on your pack and hit the trail. Come to experience nature and let it refresh your spirit. Places to explore include the Ansel Adams, John Muir, Golden Trout, Hoover, and South Sierra wildernesses. Trips beginning on Inyo National Forest may continue into the wilderness areas of Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. 

As you plan your trip, remember that we must take care of this amazing place. While you are here, be respectful of water, woods, and wildlife. Travel lightly on the land. Remember to leave this place undamaged so it will continue to be what we seek of wilderness. 

Learn more about planning and preparing for a wilderness trip (PDF) in Inyo National Forest. 

Wilderness permit is required year round for overnight trips into John Muir, Ansel Adams, Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness, and Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks. Only the leader or alternate specified in the reservation may pick up or use the permit. 

Trips sponsored by organizations or commercial groups must contact the wilderness permit office, a special use permit may be needed.

Notifications and Alerts

Permit & Season Information

Reservations open DAILY at 7AM PST:

Permits required YEAR ROUND for overnight trips to Ansel Adams, John Muir, Hoover, & Golden Trout Wilderness areas

Group leader is responsible to ensure everyone in their group understands & obeys the conditions of the permit

Need to Know

All wilderness permits are reserved online. If you see "W" on the reservation page it means the quota for 6 month advance is fully booked. Additional "walk up" quota will open for web reservations 2 weeks before the trip at 7am Pacific Time.  

No Show Deadline: Permit will be canceled as a no show unless issued or printed before the deadline, 10 am on the entry date.  

Print at Home or Request Permit

One week before the trip you can print at home or request the permit. Link to full Permit Printing Instructions  After printing you cannot make changes unless you contact the wilderness permit office or go into the visitor center during open hours.

Traditional Check in to Request Permit

Check for open hours before you go to the visitor center for in person service. Traditional check in includes the chance to ask questions in person, rent a bear can, or purchase maps along with printing the permit.

Request Permit by Email or Phone

Contact the wilderness permit office if you have questions or need to reissue a permit with corrections. For email, allow time for response during business hours. Email: SM.FS.WildPmt_Inyo@usda.gov  Phone: 8am to 4:30pm, closed 12pm to 1pm for lunch, 7 days a week May-October, M-F November-April, 760-873-2483 

Checklist Before You Print:

Complete your camp locations and verify final group size before you print permit.

Safety Is Your Responsibility!  

Leave trip information with a friend with instructions of when to report you overdue. Search & Rescue Mountain Safety Message.  

Be Bear Aware

Be alert when arriving at night in areas with bear activity. Bear resistant food storage containers are recommended for all wilderness travelers. 

Human Waste Disposal  

There are no restrooms in the wilderness. 

Behave Responsibly 

Respect other visitor’s desire for quiet and solitude. Please help protect this natural resource and leave it unmarked for future visitors. Familiarize yourself with the seven principles of Leave No Trace and review wilderness rules with all members of your group.  

Fee Policy

Reservation Fee:

A $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee is required for each permit reservation. Reservation fees are used to finance the on-line reservation system and software for permit data.

Recreation Fee:

A per person recreation fee is charged for your group when reserving a wilderness permit for entry on Inyo National Forest trails.

The recreation fees are used to finance the on-the-ground wilderness programs in Inyo National Forest.

There are no discounts for annual passes, military, seniors, or children. All people count for wilderness quotas and fees.

Fees cannot be transferred to other dates or trails. No rain checks or credits.

Cancellation Policy

Reservations cannot be sold or transferred. Only the group leader or listed alternate can pick up or use the permit. Leader or alternate leader names cannot be changed or added. 

Changes you can make on line: 

Refunds:  

No refund if you cancel your reservation less than 12 days before the entry date. No refund of reservation fee. 

Log onto your account at Recreation.gov to make changes or call the wilderness permit office for Inyo National Forest for reservation assistance (760) 873-2483.

Contact Information

Mailing Address

351 Pacu Lane Bishop CA 93514

Phone Number

760-873-2483

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