Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits
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
- Winter 2022/2023 in the Eastern Sierra was record breaking. This has caused Summer 2023 to have above average snow levels, fuller water crossings, damaged bridges, and avalanche debris. Please come to the area prepared for these unusual conditions.
- Red's Meadow Road and Starkweather Trail will be closed for construction starting September 18th, Monday through Friday, 24 hours a day. This closure prevents entry/exit on all trails in the Red's Meadow Area (High Trail, River Trail, Shadow Creek, Minaret Lake, John Muir Trail North and South of Devils Postpile, Beck Lake, Fern Lake, Fish Creek). The road and trails will be open for entry/exit on Saturdays and Sundays only.
- Some bridges are damaged beyond use including the South Fork San Joaquin Bridge and Middle Fork San Joaquin Bridge. Please plan your wilderness travel plans accordingly.
Permit & Season Information
Reservations open DAILY at 7AM PST:
- 60% of spaces are released 6 months in advance, on the matching date (example entry date of July 4 opens on January 4)
- "W" means 60% of spaces were posted and sold out, 40% of spaces remain but are not yet released
- 40% of spaces are released 2 weeks in advance, on the same day of the week (example entry date of Tuesday July 4 opens on Tuesday June 20)
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
- Signed permit must be in group leader’s possession
- Everyone in group must start on entry date & location on permit
- You cannot exceed group size stated on permit
- Groups cannot combine to exceed 15 people
- Permit is only valid for one continuous wilderness trip
- For trips ending at Mt Whitney (Whitney Portal) the permit must specify exit point of “Mt Whitney (Trail Crest Exit)”
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. Phone: 760-873-2483 Email: SM.FS.WildPmt_Inyo@usda.gov
Checklist Before You Print:
Complete your camp locations and verify final group size before you print permit.
- View Leave No Trace video?
- Print California Campfire Permit (required) to operate a stove.
- Print rules (required) if traveling in Yosemite or Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Print trip informatin to leave with a friend (recomended) ReConn Form
Safety Is Your Responsibility!
Leave trip information with a friend with instructions of when to report you overdue. Search & Rescue Mountain Safety Message.
- Check weather and trail conditions.
- Do not rely on cell phone for communication or navigation, most of the forest has no cell service.
- Come prepared to find your way. Download maps, and emergency information before starting on the trail.
- Plan to be self-sufficient, bring adequate supplies of food, water and clothing.
- Learn symptoms of altitude sickness
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.
- Review wilderness rules for specific areas where food storage containers are required .
- Do not leave food or refuse in your car or tent. Do not leave food unattended.
- In campgrounds and parking areas with bear proof lockers, all food and scented items must be removed from vehicles and secured in the lockers. Dispose of trash in bear resistant trash cans.
Human Waste Disposal
There are no restrooms in the wilderness.
- Visitors to the Mt. Whitney area are expected to pack-out their solid human waste.
- In other areas poop should be buried six to eight inches deep and at least 100 feet or more from water sources, trails, or campsites.
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.
- Pack out all your trash, help keep our wilderness areas pristine.
- Protect water quality, don’t use soap in natural waterways, even biodegradable soap can damage aquatic life. Waste water should be scattered at least 100 feet away from any water source.
- Don’t cut switchbacks, shortcutting damages the trail and adds to erosion.
- No drones, they are prohibited in wilderness.
- No loud audio devices, let the sounds of nature be part of the wilderness experience.
- Campfires are restricted in many areas, wood growth is very slow at high elevation and what little wood exists helps sustain the natural soil, plant and animal community.
- Do not camp on vegetation, these fragile areas are easily damaged. Choose a campsite at least 100 feet away from lakes, streams, or trails.
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.
A $15.00 per person recreation fee is charged for trips entering the Whitney Zone (Mt. Whitney, North Fork of Lone Pine Creek, and Trail Crest Exit).
A $5.00 per person recreation fee is charged for all other areas.
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:
- Changes to group size can be made if quota space is available.
- Change of entry trail, entry date, or permit type requires a new reservation for the desired trip. You will pay new reservation and recreation fees.
- Cancel your reservation online, the per person recreation fee will be refunded automatically if you complete the cancelation at least 12 days before entry date.
- Corrections to itinerary, exit date or exit location can be done online or when the permit is issued.
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
