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Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Wilderness Permits

Wilderness Permit

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Overview

Required year-round for overnight trips into the Hoover Wilderness on the east side of the Sierra Nevada, along the California/Nevada border. Managed by the Bridgeport Ranger District of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Trailhead-based quota system with 13 entry points including Buckeye Creek, Robinson Creek, Green Creek, Virginia Lakes, and Leavitt Meadows. Permits are valid for continuous travel into adjacent wilderness areas (Yosemite, Emigrant, Ansel Adams), but continuing south of Highway 120 requires a separate permit from the relevant authority.

Bottom Line

Uses the same rolling FCFS window as Inyo -- not a lottery -- so cancellation alerts work extremely well here. Half the quota released 6 months ahead, other half 3 days ahead at 7:00 AM Pacific. Much less competitive than Inyo or Yosemite for most trailheads. Permits are print-at-home (available within 7 days of entry date). Bear canisters required throughout -- hanging food is not allowed. Max group size 15 (only 8 in the Sawtooth Ridge Zone).

Quotas and Reservations

Quota season June 15 -- October 15. Rolling window, not lottery:

  • 50% released 6 months ahead of entry date
  • 50% released 3 days ahead at 7:00 AM Pacific
  • Cancellations return to the available pool
  • Outside quota season, permits are still required but not quota-limited

Fees

  • $6 non-refundable reservation fee per permit
  • $8/person recreation fee (ages 13+)
  • Fees cannot be transferred to other dates or trails
  • Cancellation at least 14 days before entry for full refund of recreation fees (reservation fee non-refundable)

Group Size

  • Max 15 people on most trails, no more than 25 head of stock
  • Max 8 people in the Sawtooth Ridge Zone, no stock allowed

Key Rules

  • Signed hard copy permit must be carried by group leader at all times
  • Everyone must start on the entry date and location listed on the permit
  • Exiting wilderness and reentering at a different location voids the permit
  • Bear canisters required -- hanging or guarding food is not allowed
  • No camping within 100 ft of lakes, streams, or trails (25 ft minimum if terrain forces it)
  • No camping at Red, Blue, or Big Virginia Lakes
  • Max 1 night within 1/4 mile of Barney Lake; no camping within 100 ft of shore
  • No campfires within 1/4 mile of Barney Lake or Peeler Lake, or above 9,000 ft in Virginia Creek and Green Creek drainages
  • No campfires anywhere in the Sawtooth Ridge Zone
  • Trips by organizations or commercial groups require a special use permit from the Bridgeport Ranger District

Availability