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Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permits

California

Notify on Availability Reserve

Overview

Required year-round for overnight trips into the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Golden Trout, and Hoover Wilderness areas. Also covers entry into adjacent Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite when originating from Inyo NF.

Bottom Line

Not a lottery -- uses a rolling FCFS window, so cancellation alerts are extremely effective here. Popular trailheads (Kearsarge Pass, Bishop Pass, Cottonwood Lakes) sell out within minutes of release. The 40% second release 2 weeks ahead is the best window for pickups. Midweek dates are significantly easier. Off-season (Nov - Apr) is wide open, no quota.

Quotas and Reservations

Quota season May 1 - Nov 1. Rolling window, not lottery:

  • 60% released 6 months ahead (e.g. Jul 4 opens Jan 4)
  • 40% released 2 weeks ahead, same day of week
  • Opens 7:00 AM Pacific daily on recreation.gov
  • Cancellations return within 24 hours

Mt. Whitney Exit

Trips finishing at Whitney Portal via Trail Crest require a separate "Exiting Mt. Whitney" reservation. Exit quota is 25 people/day.

Fees

  • $6 reservation fee + $5/person most trailheads
  • $15/person Whitney Zone (Mt. Whitney Trail, North Fork Lone Pine, Trail Crest Exit)
  • Max group size 15, all members count regardless of age

JMT / PCT

Inyo permits are valid for continuous JMT through-hikes originating from Inyo trailheads. PCTA long-distance permit holders cannot start on Inyo quota trails. A local permit is required.

Availability