An easy to use resource listing all the wilderness areas in the entire Sierra Nevada range that require permits for overnight camping. Each area has it’s own permit process and quotas, but a permit is required ONLY from the agency where you enter. Most can be completed online while others are via US mail, or FAX, or Walk-Up. Day-use permits are required for the Mt. Whitney Zone and the Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe.
Campfire Permits are required for dispersed camping in all the National Forests and BLM, including wilderness areas that don’t require a permit.
Check out our Southern Sierra and Central Sierra Trail Maps to help you find and explore these amazing wilderness areas.
Below the table you will find information on Road Closures, Snow Depth, Transportation and Shuttles, Updates from Kennedy Meadows General Store, Bear Box locations, Campfire Permits and a variety of other useful links, as well as, a comprehensive list of wilderness areas.
** You can sort by Permit Info or Land Manager, or use the Search function.
*** Updated as of 07/27/2022 – Almost all areas are now on recreation.gov ***
| Permit Info | Land Manager | Contact Phone | Reservation system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eldorado NF | 530-644-2324 | ||
| Humboldt-Toiyabe NF | 760-932-7070 | ||
| Inyo NF | 760-873-2483 | ||
| Inyo NF | 760-873-2483 | ||
| Inyo NF | 760-873-2483 | ||
| Inyo NF | 760-873-2483 | ||
| Lake Tahoe Basin | 530-543-2674 | ||
| Sequoia NF | 559-784-1500 | Mail or FAX. Will Mail Permit back to you | |
| Sequoia NF | 559-784-1500 | Self-Registration at Trailhead. Permit required if entering SEKI | |
| Sequoia-Kings Canyon NP | 559-565-3341 | ||
| Sierra NF | 559-297-0706 | ||
| Sierra NF | 559-297-0706 | ||
| Sierra NF | 559-297-0706 | Mail, pick up in person | |
| Sierra NF | 559-297-0706 | ||
| Sierra NF | 559-297-0706 | ||
| Stanislaus NF | 209-532-3673 | Issued during business hours at ranger stations, or self issue if closed. No quota. | |
| Stanislaus NF | 209-532-3674 | Issued during business hours at ranger stations, or self issue if closed. No quota. | |
| Stanislaus NF | 209-532-3672 | Issued during business hours at ranger stations, or self issue if closed. No quota. | |
| Yosemite NP | 209-372-0740 |
The following Areas do NOT require a Wilderness Permit:
- Ishi Wilderness
- Caribou Wilderness
- Thousand Lakes Wilderness
- Bucks Lake Wilderness
- Mt. Rose Wilderness
- Granite Chief Wilderness
- Bright Star Wilderness
- Kiavah Wilderness
- Owens Peak Wilderness
- Domeland Wilderness
- Chimney Peak Wilderness
- Sacatar Trail Wilderness
Road Info for the Southern Sierra:
The best resource for the Golden Trout Wilderness – Roads and Access
Kennedy Meadows General Store — Good source of local info!
Sierra Snow Depth — A terrific resource for winter activities
Links for Sierra Nevada Wilderness Permits:
Bear Boxes in the Sierra – A clickable map and a detailed list
A comprehensive list of Shuttles from Climber.org
Total Escape – California Wilderness Area List
https://www.sierrawild.gov/wilderness/
https://www.backcountrycow.com/blog/2019-california-backpacking-permit-dates
http://discoverechosummit.com/activities/desolation_wilderness_permits.html
http://www.mammothlakes.us/activities/wilderness-permits.shtml
Bishop Visitors Center – Wilderness Permits
Andrew Skurka – Wilderness Permits
National Forests and attached Wilderness Areas:
- Kiavah Wilderness
- Golden Trout Wilderness
- Jennie Lakes Wilderness
- Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness
- John Krebs Wilderness
- Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness
- South Sierra Wilderness
- Golden Trout Wilderness
- John Muir Wilderness
- Ansel Adams Wilderness
- Hoover Wilderness
- Yosemite Wilderness
- Emmigrant Wilderness
- Mokelumne Wilderness
- Carson-Iceberg Wilderness
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
- Hoover Wilderness
- Desolation Wilderness
- Mt Rose Wilderness
