Sierra Nevada Wilderness Permit Info

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.

We offer the 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, Showers, and a variety of other useful links, as well as, a comprehensive list of wilderness areas.

New for 2025 — Inyo NF Wilderness Page

** You can sort by Permit Info or Land Manager, or use the Search function.
*** Updated as of 06/17/2025 – Almost all areas are now on recreation.gov ***

Permit Info	Land Manager	Contact Phone	Reservation system
Desolation (Eldorado)	Eldorado NF	530-644-2324	Recreation.gov
Hoover (Humboldt)	Humboldt-Toiyabe NF	760-932-7070	Recreation.gov
Golden Trout (Inyo)	Inyo NF	760-873-2483	Recreation.gov
Hoover (Inyo)	Inyo NF	760-873-2483	Recreation.gov
John Muir (Inyo)	Inyo NF	760-873-2483	Recreation.gov
Ansel Adams (Inyo)	Inyo NF	760-873-2483	Recreation.gov
Desolation (Tahoe)	Lake Tahoe Basin	530-543-2674	Recreation.gov
Golden Trout (Sequoia)	Sequoia NF	559-784-1500	Email, Mail or In-Person. Link to permit application
Jennie Lakes	Sequoia NF	559-784-1500	Self-Registration at Trailhead. Permit required if entering SEKI
Sequoia-Kings Canyon	Sequoia-Kings Canyon NP	559-565-3341	Recreation.gov
John Muir (Sierra)	Sierra NF	559-297-0706	Recreation.gov
Kaiser	Sierra NF	559-297-0706	Recreation.gov
Monarch	Sierra NF	559-297-0706	Mail, pick up in person
Ansel Adams (Sierra)	Sierra NF	559-297-0706	Recreation.gov
Dinkey Lakes	Sierra NF	559-297-0706	Recreation.gov
Emigrant	Stanislaus NF	209-532-3673	Issued during office hours at ranger stations, or self issue if closed. No quota.
Mokelumne	Stanislaus NF	209-532-3674	Issued during office hours at ranger stations, or self issue if closed. No quota.
Carson-Iceburg	Stanislaus NF	209-532-3672	Issued during office hours at ranger stations, or self issue if closed. No quota.
Yosemite	Yosemite NP	209-372-0740	Recreation.gov

The following Areas do NOT require a Wilderness Permit:

Road Info for the Southern Sierra:

• Golden Trout Wilderness – Roads and Access
• Tulare County Roads Info
• Kern County Road Info
• Inyo County Road Info
• Inyo Natl Forest Road Info
• Mono County Road Info
• Kennedy Meadows General Store — Good source of local info!
• Sierra Snow Depth — A terrific resource for winter activities

Links for Sierra Nevada Wilderness Permits:

• California Campfire Permit
• Bear Boxes in the Sierra – A clickable map and a detailed list
• Shuttles – A comprehensive list 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

Links for Trips and Resources:

• Tom Harrison Maps offers detail maps for most of the popular areas
• Showers – Eastern Sierra from Carson Pass to Lone Pine — Climber.org
• ESSRP – Eastern Sierra Camping Map
• Bishop / Inyo County – List of Campgrounds
• High Sierra Trails – Backpackers Guide
• Sierra High Route Guide

National Forests and attached Wilderness Areas: