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U.S. Forest Service · CA

Sierra National Forest Wilderness Permits (Ansel Adams & John Muir)

Year-round trailhead-quota overnight permits for the Sierra National Forest side of the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness, with 60% of each trailhead quota reservable six months ahead and the rest held for walk-ups.

Permit requiredovernightStrenuous
Access requirement

2 ways to get a permit

Advance reservation (rolling 6-month window)Timed release

60% of each trailhead quota is released for advance reservations six months ahead of the entry date; permits are released the first week of January and then 6 months in advance of the start date. Trip window: Year-round (trailhead quotas in place all year).

Apply on official siteVerified · Jun 22, 2026Available this season
Walk-up permits (remaining 40% of quota)Walk-up

40% of each trailhead quota is reserved for walk-up permits; pick up in person at the High Sierra or Bass Lake Ranger District by 10:00 AM the day of entry. Trip window: Year-round (trailhead quotas in place all year).

Apply on official siteVerified · Jun 22, 2026Available this season
Permit rules
QuotaTrailhead quotas are in place year-round for overnight trips into the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Dinkey Lakes, and Kaiser Wildernesses. 60% of each trailhead quota is available through advance reservations; the remaining 40% is held for walk-up permits. Day hikes do not require a permit.
GroupMaximum 15 people per wilderness permit (25 head of stock for day and overnight use).
Fees$6.00 non-refundable reservation fee plus a $5.00 per-person recreation fee ($15.00 per person for Mt. Whitney exit). No discounts for annual passes, military, seniors, or children.
TransferReservations cannot be sold or transferred to other people. Only the leader or alternate named on the reservation may pick up or use the permit.
SafetyHigh-elevation Sierra terrain with snow, river crossings, and afternoon thunderstorms; permits are picked up in person at the issuing ranger district by 10:00 AM the day of entry unless other arrangements are made.
Where to stay

Campgrounds nearby

Official campground records near this destination. Availability is labeled with the source actually checked.

Ya-Gub-Weh-tuh Campground

4.5 miles away · CA

Availability not checked

First-come · $10-15 per night

Availability: Unavailable

Aholul Group Campground

4.6 miles away · CA

Availability not checked

Not reservable online · $175 per night

Availability: Unavailable

Equestrian Campground

4.6 miles away · CA

Availability not checked

First-come · $25 per night

Availability: Unavailable

DORABELLE CAMPGROUND

12.9 miles away · CA · 65 sites

6 of 7 nights open

Reservable · Single sites = $30.00 per night or $32.00 per night on holiday weekends Double sites = $60.00 per night or $64.00 per night on holiday weekends

Aug 25—Aug 2640Aug 2739Aug 281Aug 291Aug 3045Aug 3147
Availability: Recreation.gov
Official campground site