Six-month advance releaseTimed release
Rolling release ~6 months before. Trip window: 2026-05-01 → 2026-11-01.
U.S. Forest Service · CA
Eastern Sierra Wilderness
Trailhead-quota wilderness permits for John Muir, Ansel Adams, Golden Trout, and Hoover wilderness entries, including Big Pine Lakes and Kearsarge Pass.
Permit requiredovernightItinerary dependent
Access requirement
2 ways to get a permit
Two-week releaseTimed release
Rolling release 14 days before. Trip window: 2026-05-01 → 2026-11-01.
Permit rules
QuotaWilderness permits are required year-round for overnight trips; trailhead quotas apply May 1 - November 1, with 60 percent of each quota reservable six months ahead and 40 percent released two weeks before entry.
GroupGroup size limits vary by trailhead and wilderness area.
Fees$6 non-refundable reservation fee plus per-person recreation fees on some trailheads.
TransferPermit holder rules are enforced by the forest; permits are issued by email or picked up at a ranger station.
SafetyHigh passes hold snow into summer; bear canisters are required in much of the John Muir Wilderness.
Where to stay
Campgrounds nearby
Official campground records near this destination. Availability is labeled with the source actually checked.
UPPER SAGE FLAT
Reservable
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 3010Aug 317
Availability: Recreation.gov
BIG PINE CREEK CAMPGROUND
Reservable
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 301Aug 317
Availability: Recreation.gov
BIG PINE CANYON
Reservable
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 302Aug 312
Availability: Recreation.gov
TABLE MOUNTAIN (INYO)
Reservable
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 30—Aug 31—
Availability: Recreation.gov