🏔 Wilderness
John Muir & Ansel Adams Wilderness (Inyo NF)
About This Permit
A single Inyo National Forest permit covers eastern-approach trailheads into the John Muir Wilderness, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Golden Trout Wilderness, and Hoover Wilderness — including virtually every JMT entry point from the east. The permit also governs all Reds Meadow and Devils Postpile-area trailheads via the Mammoth Lakes shuttle zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which trailheads are covered by the Inyo NF wilderness permit?
All major eastern Sierra entry points: Whitney Portal, Kearsarge Pass, Pine Creek, Piute Pass, Rock Creek, and all Reds Meadow / Devils Postpile-area trailheads. Each trailhead has its own daily quota — some are highly competitive while others have mid-week availability.
Can I switch trailheads after booking an Inyo NF permit?
No. Permits are issued for a specific trailhead and date. If your plans change you must cancel and rebook. Cancellations appear instantly on recreation.gov.
Is the Inyo NF permit the same as the JMT permit?
There is no standalone JMT permit — the JMT runs through multiple permit jurisdictions. For eastern Sierra entry onto the JMT (e.g. Kearsarge Pass southbound, or Whitney Portal northbound) this is the permit you need.
How far in advance can I book an Inyo NF wilderness permit?
60% of each trailhead's daily quota is available 6 months in advance on recreation.gov. The remaining 40% is released 2 weeks before the trip date at 7am PT. Outside the quota season (Nov 1 – Apr 30) permits are still required but quotas do not apply — availability is much easier.
Key Facts
- State
- CA
- Season
- Permits required year-round; quota season May 1 – November 1
- Quota
- Trailhead-specific daily quotas (specific numbers not publicly listed on the main permit page — check recreation.gov for each trailhead)
- Trailhead
- Whitney Portal, Kearsarge Pass, Pine Creek, Piute Pass, Rock Creek, Reds Meadow
- Entry Point
- Multiple eastern Sierra trailheads; permit center in Lone Pine, Bishop, or Mammoth Lakes
- Difficulty
- 4/5(Very hard)
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