🏔 Wilderness
Ansel Adams Wilderness (Sierra NF — Western Approach)
About This Permit
Sierra National Forest manages western-approach permits into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, offering access to Thousand Island Lake, the Minarets, and the JMT from the San Joaquin River drainage. This less-traveled western approach typically has better permit availability than the more popular Inyo NF eastern trailheads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sierra NF wilderness permit used for?
This permit covers western-approach trailheads into the Ansel Adams Wilderness from the San Joaquin side — popular for reaching Thousand Island Lake, the Minarets, and the JMT without the crowd pressure of the eastern approaches.
Is the Sierra NF permit easier to get than Inyo NF?
Generally yes. Western-approach Sierra NF trailheads see lower demand than the iconic eastern approaches, particularly mid-week. It is a good alternative for flexible hikers who cannot score a more competitive Inyo NF permit.
Key Facts
- State
- CA
- Season
- June – October
- Quota
- Trailhead-specific quotas; Clover Meadow and Granite Creek most popular
- Trailhead
- Granite Creek, Clover Meadow, Bass Lake
- Entry Point
- Clover Meadow Trailhead (6,800 ft)
- Difficulty
- 3/5(Competitive)
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