Backpacking in California: How to book Eastern Sierra Permits

How to Get Eastern Sierra Backpacking Permits (Before They Sell Out)

The Eastern Sierra is one of California’s crown jewels for backpacking—offering some of the most jaw-dropping alpine landscapes, from the crystal-clear turquoise color of Big Pine Lakes to the towering peaks of the Minarets in John Muir and Ansel Adams Wildernesses near the popular Thousand Island Lake. But before you hit those pristine trails, there’s one vital step: reserving a wilderness permit if you plan to camp.

For most of the hikes in California’s Eastern Sierra (at least the ones you see me share on Instagram), you will want a permit for Inyo National Forest. Inyo National Forest covers a lot of John Muir Wilderness and Ansel Adams Wilderness which may be the prettiest alpine sights in California and my personal favorite area for hiking and camping.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining Eastern Sierra backpacking permits, including timelines, tips, and a step-by-step walkthrough for booking your trip. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite trails and permit recommendations to inspire your next backcountry adventure.

A Quick Reminder: Always camp in established spots to minimize damage to the environment. Practice Leave No Trace—pack it in, pack it out. Be sure to familiarize yourself with food storage and campfire requirements before heading out.

When to Apply for Permits

Each trail has a different amount of permits available. Permits with a quota are required from May 1 to November 1 each year. If you want to hike some of the most popular trails in the region, like Big Pine Lakes or Thousand Island Lake, it’s best to plan ahead and book your permit well in advance. Here’s the breakdown of how the permits are released:

• 60% of permits are released six months in advance at 7 AM PST—meaning if you’re planning a summer trip, you need to book now.
• 40% of permits are reserved for “walk-up” permits, which are actually released online two weeks in advance—more on that below.

Walk Up Permits

Gone are the days when you could just stroll into the ranger station on the same day for a walk-up permit. Nowadays, walk-up permits are released 2 weeks in advance online, and the booking process is just like securing a standard permit.

If you prefer the traditional walk-in route, you can still try your luck at the ranger station the morning of your trip, but these permits are no longer free and availability depends on cancellations.

I spoke with a ranger in 2021 (post-Covid) who said walk-up permits were released manually in the mornings at no set time, and the trails that connected to the JMT were released first. I’m honestly not sure if the permit system has changed but wanted to give you an idea of how the permits are released (if it’s not all at once).

Permit Fees

• Application: $6
• Per Person: $5

How to Reserve Your Permits: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

1. Go to Recreation.gov
   You’ll need an account to complete the reservation process. (Create one if you don’t have one already.)
2. Search for Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permits
   Type “Inyo National Forest – Wilderness Permits” in the search bar, or bookmark this page for easy access.
3. Select “Explore Available Permits”
4. Choose “No” for Commercial Guided Trip.
5. Permit Type: select Overnight
   ​Only select Overnight Exiting Mt. Whitney if you are planning to hike out through Whitney Portal.
   If you are planning to hike Mount Whitney Trail, that is the only trail with a completely different permit process in Inyo NF which you can read about here.
6. Pick Your Date
   Select a date that is 6 months out (ex: if you’re booking on 1/14, select 7/14).
7. Pick your group size (15 max but some trails have smaller quotas)
8. You’ll see a whole list of permit entry points and available dates. This is very self-explanatory. Click on the permit name for details of that trail info, a map, and camping regulations
   1. Blue numbers mark how many permits are available for the selected entry point at date. If your group size is larger than what is available, the number will appear in gray and you can’t select it. However, if you decrease your permit to a smaller group, that number will reappear as available
   2. Because permits are released 6 months out, you cannot book any further ahead. However, you can click “Prev 5 days” and keep looking as far back as you’d like to see if there are permits available for an earlier date in the season.
   3. W = walk-up permits
9. Review Your Selection
   Once you’ve chosen your entry point, click the permit name to view trail info, maps, and camping regulations. You will have 15 minutes to complete your order before your permit is released. When there’s 5 minutes left on the timer, you get a reminder and option to extend 5 more minutes — it’s a way to keep adding more time if you are unsure about the details to fill out. You can add up to 3 alternate permit holders — this person is responsible for the group following the rules and holding the permit during the trip.

Tips for a Successful Permit Booking

• Add Extra Days: If your schedule allows, add a couple of extra days to your permit at no extra cost. From previous conversations with rangers, they mainly care about your first night’s campsite, so if you’re unsure of your exit date, just make your best guess.
• Be Prepared for Changes: Confirm your permit before your trip, or risk it being released as a no-show (yes, I learned this the hard way)!
• Skip the Ranger Station: You can now request your permits online one week before your trip and skip the in-person pickup at the office—hello, convenience!

The Wrap-Up: Permits for Backpacking in the Eastern Sierra: A Step-by-Step Guide

This guide should help you navigate the permit system like a pro, so you can focus on what really matters: hiking, exploring, and enjoying the beauty of the Eastern Sierra. Let’s get your permits booked and your adventure started! Most trails have a quota but some are non-quota which means there are unlimited amounts of permits available but you still need a permit.

Top Trails & Permit Recommendations

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Tips for a Successful Trip

Book Your Permits Early

Popular trails like Big Pine Lakes and Thousand Island Lake have limited quotas, so set an alarm for the 6-month release date to secure your spot. If you miss out, check for cancellations or snag walk-up permits online 2 weeks in advance.

Plan Your Campsites Wisely

Choose established campsites to minimize environmental impact and always follow camping regulations. Research each trail’s camping restrictions, such as areas where campfires or camping are prohibited.

Be Weather-Wise

The Sierra can surprise you with sudden weather changes, even in summer. Check the forecast frequently before your trip and pack for all conditions, including rain, wind, and cold nights.

Master Leave No Trace Principles

Protect these pristine landscapes by packing out all trash, using proper food storage (bear canisters are often required), and avoiding shortcuts that damage fragile alpine ecosystems.

Carry the Ten Essentials

Always bring these survival basics: navigation, hydration, extra food, first aid, layers, sun protection, headlamp, fire starter, repair kit, and emergency shelter.

Prepare for Altitude

Many trails in the Eastern Sierra start above 8,000 feet and climb higher. Acclimate before your trip to avoid altitude sickness by spending a night at elevation or taking it slow on the trail.

Pack Smart

Keep your gear ultralight but don’t skimp on essentials. Focus on high-quality, multi-use items to save weight and space in your pack.

Understand Permit Policies

Double-check your permit’s requirements, including entry and exit dates, group size, and trail-specific rules. Confirm your permit before your trip to avoid it being released as a no-show.

Respect Wildlife

From bears to marmots, the Sierra is home to incredible wildlife. Store your food and scented items properly and enjoy wildlife from a distance to keep both you and the animals safe.

Have a Backup Plan

Trails can close unexpectedly, or permits might sell out. Research alternate hikes and entry points in advance to ensure your adventure isn’t derailed.

Stay Flexible and Enjoy the Journey

Conditions might not always go as planned, but with the right mindset, you’ll make memories that last a lifetime. Embrace the unexpected and savor every moment in this breathtaking wilderness.

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