How to Get a Bishop Pass (JMT) Permit
A staircase of granite benches out of South Lake, each one holding its own lake, ending at the pass that drops into Dusy Basin and the John Muir Trail.
Check Bishop Pass (JMT) permit availabilityRecreation.gov permit 233262 lists a $6 Inyo reservation fee plus a $5 per-person fee.
Permit Cost
2-5 days
Duration
strenuous
Difficulty
About Bishop Pass (JMT)
Bishop Pass at South Lake is an Inyo National Forest wilderness entry point above Bishop, giving access to the John Muir Wilderness and, over the pass, to Dusy Basin and the John Muir Trail in Kings Canyon National Park. Inyo's quota season runs May 1 to November 1 in 2026. Reservations open six months in advance at 7 am Pacific, and additional permits are released two weeks in advance. From November 2 to April 30 the trailhead is non-quota and bookable up to two weeks ahead. Two things trip people up. Inyo says trips going toward Treasure Lakes are a different reservation, so check the area map before you book. And Dusy Basin carries a two-night camping limit once you are inside the national park.
Bishop Pass is the shortest honest line from the Owens Valley to the John Muir Trail, which is why it is one of the busiest Inyo trailheads. Inyo National Forest describes the trail climbing the valley between the Inconsolable Range and Hurd Peak, over granite benches each holding lakes and ponds, with the highest lakes above Saddlerock Lake tinted by glacial melt at the foot of Mt. Thompson and Mt. Goode.
The Experience
Every switchback buys you another lake. Long Lake, then Saddlerock, then Bishop Lake with the pass finally visible above it. Over the top the ground falls away into Dusy Basin, which is one of the great campsites in the Sierra: slabs, tarns, and the Palisades stacked across the sky.
The trail starts at South Lake and works up past a string of lakes. Inyo notes the Chocolate Lake loop as a popular alternate route around Chocolate Peak that rejoins the main trail at Long Lake, and says it is not recommended for stock.
Over Bishop Pass is the backcountry of Kings Canyon National Park. Inyo says the trail continues through Dusy Basin to LeConte Canyon where it meets the John Muir Trail, and that a permit for Bishop Pass may continue on the John Muir Trail.
Park rules take over at the boundary. Sequoia and Kings Canyon regulations include no pets, no bear spray, a two-night camp limit for Dusy Basin, and an off-trail group size limit of eight in Dusy and Palisade Basin.
What to Expect
A climb past Long Lake, Saddlerock Lake and Bishop Lake to the pass
A permit that may continue on the John Muir Trail, per Inyo
A quota season from May 1 to November 1, plus a two-week release
Kings Canyon rules from the pass onward, including a two-night limit in Dusy Basin
Trips toward Treasure Lakes need a different reservation
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Permit Requirements
No campfires above 10,400 feet
Bear containers are required for storage of food and trash
Maximum group size is 15
Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness regulations apply once you enter the park, including no pets, no bear spray, a two-night camp limit for Dusy Basin, and an off-trail group size of 8 in Dusy and Palisade Basin
The Chocolate Lake loop is not recommended for stock
Trips going toward Treasure Lakes are a different reservation
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •A bear canister - Inyo requires containers for food and trash here
- •A stove, since fires are prohibited above 10,400 feet and camping is above that line
- •Warm layers for a basin that freezes most nights
- •Water treatment
- •Sun protection on open granite above treeline
Hazards & Safety
A trailhead already near 9,800 feet, so altitude hits fast for valley arrivals
Afternoon thunderstorms on open slabs with no shelter
Snow on the pass into early summer
Bears working the lower lakes, which is why containers are required
Best Time to Visit
The quota season is May 1 to November 1. July through September is when the pass and Dusy Basin are reliably clear. Fall gives cold, still nights and the best light on the Palisades.
Pro Tips
Sleep at altitude the night before - the South Lake trailhead is already high and the pass is higher
The Chocolate Lake loop is a nicer way up and rejoins at Long Lake, but it is not for stock
Two nights is the cap in Dusy Basin, so build the itinerary around that before you book
Watch the two-week release as well as the six-month opening - Inyo puts more permits out then
Do not book Bishop Pass if your plan is Treasure Lakes, which is a separate reservation
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Bishop Pass (JMT) permit?
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Bishop Pass (JMT) permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Bishop Pass (JMT)?
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The quota season is May 1 to November 1. July through September is when the pass and Dusy Basin are reliably clear. Fall gives cold, still nights and the best light on the Palisades.
How difficult is Bishop Pass (JMT)?
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Backpackers who want alpine terrain fast, and JMT hikers looking for a short, direct eastside entry.
What gear do I need for Bishop Pass (JMT)?
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Essential gear includes: A bear canister - Inyo requires containers for food and trash here, A stove, since fires are prohibited above 10,400 feet and camping is above that line, Warm layers for a basin that freezes most nights, Water treatment, Sun protection on open granite above treeline.
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