How to Get a High Trail – PCT (JMT) Permit
The high line above the San Joaquin, with the Minarets, Mount Ritter and Banner Peak across the canyon the whole way to Thousand Island Lake.
Check High Trail – PCT (JMT) permit availabilityRecreation.gov permit 233262 lists a $6 Inyo reservation fee plus a $5 per-person fee. Every visitor to Reds Meadow Valley also pays a transportation fee that covers the mandatory shuttle bus.
Permit Cost
2-5 days
Duration
moderate
Difficulty
About High Trail – PCT (JMT)
The High Trail is an Inyo National Forest wilderness entry point at Agnew Meadows in Reds Meadow Valley, running north through the Ansel Adams Wilderness on the Pacific Crest Trail toward Thousand Island Lake. 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 ahead. Outside that window the trailhead is non-quota with a two-week booking window, though the access road governs when you can actually use it. The permit allows continuing on the John Muir Trail, which makes it one of the better JMT entries when the Yosemite trailheads are gone. It does not allow starting on Shadow Creek or the River Trail, both of which leave the same area on separate reservations.
The High Trail is the scenic half of the Pacific Crest Trail through the Ansel Adams Wilderness, and Inyo National Forest confirms this permit allows continuing on the John Muir Trail. Inyo describes the trail climbing partway up the east side of the canyon instead of crossing Agnew Meadow, then contouring to the headwaters of the San Joaquin River with magnificent views across the valley of the Minarets, Mount Ritter and Banner Peak.
The Experience
You spend the day walking a bench above a huge canyon with the Ritter Range in front of you and nothing between. The valley trail down below is faster and duller. Up here the views never close, and the trail delivers you at Thousand Island Lake, which is the postcard everyone has seen.
The trail starts from Agnew Meadows, shuttle bus stop number 1. Instead of crossing the meadow it climbs the east side of the canyon and contours north.
Inyo lists several trail junctions with options to Summit Lake, Agnew Pass, Clark Lakes or Badger Lakes. The High Trail is part of the Pacific Crest Trail and joins the John Muir Trail near Thousand Island Lake.
Two hard boundaries on this permit: Inyo states it does not allow starting on Shadow Creek or the River Trail, both of which leave from the same Agnew Meadows area. Camping is prohibited within 300 feet of the outflow of Thousand Island Lake or Garnet Lake, and campfires are out at Thousand Island, Garnet, Ruby, Emerald, Badger and Clark Lakes and anywhere above 10,000 feet.
What to Expect
A start at Agnew Meadows, shuttle stop number 1, with a mandatory shuttle into Reds Meadow Valley
Views across the canyon to the Minarets, Mount Ritter and Banner Peak for most of the day
A junction with the John Muir Trail near Thousand Island Lake
A quota season from May 1 to November 1, plus a two-week release
No Shadow Creek or River Trail starts on this permit
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Permit Requirements
No campfires at Thousand Island, Garnet, Ruby, Emerald, Badger or Clark Lakes, and no campfires above 10,000 feet
Bear containers are required for storage of food and trash
No camping within 300 feet of the outflow of Thousand Island Lake or Garnet Lake
Maximum group size is 15
Ansel Adams Wilderness regulations apply, and Yosemite wilderness regulations apply if you enter the national park
All visitors to Reds Meadow Valley pay a transportation fee that allows use of the mandatory shuttle bus
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •A bear canister - Inyo requires containers for food and trash here
- •A stove, since fires are out at every named lake on the route and above 10,000 feet
- •Water treatment
- •Wind shell for a trail that spends the day on an exposed east-facing bench
Hazards & Safety
Bears in the Reds Meadow parking areas, where Inyo reports vehicle break-ins for food in 2026
Afternoon thunderstorms on an exposed traverse with no bail-out
Snow on the contour into early summer, where it holds on north-facing gullies
Shuttle timing, which can strand a party at the end of a long day
Best Time to Visit
The quota season is May 1 to November 1, but the shuttle and the Reds Meadow road set the practical window. Mid-July through September is prime. Late September gives cold nights, sharp air and the best Ritter Range light.
Pro Tips
Take the High Trail out and the River Trail back if you can, for two completely different days on the same loop
Never leave food or scented items in your car at Reds Meadow - Inyo reports bears breaking into vehicles there in 2026
Use the food lockers in the backpacker parking area before you get on the shuttle
Camp at Badger or Clark Lakes instead of Thousand Island if you want the view without the tent city
Build your first and last day around the shuttle schedule, not the mileage
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 High Trail – PCT (JMT) permit?
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High Trail – PCT (JMT) permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit High Trail – PCT (JMT)?
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The quota season is May 1 to November 1, but the shuttle and the Reds Meadow road set the practical window. Mid-July through September is prime. Late September gives cold nights, sharp air and the best Ritter Range light.
How difficult is High Trail – PCT (JMT)?
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Backpackers who want maximum scenery per mile, and JMT hikers starting south of Yosemite.
What gear do I need for High Trail – PCT (JMT)?
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Essential gear includes: A bear canister - Inyo requires containers for food and trash here, A stove, since fires are out at every named lake on the route and above 10,000 feet, Water treatment, Wind shell for a trail that spends the day on an exposed east-facing bench.
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