How to Get a Pine Creek Pass (JMT) Permit
Twenty miles from a deep eastside canyon to the John Muir Trail, through French Canyon and Humphreys Basin - the long way in, and the one you can actually book.
Check Pine Creek Pass (JMT) permit availabilityRecreation.gov permit 233262 lists a $6 Inyo reservation fee plus a $5 per-person fee.
Permit Cost
3-6 days
Duration
strenuous
Difficulty
About Pine Creek Pass (JMT)
Pine Creek Pass is an Inyo National Forest wilderness entry point northwest of Bishop, climbing the Pine Creek canyon into the John Muir Wilderness and on toward French Canyon, Royce Lakes and Humphreys Basin. Inyo's quota season runs May 1 to November 1 in 2026, with reservations opening six months in advance at 7 am Pacific and additional permits released two weeks ahead. Outside that window the trailhead is non-quota with a two-week booking window. Inyo puts the trailhead-to-John Muir Trail distance at 20 miles, reaching the JMT at the Piute Creek junction. The length is the trade: it is a slower way in, and it is a far easier permit to get than the short crossings on either side.
Inyo National Forest describes several trails starting from the deep canyon cut by Pine Creek between Mount Tom and the Wheeler Crest. The Pine Creek Pass trail goes to the Pine Lakes, along Pine Creek, and to destinations beyond Pine Creek Pass, and Inyo names it a popular choice for French Canyon, Royce Lakes and Humphreys Basin.
The Experience
The canyon is steep and industrial at the bottom, with the old tungsten mine road, and then it turns into one of the finest granite valleys on the east side. Humphreys Basin at the far end is wide open tundra with lakes scattered across it and no trees to block anything.
The trail climbs the Pine Creek canyon past the Pine Lakes to Pine Creek Pass. Beyond the pass the country opens into French Canyon, with side trips to Royce Lakes and the Humphreys Basin lakes.
Inyo gives the distance directly: from the trailhead at Pine Creek to the John Muir Trail junction at Piute Creek is 20 miles. That makes this a committing entry rather than a quick crest crossing, which is exactly why it stays available when Bishop Pass and Piute Pass are gone.
One booking note from Inyo: the Pine Creek Pass trail does not include Italy Pass or Morgan Lakes, and trips going toward Gable Lakes or Italy Pass are a different reservation.
What to Expect
Twenty miles from the trailhead to the John Muir Trail at Piute Creek, per Inyo
A climb past the Pine Lakes to Pine Creek Pass
French Canyon, Royce Lakes and Humphreys Basin as the named destinations
A quota season from May 1 to November 1, plus a two-week release
No Italy Pass or Morgan Lakes on this permit
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Permit Requirements
No campfires above the wilderness boundary in Pine Creek Canyon, and no campfires above 10,000 feet
Food and refuse must be stored in a container designed to prevent access by bears, or counter-balanced at least 15 feet above the ground and 10 feet horizontally from a tree trunk where containers are not required
Maximum group size is 15
Trips going toward Gable Lakes or Italy Pass are a different reservation
John Muir Wilderness regulations apply
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •A bear-resistant container, or a counterbalance setup where containers are not required
- •A stove, since fires are out above the wilderness boundary in the canyon
- •Water treatment
- •Warm layers for open camps in Humphreys Basin, which is above treeline
Hazards & Safety
A long, sustained climb out of the canyon with limited shade
Exposure in Humphreys Basin, where there is no shelter from storms
Snow on the pass into early summer
Twenty miles to the JMT, so a bad forecast is harder to walk away from
Best Time to Visit
The quota season is May 1 to November 1. Mid-July through September is when the pass is clear and Humphreys Basin is at its best. September brings hard nights and empty country.
Pro Tips
Budget three days minimum to reach the JMT, since it is 20 miles from the trailhead
Check the entry point name at booking - Gable Lakes and Italy Pass leave the same canyon on different reservations
Camp in French Canyon rather than Humphreys Basin if the forecast is unsettled, since the basin has no shelter
This is the reliable fallback when Bishop Pass and Piute Pass sell out
Fires are out above the wilderness boundary, so plan every meal around a stove
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 Pine Creek Pass (JMT) permit?
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Pine Creek Pass (JMT) permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Pine Creek Pass (JMT)?
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The quota season is May 1 to November 1. Mid-July through September is when the pass is clear and Humphreys Basin is at its best. September brings hard nights and empty country.
How difficult is Pine Creek Pass (JMT)?
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Backpackers with four or more days who want Humphreys Basin, and JMT hikers willing to walk 20 miles to reach the trail.
What gear do I need for Pine Creek Pass (JMT)?
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Essential gear includes: A bear-resistant container, or a counterbalance setup where containers are not required, A stove, since fires are out above the wilderness boundary in the canyon, Water treatment, Warm layers for open camps in Humphreys Basin, which is above treeline.
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