How to Get a Sawmill Pass (JMT) Permit
More than 6,700 feet to the crest, with no water and no shade for the first few miles. Inyo says outright that it may be extremely hot.
Check Sawmill Pass (JMT) permit availabilityRecreation.gov permit 233262 lists a $6 Inyo reservation fee plus a $5 per-person fee.
Permit Cost
3-5 days
Duration
expert
Difficulty
About Sawmill Pass (JMT)
Sawmill Pass is an Inyo National Forest wilderness entry point near Division Creek, climbing from the Owens Valley to the Sierra crest and down to the Woods Creek area of Kings Canyon National Park. 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 describes it as steep and strenuous, with more than 6,700 feet of climbing to the crest, no water or shade at the trailhead or along the first few miles, and a route that may be extremely hot during summer and early autumn.
Sawmill Pass is the hardest of the eastside climbs to the Woods Creek country. Inyo National Forest calls the trail steep and strenuous, starting near Division Creek and climbing more than 6,700 feet to reach the Sierra Crest, then going to the Woods Creek area of Kings Canyon National Park.
The Experience
The first miles are the problem: Inyo says there is no water or shade at the trailhead or along the first few miles, and that the route may be extremely hot during summer and early autumn. Everyone who does this trail talks about that section. Above it the canyon turns beautiful and empty.
The trail starts near Division Creek on the Owens Valley side and climbs more than 6,700 feet to the Sierra Crest at Sawmill Pass.
Over the crest it drops toward the Woods Creek area of Kings Canyon National Park, which connects to the John Muir Trail and the Rae Lakes country from the north.
Inyo's practical warning is about water and heat rather than technical difficulty. There is no water or shade at the trailhead or along the first few miles, and campfires are prohibited above 10,400 feet.
What to Expect
More than 6,700 feet of climbing to the Sierra crest, per Inyo
No water or shade at the trailhead or along the first few miles
Conditions Inyo describes as potentially extremely hot in summer and early autumn
A descent to the Woods Creek area of Kings Canyon and the John Muir Trail
A quota season from May 1 to November 1, plus a two-week release
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Permit Requirements
Campfires are prohibited above 10,400 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
John Muir Wilderness regulations apply, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon regulations apply once you enter the park, including no pets, no bear spray, and a group size limit of eight for the Sixty Lakes and Gardiner Basin areas
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •A bear-resistant container, or a counterbalance setup
- •Four or more litres of water capacity, because there is none low on the trail
- •A stove, since fires are banned above 10,400 feet
- •Sun protection for a completely unshaded lower canyon
- •Trekking poles
Hazards & Safety
Heat and dehydration low on the trail, which Inyo flags directly
More than 6,700 feet of gain, the biggest single climb of the eastside passes
Afternoon storms on an exposed crest
Snow at the pass into early summer
Best Time to Visit
The quota season runs May 1 to November 1. Late September and October are the sensible months, when the lower canyon is cool. Inyo specifically warns the route may be extremely hot in summer and early autumn.
Pro Tips
Climb at night or before dawn in summer, because Inyo's heat warning is not decoration
Carry every litre you can manage for the first few miles
Late September and October are the right months for this canyon
Kings Canyon caps off-trail groups at eight for Sixty Lakes and Gardiner Basin
If Baxter Pass is taken, this is the next door along
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 Sawmill Pass (JMT) permit?
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Sawmill Pass (JMT) permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Sawmill Pass (JMT)?
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The quota season runs May 1 to November 1. Late September and October are the sensible months, when the lower canyon is cool. Inyo specifically warns the route may be extremely hot in summer and early autumn.
How difficult is Sawmill Pass (JMT)?
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Very fit, acclimatized parties heading for Woods Creek, Sixty Lakes or the northern Rae Lakes country.
What gear do I need for Sawmill Pass (JMT)?
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Essential gear includes: A bear-resistant container, or a counterbalance setup, Four or more litres of water capacity, because there is none low on the trail, A stove, since fires are banned above 10,400 feet, Sun protection for a completely unshaded lower canyon, Trekking poles.
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