How to Get a Treasure Lakes - South Lake Permit
One ridge over from the Bishop Pass parade, in a granite basin most people walk straight past.
Check Treasure Lakes - South Lake permit availabilityRecreation.gov permit 233262 lists a $6 Inyo reservation fee plus a $5 per-person fee.
Permit Cost
1-2 days
Duration
moderate
Difficulty
About Treasure Lakes - South Lake
Treasure Lakes at South Lake is an Inyo National Forest wilderness entry point above Bishop, branching off the Bishop Pass trail into a quiet granite basin below the Sierra crest. 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. This permit does not include Bishop Pass entry and does not connect to the John Muir Trail. It is the short, quiet option from a very busy trailhead.
Inyo National Forest describes the Treasure Lakes trail starting at South Lake, combined with the Bishop Pass trail until the first trail junction, then leading to a beautiful, less visited granite basin separated from the Bishop Creek Canyon by Hurd Peak. The high alpine lakes are rimmed by the Sierra Crest, dominated by Mount Thompson and Mount Goode.
The Experience
You share the first half mile with everyone heading to Bishop Pass and then turn right and lose them all. The basin is bare granite and cold water with the crest standing over it, and it is quiet in a way that Bishop Pass never is.
From South Lake the trail runs with the Bishop Pass trail to the first junction, then branches toward Treasure Lakes. Hurd Peak separates the basin from Bishop Creek Canyon.
Inyo is clear about the limits: the permit for Treasure Lakes does not include Bishop Pass entry, and this trail does not connect to the John Muir Trail. It is a destination, not a corridor.
One naming trap Inyo calls out: for the Treasure Lakes near Mount Dade, use the Little Lakes Valley trail instead. Two different places share the name.
What to Expect
A shared start with the Bishop Pass trail as far as the first junction
A granite basin separated from Bishop Creek Canyon by Hurd Peak
Lakes rimmed by the crest under Mount Thompson and Mount Goode
No Bishop Pass and no John Muir Trail connection
A quota season from May 1 to November 1, plus a two-week release
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Permit Requirements
This permit does not include Bishop Pass entry, and the trail does not connect to the John Muir Trail
No campfires
Bear containers are required for storage of food and trash
Maximum group size is 15
For the Treasure Lakes near Mount Dade, use the Little Lakes Valley trail instead
John Muir Wilderness regulations apply
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •A bear canister - Inyo requires containers for food and trash here
- •A stove, since campfires are prohibited
- •Warm layers for a high granite basin
- •Water treatment
Hazards & Safety
Altitude, since the trailhead is already high and the basin is higher
Afternoon storms on open granite with no shelter
Snow in the basin into early summer
Loose rock on the approach to the upper lakes
Best Time to Visit
The quota season runs May 1 to November 1. July through September is the reliable window. It is a good early-season option in a year when Bishop Pass is still snowbound.
Pro Tips
Book this when Bishop Pass is gone - same trailhead, far better odds
The junction comes early, so watch for it rather than following the crowd uphill
Carry a stove, since fires are banned here
Park at South Lake early, because the lot serves three trails
Do not confuse this with the Treasure Lakes near Mount Dade, which is the Little Lakes Valley permit
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 Treasure Lakes - South Lake permit?
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Treasure Lakes - South Lake permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Treasure Lakes - South Lake?
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The quota season runs May 1 to November 1. July through September is the reliable window. It is a good early-season option in a year when Bishop Pass is still snowbound.
How difficult is Treasure Lakes - South Lake?
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Parties who want one high alpine night without a pass crossing, and anyone shut out of Bishop Pass.
What gear do I need for Treasure Lakes - South Lake?
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Essential gear includes: A bear canister - Inyo requires containers for food and trash here, A stove, since campfires are prohibited, Warm layers for a high granite basin, Water treatment.
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