Sierra NF Wilderness Permit: Route and Dates
Sierra NF Wilderness permits are booked by advance reservation in Sierra National Forest.
This guide covers the Sierra National Forest Wilderness permit.
$6 reservation + $5/person ($15/person if exiting Mt. Whitney)
Permit Cost
2-14 days
Duration
strenuous
Difficulty
About Sierra NF Wilderness
One overnight permit covering 55 entry trails into the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Dinkey Lakes and Kaiser Wildernesses. You reserve a trailhead and a start date, then walk where you like.
The Sierra NF Wilderness route
- High point
- 13,000 ft
- Low point
- 5,000 ft
- Trip length
- 2-14 days
- Difficulty
- strenuous
Entry points: Florence Lake, Maxson (Courtright), Isberg, Potter Pass
Sierra Nevada. Nearest town: Prather
Points along the route
- Florence Lake Trailhead
- Mono Creek
- Maxson (Courtright)
- Isberg Trailhead
- Fernandez Trailhead
- Potter Pass
- Willow Meadow / Dinkey Lake
Sierra NF Wilderness permit detailsandAll Sierra National Forest permits
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Pro Tips
Quota is only on your entry date and entry trail: once you are in, you can move between the four wildernesses and on into Yosemite, SEKI or Inyo on the same permit
Walk-up spaces are released online 14 days out and only online; USFS says "We do not create walk-up permits at the Stations"
If your trip exits over Mt. Whitney you must pick that option when you book, and the per-person fee triples
Call the issuing office three days before your start date to confirm and get the permit printed, or the reservation is voided as a no-show
Changing entry trail or entry date means a brand-new reservation and a second set of fees, so get the trailhead right the first time
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 Sierra NF Wilderness permit?
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Sierra NF Wilderness permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Sierra NF Wilderness?
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Mid-July through September, once the passes clear and creek crossings drop. Permits are required and available year-round, but the high country is under snow well into summer in a big year, and the forest roads to several trailheads close in winter.
How difficult is the Sierra NF Wilderness route?
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Backpackers ready for multi-day trips at altitude who would rather drive further than compete for an east-side trailhead.
Where does the Sierra NF Wilderness route start?
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The permit covers 4 entry points: Florence Lake, Maxson (Courtright), Isberg.
What gear do I need for the Sierra NF Wilderness route?
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Essential gear includes: Bear-resistant food canister for the areas that require it, Map and compass or a downloaded offline map: most of the area has no cell service, Water treatment, Photo ID matching the permit for pickup, Layers for high-elevation weather in any month.
Don't Miss Your Sierra NF Wilderness Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Sierra NF Wilderness availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit AlertsSet your Sierra NF Wilderness alert from your phone.
Someone cancels, and the opening shows up on your Lock Screen with the booking page one tap away.
