Inyo NF Wilderness Permit — Saddlebag Lake
Inyo National Forest · California
Wilderness permit for entry via Saddlebag Lake in Inyo National Forest. Access to John Muir Wilderness and Ansel Adams Wilderness.
Get an alert when Saddlebag Lake opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Saddlebag Lake were gone within 45 minutes.
Saddlebag Lake reservation dates
- max group size
- 15people
How to get a Saddlebag Lake permit
As of October 2026, Saddlebag Lake in Inyo National Forest, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Saddlebag Lake rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Canceled Saddlebag Lake permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- CA
Step 1: Create an account before permits drop
Find this permit on the managing agency's booking system and set up an account with your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
More on Saddlebag Lake: Live availability activityWhen Saddlebag Lake permits open up
Guides: Saddlebag Lake permit guideSawmill Pass (JMT) permit guideShadow Creek (Agnew Meadow) permit guide
When to hike Saddlebag Lake
Weather Forecast
Trailhead
Today
71°
37°
Wed
69°
45°
Thu
63°
47°
Fri
61°
50°
Sat
59°
50°
38%
Sun
60°
46°
44%
Mon
63°
45°
Saddlebag Lake rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Saddlebag Lake.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Saddlebag Lake · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Saddlebag Lake FAQ
How do I get a Saddlebag Lake permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Saddlebag Lake cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Saddlebag Lake permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Saddlebag Lake?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Saddlebag Lake permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Saddlebag Lake permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
Saddlebag Lake trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Saddlebag Lake permit
Where to stay near Saddlebag Lake
- Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group CampInyo National Forest
- Trumbull Lake campgroundHumboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters
- Tuolumne Horse CampsitesYosemite National Park
- All California campgrounds
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
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