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Inyo NF Tuttle Creek permit
Wilderness permit for entry via Tuttle Creek in Inyo National Forest. Access to ...
Inyo NF Wilderness Permit — Treasure Lakes - South Lake
Inyo National Forest · California
Each entry point carries its own quota
Wilderness permit for entry via Treasure Lakes - South Lake in Inyo National Forest. Access to John Muir Wilderness and Ansel Adams Wilderness.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Treasure Lakes - South Lake were gone within 5 minutes.
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Treasure Lakes - South Lake Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh7/10
SeasonMay 1 - November 1
CostRecreation.gov permit 233262 lists a $6 Inyo reservation fee plus a $5 per-person fee.
Max Group Size15 people
Treasure Lakes - South Lake Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, Treasure Lakes - South Lake in Inyo National Forest, California requires a permit issued via reservation.
- Treasure Lakes - South Lake is a high-demand permit, rating 7/10 on PermitSnag's demand index.
- The permit season for Treasure Lakes - South Lake runs May 1 through November 1.
- Cancelled Treasure Lakes - South Lake permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Key Dates
SeasonMay 1 - November 1
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level7/10
LocationEastern Sierra, CA
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
What to Expect
Route Details
Route Type
Out & Back
Duration
1-2 days
Difficulty
ModerateHighlights
- •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
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.
Hazards & Considerations
- !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
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
☁️
70°
52°
Mon
☀️
72°
50°
Tue
🌫️
69°
52°
Wed
☁️
68°
54°
Thu
⛅
70°
51°
Fri
☀️
71°
52°
Sat
☁️
70°
52°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
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.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Learn More
When to Go
Peak: July through SeptemberShoulder: Late June and October
Conditions
Warm days on the granite, cold nights, storms in the afternoon.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Quiet basin next to a very busy trailhead
- +Short enough for a single night
- +Permits far easier than Bishop Pass
Challenges
- !Crowded parking at South Lake
- !No shelter from storms in the basin
- !Cold nights
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand3/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill1/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk2/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment2/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Parties who want one high alpine night without a pass crossing, and anyone shut out of Bishop Pass.
Recommended Experience
Comfort with a short steep climb at altitude.
Not Recommended For
Anyone planning to reach the John Muir Trail, which this trail does not connect to.
About This Permit
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.
The Experience
Why It Matters
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 Route
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.
The Feeling
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.
Rules & Regulations
- •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 Checklist
Required
- 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
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Treasure Lakes - South Lake
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
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Key Landmarks
South Lake trailhead
Shared with the Bishop Pass trail as far as the first junction.
Hurd Peak
Separates the Treasure Lakes basin from Bishop Creek Canyon.
Treasure Lakes
High alpine lakes rimmed by the crest, under Mount Thompson and Mount Goode.
Safety & Planning
Treasure Lakes - South Lake FAQ
Does a Treasure Lakes permit include Bishop Pass?
No. Inyo National Forest states the permit for Treasure Lakes does not include Bishop Pass entry, and that this trail does not connect to the John Muir Trail.
Which Treasure Lakes does this permit cover?
The Treasure Lakes above South Lake, below Mount Thompson and Mount Goode. Inyo notes that for the Treasure Lakes near Mount Dade you should use the Little Lakes Valley trail instead.
Are campfires allowed at Treasure Lakes?
No. Inyo prohibits campfires on this entry point and requires bear containers for food and trash.
When can I reserve a Treasure Lakes permit?
Inyo's quota season runs May 1 to November 1 in 2026, with reservations opening six months ahead at 7 am Pacific and additional permits released two weeks in advance.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
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Trip Reports
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Write the First ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Evening on Mount Thompson and Mount Goode from the lower Treasure Lake.
Best Light
Early morning, when the basin is still and the crest is lit.
Beat the Crowds
The turn off the Bishop Pass trail does most of the work. Almost nobody follows it.
Classic Shots
- 📍Hurd Peak from the junction
- 📍Treasure Lakes with the crest behind
- 📍Bishop Creek Canyon from the basin rim
Can't Get a Treasure Lakes - South Lake Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Bishop Pass -South Lake
Same AreaThe main event from the same trailhead, over the pass into Dusy Basin.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Much bigger country and a JMT connection, on a far more contested permit.
Lamarck Lakes
Similar ExperienceA short climb from the North Lake road to another quiet lake basin.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Similar effort and similar solitude, in a different drainage.
Sabrina Lake
Same AreaThe third Bishop Creek trailhead, up the Middle Fork toward Blue and Dingleberry Lakes.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
A longer walk to the lakes, on a quieter permit.
🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Treasure Lakes - South Lake trip
Trip planning
Articles that plan a trip around this permit.
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