Do I need a permit to backpack Sierra National Forest Wilderness?

What the Sierra National Forest Wilderness permit costs and covers

Fee

$6 reservation + $5/person ($15/person if exiting Mt. Whitney)

Group size limit

15 people

Season starts

Year-round

What the rules require

• Permit required year-round for overnight trips in all four wildernesses
• Maximum group size 15, and separate groups may not combine past 15
• Every person counts for group size, quota and fees, regardless of age
• The signed permit must be in the group leader's possession and shown to rangers on request
• The whole group must start on the entry date and at the entry trail named on the permit
• Permits are not issued for stays longer than 14 days in one area
• Only the group leader or the listed alternate may pick up or use the permit; names cannot be changed or added
• Bear-resistant food storage is required in specific areas and recommended everywhere
• No drones — they are prohibited in wilderness
• Pack out all trash; do not burn or bury food or rubbish

Published rules for the Sierra National Forest Wilderness Permit, quoted as written.

Getting one

Dates for Sierra National Forest Wilderness sell out and then come back as people cancel. PermitSnag watches Sierra National Forest Wilderness Permit and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.

Common questions about the Sierra National Forest Wilderness permit