East Lake Backpacking Wilderness Permits

Hoover Wilderness

photo of East Lake, Hoover Wilderness, California
photo of East Lake, Hoover Wilderness, California

East Lake Backpacking Wilderness Permits

Hoover Wilderness


Wilderness Permits

A Wilderness Permits is required year-round for each party camping overnight in the Hoover Wilderness. Since the East Lake portion of the Hoover Wilderness is in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, they are the agency that issues the permits in partnership with Recreation.gov. The maximum number of people allowed in each group is 15.

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Wilderness Permit Reservations

From the last Friday in June through September 15 there are quotas for the number of overnight campers admitted each day on certain trailheads, including the East Lake trail along Green Creek. There are also quotas on nearby trails such as Buckeye Creek, Horse Creek, and Virginia Lakes.

Lower Robinson Lake, Hoover Wilderness, California

Lower Robinson Lake

Trail Quotas

The trail to East Lake along Green Creek is allotted permits for a maximum of 40 overnight backpackers per day. Of those, permits for up to 20 people may be reserved ahead of time Recreation.gov. Reserved permits can be printed at home within 7 days of entry date.

The other 20 slots are set aside as "walk-up" permits, become available "within three days of the date of entry" at Recreation.gov your departure. These permits will be immediately available for printing. "You are responsible to print your permit and maintain a signed hard copy in your possession for the duration of your trip." This is a popular trailhead in the summer and on weekends.


Bridgeport Valley and Swatooth Range, Mono County, California

The Sawtooth Range from Bridgeport Valley

Fees

Currently there is a $6 fee for a permit reservation and $3 more for each person in your party. (These fees may increase from $3 per person to $12 per person over 12 years old in popular areas, including Green Creek.) For more information, call the Bridgeport Ranger Station (760) 932-7070, summer hours 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM 7 days a week. During the winter (Oct. 16 - May 14) they are closed on weekends and holidays.
Hoover Wilderness Permits

Key Hoover Wilderness Regulations

  1. Bear canisters are required in the Hoover Wilderness.
  2. Campfires are not permitted above 9,000 feet. While East Lake is above 9,000 feet, Green Lake is just below 9,000 feet.

Regulations and procedures are often adjusted due to changes in forest conditions (e.g. wildfires, COVID-19), so it is wise to check the Forest Service website for any updates:
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Books

Sierra North is the leading backpacking resource for backpacking in the northern Sierra. It includes trails around Barney Lake.

National Georgraphic
Trail Maps

Hoover Wilderness and Tuolumne Meadows Map

The high quality map covers trails from NE Yosemite through the Hoover Wilderness, including the Barney Lake area.

Tom Harrison's Hoover Wilderness Map

Hoover Wilderness Map

Harrison's quality wilderness maps have been favorites of backpackers for years.



Virginia Lakes Pack Outfit

Virginia Lakes are located south of the Bridgeport Valley, off Highway 395. Virginia Lakes Pack Outfit operates pack trips into East Lake, Green Lake, and other areas of the Hoover Wilderness. They can pack your gear into your base camp while you make the trek on foot. Or if you would prefer, you can go on horseback along with the wrangler.

Backpacking Supplies


Shop Amazon for
Backpacking Essentials

Ken's Sporting Goods in Bridgeport has a good supply of camping gear and fishing tackle. They are happy to answer questions about fishing locations.

Beaver's Sporting Goods in Lee Vining carries camping gear and fishing tackle.