Wilderness Permits
A wilderness Permit is required for each party using the Kearsarge Pass trail for overnight camping. Since the beginning of the trail is within the Inyo National Forest, they are the agency that issues the permit in partnership with Recreation.gov. The permit covers your entire trip, including the time within Kings Canyon National Park. Backpackers do not need a separate permit from the park. Maximum group size is 15.
Trail Quotas
A maximum of 60 people may be admitted on permits for the Kearsarge Pass trail per day. Thirty-six slots may be reserved ahead of time at Recreation.gov. The other 24 slots are set aside as "walk-up" permits, now only available at Recreation.gov beginning 2 weeks before your departure.
Bullfrog Lake from West Side of Kearsarge Pass
Permit Reservations
Permits can be reserved from 1 day up to 6 months prior to your departure. Before you make your permit reservation, check the Inyo National Forest information at Wilderness Permits - Planning Your Trip.
The permit reservation costs $5 per person in your party and $6 for a transaction fee. Wilderness permit reservations are handled by Recreation.gov. Obtain your permit at their website: Recreation.gov - Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permits.
Once you have reserved your wilderness permit online, wait until one week before your trip when you can print the permit at home. After the permit is printed, you cannot make any changes. Sign it and carry it with you.
Inyo National Forest lists other pieces of information that can be printed - Additional Documents to Print, some required, some recommended.
You can visit a visitor center in person to ask questions, rent bear cans, and purchase maps and books:
- Eastern Sierra InterAgency Visitor Center, Hwy. 395, 2 miles south of Lone Pine, CA; Open Thursday - Monday, 8:30-4:30
- Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, Hwy. 395, North of Lee Vining; Open Thursday-Sunday, 8:30-4:30
Trail Leading Toward Forester Pass