Elizabeth Pass Wilderness Permits

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

photo of Ranger Meadow, Deadman Canyon, Kings Canyon National Park, California
photo of Ranger Meadow, Deadman Canyon, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Elizabeth Pass Wilderness Permits

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks


Wilderness Permits

A Wilderness Permits is required for an overnight trip in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. During the Quota Period, near the end of May until near the end of September, there are trailhead quotas for each trail. There is a $15 permit fee per group plus $5 per person during the Quota Period. Unlike previous years, in 2021 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks switched to the Recreation.gov website to handle wilderness permit reservations. See the link below.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Wilderness Permits become available 6 months in advance of your departure date.

Permits for the Twin Lakes trail are picked up at the Visitor Center in Lodgepole Village. Permits can only be picked up the afternoon before your trip begins as early as 1:00 PM or in the morning of your trip before 10:00 AM during permit station operating hours. Bring your entire party to the permit pickup orientation. For late permit pickups, notify the Wilderness Office by calling 559-565-3766. There are no night drops.

Descending Elizabeth Pass, Sequoia National Park, California

Descending Elizabeth Pass

About ⅔ of the daily permit allocation can be reserved in advance. For the Twin Lakes trailhead, space is available each day for 30 people. Of those, 20 can be reserved ahead of time. The remaining "walk-up permits" may be picked up beginning at 1:00 PM the day before the start of your trip at the Visitor Center. More permits may become available after 9:00 AM the day of your trip.

The Visitor Center at Lodgepole Village is open from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, but hours can change, so call ahead to confirm. (559) 565-4436 If you know you will be delayed, call the Wilderness Office by 8:30 AM to hold your reserved permit. Wilderness Office: (559) 565-3766

Recreation.gov Wilderness Permit Reservations:

Sequoia and Kings Canyon Wilderness Permits.


Wreckage of old bridge in Lone Pine Creek gorge, Sequoia National Park, California

Wreckage of Old bridge in Lone Pine Creek Gorge



Key Backcountry Regulations for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

  • Camping: Bearpaw Meadow camp only in designated sites.
  • Campfires are prohibited above 9,000 feet in western Sequoia, 10,000 feet in Kings Canyon.
  • Bear canisters, bear boxes, or counter-balance hanging of food may be used to protect food from bears. Most popular camping areas have bear boxes.

Regulations and procedures are often adjusted due to changes in forest conditions (e.g. wildfires, COVID-19), so it is wise to check the park website for a complete list of regulations and any updates:
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Wilderness Alerts and Regulations.



Books

Sierra South is the leading backpacking resource for hiking in the southern Sierra.

Maps

National Geographic's map of Sequoia and Kings Canyon includes both parks on waterproof, tear-resistant paper. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Map



Backpacking Supplies


Shop Amazon for
Backpacking Essentials

The Lodgepole Market and Gift Shop has a good supply of food and other small items. Outside the park try Sportsman's Warehouse in Visalia or Fresno. Also in Fresno is REI.