Emigrant Lake Wilderness Permits

Emigrant Wilderness

photo of Emigrant Lake, Emigrant Wilderness, California
photo of Emigrant Lake, Emigrant Wilderness, California

Emigrant Lake Wilderness Permits

Emigrant Wilderness


Wilderness Permits

Permits are required for every party camping in the Emigrant Wilderness from April 1 through November 30. Each party is limited to a maximum size of 15 people. There are no trailhead quotas limiting the number of people who may enter each trailhead in the Emigrant Wilderness (except Kibbie Ridge/Lake).

Wilderness permits may be obtained in person at the Summit Ranger Station on Highway 108 near Pinecrest. If the office is not open, permits can be obtained from the self-issue kiosk in front of the ranger station.


Lower Buck Lake, Emigrant Wilderness, California

Lower Buck Lake


Backpacking Supplies


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Backpacking Essentials

In Sonora stop at Sierra Nevada Adventure Co. or Big 5 Sporting Goods.

At Pinecrest, find supplies at Rich and Sal's Pinecrest Sport Shop. They carry fishing tackle and some camping gear.

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.


Kennedy Meadows Pack Station wrangler, Emigrant Wilderness, California

Kennedy Meadows Pack Station Wrangler


Kennedy Meadows Pack Station

The wranglers at Kennedy Meadows Pack Station know every mile of the trails through the Emigrant Wilderness. They can pack your gear into an Emigrant Lake base camp while you make the hike with only a day pack. Then later at a set day they return to pack your gear out.

Backcountry Regulations for the Emigrant Wilderness

Bear canisters are not required in the Emigrant Wilderness, but carrying a bear canister is always a good choice.
Campfires are prohibited in the Emigrant Wilderness above 9,000 feet and within ½ mile of Emigrant Lake.

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:
Stanislaus National Forest

Books

Sierra North is the leading backpacking resource for trips in the northern Sierra. It includes trails in the Emigrant Wilderness.

National Georgraphic
Trail Maps

Emigrant Wilderness Map

The high quality map covers trails in the Carson-Iceberg, Emigrant and Mokelumne wildernesses.

Tom Harrison Trail Map

Tom Harrison Emigrant Wilderness Map

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

Mytopo Maps

Reliable maps facilitate trip planning and are invaluable in the back country. One of the best maps for the Sabrina Basin is a custom map printed by mytopo covering as much of the the area you want. On their website you select the boundaries to be printed.

It is wise to include a large area around your planned hike route. Often you will reuse the map for other trips in the region. And there is always the remote chance that you will need to exit via a different trail than you planned. The maps are printed on waterproof, tear-resistant paper.