The High Sierra Trail
Wilderness Permits

Sequoia National Park

Southern Sierra crest from Mount Whitney, Sequoia National Park, California
Southern Sierra crest from Mount Whitney, Sequoia National Park, California

The High Sierra Trail
Wilderness Permits

Sequoia National Park


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 High Sierra Trail are issued 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.

About ⅔ of the daily permit allocation can be reserved in advance. For the High Sierra Trail trailhead at Crescent Meadow, 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.


Descending Mount Whitney, Sequoia National Park, California

Mount Whitney Trail



Castle Rocks, Sequoia National Park, California

Castle Rocks and Great Western Divide


Key Backcountry Regulations for Sequoia National Parks

  • Camping: Bearpaw Meadow camp only in designated sites; Hamilton Lakes 2-night limit; Timberline Lake no camping.
  • Campfires are prohibited above 9,000 feet in western Sequoia. Campfires are prohibited in Hamilton Lakes area and in other specified areas. Current details when you pick up your permit.
  • Store food items to prevent bears or other wildlife from obtaining them. 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.
  • Special sanitation regulations apply at Guitar Lake and Mt. Whitney. A toilet kit will be issued with your permit.

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.

The High Sierra Trail, a guide to hiking the 72-mile route from the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park to Whitney Portal.

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 find a complete stock of backpacking supplies at REI.