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# Big Pine Lakes Wilderness Permits ### John Muir Wilderness  [INDEX](https://highsierratrails.com/resources/trailsindex.html) [HOME](https://highsierratrails.com/index.html) [TRIP OVERVIEW](https://highsierratrails.com/big_pine/big_pine_overview.html) [TRAIL & MAP](https://highsierratrails.com/big_pine/big_pine_trail.html) [DESTINATION](https://highsierratrails.com/big_pine/big_pine_destination.html) [PERMITS](https://highsierratrails.com/big_pine/big_pine_resources.html) [SIERRA MAP](https://highsierratrails.com/resources/sierra_map.html)  # Big Pine Lakes Wilderness Permits ### John Muir Wilderness ## *Wilderness Permits* A Wilderness Permit is required for each party (up to a maximum of 15 people) camping overnight in the John Muir Wilderness. Since the Big Pines Lakes portion of the John Muir Wilderness is in the **Inyo National Forest**, they are in charge of issuing permits (working in partnership with Recreation.gov). There are daily quotas for each trailhead, so obtaining a wilderness permit reservation is recommended. Reservations can me made from 1 day up to 6 months prior to your departure date. New permits become available at 7:00 AM PST exactly 6 month to the day ahead of your departure date. Before you make your permit reservation, check the Inyo National Forest information at [Wilderness Permits - Planning Your Trip](https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/inyo/passes-permits/recreation). Then make your reservation using [Recreation.gov](https://www.recreation.gov/permits/233262).  #### *Fourth Lake* #### Picking up Your Permit One week before the trip you can request to pick up the permit at the wilderness center; or, more conveniently, you can print your permit at home: [Permit Printing Instructions](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5356869). After printing you cannot make changes unless you contact the wilderness permit office or go into the visitor center during open hours. #### Trail Quotas The trail to Big Pine Lakes is via the **Big Pine Creek North Fork**, which is allotted permits for a maximum of 25 overnight backpackers per day. Of those, permits for up to 15 people may be reserved ahead of time. The other 10 slots are set aside as *"walk-up"* permits, now only available at [Recreation.gov](https://www.recreation.gov/permits/233262) beginning 2 weeks before your departure. There is no walk-up service at visitor centers. This is a popular trailhead in the summer and on weekends.  #### *Looking Toward South Fork Big Pine Creek Glacier Pack Station in Lower Left* #### Fees Currently there is a \$6 fee for a permit reservation and \$5 more for each person in your party. For more information, call Inyo National Forest at (760) 873-2483 Open 8 am to 4:30 pm (closed for lunch). During the winter (Oct. 16 - May 14) they are closed on weekends and holidays. #### Picking Up Your Permit Once you have reserved your wilderness permit online, wait until one week before your trip when you can print the permit at home: [Permit Printing Instructions](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5356869). 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](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5356869), 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 [HOME](https://highsierratrails.com/index.html) [TRIP OVERVIEW](https://highsierratrails.com/big_pine/big_pine_overview.html) [TRAIL & MAP](https://highsierratrails.com/big_pine/big_pine_trail.html) [DESTINATION](https://highsierratrails.com/big_pine/big_pine_destination.html) [PERMITS](https://highsierratrails.com/big_pine/big_pine_resources.html) [SIERRA MAP](https://highsierratrails.com/resources/sierra_map.html) [INDEX](https://highsierratrails.com/resources/trailsindex.html) ### Key John Muir Wilderness Regulations 1. **Bear canisters** are not required in the Big Pine Lakes area, but they are recommended. 2. **Campfires** are not permitted at Big Pine Lakes or the surrounding area. 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: [Inyo National Forest](https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/inyo/home) ### *Books* [Sierra South](https://www.amazon.com/Sierra-South-Backcountry-Californias-Nevada/dp/0899978843/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YDOV1AXJNB5Y&keywords=sierra+south&qid=1706631136&sprefix=sierra+south%252Caps%252C168&sr=8-1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=davssiefis-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=2ce67cc56353394674f58638b20cbc46&camp=1789&creative=9325) is the leading backpacking resource for backpacking in the southern Sierra. ### *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**](https://mapstore.mytopo.com/) 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**. ### Packers and Guides [Glacier Pack Train](http://www.glacierpacktrain.com/) (760-938-2538) is located very close to the trailhead. You can contact them to have your gear packed on mules into the wilderness and to arrange for saddle horses. For mountaineering guides, take a look at the [Sierra Mountain Center](https://www.sierramountaincenter.com/) in Bishop. ### Backpacking Supplies #### Shop Amazon for [Backpacking Essentials](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=backpacking+essentials&crid=3S4Z0EK7ABQF6&sprefix=backpacking+essentials%252Caps%252C172&ref=nb_sb_noss_1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=davssiefis-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=fa7d0e232996623794c12e2fe1ad1bf3&camp=1789&creative=9325) [Eastside Sports](https://eastsidesports.com/) at 224 N. Main in Bishop features a full inventory of backpacking gear, including clothing, boots, sleeping bags and pads, headlamps, tents, and so much more. ### *High Sierra Trails* ◊ [Chicago Park Web Design](mailto:dave@davessierrafishing.com) ◊ Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that may have been made. The information provided on this website is done so without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.