Permit Lottery Changes for Inyo National Forest Wilderness Areas: Hikers Advised to Plan Day Trips – Recent adjustments to the inyo National Forest’s wilderness permit system are prompting visitors to consider day hikes as a reliable alternative to overnight backpacking trips, particularly during peak season.
The Inyo National Forest, encompassing parts of Inyo and Tulare counties in California, offers a diverse range of outdoor activities including fishing,horseback riding,and backpacking.While day visits don’t require a permit, overnight stays within designated wilderness areas do, and these permits are allocated through a competitive process managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The permit system covers popular areas like the John Muir Wilderness and the Ansel Adams Wilderness, totaling over 580,000 acres.
Permits are available through the official website: Inyo national Forest Wilderness Permits. The Forest Service began implementing a lottery system in 2023 to manage demand, replacing the previous reservation window. Demand consistently exceeds supply, especially for popular trailheads like those accessing Thousand Island Lake and Evolution Basin.
Due to the acknowledged difficulty in securing overnight permits – a challenge particularly acute during the summer months (June through September) – the Forest Service recommends prioritizing day hikes. The Inyo National Forest boasts numerous stunning alpine lakes, such as those found in the Lakes Basin area near Bishop, CA, accessible via well-maintained trails for day trips.Popular day hike destinations include Duck Lake (6.8 miles roundtrip) and Convict Lake (2.3 miles roundtrip). These options allow visitors to experience the beauty of the wilderness without the complexities of the permit process.
Visitors are encouraged to check current conditions, including trail closures and fire restrictions, before heading out. Information can be found on the Inyo national Forest website or by contacting the Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center at (760) 934-2585 or the Bishop Visitor center at (760) 873-2500.
