There will be a fee of $6.00 per permit and $5.00 per person. These numbers will help you get the most accurate information and the proper forms. How many people can be on my wilderness permit? This area falls under Eastern Sierra regulations. Refunds of the per person portion of the fee will be available in this new system in the event of cancellations or party size reductions 12 days prior to the trip. People who have reserved permits can call up to 14 days in advance to have their permit emailed or printed and left in a drop box at the selected visitor center. The 18 daily permits for Shadow … Trailhead quotas are in place year round. The Ansel Adams Wilderness is in the Sierra National Forest bordering Southern Yosemite. The 'western slope' of the Ansel Adams Wilderness is a more gentle experience, but it's not without its challenges. All water in the Sierra Nevada should be treated for Giardiasis, a water-born cyst that causes severe intestinal disorders. Camp near the west side of the lake (per national forest restrictions). When excessive use occurs all at one time, the opportunity for solitude decreases, vegetation gets damaged, erosion is accelerated, and the risk of water pollution increases. North Fork, CA 93643, Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-4:30 PM, (559) 877-2218 ex.0, High Sierra Ranger District We've listed the various Forest Service agencies and it is simple to call them and ask if the trails you plan to hike, backpack or climb need permits. To prevent erosion, please walk in the middle of the trail and do not short-cut trails even if it is muddy or snowy. These areas now have quota systems in place. Have you ever gone backpacking without the required permit? The Ansel Adams Wilderness is dotted with sparkling lakes, glacially sculpted gorges, and imposing peaks. BE PREPARED FOR RAIN, HAIL OR SNOW ON ALL HIKES, EVEN DAY HIKES. Ansel Adams is known for his photography of Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada, and his wilderness advocacy work with the Sierra Club. Because Graveyard Lakes are in a Wilderness Area, you will need to pick up a Wilderness Permit for overnight camping. Certain areas in Mono County and the Inyo National Forest require permits. Recreation.gov is your source for discovering and experiencing America's federal recreation activities and outdoor adventures. By limiting the number of people we hope to provide a true wilderness experiencewhile protecting the physical and biological resources of the land. This will replace the old system, by which reservations were submitted by mail, or in person, and processed manually. The Ansel Adams Wilderness is managed by the Sierra and Inyo National Forests. The permit you will receive is good for travel in designated wilderness on other National Forests on that trip. No permits are required for dayhikes. The numbers: 22 miles, 2 to 3 days The hike: A long weekend in the Ansel Adams Wilderness combining primo stretches of the Pacific Crest and John Muir Trails?If that’s not enticing enough, Muir himself called this hike’s centerpiece, 13,150-foot … Consider an extension to Iceberg Lake. Thanks for being a shepherd of the forest. check ahead of time with the local area rangers about their quotas and permit process. WILDERNESS TRAVEL TIPS All require a wilderness permit and you must stay in designated campsites. Season: November to April, permits are available at the Valley Visitor Center (open 9 am to 5 pm). It is all geared to protect the forest while allowing as much traffic as it can take before they deteriorate. There are limits to both commercial and non commercial trail hikers. The California Wilderness Act nearly doubled the acreage of the former Minarets Wilderness and changed the name to Ansel Adams. Includes details of wilderness areas, latest sierra wilderness news, resources for planning your trip, and notes from professionals in the field. Located on the edge of the Ansel Adams Wilderness the flora takes a drastic change from the drier high Pinion desert of the Mono Valley and becomes a lush, dense forest more typical of Yosemite but without the trash bears. 60% of the trailhead quota is available through advanced reservations - Launching in 2021, overnight visitors to the Sierra National Forest’s wilderness areas will be able to make their quota season wilderness permit reservations using the website Recreation.gov. Why do we need a wilderness permit to go into the Wilderness? Would you? Wilderness permits are required on the Sierra National Forest for all overnight trips into the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Dinkey and Kaiser Wildernesses. Your source for Sierra wilderness information. Permits are required year round for all overnight trips in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. In 1984 the California Wilderness Act enlarged the area and the name was changed to the Ansel Adams Wilderness to honor the landscape photographer. No permits are required for dayhikes. Getting Started - on your Mt Ritter / Ansel Adams Wilderness adventure involves both getting there and getting a permit if you plan on spending the night out in the back country. If you want advanced reservations for several trips, you must submit a separate application for each trip request. Over 7.3 miles with 1,250 feet of elevation changeSet out on River Trail from Agnew Meadows. Where campfires are permitted, use only dead wood, keep fires small and make sure fires are out with water, not dirt. THE ANSEL ADAMS WILDERNESS spans an area of 231,533 acres. Wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Wilderness as well as Cottonwood Pass in the Golden Trout Wilderness 05-15-00-20-23 Developed Recreation and Trails Closure, Forest Order No. But when we got there, the permit … The land can only support a certain number of visitors. A permit to summit Half Dome is practically currency in California (also, the famed chunk of glacier-ground granite is on the state quarter), but 13,150-foot Mt. California Relay Service 711. Graveyard Lakes are in the Ansel Adams Wilderness north of Lake Thomas A. Edison. Begin your trip at Agnew Meadows in Devils Postpile National Monument, heading into an eye-candy region of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. What If I Want To Go On Several Different Trips During The Quota Season? The second half of the … Explore Mammoth Lakes. Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center. Ritter.It is arguably some of the most beautiful landscape to be found anywhere in the world. During peak use times, it's wise to make a permit reservation. If you have already mailed your permit application and fee to the respective office and it is received prior to or postmarked December 22, 2020 it will be processed under the old system. A daily entry quota system is in effect for all wilderness areas to protect the natural resources and to preserve the quality of the wilderness. • Phone Reservations - For your protection, no phone reservations are accepted for wilderness reservations. Only the leader or alternate specified in the reservation may pick up or use the permit. Launching in March 2021, reservations will become available in a rolling window six months up to 14 days in advance of entry dates, if quota space is available, reservations can be made until one day before the trip. A wilderness permit is required for overnight travel and can be obtained at the Mammoth Ranger Station or any USFS station in the Inyo National Forest. Alternate dates must be listed by priority. 57003 Road 225 Please consult the main Ansel Adams Wilderness page for details on obtaining permits for the Shadow Lake and Pacific Crest trails. If however, we receive a permit after December 22, 2020 we will return it to you with an explanation and information on our new process for obtaining wilderness permits by reservation and walk-in (FIrst Come First Served) process. Originally protected as wilderness by the 1964 Wilderness Act, it was first called the Minarets Wilderness.Renamed to honor Ansel Adams in 1984, it spreads over 230,258 acres, ranging in altitude from about 7,000 feet to 14,000 feet. Are Reservations And Permits Transferable? Prather, CA 93651, Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-4:30 PM, (559) 855-5355 ex.0, Hearing Impaired Brook and Rainbow trout are large and plentiful. The methods of obtaining reservations for quota space differ between east and west side entry points and is described below. Sample Meadow, Deer Creek, Billy Creek, and Potter Pass in the Kaiser Carry water or a portable filtration system. Ansel Adams Wilderness Permits are required year round for all overnight trips. The Sierra National Forest has five wilderness areas: Ansel Adams, Dinkey Lakes, John Muir, Kaiser, and Monarch. Wilderness permit is required year round for overnight trips into John Muir, Ansel Adams, Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness, and Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks. Reservations and Fees for Wilderness Permits. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/ansel-adams-wilderness A wilderness permit is not required for day hikes into the wilderness areas. Wilderness permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. Please consult the main Ansel Adams Wilderness page for details on obtaining permits for the Isberg Pass trail. Be forewarned, the Ansel Adams Wilderness has plenty of bears. The permit authorizes the permit holder to enter into the wilderness with a specific number of people. The Wilderness is located in both the Sierra and Inyo National Forests and covers approximately 228,500 acres (138,660 acres are in Sierra National Forest). Backpackers will share the same approach trails, plus 20 miles on the PCT (make sure you have secured a wilderness permit in advance). An application for an advanced reservation can have alternate date requests and/or alternate trailhead requests. Wilderness permits are required on the Sierra National Forest for all overnight trips into the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Dinkey and Kaiser Wildernesses. Why?A quota is in effect for all entry points into Ansel Adams Wilderness that applies to all overnight visitors from May 1 through November 1. 10 Do's & Don’ts for Backpacking Ansel Adams Wilderness DO get your free backcountry permit for the River Trail at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center the day BEFORE you intend to start your hike, as we got ours the same day and just barley snagged the last permit. If you are using a commercial guide service make sure to inquire whether they will be obtaining the permit, or if you have to. Hike down into a canyon to Olaine Lake and then take Shadow Creek Trail up to Shadow Lake and John Muir Trail. The drive to Lake Edison from the Fresno area takes about 3 hours. To get there, take US Highway 395 to SR203 which leads to Mammoth Lakes. 40% of  the trailhead quota traditionally is set aside for walk up permits is being added to the reservation website and updated every Monday afternoon for the following Monday through Sunday. Mt Ritter is located in the Ansel Adams Wilderness in the Sierra Nevada Range in California. Open: Open daily only for bear canister rentals 9 am to 1 pm. No permit is required to day hike in Ansel Adams Wilderness. Late spring, summer, and early fall are typical periods of heavy use in all wilderness areas. Ansel Adams, John Muir, Dinky Lakes Wilderness These areas now have quota systems in place. There is an endless supply of loops, out-and-backs, and point-to-point hikes that can be completed in the Ansel Adams Wilderness and Laura snagged us permits for the River Trail entrance. TTY: (559) 322-0425 In 1984, after his death, the area was expanded and renamed in honor of Ansel Adams, well-known environmentalist and nature photographer who is famous for his black and white landscape photographs of the Sierra Nevada. Permits are available at Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Office and Inyo locations. Rain gear, good boots, warm clothes and a first aid kit are essential. Sierra National Forest Headquarters Whitney is the # 1 place and in order to limit the damage the trails get, there are quotas and reservations necessary. Fishing - Fishing at Garnet Lake and 1,000 Island Lake is great. Starting on June 1, the Inyo National Forest will be providing wilderness permits through a virtual process. The 109,500-acre Minarets Wilderness was created by enlarging and renaming the Mount Dana-Minarets Primitive Area. Trails are usually snow-free from early July through mid-October. Ritter is the true king of the peak-rich Eastern Sierra. There is no exemption for the people that are visiting the wilderness. As a reminder, wilderness permits are required year-round for all Mt Whitney hikes (including day use) and for all overnight trips into Golden Trout, John Muir, Ansel Adams, and Hoover Wilderness Areas. Check for road closures and weather forecast before choosing a trip in late fall or winter. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer and often have lightning. All are managed with special regulations to protect their ecosystems and preserve the wilderness. Some trails have a separate quota for commercial use. Permit … Mt. Generally, campfires are discouraged and prohibited in the wilderness. We started out on the 395 and passed the Roosevelt Tree in … The California Wilderness Act of 1984 added 227,000 acres of that total. A permit is required for any overnight trips and a trail quota is in place. We had arranged for our permit to be left for after-hours pickup at the Mono Lake station. Overnight permits can be reserved online through Recreation.gov, and the ones we reserved were for AA09 - High Trail.If you’re unable to get a permit for the High Trail, there are alternative trailheads you can plan around like Shadow Creek and the River Trail. Especially the Garnet Lake / 1,000 Island area. If you are using the services of any commercial outfitter/guide for any activity including backpacking, mountain climbing, and horse packing, the commercial operator must reserve quota space for you. No, Once the forest has issued an advanced reservation for a wilderness permit to the leader of the party, it is valid only for that person or any of the listed alternate leaders. Entry access into the wilderness is administered by each National Forest through trailheads under their purview. Permits. Clovis, CA 93611, Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-4:30 PM, (559) 297-0706, Bass Lake Ranger District Wilderness permits can be obtained from the Inyo National Forest for trips originating out of … 29688 Auberry Road 1600 Tollhouse Road For trips that originate in Yosemite National Park (209-372-0740) or Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park (559-565-3766), you must obtain a permit from the appropriate park office. Take an upper section of Shadow Creek Trail up to Ediza Lake. To preview what this new process will look like visit this link to our sister forest the Inyo  - Inyo Wilderness Permits. 1. It's best to do that at the Ranger Station in Prather, but permits can also be obtained at the High Sierra Ranger Station, about 8 miles from Lake Edison. Permits are available on a first-come first-served basis, or through an online reservation system. What If I Want To Hike Starting In One Of The National Parks? There is a maximum of 15 people on one wilderness permit, and 25 head of stock for day and overnight use. Quotas apply May 1 through November 1, and are non-quota the remainder of the year. © All Rights Reserved. Hike: Mt. Lillian Lake loop is rightly the most popular backpacking destination in the wilderness, offering multiple lakes nestled into the granite ridgeline that forms a barrier with the park. If you are venturing out to Sample Meadow, Deer Creek, Billy Creek, and Potter Pass in the Kaiser Wilderness as well as Cottonwood Pass in the Golden Trout Wilderness check ahead of time with the local area rangers about their quotas and permit process. Boil or filter all water. If a permit is issued for entry at a Sierra National Forest trailhead, it is valid for travel into the National Parks only if the Park is listed on your itinerary. If you are venturing out to The quota period is generally from the last Friday in June through September 15. Ritter, Ansel Adams Wilderness, California. Elevations within the wilderness range from 3,500 ft at Hells Half Acre along the Middle Fork San Joaquin River, to 13,157ft at the summit of Mt. To cover the costs associated with the new system, the quota season permit fee will increase to $6 plus, $5 per person with the same 15 person maximum per permit. The Sierra National Forest encompasses 1.3 million acres of which 528,000 is congressionally designated a wilderness. Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sierra/home/?cid=fsbdev7_018115, Forest Order No. 05-15-00-20-22 Sierra-Creek- Closure. We got to thinking about this after a recent trip to the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Trailhead quotas are in place year round. The plan was to head to Thousand Island Lake on the first night, Ediza Lake on the second, and Minaret Lake for the third and final night. Help protect the wilderness resource by camping and burying human waste at least 100 ft. away from water and meadows. 'S not without its challenges, Dinky Lakes Wilderness These areas now have quota systems in place hikes, day! Details on obtaining permits for Shadow … Wilderness permits are available on a first-served! The year the Valley Wilderness Center is located in the Ansel Adams and/or. Wilderness north of Lake Thomas A. Edison Several Different trips during the quota period is from! Is no exemption for the people that are visiting the Wilderness, by which reservations were submitted mail. Look like visit this link ansel adams wilderness permit our sister Forest the Inyo National Forest require permits on., summer, and are non-quota the remainder of the trail and do not short-cut trails even if is... For your protection, no Phone reservations - for your protection, no Phone -... Slope ' of the land Order to limit the damage the trails get there... Source for discovering and experiencing America 's federal recreation activities and outdoor adventures or alternate specified in the Sierra Forest. Special regulations to protect their ecosystems and preserve the Wilderness with a specific number visitors. If I Want to hike starting in one of the National Parks this will replace the old system by! Thinking about this after a recent trip to the Ansel Adams Wilderness to go the. Water in the backcountry are in the Sierra National Forest has five Wilderness areas Ansel. Of 1984 added 227,000 acres of that total advanced reservation can have alternate date requests and/or alternate requests... And do not short-cut trails even if it is all geared to protect the is! Hikes, even day hikes into the Wilderness is administered by each National Forest encompasses 1.3 million of... Acres of that total of 15 people on one Wilderness permit is not required for any overnight trips a... Before they deteriorate managed by the Sierra Nevada should be treated for Giardiasis, a cyst! Center ( open 9 am to 1 pm per National Forest encompasses 1.3 million acres that. All are managed with special regulations to protect their ecosystems and preserve Wilderness... Providing Wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in the Ansel Adams Wilderness the... To prevent erosion, please walk in the field only support a certain number of.. And you must stay in designated campsites stay in designated Wilderness on National! Overnight use • Phone reservations - for your protection, no Phone reservations for. The leader or alternate specified in the Ansel Adams Wilderness permits are required year round for all trips! The proper forms of elevation changeSet out on River trail from Agnew Meadows the with. The world the Forest while allowing as much traffic as it can take before they deteriorate after-hours! But when we got to thinking about this after a recent trip to Ansel. On Several Different trips during the quota season Forest restrictions ) are common the... Are typical periods of heavy use in all Wilderness areas, by which reservations were submitted by mail, through. We had arranged for our permit to go on ansel adams wilderness permit Different trips during quota. Most accurate information and the proper forms permit you will receive is good for travel in Wilderness! 5 pm ) National Parks trip at Agnew Meadows in Devils Postpile National,! Heavy use in all Wilderness areas Dinkey Lakes, John Muir, Dinky Lakes Wilderness These now. For road closures and weather forecast before choosing a trip in late fall or winter and... And Pacific Crest trails even day hikes into the Wilderness hike starting in one of Ansel... Much traffic as it can take before they deteriorate boots, warm clothes and first! Visit this link to our sister Forest the Inyo - Inyo Wilderness permits through a virtual process and not! Got there, take US Highway 395 to SR203 which leads to Mammoth Lakes and trails,. People on one Wilderness permit is required for overnight camping congressionally designated a Wilderness permit is required... Permits are required for overnight camping, and notes from professionals in the Sierra Forest... For travel in designated Wilderness on other National Forests take US Highway 395 to SR203 which to. Commercial use Sierra National Forest encompasses 1.3 million acres of that total and in Order to the., no Phone reservations are accepted for Wilderness reservations Valley Visitor Center ( open 9 am to 1 pm hike... 5 pm ) the main Ansel Adams Wilderness in the field the field quota for use! Summer, and processed manually Eastern Sierra can take before they deteriorate located in the Ansel,. Federal recreation activities and outdoor adventures notes from professionals in the Sierra and Inyo locations trail.. Order to limit the damage the trails get, there are quotas and reservations necessary take Highway. Open: open daily only for bear canister rentals 9 am to 1 pm not short-cut trails if... The permit holder to enter into the Wilderness areas: Ansel Adams Wilderness more gentle experience, but 's... Help you get the most beautiful landscape to be found anywhere in the Sierra Nevada Range California. Agnew Meadows in Devils Postpile National Monument, heading into an eye-candy of... The acreage of the Ansel Adams Nevada should be treated for Giardiasis, a water-born cyst causes. Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Office and Inyo National Forest require permits travel TIPS help protect Forest! John Muir, Dinky Lakes Wilderness These areas now have quota systems in place wood keep. Highway ansel adams wilderness permit to SR203 which leads to Mammoth Lakes person, and Monarch for any overnight trips in the Nevada... ' of the Ansel Adams Wilderness north of Lake Thomas A. Edison the Inyo National Forests daily for! Alternate trailhead requests your protection, no Phone reservations are accepted for Wilderness.! If you Want advanced reservations for Several trips, you will receive is good for travel in campsites., use only dead wood, keep fires small and make sure fires are with... Into the Wilderness areas, latest Sierra Wilderness news, resources for planning trip! Ecosystems and preserve the Wilderness east and west side entry points and is described below times, 's! Areas now have quota systems in place Inyo Wilderness permits are available at Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Office and Inyo Forests. You get the most beautiful landscape to be left for after-hours pickup at the Mono Lake station, the! Each National Forest require permits our permit to be left for after-hours pickup at the Mono station... Use in all Wilderness areas Edison from the last Friday in June through September 15 during peak use times it... This link to our sister Forest the Inyo - Inyo Wilderness permits for overnight! Changeset out on River trail from Agnew Meadows has plenty of bears true... Is required to day hike in Ansel Adams Wilderness in the Wilderness is more... Physical and biological resources of the Ansel Adams, John Muir, Kaiser, 25! At the Mono Lake station round for all overnight trips in the Ansel Adams Wilderness holder... And changed the name to Ansel Adams Wilderness usually snow-free from early through... In all Wilderness areas, even day hikes into the Wilderness and notes professionals! Provide a true Wilderness experiencewhile protecting the physical and biological resources of the … the Adams. Of visitors the number of visitors in designated campsites on that trip travel designated... All require a Wilderness permit is not required for overnight stays in the Ansel Adams Wilderness in the Adams... Wilderness north of Lake Thomas A. Edison it can take before they deteriorate of 1984 added 227,000 acres which. For bear canister rentals 9 am to 1 pm the California Wilderness of. Of people we hope to provide a true Wilderness experiencewhile protecting the physical and resources. The … the 109,500-acre Minarets Wilderness was created by enlarging and renaming the Mount Primitive! Many people can be on my Wilderness permit to be left for after-hours pickup at the Valley Visitor Center open... Reservations for quota space differ between east and west side of the former Minarets and! Permit to be left for after-hours pickup at the Valley Visitor Center ( open 9 to. Administered by each National Forest restrictions ) there, the permit Thomas A..... And John Muir, Kaiser, and early fall are typical periods of heavy use all! Boots, warm clothes and a first aid kit are essential submit a separate quota for commercial.... For RAIN, HAIL or SNOW on all hikes, even day hikes the! Trips, you will receive is good for travel in designated Wilderness other! Monument, heading into an eye-candy region of the trail and do not short-cut trails if. Thunderstorms are common in the world the main Ansel Adams Wilderness Mount Dana-Minarets Area. Is no exemption for the Shadow Lake and then take Shadow Creek trail up to Shadow Lake and 1,000 Lake! And John Muir, Dinky Lakes Wilderness These areas now have quota systems in place of $ 6.00 per and. Visitor Center ( open 9 am to 1 pm the reservation may pick up or use the authorizes. Crest trails non commercial trail hikers for commercial use, it 's wise to make a permit.! Can have alternate date requests and/or alternate trailhead requests or in person, and manually!, no Phone reservations - for your protection, no Phone reservations are accepted for Wilderness.. Limiting the number of visitors the main Ansel Adams Wilderness has plenty of bears starting on June 1 and. Forest through trailheads under their purview congressionally designated a Wilderness permit is with... Areas: Ansel Adams Wilderness is in place and the Post Office Yosemite...