John Muir Wilderness
This Wilderness is managed by:
The Sierra National Forest
The Inyo National Forest
Additional resources can be found on:
The Inyo National Forest Wilderness Pages
The Sierra National Forest Wilderness Pages
The John Muir’s 581,000 acres bring together the best of the Sierra’s mountain wildlands; numerous streams, tarns, lakes, and glacially carved canyons sculpt the area. Designated in the Wilderness Act of 1964, the John Muir Wilderness spans over 100 miles along the Sierra’s crest. It contains the highest peak in the lower 48 states: Mt. Whitney at 14,495 feet. The John Muir Wilderness houses the headwaters of the South and Middle Forks of the San Joaquin River as well as the North Fork of the Kings River.
Enjoying the John Muir Wilderness
Maximum Group Size
No more than 15 people and 25 head of stock are allowed on overnight trips. Why?
Wilderness Permits
Permits are required for all overnight trips. Why? All trailheads in the John Muir now have entry quotas. Quotas apply to all overnight visitors, whether you use the services of a commercial outfitter/guide or not. Some trails have specific commercial quotas and all visitors using a commercial outfitter or guide must obtain their permit through the commercial operator. Some trails have ‘single quotas’ where all commercial and non-commercial visitors must compete for the quota space.
Additional information on how to obtain wilderness permits for the Sierra or Inyo National Forests:
Bears and Food Storage
The Inyo and Sierra National Forests each have a forest order regarding proper food storage. Why? They prohibit possessing or storing any food or refuse unless stored in a bear-proof container or in another manner designed to keep bears from gaining access to the food or refuse. In addition to this, bear canisters are required in certain areas within the John Muir Wilderness.
Campfires
Ask at the local ranger station about fire restrictions or closures and whether a campfire permit is required in the area you plan to visit. Campfires are prohibited above 10,000 feet in the northern portion and above 10,400 feet in the southern portion. Why? Check with a ranger station for details on the elevational campfire closure divide between 10,000 feet and 10,400 feet.
Pets
There are special regulations pertaining to pets in the John Muir Wilderness. Dogs and domestic goats are not allowed in bighorn sheep habitat areas as a result of the recent listing of this species as Endangered. Maps of the closure areas are available at Inyo Visitor Centers to assist in planning your trip.
Other Considerations
- Camping is prohibited at the Golden Trout Lake (John Muir) for a distance of 500 feet from the shoreline in all directions.
- Fishing is a popular activity in the John Muir Wilderness, even though trout are not native to most of the lakes and streams. A California fishing license is required for everyone aged 16 and older. Licenses are available at many stores and resorts near departure trailheads, but it is smart to obtain one and a copy of the fishing regulations ahead of time.
- Special fishing restrictions apply to:
- Fishing must be catch and release only at Cottonwood Lakes 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the John Muir Wilderness.
- All other lakes in the Cottonwood Lakes Basin are restricted to artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks, limit 5. Season is July 1 – October 31st
Contact
Inyo National Forest
351 Pacu Lane, Suite 200
Bishop, CA 93514
(760) 873-2400
TDD (760) 873-2538
Sierra National Forest
Supervisor’s Office
1600 Tollhouse Road
Clovis, CA 93612
559-297-0706
TTY 559-322-4925
High Sierra Ranger District
PO Box 559
Prather, CA 93651
559-855-5360
