South Sierra Wilderness

This Wilderness is managed by:

The Inyo National Forest and
The Sequoia National Forest

Additional resources can be found on:

The Inyo Forest Wilderness Pages and
The Sequoia Forest Wilderness Pages

The South Sierra Wilderness’s 62,700 acres span both the east and western slopes of the southern Sierra. Protected as wilderness in 1984 by the California Wilderness Act, this wilderness is dotted with large meadows, intermittent streams, diverse pine forests, and a rare ecosystem of montane chaparral. The Wild and Scenic South Fork of the Kern River bisects this wilderness.

The craggy peaks and forested ridges (ranging from 6,100 feet near Kennedy Meadows to 12,123 feet at Olancha Peak) of the South Sierra Wilderness combine ancient granite features with volcanic rock formations and boulders. Basalt lava flows from a million years go can be observed on the banks of the South Fork of the Kern.

During the late 1800’s the large Monache/Beck Meadow complexes were heavily used as pasture for cattle, sheep, and goat. Permit-based grazing still continues under the supervision of the Forest Service.

The Owens Valley Paiute and the Panamint Shoshone both inhabited and harvested the fruits of this rugged land less than a 150 years ago. Signs of human presence have been discovered in the South Sierra that are at least 6,000 years old.

Enjoying the South Sierra Wilderness

Maximum Group Size

No more than 15 people and 25 head of stock are allowed on overnight trips. Why?

Wilderness Permits

No permit is required for entry from the west side of the Wilderness (for trailheads leaving from the Sequoia National Forest), but a campfire permit is required for for gas lanterns, stoves, and campfires. If leaving from the Inyo National Forest, a permit is required. Why? Check the Inyo Forest Permit Information Page for updated information on how to get a permit for the Inyo National Forest.

Make sure to check with the Inyo or Sequoia National Forest for current wilderness information before your trip.

Bears and Food Storage

The Inyo National Forest has a forest order regarding food storage that was signed into effect for the South Sierra Wilderness. It prohibits 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. Similar measures should be used in the Sequoia portion of the wilderness as well. The National Forests recommend bear-resistant canisters and panniers as the best methods of food storage in the South Sierra Wilderness. Why?

Campfires

Campfires are permitted. Campfires are discouraged anywhere above 9,000 feet. Why? If leaving from the west side of the wilderness (Sequoia National Forest) a campfire permit is required for for gas lanterns, stoves, and campfires

Pets

For those areas open to dogs here are a few good reasons to leash your dog

• Leashes protect dogs from becoming lost and from wilderness hazards such as porcupines, mountain lions, and sick, injured or rabid animals.
• Unleashed dogs may intimidate other hikers and their dogs, depriving them of a peaceful wilderness experience.
• Unleashed dogs may harass, injure and sometimes kill wildlife.
• A leashed dog’s keen senses can enhance your awareness of nearby wildlife or other visitors.

Other Considerations

• The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) crosses about 11 miles of the Wilderness in a north-south direction.
• About 30 miles of trails suitable for both hiker and horse receive light human use.

Contact

Inyo National Forest
Supervisor’s Office
351 Pacu Lane, Suite 200
Bishop, CA 93514
(760) 873-2400
TDD (760) 873-2538

Mt. Whitney Ranger Station
P.O. Box 8, Lone Pine CA 93545
(760)876-6200 (760)876-6201 TDD

Sequoia National Forest
Supervisor’s Office
900 West Grand Avenue
Porterville, CA 93257
(559) 784-1500

Cannell Meadow Ranger District
PO Box 9
Kernville, CA 93238
(760) 376-3781