Updates on Inyo National Forest Virtual Wilderness Permit Process

July 7, 2020-- The Inyo National Forest continues to work to improve the virtual wilderness permit process implemented earlier this year to accommodate what have been traditionally “walk up” permits that were issued at our visitor centers. Visitor centers remain closed and are providing virtual services.

All wilderness permit reservations are made on https://recreation.gov. Sixty percent of the trailhead quota can be reserved six months in advance of the date of entry. The remaining forty percent of the quota (previously walk-in) is released on Mondays, two weeks in advance of the day of entry.

Once a reservation is booked, the visitor will receive an email reservation confirmation that lists two ways to confirm/obtain the wilderness permit:

• Emailing the wilderness permit inbox at SM.FS.WildPmt_Inyo@usda.gov
• Calling one of the visitor centers or wilderness permit office phone numbers:
  
  • Eastern Sierra Visitor Center in Lone Pine: 760-876-6200, press 0
  • White Mountain Ranger Station – 760-873-2500, press 0
  • Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center – 760-924-5500 press 1
  • Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center--760-647-3044
  • Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permit Office – 760-873-2483

We are asking people not to request their permit more than fourteen days before their trips. Request by email should allow two days for their permit to be processed. If someone needs drop box service, they must call the visitor center where the drop box is located. We also encourage visitors to use the email option when possible. The call volume is significant and often overwhelming the forest’s phone system. The email was set up to help alleviate this issue and improve customer service.

Once the forest is contacted by inbox or by phone, a permit is issued and sent electronically with a link to our Leave No Trace video, as well as appropriate attachments and told to print the permit and carry it with them on their wilderness trip. We appreciate your patience during this transition.

Mt. Whitney permits are being handled in the same way. However, visitors will be given information on where to pick up their wag bags; depending on their itinerary. Wag bags are designed to collect human waste and dispose it effectively employing Leave No Trace Pack it Out principles in high use areas.