Permits & Fees
Depending on what area you plan on visiting, there may be some sort of permit and fee associated with that area. The goal of this page is to provide as much information about the permit process in and around Mono County, but it is always good to talk to someone over the phone for confirmation or if you have any specific questions. This way, you will be prepared for a wonderful trip in the Eastern Sierra!
Whether you are looking for information on reservations, permit pick-up information or locations, or how to cancel a permit reservation, this page has it all.
Permit Reservations- Where do I start...?
TIP: It is best to have prepared with more than one possible choice of trail and itinerary information for your desired trip, as some permits may not be available. Make sure to have several different options in mind before starting the permitting process.
For trips May 1 to November 1, 60% of the permits are available starting 6 months in advance of the entry date and 40% of the permits are added to the reservation website 2 weeks prior to the entry date.
Permits are required year-round. For trips November 2 through April 30, the number of permits issued is not subject to trailhead quotas. Space will open on recreation.gov two weeks before the trip. Trailhead access may be affected by seasonal road closures. Check weather and snow conditions before taking a winter trip.
Permit Pick Up
One week before the trip you can print your permit at home, via your recreation.gov account. Before you print, please verify your group size and entry and exit information is correct. You cannot make any changes after you print. The group leader or alternate leader must sign and carry the wilderness permit with them during the trip. A reservation letter does not count as proof of having the permit. For more specific information on permits, regulations and hikes, click HERE.
If you have additional questions, need to make changes to your permit after printing, you can visit one of the following locations:
Bridgeport Ranger Station US 395, 1 mile south of Bridgeport in Bridgeport CA, 93517. (760) 932-7070
Eastern Sierra InterAgency Visitor Center Junction of Highway 395 and State Route 136, 2 miles south of Lone Pine, CA. #(760)876-6222 and/or 6200
Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center 2500 Main Street, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. (760) 924-5500
White Mountain Ranger Station 798 N Main Street, Bishop, CA 93514. (760) 873-2500
Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center North of Lee Vining on Hwy 395, Lee Vining, CA 93541. (760) 647-3044
Wilderness Permit Office & Wilderness Information, 351 Pacu Lane Suite 200, Bishop, CA 93514. To visit their website, please click HERE.
Changes or cancellations- while some changes and/or cancellations can be made, there are no refunds for Mt. Whitney reservations. Other trails have a limited refund policy. For the entire list of rules, regulations, cancellations, and policies, please click HERE. If you would like more information on just the cancellation policies, follow this link.
For National Park Service permit fees and Yosemite information, http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm
Do I need a permit?
Yes. In areas that a permit is required, you must carry a permit that allows you to be in the area for either day use or overnight use. Consequences of not carrying a permit with you might result in serious fines and/or tickets from Forest Service, Park Service or local Law Enforcement.
