05/25/2021
Memorial Day Weekend Park Information
Memorial Day Weekend is coming up, and so is the beginning of wilderness permit quota season - Friday, May 28! During quota season, there is a daily limit on the number of people that may enter the wilderness at any given trailhead for overnight use.
Permits can be reserved through www.recreation.gov up to six months in advance of your entry date. A limited number of first-come, first-served permits will be available daily at permit issuing stations - but reservations are the only way to be assured of a wilderness permit!
All permits (reservation or walk-up) must be picked up in person at the nearest permit issuing station to the entry point between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
A limited number of food storage containers (“bear cans”) are available to rent in the parks. Due to high demand nationally, we advise you to purchase or rent a bear can well in advance of your trip.
Wilderness travelers should be prepared for sub-freezing temperatures, snow and ice hazards, and the possibility of altitude-related illness on all high-elevation trails, especially the High Sierra Trail, John Muir Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Mount Whitney Trails. Please take the risks of traveling to these areas very seriously!
Rescuers have conducted multiple search and rescue operations in the Mount Whitney area alone this year. SPOT, inReach, and similar devices have saved lives in the wilderness, but you are still responsible for your own safety. Depending upon weather or other factors, there is no guarantee that rescuers will be able to reach you! Know your limits and be prepared to turn back.
For more wilderness information, visit https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/wilderness.htm, or contact the wilderness office at [email protected] or 559-565-3766.