John Muir Wilderness 
Credit: Inyo National Forest 

November 3, 2020 - The Inyo National Forest is reopening the majority of the John Muir Wilderness and a segment of the Ansel Adams Wilderness as the risk from wildfires is decreasing. 

In interagency cooperation, Sequoia National Park is revising their closure areas on the SQF Complex and Rattlesnake Fire, allowing many areas in the southern John Muir Wilderness to reopen.

As such, effective November 3, the John Muir Wilderness on the Inyo National Forest is reopening for day and overnight use, with the tiny segment north of Pumice Butte and west of Crystal Crag as the exception. Additionally, the northeast segment of the Ansel Adams Wilderness is reopening.
 
Closed under Forest Order 05-04-50-20-21: 

• The portion of the Ansel Adams Wilderness Area and John Muir Wilderness Area as shown on the map Exhibit A.
• The Reds Meadow and Devils Postpile National Monument Closure Area, which includes all National Forest Lands within Madera County, except the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, as shown on the map Exhibit A. The most common destinations in the closure are Reds Meadow Valley and the Devils Postpile National Monument. The Reds Meadow Road is closed at Minaret Vista. 

These closures remain in effect while the Creek Fire remains uncontained along its eastern flank near Lake Thomas Edison and north to the Junction Bluffs.
 
Additionally, the Sierra National Forest is closed. Therefore, the John Muir Wilderness and Ansel Adams Wilderness on the Sierra National Forest, including segments that are administered by the Inyo National Forest, remain closed.
 
• Forest Closure 05-04-51-20-16 remains in effect and closes areas in the south west of the Golden Trout Wilderness due to the SQF Complex (Castle Fire).
• Forest order 05-04-54-20-15 remains in effect and includes Navy Beach and the South Tufa Area (Beach Fire).

Wilderness permits will not be issued for areas where closures are in effect. As always, visitors should know before they go and safely plan their trips around areas that have closures, uncontained fires, active fire, and smoke in the area.

Fire restrictions are in effect.
Propane and gas stove use are permitted in developed recreation sites in National Forests in California. Developed recreation sites are defined as areas that have been improved or developed for recreation such as campgrounds and day use sites. No fires, including camp stoves, are permitted in dispersed camping areas or in Wilderness areas.  Visitors to the Eastern Sierra should expect smoky conditions from various fires throughout the region.  
Source: Inyo National Forest

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Inyo National Forest Provides Wilderness Permits Virtually

 

The Inyo National Forest has implemented 05-04-50-200-21, effective November 3. This opens the Inyo portions of the South Sierra, parts of the Golden Trout, most of the John Muir, parts of the Ansel Adams and all of the Owens River Headwaters, and Hoover Wilderness Areas.

As a reminder, wilderness permits are required year-round for all Mt Whitney hikes (including day use) and for all overnight trips into Golden Trout, John Muir, Ansel Adams and Hoover Wilderness Areas.

Check for road closures and weather forecast before choosing a trip in late fall or winter. Remember: Mountain Safety is no Accident. Check the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center for winter conditions.

The non-quota season is November 2 through April 30.

Previously, during the non-quota season visitors would wait in line for “walk up” permits or utilize self-issue forms. While our facilities remain closed to the public to protect the health and safety of our employees and the public, we will continue to offer services online and by phone issuing wilderness permits through the virtual process established during the 2020 summer season.

Visitors may book a wilderness permit by making a reservation on the recreation.gov website. After completing the reservation, follow the instructions in the reservation confirmation for how to “Check-in by Email” to request the permit.

Print and sign your permit before your trip. As group leader you are agreeing to follow all the rules and regulations and ensure that members of your group do likewise. Signed permits must be in group leaders' possession during the trip and must be presented to rangers upon request

Plan ahead for holidays as visitor services will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s day. Allow a few days to receive a permit by Email Check-in. To expedite a permit by phone, call during business hours, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

White Mountain Ranger Station – Phone service: Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, 760-873-2500, 760-873-2501, closed holidays (Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s DayEastern Sierra Visitor Center – Phone service Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm., 760-876-6200, 760-876-6222. Closed holidays (Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day)
Source: Inyo National Forest