Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Wilderness Permits

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters

Bordering Yosemite National Park along the Pacific Crest and falling away to the Great Basin to the east, the Hoover Wilderness is a spectacular piece of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range. Soaring peaks, glistening lakes and lush meadows are just some of its awesome spectacles. The headwaters of the East Walker River can also be found in the creeks of the Hoover Wilderness.

The Hoover was one of the original units of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It was established as a Primitive Area in 1931, then as a Wild Area in 1957. In 1964, Congress designated it as a Wilderness Area. It now has a total of 128,000 acres.

Trips beginning on Hoover Wilderness may continue into the wilderness areas of Yosemite National Park, Stanislaus and Inyo National Forests. However, in order to continue south of Highway 120 you must obtain another permit from the relevent authority that pertains to that entry point. 

As you plan your trip, remember that we must take care of this amazing place. While you are here, be respectful. Travel lightly on the land. Remember to leave this place undamaged so it will continue to be what we seek of wilderness. Hoover Wilderness is an ideal place for hiking and has some of the most spectacular high alpine landscape in the Sierra. Try to leave no trace of your passing.

All overnight trips into the Hoover Wilderness require a wilderness permit, year-round. All wilderness visitors, including day users, are encouraged to Call the ranger station for current information. 

Permit & Season Information

A wilderness permit is required year-round for the Hoover Wilderness. From June 15th through October 15, wilderness permits are limited by a trailhead quota. Each year quota season permits become available for advanced reservations six months in advance of your trip start day. During the quota season, up to one half of the wilderness permits for each trailhead will be made available within three days of the date of entry.

Reserved permits are available to print at home within 7 days of the entry date. Permits purchase within 3 days of the entry date will be immediately available for printing at home. Please check your recreation.gov account as your entry date approaches. You are responsible to print your permit and maintain a signed hard copy in your possession for the duration of your trip.

Trips sponsored by organizations or commercial groups must contact the Bridgeport Ranger District; a special use permit may be needed.

Need to Know

Printing Permits

Reserved permits will be emailed or made available to print at home within seven days of the entry date. Please look for an email and check your recreation.gov account as your entry date approaches. Once your permit is printed to PDF no changes can be made. You are required to have a signed hardcopy for the duration of your trip. 

Permit Holder Responsibilities

Review and follow group size limits, food storage, pets, camping and campfire regulations for each area you will pass through. 

Rules & Regulations For Hoover Wilderness

Additional Rules & Regulations for the Sawtooth Ridge Zone

Human Waste Disposal

Human waste should be buried 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, or campsites.

Behave Responsibly

Respect other visitor’s desire for quiet and solitude. Help protect this natural resource and leave it unmarked for future visitors. Familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace.

Be Safe

Fee Policy

Reservation Fee:

A $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee is required for each permit.

Recreation Fee:

A $3.00 per person recreation fee is charged for your group when reserving a wilderness permit for entry on Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest trails in the Hoover Wilderness. The recreation fees are used to finance the on-the-ground wilderness programs on Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

Fees cannot be transferred to other dates or trails. No rain checks or credits.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy: Reservations cannot be sold and are non-transferable. Only the group leader or listed alternate can pick up or use the permit. Leader or alternate leader names cannot be changed or added.

You may cancel your reservation online at least 14 days before your entry date to receive a full refund of the recreation fees (reservation fee is non-refundable).

Change Policy:

Login to your account at Recreation.gov to make changes or call the Bridgeport District office for reservation assistance, (760) 932-7070.

Contact Information

Mailing Address

HC 62, Box 1000 Bridgeport CA 93517

Open Monday through Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm

Phone Number

(760) 932-7070

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