Giant Forest/ Lodgepole
Permits issued from Lodgepole Visitor Center
Twin Lakes Trail (Lodgepole Campground): Moderately steep climb. Forests, meadows and lakes. No campfires at Twin Lakes. 7 miles (11.2 km) to Twin Lakes, 8 miles (12.8 km) to Silliman Pass, 10 miles (16 km) to Ranger Lakes. First campsite - Cahoon Meadow (3 miles/4.8 km) Limit 30 people/day.
Pear Lake Trail (Wolverton): Moderate climb. No campfires at the lakes or in the Tablelands beyond. Camp only at numbered sites at Emerald and Pear Lakes. 6.1 miles (9.8 km) to Pear Lake. First campsite - Emerald Lake (5 miles/8 km) Limit 25 people/day depending on campsite availability (no reservations).
Alta Trail (Wolverton): Steady climb to Alta Peak. Fires OK only at Panther Gap and Mehrton Meadow. Spur trail connects with the High Sierra Trail. First campsite - Panther Gap (3 miles/4.8 km) no water. Limit 25 people/day.
High Sierra Trail (Crescent Meadow): 11 miles (17.6 km) to Bearpaw Meadow; steady climb to passes and lake beyond. Canyons, vistas. 70+ miles (112+ km) to Mt. Whitney from trailhead. First campsite - Panther Creek (3 miles/4.8 km) Limit 30 people/day.
Sequoia National Forest
Permits issued by Sequoia National Forest
Long Meadow Trail (Mountain Home trailhead): Moderate climb. First campsite - Summit Lake in Sequoia National Park (7.6 miles/12.1 km) No entry limit.
Fish Creek Trail (Jerkey Meadow trailhead): First campsite - Grey Meadow (5 miles/8 km) Easy to moderate. Water scarce. No entry limit.
Inyo National Forest
Permits issued by Inyo National Forest, Mt. Whitney Ranger District
Kearsarge Pass (Onion Valley): Moderate. Access to John Muir Trail. First campsite - Flower Lake (3.5 miles/5.6 km) Limit 60 people/day.
Mt. Whitney (Whitney Portal): Strenuous, especially to those not acclimated. Permits are required for both backpackers and day hikers to Mt. Whitney. First campsite - Outpost camp (5 miles/8 km) Limit 50 people/day.
Cottonwood Lakes (Horseshoe Meadow): Moderate to lakes (11,008'/3355 meters); strenuous over New Army Pass. First campsite - Cottonwood Lake #1 Limit 60 people/day.
Cottonwood Pass (Horseshoe Meadow): Moderate (Siberian Pass = 10,950'/3338 meters). First campsite - Chicken Spring Lake Limit 40 people/day.