I have a permit for the Whitney Portal area from July 8 - 11th. What I would like to know is whether or not that permit allows me trail access and overnight camping access to other parts of the JMT? I'm driving south from Sacramento in early July and would like to do some out and back hiking/tent camping near Bishop, Big Pine, Bubs Creek Trail, Shepherd Pass Trail, etc. Any information regarding whether or not I need a DIFFERENT permit and access points to the JMT from these areas would be very helpful. I've gone through three different books and can't seem to make heads or tails about all the different permits I might need! Thank you!

Hi, Skraska.

Your Whitney permit is really only good there. If you want to enter/camp in other areas, you will need to get appropriate permits from any one of the various ranger stations along the Eastside (Mono Lake, Mammoth, White Mountain/Bishop).

A big part of this is that each trailhead has their own quotas, and the FS also likes to get an idea of where you are camping, approximately, in case of an emergency.

If you call and speak to my friend John at the FS permit office, he can give you more information.

(760)873-2483.

Have fun!

-L

Wonderful - thank you! I'll call now and see what I can find out!

Skraska, someone else was asking almost the same thing yesterday. I answered in several posts. Reading them should give you a good understanding of the permit situation. Also, read the "Wilderness Permit Options" (link above on the left).

See the thread here:

    Permit question...what are the ramifications?