A Wilderness Permits is required for an overnight trip in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. During the Quota Period, near the end of May until near the end of September, there are trailhead quotas for each trail. There is a $15 permit fee per group plus $5 per person during the Quota Period. Unlike previous years, in 2021 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks switched to the Recreation.gov website to handle wilderness permit reservations. See the link below.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Wilderness Permits become available 6 months in advance of your departure date.

Permits for the High Sierra Trail are issued at the Visitor Center in Lodgepole Village. Permits can only be picked up the afternoon before your trip begins as early as 1:00 PM or in the morning of your trip before 10:00 AM during permit station operating hours. Bring your entire party to the permit pickup orientation. For late permit pickups, notify the Wilderness Office by calling 559-565-3766. There are no night drops.

About ⅔ of the daily permit allocation can be reserved in advance. For the High Sierra Trail trailhead at Crescent Meadow, space is available each day for 30 people. Of those, 20 can be reserved ahead of time. The remaining "walk-up permits" may be picked up beginning at 1:00 PM the day before the start of your trip at the Visitor Center. More permits may become available after 9:00 AM the day of your trip.

The Visitor Center at Lodgepole Village is open from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, but hours can change, so call ahead to confirm: (559) 565-4436. If you know you will be delayed, call the Wilderness Office by 8:30 AM to hold your reserved permit. Wilderness Office: (559) 565-3766