Access via Relief Reservoir.
Plan your Emigrant Wilderness trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Relief Reservoir
Pick this permit up on the way in. Sugar Pine Ranger Station on Hwy 108 issues it in person during office hours, and when the station is closed you self-issue at the kiosk out front. Every overnight trip needs one, and none of them is capped. Stanislaus National Forest: "There are no quota or reservation systems for the Emigrant, Carson-Iceberg or Mokelumne (except for the Carson Pass Management Area)."
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Relief Reservoir permit season
- max group size
- 15people
How to get a Relief Reservoir permit
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- CA
How this permit is issued
Official permit page →Step 1: How this permit is issued
Pick this permit up on the way in. Sugar Pine Ranger Station on Hwy 108 issues it in person during office hours, and when the station is closed you self-issue at the kiosk out front. Every overnight trip needs one, and none of them is capped. Stanislaus National Forest: "There are no quota or reservation systems for the Emigrant, Carson-Iceberg or Mokelumne (except for the Carson Pass Management Area)."
Step 2: Check the agency page before you go
Fees, hours and closures change. Confirm the current process at U.S. Forest Service before your trip.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Office hours move, ground closes, and popular trailheads get busy. Know an alternative route or date before you drive out.
More on Relief Reservoir: Live availability activity
When to hike Relief Reservoir
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
81°
60°
Wed
80°
65°
Thu
76°
65°
Fri
85°
73°
Sat
92°
80°
Sun
93°
82°
Mon
94°
82°
Relief Reservoir rules, gear and safety
Rules & regulations
- 01A Wilderness Permit is required for all overnight trips to the Emigrant, Carson-Iceberg, and Mokelumne Wilderness Areas.
- 02There are no quota or reservation systems for the Emigrant, Carson-Iceberg or Mokelumne (except for the Carson Pass Management Area).
- 03Maximum group size is 15 people for day or overnight use; stock is limited to 25 head per group.
- 04Affiliated groups must camp and travel separately, always remaining at least one mile apart.
- 05Camping is prohibited within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and trails, or where posted.
- 06Want a campfire? You need a separate campfire permit from CAL FIRE.
- 07Starting at a trailhead inside another national forest or park? That agency issues your permit, not Stanislaus.
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Relief Reservoir.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Relief Reservoir · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Relief Reservoir FAQ
Do I need a reservation for an Emigrant Wilderness permit at Relief Reservoir?
No. Stanislaus National Forest puts it plainly on its wilderness permit page: "There are no quota or reservation systems for the Emigrant, Carson-Iceberg or Mokelumne (except for the Carson Pass Management Area)." A permit is still required for every overnight trip. There is just nothing to book ahead, and nothing to be shut out of.
Where do I get an Emigrant Wilderness permit?
In person, on the way in. "Sugar Pine Ranger Station (Hwy 108) will be issuing permits in person during office hours. If the Ranger Station is not open you can self-issue your permit at the kiosk in front of the Sugar Pine Ranger Station." The Calaveras Ranger Station on Hwy 4, Lake Alpine, the Groveland Ranger Station on Hwy 120 and the Supervisor's Office in Sonora issue them too.
How big a group can an Emigrant Wilderness permit cover?
Fifteen. The forest caps it at 15 people for day or overnight use, and 25 head of stock per group. Affiliated groups have to camp and travel separately, at least a mile apart, so splitting a bigger party into two permits does not get you around it.
Relief Reservoir trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Relief Reservoir permit
Where to stay near Relief Reservoir
- Malibu Creek Sp Group Camp Area campgroundMalibu Creek SP
- Malibu Creek Sp Creek Campground (sites 1-41)Malibu Creek SP
- Malibu Creek Sp Lower Loop (sites 42-63) campgroundMalibu Creek SP
- All California campgrounds
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