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Inyo NF Wilderness Permit — George Lake permit area in Inyo National Forest - backcountry hiking destination
Each entry point carries its own quota

Inyo NF Wilderness Permit — George Lake

Inyo National Forest · California

Wilderness permit for entry via George Lake in Inyo National Forest. Access to John Muir Wilderness and Ansel Adams Wilderness.

Get an alert when George Lake opens on your dates.

Get alerts for your George Lake dates

A George Lake permit is booked by the day you start. Tell us every date you'd go and we'll ping you the second one of them opens up.

Leave the second date blank if only one day works. A wider window catches more openings.

Party

70% of the openings our scanner caught on George Lake were gone within 10 minutes.

George Lake reservation dates

max group size
15people

How to get a George Lake permit

As of September 2026, George Lake in Inyo National Forest, California requires a permit issued via reservation. George Lake rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled George Lake permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.

Type
Overnight
Location
CA
  1. Step 1: Create an account before permits drop

    Find this permit on the managing agency's booking system and set up an account with your payment info ready.

  2. Step 2: Know the release schedule

    Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.

  3. Step 3: Be ready when permits drop

    Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.

  4. Step 4: Monitor for cancellations

    If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.

More on George Lake: Live availability activityWhen George Lake permits open up

When to hike George Lake

Weather Forecast

Trailhead (5,000 ft)

Today

☁️

73°

55°

Tue

☀️

81°

50°

Wed

☀️

87°

56°

Thu

☀️

90°

62°

Fri

☁️

90°

64°

Sat

☁️

89°

67°

Sun

⛅

88°

66°

View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.

George Lake rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for George Lake.

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.

Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for George Lake · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides

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George Lake FAQ

How do I get a George Lake permit?

PermitSnag alerts you the moment a George Lake cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. George Lake permits use a reservation system.

When is the best time to visit George Lake?

Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the George Lake permit?

This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.

What if I can't get a George Lake permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.

George Lake trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

No active conditions reported

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Questions

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Trip Reports

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Alternatives to a George Lake permit

Where to stay near George Lake

Plan the full trip, not just the permit

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