Inyo NF Wilderness Permit — Hilton Lakes
Inyo National Forest · California
Wilderness permit for entry via Hilton Lakes in Inyo National Forest. Access to John Muir Wilderness and Ansel Adams Wilderness.
Get an alert when Hilton Lakes opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Hilton Lakes were gone within 10 minutes.
Hilton Lakes reservation dates
- max group size
- 15people
How to get a Hilton Lakes permit
As of September 2026, Hilton Lakes in Inyo National Forest, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Hilton Lakes rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Hilton Lakes permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- CA
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.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
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 Hilton Lakes: Live availability activityWhen Hilton Lakes permits open up
When to hike Hilton Lakes
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°
Hilton Lakes rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Hilton Lakes.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Hilton Lakes · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Hilton Lakes FAQ
How do I get a Hilton Lakes permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Hilton Lakes cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Hilton Lakes permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Hilton Lakes?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Hilton Lakes permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Hilton Lakes 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.
Hilton Lakes trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Hilton Lakes permit
Where to stay near Hilton Lakes
- Pleasant Valley Pit CampgroundAlabama Hills
- Horton Creek CampgroundAlabama Hills
- Four Jeffrey campgroundInyo National Forest
- All California campgrounds
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