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

Inyo NF Wilderness Permit — Parker Lake

Inyo National Forest · California

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

Get an alert when Parker Lake opens on your dates.

Get alerts for your Parker Lake dates

A Parker 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 Parker Lake were gone within 10 minutes.

Parker Lake reservation dates

max group size
15people

How to get a Parker Lake permit

As of September 2026, Parker Lake in Inyo National Forest, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Parker Lake rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Parker 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 Parker Lake: Live availability activityWhen Parker Lake permits open up

When to hike Parker 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.

Parker Lake rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

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

Food Storage

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

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

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Parker Lake FAQ

How do I get a Parker Lake permit?

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

When is the best time to visit Parker Lake?

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

How competitive is the Parker Lake permit?

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

What if I can't get a Parker 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.

Parker 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 Parker Lake permit

Where to stay near Parker Lake

Plan the full trip, not just the permit

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