Inyo NF Wilderness Permit — Upper Buttermilk
Inyo National Forest · California
Wilderness permit for entry via Upper Buttermilk in Inyo National Forest. Access to John Muir Wilderness and Ansel Adams Wilderness.
Get an alert when Upper Buttermilk opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Upper Buttermilk were gone within 10 minutes.
Upper Buttermilk reservation dates
- max group size
- 15people
How to get an Upper Buttermilk permit
As of September 2026, Upper Buttermilk in Inyo National Forest, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Upper Buttermilk rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Upper Buttermilk 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 Upper Buttermilk: Live availability activityWhen Upper Buttermilk permits open up
When to hike Upper Buttermilk
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°
Upper Buttermilk rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Upper Buttermilk.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Upper Buttermilk · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Upper Buttermilk FAQ
How do I get a Upper Buttermilk permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Upper Buttermilk cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Upper Buttermilk permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Upper Buttermilk?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Upper Buttermilk permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Upper Buttermilk 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.
Upper Buttermilk trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to an Upper Buttermilk permit
Where to stay near Upper Buttermilk
- Pleasant Valley Pit CampgroundAlabama Hills
- Horton Creek CampgroundAlabama Hills
- Four Jeffrey campgroundInyo National Forest
- All California campgrounds
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