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Hoover Wilderness

Rising from the Great Basin to the crest of the Sierra Nevada bordering Yosemite National Park, the Hoover Wilderness is a spectacular piece of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. This wilderness area is widely known for its extreme mountainous terrain, glistening alpine lakes, and lush meadows.

The Hoover Wilderness was first established as a ‘primitive area’ in 1931. It was not until the 1964 Wilderness Act that the Hoover become protected as a ‘wilderness area.’ This wilderness area is managed by both the Humboldt-Toiyabe and Inyo National Forests.

The Hoover Wilderness has relatively little timber throughout much of its steep terrain that ranges from around 7,000 feet to more than 12,000 feet. Its few forested areas are composed of scattered groves of hemlock, pine, aspen, and cottonwood. Diverse wildflowers are spread over the intermittent meadows found throughout the wilderness area. The lakes and streams are inhabited by brown, brook, golden, and rainbow trout species. The wilderness area also provides habitat for black bears, Sierra Nevada bighorn Sheep, mule deer, Sierra Nevada Red Fox and Bi-State sage-grouse.

Click here for a map of  the Hoover Wilderness (5.81 MB)

Why do we need a wilderness permit to go into the Wilderness?

Although we use wilderness to describe a natural place, it is also a federal land designation. In fact, Wilderness areas are protected at the highest level of all federal managed lands. The 1964 Wilderness Act, set aside wilderness areas to preserve and protect those lands for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

The land can only support a certain number of visitors without being impacted over time. When excessive use occurs, the opportunity for solitude decreases, wildlife habit in effected, vegetation gets damaged, erosion is accelerated, and the risk of water pollution increases.

A quota system has been implemented to protect and preserve the quality of wilderness. This ensures that future generations can experience these areas in the same way as past and present generations.

Wilderness permits help the forest monitor and manage wilderness use appropriately. Visitor safety is another key purpose for obtaining a wilderness permit. In the event of an emergency, such as wildfire, permits allow forest authorities to reference visitor information including number of visitors, and general itineraries to facilitate efficient response efforts.

The majority of revenue generated from permits in the Hoover wilderness is reinvested directly into our recreation programs on the forest. This funding supports ongoing efforts to maintain, clear trails, and ensure the wilderness remains a safe enjoyable environment for all visitors. By obtaining a wilderness permit, visitors contribute to preservation and stewardship of these natural areas, while actively participating in responsible outdoor recreation.

Trailheads with a Quota:

  • Buckeye Creek
  • Green Creek
  • Horse Creek
  • Leavitt Meadows
  • Little Slide Canyon
  • Robinson Creek
  • Virginia Lakes

Permits: Wilderness permits are required year-round for overnight stays in the Hoover Wilderness. Permits are limited by a trailhead quota from June 15th through October 15th each year. Click here for more detailed information. (needs new link once page is built!!!!!)  ALL permits are obtained through REC.GOV

 *Please print your permit from your email confirmation and have a physical paper copy with you on your trip.

Maximum Group

Rules and Regulations:

  • Do not cut or damage standing trees, live or dead.  CFR261.6(a)
  • It is illegal to possess or use any motorized or mechanized equipment, including chainsaws. Code of Federal Regulations 36CFR261.16.

​Hoover Wilderness (Forest Order 04-17-13-11)

  • Please store food properly, so bears or other wild animals cannot get to it. Approved bear-resistant food canisters are required in the Hoover Wilderness. Hanging or guarding of food items is not allowed. Clean up food and debris if a bear does get into food. (Forest Order 04-17-23-06)
  • Camping is allowed for no more than 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period.
  • Do not camp within 100 feet of any lake shore, stream, or trail.  If terrain does not permit camping at least 100 feet away, camp no less than 25 feet away in any situation.
  • Do not camp within ¼ mile of Barney Lake for more than one consecutive night.  Do not camp within 100 feet of the Barney Lake shore.
  • There is no camping at Red, Blue, and Big Virginia Lakes.
  • Do not build, attend, maintain, or use a campfire, stove fire or barbecue (or any fire that uses wood or charcoal), except for a portable stove using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized fuel, within ¼ mile of Barney Lake or Peeler Lake and above 9,000 feet within the Virginia Creek and Green Creek drainages.
  • Do not discharge a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun except for emergencies, or the taking of wildlife as permitted by state law.
  • It is illegal to possess or use a bicycle, wagon, cart, or other vehicle.
  • It is illegal to possess or use any motorized or mechanized equipment, including chainsaws.
  • Recreational use of drones (UAS) is illegal in the Wilderness. Commercial requires special use authorization (36 CFR 251 Subpart B).
    • Sawtooth Ridge Zone:
      • Do not build, maintain, or use a campfire (any wood or charcoal fire).
      • Do not camp within 100 yards of established routes.
      • Maximum group size is 8 persons, and no stock. Order Number: 83-02.

Hoover Wilderness Details

Nearest California Town:  Bridgeport

Managing Units:  Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest and Inyo National Forest share management responsibility for the Hoover Wilderness. 

The Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest manages the northern portion of the Hoover. Virgina Lakes drainage to the Sonora Pass area, is managed by the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest.

The southern part of the Hoover Wilderness, ranging south of Virginia Lakes drainage to highway 120 is in the Inyo National Forest, including Lundy Canyon and 20 Lakes Basin.

Campfires

Visitors will need to obtain a free California Campfire Permit if they plan to build a campfire or use a barbecue or stove, unless in a developed recreation area (campground or picnic area). Campfire Permit.

It is your responsibility to know the current fire regulations. Fires restrictions should be posted on trailhead kiosks and at the local unit office. For the most up to date information please stop by or call the Forest Service office or check the website.

Resources

Reserve permits: Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Wilderness Permits, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters - Recreation.gov

Humboldt-Toiyabe Fire Restrictions: Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest - Alerts & Closures

Learn more about Wilderness: Wilderness Connect

Learn to be a better Wilderness steward: The 7 Principles - Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics

Yosemite Wilderness Regulations: Wilderness Regulations - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Inyo National Forest Wilderness: Inyo National Forest - Recreation Passes & Permits

Special Information:

The Hoover Wilderness Permit fee increase will be implemented in 2025. The Wilderness Permit Fee will be $8 per person, ages 13 and up (free to 12 and under) for the duration of the trip. With a $6 non-refundable reservation fee, per permit.

Contacts:

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Bridgeport Ranger District
HC 62 Box 1000
Bridgeport, CA 93517
(760) 932-7070

Neighboring Units:

Inyo National Forest:

Stanislaus National Forest

Yosemite National Park:

Wilderness Permits - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Wilderness questions: 209-372-0826

General questions: 209-372-0200

Last updated April 4th, 2025

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