Mount Whitney Zone Access Restrictions

Associated Documents

Forest Order

FOREST ORDER NO. 05-04-55-25-01
USDA FOREST SERVICE
MOUNT WHITNEY ZONE RESTRICTIONS
INYO NATIONAL FOREST

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and protect
natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Inyo National Forest. This Order is effective
from June 18 2025, through June 18, 2027.

1. Entering or being in the Mount Whitney Zone, as shown on the attached map. The Mount Whitney
Zone boundary begins at the intersection of the John Muir Wilderness boundary and the Sequoia
National Park boundary at the summit of Mt. Whitney, then continues south along the Sequoia
National Park boundary to its intersection with the south ridge of Mount Irvine, then continues north
along the ridgeline to the summit of Mount Irvine, then continues northeast along a ridgeline to a peak
with an elevation of 12,074 feet (3,681 meters) located 2/5 mile southeast of Lone Pine Lake, then
continues northwest along the northeast ridge of Thor Peak to its intersection with Lone Pine Creek,
at a location 1/10 mile west of Lone Pine Lake, then continues northwest along the east ridge of Thor
Peak to its intersection with the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek at a location 1/10 mile west of Lower
Boy Scout Lake, then continues north along the southeast slope to its intersection with the ridgeline
between the North Fork Lone Pine Creek and Hogback Creek watersheds, then continues northwest
along the ridgeline to its intersection with the Sequoia National Park boundary, then continues south
along the boundary back to the starting point. 36 C.F.R. § 261.57(a).

2. Being on any portion of a National Forest System trail within the Mount Whitney Zone, as described
in Prohibition No. 1 above and as shown on the attached map, including portions of the North Fork
Lone Pine Creek trail and Mount Whitney trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Persons with a Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas
Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
2. Any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the
performance of an official duty.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000
for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §
3559, 3571, and 3581.

Executed in Bishop, California this 17th day of June, 2025.

LESLEY YEN

Forest Supervisor

Inyo National Forest

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