Wilderness Use Restrictions

Forest Order No. 05-15-00-26-04
USDA Forest Service
Sierra National Forest
Wilderness Use Restrictions 

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 Ansel Adams, John Muir, Kaiser, Dinkey Lakes, and Monarch Wildernesses located in the Sierra National Forest, as shown in Exhibit A. This Order is effective from June 4, 2026, through June 4, 2028.

1. Camping without a valid Forest Service Wilderness Permit. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(e).
2. Camping in the locations described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit C at any time. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(e).
3. Entering or being in the Wildernesses as part of a group larger than 15 persons. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(f).
4. Storing equipment, personal property or supplies, unattended for more than 24 hours. 36 C.F.R. § 261.57(f).
5. Possessing camping or pack-outfitting equipment, including one or more of the following: tents, sleeping bags, bear canisters, camp stoves, without a valid Forest Service Wilderness Permit. 36 C.F.R. § 261.57(b).
6. Camping at any location in violation of a posted sign. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).
7. Riding, hitching, tethering, or hobbling a pack or saddle stock animal in violation of posted instructions. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(aa).
8. Possessing, storing, or transporting any pack or saddle animal as described in Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(s).
9. Grazing pack and saddle stock in the locations described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibits D and E. 36 C.F.R. § 261.57(e).
10. Leaving any debris, garbage, or other waste. 36 C.F.R. § 261.57(g).
11. Possessing or using any mechanical vehicles including, but not limited to, carts and wagons. 36 C.F.R. § 261.57(h).
12. Shortcutting a switchback in any National Forest System trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(e).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with a valid 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 contained in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.

A violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 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 Clovis, California on June 3, 2026.

_________________________

DEAN  A. GOULD

Forest Supervisor
Sierra National Forest

Forest Order No. 05-15-00-26-04 

USDA Forest Service
CAMPING PROHIBITIONS:
Sierra National Forest
Wilderness Use Restrictions 

Exhibit A 

CAMPING PROHIBITIONS:

1. Within 100 feet of any lakeshore, stream, or National Forest System trail where terrain permits.

2. Within 500 feet of the shoreline of Lower Golden Trout Lake as shown on Exhibit C.

PACK AND SADDLE STOCK PROHIBITIONS

1. Grazing pack or saddle stock in Pioneer Basin, as shown on Exhibit D.

2. Grazing pack or saddle stock in Hilgard Meadow, as shown on Exhibit E.

3. Possessing or transporting more than 25 head of saddle or pack animals.

4. Tying of pack and saddle stock within 100 feet of lakes, streams, trails, and campsites except while loading and unloading.

5. Transporting a pack or saddle stock animal on any trail by loose herding or driving, except on portions of trails where it is unsafe to keep the animals tied together.