Self Permit Tehipite

Anyone know the easiest way to self permit for back country travel this week? I’m having trouble reaching viable humans or finding the info on line. Planning on entering at Ranchería trailhead which is National Forest, but then entering National Park. I’m not too concerned because I’m sure staffing is extremely light. I know it’s all in the process of changing right now, but wondering specifically if anyone knows where you can pick up self permits. Thanks!

I don't think there is a self-permit process in Sierra National Forest (they have to approve and issue the permit). There are several phone numbers on this website for you to call. One of them will surely answer:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sierra/passes-permits/?cid=fsbdev7_018115

Edit: I don't think you can navigate to the above link from the SNF home page, which is a website flaw. I e-mailed them to ask about it.

Gotta love asking permission from the government to take a walk in the forest.  I'm pretty sure you will see zero other humans out at Tehipite Dome, rangers or otherwise.  Enjoy the solitude of that magical dome.  

bob steed wrote: Gotta love asking permission from the government to take a walk in the forest.  I'm pretty sure you will see zero other humans out at Tehipite Dome, rangers or otherwise.  Enjoy the solitude of that magical dome.  

Day hikes, almost anywhere, don't require a permit. So you can take a walk in the forest any time you want. Just be back by nightfall. :)

Not sure who issues permits for that trailhead, but if it’s SEKI then they’re are not issuing walk up permits this summer. If you have an existing reservation (which it sounds like you don’t) then you might be SOL unless you can score one online ahead of time.

Thanks everyone. From what I have gathered there are “Self Issue Permits” in the Kings Canyon area. This is not a normal thing, and has to do with Covid etc. Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with this in the last few months.

mburbach Burbach wrote: Thanks everyone. From what I have gathered there are “Self Issue Permits” in the Kings Canyon area. This is not a normal thing, and has to do with Covid etc. Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with this in the last few months.

Do you have a link about the self-issue permits.in Kings Canyon? I've read the park's current information and didn't see that.

When and where is the last time any of you have obtained a self-issued wilderness permit for anywhere the Sierra?  Granted, I'm normally heading in from the East side, but I can't remember the last time I've gotten one, or even if I've ever gotten one.   

Fat Dad wrote: When and where is the last time any of you have obtained a self-issued wilderness permit for anywhere the Sierra?  Granted, I'm normally heading in from the East side, but I can't remember the last time I've gotten one, or even if I've ever gotten one.   

I don't think I've used a self-permit in many years, but they do exist.

Scroll down to "Permits issued during winter":

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5144746

Edit: The SEKI NPS website says this:

"Outside the quota season (September 20, 2020 – May 20, 2021), self-issue wilderness permits are available at the nearest permit-issuing station. There is no fee for self-issue permits."

OP, who you get your permit from is based on the starting trailhead. not your destination. In your case, it's the Sierra National Forest.

Permits to get to Tehipite from Wishon region (Rancheria Trailhead) are through the Sierra National Forest for the "Crown/Rancheria" Trailheads. Puma Verde is correct in that you either have to mail in a permit request or can walk-in. Calling a ranger office for Sierra NF is your best bet for correct and up-to-date information.

Info here: fs.usda.gov/detail/sierra/p…

Thanks again everyone. I contacted a Forest Service number that said they were issuing “self Permits” for the backcountry. I am aware that this is not normal. I am looking for information on anyone’s current (covid era) experience with picking one of these up. Thanks again. (Hi Carla!)

I went through this process a couple weeks ago. It's not complicated, but it's also not convenient.  I'm pretty sure the Forest offices are not open for business yet, in which case walk-ins probably won't work.  You need to call the High Sierra ranger district office number listed in one of the links above.  You'll get a recorded message, which includes a nice lady telling you to email her if you want a permit.  I actually left a message with my phone number, and she called me back the next day, and we sorted it out over the phone.  She left an envelope with my permit in a dropbox at the office in Prather.

Also, you might not be alone.  A couple weeks ago there were no fewer than 11 people in 4 parties attempting to summit Tehipite within about an hour of each other (including my party).

It’s been a few years, but on our trips To the GOD and Oblisk I was happy to learn that the pack outfits can issue you a permit

mburbach Burbach wrote: Thanks again everyone. I contacted a Forest Service number that said they were issuing “self Permits” for the backcountry. I am aware that this is not normal. I am looking for information on anyone’s current (covid era) experience with picking one of these up. Thanks again. (Hi Carla!)

Hi Matt!! I thought I recognized the last name. Are you still in the bay? We should link up sometime! Hope all is well!!