The Hoover's many backcountry locations are an advantage, because black bears in the backcountry do not have as many opportunities to raid camps as those in busy places such as Yosemite National Park to the west. They simply do not learn to become as bold as bears in busier places. Usually, campers can hang their food from a tree limb about 20 feet high and thwart any nighttime bear raids. Bears have entered tents for food. Do not leave the food in the car where a bear might see it or smell it.
Bears can easily peel a window or door off the car for something as small as a gum wrapper.
Campers need to obtain permits in the Hoover Wilderness, but day hikers do not need a permit. The wilderness is on a quota system, which allows only a certain number of backpackers and overnight visitors to camp each day. The exact number changes from year to year. The quota system has been adopted because summer crowds were beginning to damage meadows, trails, and other features in the wilderness. For the southern part of the wilderness, drive another 10 miles south beyond Bridgeport to County Road 021 and turn right or southwest.