This forest lies west and north of Kings Canyon National Park. It includes all or portions of the John Muir, Monarch, Dinkey Lake, and Ansel Adams Wildernesses. Trailhead quotas apply from the last Friday in June through September 15. The area from the Sierra Crest to the Owens Valley is administered by Inyo National Forest. Many popular trails, including the shortest route up Mt. Whitney originate on the Inyo.
Most trails have daily quotas and permits are required.
Due to its overwhelming popularity, hiking to the highest point in the continental United States is limited. The Daily quota on the Whitney trail is 150 day users and 50 overnight hikers. During summer and early fall the overnight quota frequently fills months in advance. It runs from just west of Lone Pine Lake in Inyo National Forest to Timberline Lake near Crabtree in Sequoia National Park. All hikers here must have a Mt. Whitney permit.