- Region
- CA, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Overnight wilderness permits are required …
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service — Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and Inyo National Forest
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Photos of Hoover Wilderness
How to get there
Approach from the north or east. Leavitt Meadows is reached from the Sonora Pass road, while Saddlebag Lake is an access point off the Tioga Pass road. Other named approaches include Buckeye Creek, Green Creek, Virginia Lakes, and Lundy Lake. Choose the entry point to match the intended itinerary and confirm road and trail conditions with the managing forest.
- Leavitt Meadows
An entry off the Sonora Pass road for approaching the wilderness from the north. This trailhead is subject to the seasonal quota.
- Green Creek
One of the wilderness’s north-and-east approaches and a seasonal quota trailhead. Fire restrictions apply above 9,000 feet within the Green Creek drainage.
- Virginia Lakes
A seasonal quota trailhead. Camping is prohibited at Red, Blue, and Big Virginia Lakes, so overnight plans must account for those exclusions.
- Saddlebag Lake
An access point off the Tioga Pass road near the southern end of Hoover Wilderness. Check entry-specific requirements with the managing forest.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
CA, USA · United States
- Fishing
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Hiking
Eastern Sierra terrain beside Yosemite
Hoover Wilderness occupies a long strip of California’s eastern Sierra Nevada, north and east of Yosemite National Park, stretching nearly from Sonora Pass to Tioga Pass. The land rises from the Great Basin toward the Sierra crest, with elevations ranging from around 7,000 feet to more than 12,000 feet. Expect steep mountain terrain, alpine lakes, and intermittent meadows rather than continuous forest. Scattered groves of hemlock, pine, aspen, and cottonwood provide the limited tree cover. The headwaters of the Walker River lie within the wilderness, and its lakes and streams support brown, brook, golden, and rainbow trout. First protected as a primitive area in 1931, Hoover became designated wilderness in 1964. Today, the Humboldt-Toiyabe and Inyo National Forests share its management.
Choosing a trip and preparing for exposure
Trails enter Hoover Wilderness from the north and east, offering several starting points for exploring its lakes, meadows, and rugged mountain country. A maintained trail network provides access, but the steep terrain and elevation still call for conservative daily plans. Southern portions receive particularly heavy use; the northern stretches generally offer better prospects for solitude, though no trailhead guarantees a quiet trip. Weather can bring rain, snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures at any time of year. Carry insulation and weather protection even for a summer outing, and account for the limited shelter across open terrain. Black bears live throughout the area, alongside mule deer, Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, Sierra Nevada red fox, and Bi-State sage-grouse. Keep wildlife viewing at a distance and protect meadow vegetation when choosing places to stop.
Overnight permits and low-impact camping
Overnight stays require wilderness permits year-round. Obtain permits through Recreation.gov and carry a printed paper copy. Trailhead quotas apply from June 15 through October 15; quota trailheads include Buckeye Creek, Green Creek, Horse Creek, Leavitt Meadows, Little Slide Canyon, Robinson Creek, and Virginia Lakes. Other entries, including Burt Canyon and Leavitt Lake, are listed without quotas, but that does not remove the overnight permit requirement. Approved bear-resistant food canisters are required; hanging or guarding food is not allowed. Plan camps away from lakes, streams, and trails, and note that camping is prohibited at Red, Blue, and Big Virginia Lakes. Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited within a quarter mile of Barney or Peeler Lake and above 9,000 feet in the Virginia Creek and Green Creek drainages. Confirm current conditions and restrictions with the managing forest before departure.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Hoover Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 38.1241, -119.3890
- Latitude (DMS)
- 38° 7′ 26.8″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 119° 23′ 20.3″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Hoover Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
First established as a Primitive area in 1931, then a Wild area in 1957, the Hoover Wilderness was one of the original members of the NWPS. Here is an extremely rugged and magnificently scenic area in...
Key takeaways
- Region: CA, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 38.124, -119.389
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Hoover Wilderness
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
Animals around Hoover Wilderness
Eastern Sierra terrain beside Yosemite
Hoover Wilderness occupies a long strip of California’s eastern Sierra Nevada, north and east of Yosemite National Park, stretching nearly from Sonora Pass to Tioga Pass. The land rises from the Great Basin toward the Sierra crest, with elevations ranging from around 7,000 feet to more than 12,000 feet. Expect steep mountain terrain, alpine lakes, and intermittent meadows rather than continuous forest. Scattered groves of hemlock, pine, aspen, and cottonwood provide the limited tree cover. The headwaters of the Walker River lie within the wilderness, and its lakes and streams support brown, brook, golden, and rainbow trout. First protected as a primitive area in 1931, Hoover became designated wilderness in 1964. Today, the Humboldt-Toiyabe and Inyo National Forests share its management.
Choosing a trip and preparing for exposure
Trails enter Hoover Wilderness from the north and east, offering several starting points for exploring its lakes, meadows, and rugged mountain country. A maintained trail network provides access, but the steep terrain and elevation still call for conservative daily plans. Southern portions receive particularly heavy use; the northern stretches generally offer better prospects for solitude, though no trailhead guarantees a quiet trip. Weather can bring rain, snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures at any time of year. Carry insulation and weather protection even for a summer outing, and account for the limited shelter across open terrain. Black bears live throughout the area, alongside mule deer, Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, Sierra Nevada red fox, and Bi-State sage-grouse. Keep wildlife viewing at a distance and protect meadow vegetation when choosing places to stop.
Overnight permits and low-impact camping
Overnight stays require wilderness permits year-round. Obtain permits through Recreation.gov and carry a printed paper copy. Trailhead quotas apply from June 15 through October 15; quota trailheads include Buckeye Creek, Green Creek, Horse Creek, Leavitt Meadows, Little Slide Canyon, Robinson Creek, and Virginia Lakes. Other entries, including Burt Canyon and Leavitt Lake, are listed without quotas, but that does not remove the overnight permit requirement. Approved bear-resistant food canisters are required; hanging or guarding food is not allowed. Plan camps away from lakes, streams, and trails, and note that camping is prohibited at Red, Blue, and Big Virginia Lakes. Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited within a quarter mile of Barney or Peeler Lake and above 9,000 feet in the Virginia Creek and Green Creek drainages. Confirm current conditions and restrictions with the managing forest before departure.
Route options
- Leavitt Meadows entry
Use this northern approach as a starting point for a Hoover Wilderness itinerary. Northern stretches generally offer more solitude than the busier southern portions. Select the destination and daily stages using a detailed trail map; overnight entry is subject to the seasonal trailhead quota.
- Buckeye Creek entry
A named trail approach into the wilderness from its north-and-east side. Build the itinerary around the steep terrain and available trail connections rather than assuming an easy creek walk. This is a seasonal quota trailhead.
- Virginia Lakes entry
Plan a trip from this quota trailhead with particular attention to camping and fire restrictions. Red, Blue, and Big Virginia Lakes are closed to camping, and wood or charcoal fires are prohibited above 9,000 feet in the Virginia Creek drainage.
Sample itineraries
- Virginia Lakes day outing · 1 day
Start at the Virginia Lakes trailhead for a flexible out-and-back in Hoover’s southern reaches. Choose a turnaround suited to conditions and the group rather than committing to a high crossing. Expect rugged terrain, limited tree cover, and other visitors.
- Green Creek overnight · 2 days
Plan a short backpack from Green Creek, choosing mileage and a legal campsite after checking trail conditions. Carry an approved bear-resistant canister and an overnight permit. Above 9,000 feet in the Green Creek drainage, wood and charcoal fires are prohibited; use a permitted portable fuel stove.
- Leavitt Meadows northern exploration · 3 days
Use Leavitt Meadows as the starting point for a northern Hoover backpack. Set daily objectives using a trail map and current conditions, leaving time for rugged terrain and changing weather. Northern stretches generally offer more solitude than the busier southern areas. This trailhead has a seasonal quota.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Conditions-dependent access
Treat spring as a mountain-weather trip, not an assurance of clear trails. Snow, freezing temperatures, rain, and high winds are possible. Check access and trail conditions before choosing an elevation or overnight objective.
Summer
Weather-dependent mountain travel
Alpine lakes and meadows provide trip objectives, but summer does not eliminate freezing temperatures or snow. Limited tree cover leaves much of the terrain exposed to wind and weather. Southern areas receive heavier use.
Fall
Conditions-dependent mountain travel
Keep plans flexible around rain, snow, wind, and freezing temperatures. Carry insulation and shelter even on short outings, and check current access rather than assuming summer conditions continue.
Winter
Access and conditions must be confirmed
The wilderness ranges from around 7,000 to more than 12,000 feet. Snow, freezing temperatures, and high winds warrant conservative objectives and suitable equipment. Do not assume trailheads or trails are accessible.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Conditions-dependent access | Treat spring as a mountain-weather trip, not an assurance of clear trails. Snow, freezing temperatures, rain, and high winds are possible. Check access and trail conditions before choosing an elevation or overnight objective. |
| Summer | Weather-dependent mountain travel | Alpine lakes and meadows provide trip objectives, but summer does not eliminate freezing temperatures or snow. Limited tree cover leaves much of the terrain exposed to wind and weather. Southern areas receive heavier use. |
| Fall | Conditions-dependent mountain travel | Keep plans flexible around rain, snow, wind, and freezing temperatures. Carry insulation and shelter even on short outings, and check current access rather than assuming summer conditions continue. |
| Winter | Access and conditions must be confirmed | The wilderness ranges from around 7,000 to more than 12,000 feet. Snow, freezing temperatures, and high winds warrant conservative objectives and suitable equipment. Do not assume trailheads or trails are accessible. |
Permits, fees & closures
Overnight wilderness permits are required year-round. Trailhead quotas apply June 15 through October 15 at designated entrances, including Green Creek, Virginia Lakes, and Leavitt Meadows. Some trailheads have no quota; that does not remove the overnight permit requirement.
Reservations: Obtain all permits through Recreation.gov. Print the permit from the email confirmation and carry a physical paper copy. Confirm current availability and applicable group limits before finalizing plans.
Official source: Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | Hoover Wilderness · Verified November 1, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Extremely rugged, steep terrain requires realistic daily objectives and careful footing.
- Elevations range from around 7,000 to more than 12,000 feet; allow time to adjust and reduce exertion if feeling unwell.
- Rain, snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures can occur in any season. Limited tree cover increases exposure.
- Black bears occur throughout the wilderness. Keep food inaccessible using an approved bear-resistant canister; hanging or guarding food is not allowed.
- Wildfire can affect wilderness travel. Check current agency alerts and fire restrictions before departure.
What to pack for Hoover Wilderness
- Waterproof shell
- Warm insulating layers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun protection for open terrain
- Overnight shelter and sleeping system suited to freezing conditions
- Trail map and compass
- Offline navigation with backup power
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Water treatment and carrying capacity
- Approved bear-resistant food canister
- Printed wilderness permit
- Portable fuel stove appropriate to current restrictions
- Food and waste storage supplies
Hoover Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Hoover Wilderness, and who manages it?
- Hoover Wilderness lies in California’s Sierra Nevada, east of the crest and bordering Yosemite National Park. Humboldt-Toiyabe and Inyo National Forests share management. The landscape includes steep mountains, alpine lakes, intermittent meadows, and scattered forest.
- Which access points can be used?
- Access points include Buckeye Creek, Green Creek, Virginia Lakes, Leavitt Meadows, Robinson Creek, and Horse Creek. Other approaches include Lundy Lake and Saddlebag Lake. Choose an entrance based on current access, trail conditions, and permit availability.
- Where can overnight visitors camp?
- Do not camp within 100 feet of lakeshores, streams, or trails; where terrain prevents that setback, stay at least 25 feet away. Red, Blue, and Big Virginia Lakes prohibit camping. Barney Lake requires a 100-foot lakeshore setback and allows only one consecutive night within a quarter-mile.
- Are campfires allowed?
- Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited within a quarter-mile of Barney or Peeler Lake and above 9,000 feet in the Virginia Creek and Green Creek drainages. Portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized fuel are excepted there. Check current restrictions before using any stove or fire.
- Where is solitude more likely?
- Northern stretches generally receive less use than southern areas. A quieter entrance still requires careful planning: the terrain is rugged, weather is unpredictable, and overnight permits remain necessary.
- Can a trip continue into Yosemite?
- Hoover borders Yosemite National Park. Before planning a crossing, confirm entry requirements and applicable regulations with the park and the forest managing the starting trailhead. Do not assume a Hoover itinerary automatically authorizes park travel.