World Class Hiking, Backpacking, Fishing and Adventure found just East of Yosemite National Park
Rising from the Great Basin to the crest of the Sierra Nevada bordering Yosemite National Park, the Hoover Wilderness is spectacular. With its magnificent scenery and well-maintained trail system, the Hoover Wilderness is a very popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, backpacking, hiking, horseback and more all easily accessible in the Hoover wilderness. Use Our Guide to Explore Hoover Wilderness as a starting point is planning a great adventure in the East Sierra.
The Hoover was one of the original units of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It was established as a Primitive Area in 1931, then as a Wild Area in 1957. In 1964, Congress designated it as a Wilderness Area. It now has a total of 128,000 acres. The southern portion, from Lundy Canyon to Highway 120-Tioga Pass road is managed by the Inyo National Forest. The remainder, Virginia Lakes and north, is managed by the Humboldt/Toiyabe National Forest.
Wilderness Permits are required for overnight visits. Reservations are unnecessary for entering via Saddlebag Lake, Lakes Canyon, or Lundy Canyon. This part of the Hoover Wilderness is non quota, meaning a permit will be issued to everyone requesting a permit.
Permits are available on recreation.gov best season for hiking and backpacking is typically Late June through October or until the Snow falls in the fall. Depending on the snow season access can be found both earlier in June or as late as July because of high Sierra snowpack’s in these canyons.
Visiting Hoover wilderness never disappoints. The ruggedness of the terrain matched with the sweeping meadows and high canyon cliff make this wilderness area a prize to behold for all that visit ~ Charlie Pankey – Publisher Sierra Rec Magazine
Featured Areas in the Hoover Wilderness
20 Lakes Basin
20 Lakes basin is located off of Tioga Pass Just east of Yosemite National Park and MT. Conness. A rugged granite bowl that features multiple lakes great for fishing and day hiking and backpacking connecting together in a string of lakes that empties into the Lundy canyon to the East. here you will see the transformation of Yosemite granite to sediment rock mixed with various colors and consistency. You will be hard pressed to find clear pools of water anywhere and the lakes are so clear that fisherman can often spot their dream catch some 20 feet under water. This is a popular place for fishing and hiking and the offers open air backpacking with little to no tree cover. Recommended June-Oct. early Season mosquitos can be quite troublesome here. Other area features include Gardisky Lake
Lundy Canyon
Lundy Canyon is located 5 miles off HWY 395 just north of Lee Vining. featuring a popular spot for lake camping and fishing the Hoover Wilderness starts less than a mile from the trailhead and features beaver dams, incredible skylines and one of the Eastern Sierra largest Aspen groves making this a must see in any fall adventure. At the end of the canyon the water cascades over 100 feet off the cliff above which leads into 20 lakes basin.
Virginia Lakes Basin
This canyon is popular for day fishing and backpacking into the Eastern side of Yosemite National Park just North of McCabe Lakes at summit Lake and down into Return Creek basin. It also connects with the northern Green Lakes basin for a great through hike backpacking and fishing trip. This rugged and steep canyon is filled with old mining relics and backcountry trapper cabin highlights. But the real beauty is in the multiple lake options on the trail.
Green Lakes Basin
Green Lakes basin is a popular day hike region with plenty of camping options before the trail head and then one of the regions best color hike areas or fall hike sin the aspen trees. The trial into Hoover wilderness and green lakes basin is well traveled and traverses up to Green Lake before giving backpackers and fisherman the option of going North to an exclusive lake getaway high above or heading South to a chain of lakes that leads again up to Summit Lake and the possibility for heading down into Virginia lakes basin as a loop. If you like forest and lake camping this route is perfect for Hammock camping and tent camping.
Twin Lakes Basin –
Probably the most popular of all the Hoover Wilderness Lake basin entry points. The twin Lakes basin is a regional favorite for summer and fall camping and the trail into the Hoover wilderness leads up to Peeler lake and the north side of Yosemite National park.
Leavitt Meadow Basin
Exploring near Leavitt meadows gives travelers on Sonora Pass Scenic Route 108 or travelers off HWY 395 great access to the northern section of the Hoover wilderness. Home of the walker river and multiple fishing and backpacking lakes the hoover wilderness access here is probably the easiest as far as beginning level terrain for the first 3-4 miles of access. A popular location for horseback rides, backcountry fishing and summer day hiking. From here backpackers can also find routes that connect up with the PCT and back into North Yosemite National Park
The Walker River flows through the Leavitt Meadow, but its source and beauty starts deep in the Hoover wilderness. Backpacking trips from Leavitt Meadows will lead explores deep into Hoover wilderness where multiple lakes, and two forks of the Walker river shape the landscapes, feed a great population of wildlife and direct traffic as its seasonal flows control access points.
Hover Wilderness Videos
Backpacking Basics for Hoover Wilderness
Wilderness Permits are required for overnight visits. Reservations are unnecessary for entering via Saddlebag Lake, Lakes Canyon, or Lundy Canyon. This part of the Hoover Wilderness is non quota, meaning a permit will be issued to everyone requesting a permit.
Hoover Wilderness:
- No Campfires in 20 Lakes Basin north of Saddlebag Lake.
- No Camping at Crystal Lake, or Hall Natural Area (includes Conness Lakes, Wasco, Alpine, Green Treble, Maul, Spuller, Big Horn, and Fantail Lakes).
- No Swimming or Wading in Crystal Lake.
- Advised not to use pack goats in Bighorn Sheep habitat.
In addition to all county, state, and federal laws, the following rules apply in wilderness:
- No Camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams or trails (terrain permitting) & never within 50 feet of lakes, streams or trails.
- Food or refuse must be stored in a container designed to prevent access by bears, or counter-balanced at least 15 feet above the ground and 10 feet horizontally from a tree trunk (containers required in Yosemite).
- No washing in lakes or streams. Scatter wash water at least 100 feet away from lakes or streams.
- Bury poop 6-8 inched deep, at least 100 feet away from lakes, streams, campsites or trails.
- Pack out all trash.
- Maximum group size is 15 people, Yosemite has smaller group size.
- No catching supplies or leaving equipment unattended for more than 24 hours.
- No hitching, tethering or tying pack or saddle stock within 100 feet of lakes, streams, trails or campsites except while loading or unloading.
- Overnight use requires a valid wilderness permit.
- No discharging a firearm, except for emergencies or the taking of game as permitted by California State law.
- No wheeled or mechanical devices (bicycle, drone, motorcycle, cart, etc.) except for persons requiring a wheelchair may use non-motorized wheelchair.
- No shortcutting a switchback.
- Dogs must be on leash (under voice control within 6 feet).
- Motorized or mechanical activities like drones or bicycles are not allowed in wilderness.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles when selecting a wilderness campsite. Groups are limited to 15 people or less, in order to preserve the solitude and tranquility of the backcountry.
Sierra Rec Staff Hoover Wilderness Reviews
Exploring Green Creek Canyon – A stunning hiking and backcountry fishing destination. Popular Fall hike with stunning colors and a beaver pond feature on way to a set of high Alpine lakes great for backpacking and fishing. Explore Green Lake, East Lake, West Lake and Gilman Lake in easy to moderate day hikes.
Discover Lundy Canyon – A rugged and beautiful trail in the Eastern Sierra that provides day hikers and winter snowshoers great access to waterfalls, beaver ponds and a rugged weather shaped canyon filled with aspens and weather battled landscapes.
20 Lakes Basin – Hoover Wilderness – A striking basin of glacier shaped lakes all sitting around 10,000 feet in the Eastern Sierra right across the peaks of Yosemite National Parks east boundaries. Explore the basin as you hike from lake to lake. Immaculate Blue waters and Glacier green/blues pools. There is a lake for every type of visitor.
Top 6 Bridgeport Day Hiking Trails & Destinations – Seeking a great day hike while staying in Bridgeport or on a day trip to the region? These 6 day hikes are our favorite destination hikes for any day into the wilderness
Three Days in the Hoover Wilderness- A great beginners backpack trip out of Leavitt Meadow – Enjoy a story from guest writer as they travel with a crew of ladies looking to experience the Hoover wilderness for three days.
Hire A Pack Guide Out Of Leavitt’s Meadow And Enjoy The Backcountry – Leavitt Meadows Pack station in Leavitt Meadows off Sonora Pass is a great experience. Enjoy a guided day trip to Lane Lake or secret Lake. Or take the adventure to the next level with backcountry fishing and backpacking trips that are horse supported.
10 Great Day Hikes in the Hoover Wilderness – Seeking a new place to explore? try this list near Bridgeport.
Explore Gardisky Lake – Ready to work for your views and solitude? Gardisky trail is just your cup of tea. A steep and short trail that will drop you high into the Sierra Rim near Yosemite’s East Border. Popular for back country fishing with few to no crowds. The trail at times looks like it was created for mules.
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