Hoover Wilderness

Hoover Wilderness is a nature reserve spanning roughly 128,000 acres of granite peaks, mountain lakes, and open meadows. The landscape sits within two large national forests and shows the raw, rocky character of the high Sierra with bare rock faces and windswept terrain.

The U.S. Forest Service first designated this area as a Primitive Area in 1931, giving it formal status within the national forest system. The wilderness designation came later, providing stricter protections for the landscape.

Native American peoples once lived here, and signs of their presence remain scattered across the high valleys and ridges. Visitors walking through the backcountry can sense this long connection to the land.

Visitors need to obtain wilderness permits throughout the year, with stricter limitations during the busy summer season from late June through September. Planning ahead is important, especially if you want to hike during the peak hiking months.

This wilderness holds the headwaters of the East Walker River and connects directly to Yosemite National Park. The elevation rises dramatically from around 7,000 feet to over 12,000 feet, creating steep transitions between different zones.