High Sierra Topix

Yes, we know it's still 2019, but that hasn't stopped us from getting ready for next year.

We've already got our CDF campfire permit, available on-line after you watch a video and take a short quiz. You need one of these permits anytime you are going to have a fire outside your house--including a camp stove on a backpacking trip.

And a fishing license is now on its way as well, direct from the California Wildlife website. (Be a little careful here, as there is an ad for CA fishing licenses at the top of most Google searches. That's a private company that charges a few dollars more...)

And yes, we're also working on campground and backpacking reservations for a couple of our trips this summer.

So not only are we prepared--we're really getting excited about our hiking plans for 2020!

Check your fire permit. The ones I get online always expire December 31 of the year you got it. I'll be getting my new one on Wednesday!

Ha! That's funny. You're right. Fishing license is for 2020. I now have TWO campfire permits for 2019. grin

Please elaborate on the permit. I've never had a permit to operate my propane stove on a backpacking trip before, and no ranger has ever asked me for one. Have I been a scofflaw? Is this new?

http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/

I think this is folded into a wilderness permit, but if not get one. They're free.
As pointed out, they are good for a year so wait until Wednesday.

Not new, and while they can be required for a wilderness permit, they are certainly required anywhere that doesn't require a wilderness permit.

As rlown has noted, they are free, and easy. Get one.

Not new in California anyway. Also not part of the Wilderness permit, as I've had a ranger ask to see mine when picking up my Wilderness Permit in SEKI a few years ago.

It is part of the wilderness permit. Says so right on one of my old SEKI permits. I've never been asked for a campfire permit when checking in.
Maybe a bad ranger interpretation. Either way, just get one.

To add fuel to the fire: https://www.californiatrekking.com/the- ... it-online/

In 40+ years in Yosemite, SEKI, John Muir, Ansel Adams, Hoover, and Golden Trout Wilderness, I've never been asked by any ranger about a campfire permit. The only time I've been told about one is for having a beach fire in Point Reyes.

Nothing is mentioned in the Terms and Conditions of a Wilderness Permit requiring a campfire permit or that their permit is also a campfire permit, only the fire restrictions are discussed.

Inyo NF requires a campfire permit within their forest so if you are visiting the John Muir Wilderness within the Inyo NF then I would think both permits are needed. In reality however, I have never been advised to have one when pulling a Wilderness Permit at the Lone Pine Visitors Center and I think I've even been told by the desk Ranger that the Wilderness Permit covers that even though I don't see that in the fine print specifically.