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Drone Rules for Sierra National Forest

Lakeshore, California (CA) • United States
California 91024, USA
Lat: 37.3427 • Lng: -119.224
Ground Not fully verified Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFS Sierra NF borders Yosemite NP and Kings Canyon NP and contains the John Muir Wilderness (partially). Drone launches near the NPS boundary are a common enforcement scenario.

Drone Rules - Sierra NF, California

John Muir Wilderness (partial, ~183,000 acres in Sierra NF) bans drones; Yosemite NP and Kings Canyon NP no-fly begins at the park boundaries.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake reservoirs are popular recreation areas within the forest; boats and jet skis create dense surface activity below drone altitude
  • Fresno Yosemite International (FAT) Class C outer ring extends toward the western forest boundary
  • John Muir Trail crosses through both the forest and adjacent NPS units -- pilots following the trail may inadvertently cross the park boundary

Key Rules

  • LAANC check for FAT Class C for any flight within ~25 NM of Fresno (foothills and Huntington Lake area)
  • Wilderness boundary on the John Muir Trail corridor is frequently crossed by pilots who follow the trail as a navigation reference
  • USFS Special Use Permit required for commercial work

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