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Desolation Wilderness Permit — Avalanche permit area in Desolation Wilderness - backcountry hiking destination
Each entry point carries its own quota

Desolation Wilderness Permit — Avalanche

Desolation Wilderness · California

Holds Horsetail Falls, Avalanche Lake, Pitt Lake, Ropi Lake, Osma Lake, Toem Lake and Gefo Lake. An off trail area reached from the Pyramid, Ralston or Echo Lakes Trailheads by primitive routes.

Get an alert when Avalanche opens on your dates.

Get alerts for your Avalanche dates

An Avalanche permit is booked by the day you start. Tell us every date you'd go and we'll ping you the second one of them opens up.

Leave the second date blank if only one day works. A wider window catches more openings.

Party

70% of the openings our scanner caught on Avalanche were gone within 10 minutes.

Avalanche reservation dates

max group size
12people

How to get an Avalanche permit

As of September 2026, Avalanche in Desolation Wilderness, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Avalanche rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Avalanche permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.

Type
Overnight
Location
CA

  1. Step 1: Create an account before permits drop

    Find this permit on the managing agency's booking system and set up an account with your payment info ready.

  2. Step 2: Know the release schedule

    Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.

  3. Step 3: Be ready when permits drop

    Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.

  4. Step 4: Monitor for cancellations

    If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.

Learn more:
Best booking timesCancellation hunting

More on Avalanche: Live availability activityWhen Avalanche permits open up

When to hike Avalanche

Avalanche rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Avalanche.

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.

Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Avalanche · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides

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Avalanche FAQ

How do I get a Avalanche permit?

PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Avalanche cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Avalanche permits use a reservation system.

When is the best time to visit Avalanche?

Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Avalanche permit?

This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.

What if I can't get a Avalanche permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.

Avalanche trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

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Trip Reports

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Alternatives to an Avalanche permit

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