Desolation Wilderness Permit — Brown Mountain
Desolation Wilderness · California
A large off trail zone at the northwest corner of the wilderness, made up of many unnamed ponds. Access is from the Loon Lake or Van Vleck Trailheads.
Get an alert when Brown Mountain opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Brown Mountain were gone within 10 minutes.
Brown Mountain reservation dates
- max group size
- 12people
How to get a Brown Mountain permit
As of September 2026, Brown Mountain in Desolation Wilderness, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Brown Mountain rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Brown Mountain permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- CA
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.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
More on Brown Mountain: Live availability activityWhen Brown Mountain permits open up
When to hike Brown Mountain
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
81°
57°
Wed
88°
63°
Thu
90°
68°
Fri
93°
69°
Sat
93°
69°
Sun
92°
70°
Mon
93°
70°
Brown Mountain rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Brown Mountain.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Brown Mountain · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Brown Mountain FAQ
How do I get a Brown Mountain permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Brown Mountain cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Brown Mountain permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Brown Mountain?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Brown Mountain permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Brown Mountain 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.
Brown Mountain trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Brown Mountain permit
Where to stay near Brown Mountain
- Pinnacles CampgroundPinnacles National Park
- All California campgrounds
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