Buck Island is one of the trailheads you enter Desolation Wilderness from, in the Lake Tahoe area. The permit is issued by the zone you camp in on your first night, not by the trailhead you start at, so nothing is sold under this name.
Plan your Desolation Wilderness trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Buck Island
Buck Island is an entry point. Desolation permits are sold by the zone you camp in on your first night, so pick that zone and set an alert on it. The Forest Service lists the zones, the per-zone quotas and the walk-in offices on its permit page.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
How to get a Buck Island permit
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- CA
How this permit is issued
Official permit page →Step 1: How this permit is issued
Buck Island is an entry point. Desolation permits are sold by the zone you camp in on your first night, so pick that zone and set an alert on it. The Forest Service lists the zones, the per-zone quotas and the walk-in offices on its permit page.
Step 2: Check the agency page before you go
Fees, hours and closures change. Confirm the current process at U.S. Forest Service before your trip.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Office hours move, ground closes, and popular trailheads get busy. Know an alternative route or date before you drive out.
More on Buck Island: Live availability activity
When to hike Buck Island
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
71°
41°
Wed
72°
56°
Thu
74°
53°
Fri
76°
51°
Sat
78°
53°
Sun
75°
50°
Mon
74°
51°
Buck Island rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Buck Island.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Buck Island · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Buck Island FAQ
How do I get a Buck Island permit?
Buck Island is issued directly by the agency. Buck Island is an entry point. Desolation permits are sold by the zone you camp in on your first night, so pick that zone and set an alert on it. The Forest Service lists the zones, the per-zone quotas and the walk-in offices on its permit page. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Buck Island?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Buck Island permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Buck Island permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
Buck Island trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Buck Island permit
Where to stay near Buck Island
- Harvey West CabinEldorado National Forest
- Wrights Lake Equestrian CampgroundEldorado National Forest
- Wrights Lake campgroundEldorado National Forest
- All California campgrounds
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