Desolation Wilderness Permit — Cathedral
Desolation Wilderness · California
Cathedral Lake, reached from the Glen Alpine Trailhead, and Floating Island Lake, reached from the Mt. Tallac Trailhead.
Get an alert when Cathedral opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Cathedral were gone within 10 minutes.
Cathedral reservation dates
- max group size
- 12people
How to get a Cathedral permit
As of September 2026, Cathedral in Desolation Wilderness, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Cathedral rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Cathedral 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 Cathedral: Live availability activityWhen Cathedral permits open up
When to hike Cathedral
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
64°
40°
Wed
66°
51°
Thu
72°
49°
Fri
71°
46°
Sat
71°
49°
Sun
68°
46°
Mon
66°
45°
Cathedral rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Cathedral.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Cathedral · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Cathedral FAQ
How do I get a Cathedral permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Cathedral cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Cathedral permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Cathedral?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Cathedral permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Cathedral 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.
Cathedral trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Cathedral permit
Where to stay near Cathedral
- Porcupine Flat CampgroundYosemite National Park
- Yosemite Creek CampgroundYosemite National Park
- White Wolf CampgroundYosemite National Park
- All California campgrounds
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