Desolation Wilderness Permit — China Flat
Desolation Wilderness · California
Covers the upper Rubicon River watershed in Rockbound Valley, Clyde Lake, Mosquito Pass and the north shore of Lake Aloha. Primary access is the Echo Lake Trailhead, with more from the Rockbound Trailhead. The Rubicon Trail fords the river repeatedly.
Get an alert when China Flat opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on China Flat were gone within 10 minutes.
China Flat reservation dates
- max group size
- 12people
How to get a China Flat permit
As of September 2026, China Flat in Desolation Wilderness, California requires a permit issued via reservation. China Flat rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled China Flat 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 China Flat: Live availability activityWhen China Flat permits open up
When to hike China Flat
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
81°
50°
Wed
81°
60°
Thu
85°
61°
Fri
83°
59°
Sat
86°
61°
Sun
84°
58°
Mon
83°
60°
China Flat rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for China Flat.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for China Flat · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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China Flat FAQ
How do I get a China Flat permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a China Flat cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. China Flat permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit China Flat?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the China Flat permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a China Flat 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.
China Flat trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
No questions yet
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a China Flat permit
Where to stay near China Flat
- Harvey West CabinEldorado National Forest
- Wrights Lake Equestrian CampgroundEldorado National Forest
- Ice HouseEldorado National Forest
- All California campgrounds
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