Desolation Wilderness Permit — Dicks Lake
Desolation Wilderness · California
Overnight permit for the Dicks Lake zone in Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe area.
Get an alert when Dicks Lake opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Dicks Lake were gone within 10 minutes.
Dicks Lake reservation dates
- max group size
- 12people
How to get a Dicks Lake permit
As of September 2026, Dicks Lake in Desolation Wilderness, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Dicks Lake rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Dicks Lake permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- CA
Step 1: Create a U.S. Forest Service account
Sign up at U.S. Forest Service if you don't have an account. Have 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 Dicks Lake: Live availability activityWhen Dicks Lake permits open up
When to hike Dicks Lake
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
82°
55°
Wed
83°
55°
Thu
89°
57°
Fri
89°
59°
Sat
90°
62°
Sun
90°
63°
Mon
90°
61°
Dicks Lake rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Dicks Lake.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Dicks Lake · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Dicks Lake FAQ
How do I get a Dicks Lake permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Dicks Lake cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Dicks Lake permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Dicks Lake?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Dicks Lake permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Dicks Lake 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.
Dicks Lake 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 Dicks Lake permit
Where to stay near Dicks Lake
- Richardson Grove Sp Huckleberry Campground (sites 1-36)Richardson Grove SP
- Richardson Grove Sp Madrone Campground (sites 37-76)Richardson Grove SP
- Richardson Grove Sp Madrone Cabin Area campgroundRichardson Grove SP
- All California campgrounds
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