Desolation Wilderness overnight trips near Dicks Pass, Lake Tahoe area. Desolation permits are issued by the zone you camp in on your first night, and no zone carries this name.
Plan your Desolation Wilderness trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Dicks Pass
Desolation Wilderness permits are sold by destination zone. Pick the zone you will spend your first night in 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 Dicks Pass permit
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- CA
How this permit is issued
Official permit page →Step 1: How this permit is issued
Desolation Wilderness permits are sold by destination zone. Pick the zone you will spend your first night in 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 Dicks Pass: Live availability activity
When to hike Dicks Pass
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 Pass rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Dicks Pass.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Dicks Pass · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Dicks Pass FAQ
How do I get a Dicks Pass permit?
Dicks Pass is issued directly by the agency. Desolation Wilderness permits are sold by destination zone. Pick the zone you will spend your first night in 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 Dicks Pass?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Dicks Pass permit?
This permit has a demand score of 7/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and reading the official permit page for how this one is issued.
What if I can't get a Dicks Pass permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
Dicks Pass trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Dicks Pass permit
Where to stay near Dicks Pass
- 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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