Desolation Wilderness Permit — General Creek
Desolation Wilderness · California
Overnight permit for the General Creek zone in Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe area.
Get an alert when General Creek opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on General Creek were gone within 10 minutes.
General Creek reservation dates
- max group size
- 12people
How to get a General Creek permit
As of September 2026, General Creek in Desolation Wilderness, California requires a permit issued via reservation. General Creek rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled General Creek 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 General Creek: Live availability activityWhen General Creek permits open up
When to hike General Creek
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
68°
45°
Wed
76°
52°
Thu
78°
53°
Fri
74°
52°
Sat
76°
53°
Sun
72°
51°
Mon
71°
50°
General Creek rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for General Creek.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for General Creek · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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General Creek FAQ
How do I get a General Creek permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a General Creek cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. General Creek permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit General Creek?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the General Creek permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a General Creek 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.
General Creek 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 General Creek permit
Where to stay near General Creek
- Sugar Pine Point Sp dukMéʔem wáťa Group CampingSugar Pine Point SP
- Sugar Pine Point Sp dukMéʔem wáťa Eastern Loop (sites 33-59) campgroundSugar Pine Point SP
- Sugar Pine Point Sp dukMéʔem wáťa Middle Loop (sites 76-125) campgroundSugar Pine Point SP
- All California campgrounds
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
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