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Desolation Wilderness Permit — Genevieve permit area in Desolation Wilderness - backcountry hiking destination
Each entry point carries its own quota

Desolation Wilderness Permit — Genevieve

Desolation Wilderness · California

Holds Lake Genevieve, Crag Lake and Hidden Lake, reached from the Meeks Bay Trailhead. The spur trail running west from Lake Genevieve to the General Creek Trail can be hard to find and follow.

Get an alert when Genevieve opens on your dates.

Get alerts for your Genevieve dates

A Genevieve permit is booked by the day you start. Tell us every date you'd go and we'll ping you the second one of them opens up.

Leave the second date blank if only one day works. A wider window catches more openings.

Party

70% of the openings our scanner caught on Genevieve were gone within 10 minutes.

Genevieve reservation dates

max group size
12people

How to get a Genevieve permit

As of September 2026, Genevieve in Desolation Wilderness, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Genevieve rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Genevieve permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.

Type
Overnight
Location
CA

  1. 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.

  2. Step 2: Know the release schedule

    Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.

  3. Step 3: Be ready when permits drop

    Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.

  4. Step 4: Monitor for cancellations

    If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.

Learn more:
Best booking timesCancellation hunting

More on Genevieve: Live availability activityWhen Genevieve permits open up

When to hike Genevieve

Genevieve rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Genevieve.

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.

Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Genevieve · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides

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Genevieve FAQ

How do I get a Genevieve permit?

PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Genevieve cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Genevieve permits use a reservation system.

When is the best time to visit Genevieve?

Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Genevieve permit?

This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.

What if I can't get a Genevieve 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.

Genevieve trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

No active conditions reported

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Trip Reports

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Alternatives to a Genevieve permit

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