Desolation Wilderness Permit — Grass
Desolation Wilderness · California
Surrounds Grass Lake and is reached from the Glen Alpine Trailhead. Bear activity is known around Gilmore Lake, so store food properly.
Get an alert when Grass opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Grass were gone within 10 minutes.
Grass reservation dates
- max group size
- 12people
How to get a Grass permit
As of September 2026, Grass in Desolation Wilderness, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Grass rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Grass 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 Grass: Live availability activityWhen Grass permits open up
When to hike Grass
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
71°
44°
Wed
73°
55°
Thu
74°
53°
Fri
76°
52°
Sat
78°
54°
Sun
75°
51°
Mon
74°
51°
Grass rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Grass.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Grass · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Grass FAQ
How do I get a Grass permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Grass cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Grass permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Grass?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Grass permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Grass 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.
Grass trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
Be the first to ask about Grass.
Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Grass permit
Where to stay near Grass
- Wrights Lake Equestrian CampgroundEldorado National Forest
- Wrights Lake campgroundEldorado National Forest
- Harvey West CabinEldorado National Forest
- All California campgrounds
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