Desolation Wilderness Permit — Grouse Lakes
Desolation Wilderness · California
An east side zone of peaks and rugged terrain with no maintained trails. Grouse Lakes sit off a primitive trail heading south from the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail near the south shore of Rubicon Lake. The Grouse Lake near Wrights Lake is a different zone.
Get an alert when Grouse Lakes opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Grouse Lakes were gone within 10 minutes.
Grouse Lakes reservation dates
- max group size
- 12people
How to get a Grouse Lakes permit
As of September 2026, Grouse Lakes in Desolation Wilderness, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Grouse Lakes rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Grouse Lakes 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 Grouse Lakes: Live availability activityWhen Grouse Lakes permits open up
When to hike Grouse Lakes
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
59°
39°
Wed
67°
46°
Thu
70°
45°
Fri
69°
47°
Sat
70°
48°
Sun
67°
47°
Mon
66°
46°
Grouse Lakes rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Grouse Lakes.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Grouse Lakes · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Grouse Lakes FAQ
How do I get a Grouse Lakes permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Grouse Lakes cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Grouse Lakes permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Grouse Lakes?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Grouse Lakes permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Grouse Lakes 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.
Grouse Lakes 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 Grouse Lakes permit
Where to stay near Grouse Lakes
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