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

Desolation Wilderness Permit — Highland

Desolation Wilderness · California

Overnight permit for the Highland zone in Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe area.

Get an alert when Highland opens on your dates.

Get alerts for your Highland dates

A Highland 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 Highland were gone within 10 minutes.

Highland reservation dates

max group size
12people

How to get a Highland permit

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

Type
Overnight
Location
CA

  1. 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.

  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.

Book at U.S. Forest Service
Learn more:
Best booking timesCancellation hunting

More on Highland: Live availability activityWhen Highland permits open up

When to hike Highland

Highland rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

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

Food Storage

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

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

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Highland FAQ

How do I get a Highland permit?

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

When is the best time to visit Highland?

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

How competitive is the Highland permit?

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

What if I can't get a Highland 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.

Highland trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions(2)

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Trip Reports

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Alternatives to a Highland permit

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