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

Desolation Wilderness Permit — Lois

Desolation Wilderness · California

Surrounds Lake Lois and is reached from the Rockbound Trailhead. Allow enough time to cross Rockbound Pass and carry on to the zone for a first night's stay.

Get an alert when Lois opens on your dates.

Get alerts for your Lois dates

A Lois 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 Lois were gone within 10 minutes.

Lois reservation dates

max group size
12people

How to get a Lois permit

As of September 2026, Lois in Desolation Wilderness, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Lois rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Lois 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.

More on Lois: Live availability activityWhen Lois permits open up

When to hike Lois

Weather Forecast

Trailhead (5,000 ft)

Today

☀️

77°

52°

Wed

☀️

75°

56°

Thu

☁️

78°

55°

Fri

☁️

79°

62°

Sat

☁️

84°

65°

Sun

☀️

80°

64°

Mon

☀️

81°

65°

View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.

Lois rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

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

Food Storage

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

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

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Lois FAQ

How do I get a Lois permit?

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

When is the best time to visit Lois?

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

How competitive is the Lois permit?

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

What if I can't get a Lois 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.

Lois 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 Report

No trip reports yet

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Write the First Report

Alternatives to a Lois permit

Where to stay near Lois

Plan the full trip, not just the permit

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