Desolation Wilderness Permit — Lower Velmas
Desolation Wilderness · California
Holds Lower Velma Lake, Upper Velma Lake, Azure Lake and Granite Lake. Access is from the Bayview or Eagle Falls Trailheads at Emerald Bay, and both climb steeply out of the gate.
Get an alert when Lower Velmas opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Lower Velmas were gone within 10 minutes.
Lower Velmas reservation dates
- max group size
- 12people
How to get a Lower Velmas permit
As of September 2026, Lower Velmas in Desolation Wilderness, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Lower Velmas is a high-demand permit, rating 7/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Lower Velmas 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 Lower Velmas: Live availability activityWhen Lower Velmas permits open up
When to hike Lower Velmas
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
81°
60°
Wed
80°
65°
Thu
76°
65°
Fri
85°
73°
Sat
92°
80°
Sun
93°
82°
Mon
94°
82°
Lower Velmas rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Lower Velmas.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Lower Velmas · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Lower Velmas FAQ
How do I get a Lower Velmas permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Lower Velmas cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Lower Velmas permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Lower Velmas?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Lower Velmas permit?
This permit has a demand score of 7/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Lower Velmas 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.
Lower Velmas trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Lower Velmas permit
Where to stay near Lower Velmas
- Malibu Creek Sp Group Camp Area campgroundMalibu Creek SP
- Malibu Creek Sp Creek Campground (sites 1-41)Malibu Creek SP
- Malibu Creek Sp Lower Loop (sites 42-63) campgroundMalibu Creek SP
- All California campgrounds
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
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