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

Desolation Wilderness Permit — Maude

Desolation Wilderness · California

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

Get an alert when Maude opens on your dates.

Get alerts for your Maude dates

A Maude 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 Maude were gone within 10 minutes.

Maude reservation dates

max group size
12people

How to get a Maude permit

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

More on Maude: Live availability activityWhen Maude permits open up

When to hike Maude

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°

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

Maude rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

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

Food Storage

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

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

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Maude FAQ

How do I get a Maude permit?

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

When is the best time to visit Maude?

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

How competitive is the Maude permit?

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

What if I can't get a Maude 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.

Maude trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

No active conditions reported

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Questions

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Trip Reports

Write Report

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Write the First Report

Alternatives to a Maude permit

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