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

Desolation Wilderness Permit — Red Peak

Desolation Wilderness · California

Built around the primitive Red Peak Stock Trail, which is infrequently maintained and challenging in sections. Access is from the Rockbound Trailhead by the Rockbound Trail and Willow Flat Primitive Trail.

Get an alert when Red Peak opens on your dates.

Get alerts for your Red Peak dates

A Red Peak 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 Red Peak were gone within 10 minutes.

Red Peak reservation dates

max group size
12people

How to get a Red Peak permit

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

Learn more:
Best booking timesCancellation hunting

More on Red Peak: Live availability activityWhen Red Peak permits open up

When to hike Red Peak

Red Peak rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

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

Food Storage

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

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

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Red Peak FAQ

How do I get a Red Peak permit?

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

When is the best time to visit Red Peak?

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

How competitive is the Red Peak permit?

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

What if I can't get a Red Peak 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.

Red Peak trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

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Trip Reports

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Alternatives to a Red Peak permit

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