Desolation Wilderness Permit — Rubicon
Desolation Wilderness · California
Overnight permit for the Rubicon zone in Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe area.
Get an alert when Rubicon opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Rubicon were gone within 10 minutes.
Rubicon reservation dates
- max group size
- 12people
How to get a Rubicon permit
As of September 2026, Rubicon in Desolation Wilderness, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Rubicon rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Rubicon permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- CA
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.
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 Rubicon: Live availability activityWhen Rubicon permits open up
When to hike Rubicon
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
69°
41°
Wed
76°
51°
Thu
76°
54°
Fri
77°
54°
Sat
80°
55°
Sun
77°
53°
Mon
76°
53°
Rubicon rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Rubicon.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Rubicon · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Rubicon FAQ
How do I get a Rubicon permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Rubicon cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Rubicon permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Rubicon?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Rubicon permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Rubicon 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.
Rubicon trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions(3)
Questions
No questions yet
Be the first to ask about Rubicon.
Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Rubicon permit
Where to stay near Rubicon
- Northshore Campground - Loon Lake (Ca)Eldorado National Forest
- Red Fir campgroundEldorado National Forest
- Loon Lake campgroundEldorado National Forest
- All California campgrounds
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
Build your full itinerary start to finish
Add your dates and get a day-by-day plan: what needs a permit, what gear to bring, and one link to share with your whole group to coordinate every step.
No permit needed to start
One tick helps us more than you’d think
Google lets you pick the sites it highlights for you. Add PermitSnag and our permit pages get marked as one of yours in AI Overviews and AI Mode.
Takes less than a minute.