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

Desolation Wilderness Permit — Schmidell

Desolation Wilderness · California

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

Get an alert when Schmidell opens on your dates.

Get alerts for your Schmidell dates

A Schmidell 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 Schmidell were gone within 10 minutes.

Schmidell reservation dates

max group size
12people

How to get a Schmidell permit

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

Book at U.S. Forest Service
Learn more:
Best booking timesCancellation hunting

More on Schmidell: Live availability activityWhen Schmidell permits open up

When to hike Schmidell

Schmidell rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

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

Food Storage

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

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

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Schmidell FAQ

How do I get a Schmidell permit?

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

When is the best time to visit Schmidell?

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

How competitive is the Schmidell permit?

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

What if I can't get a Schmidell 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.

Schmidell trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

No active conditions reported

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Trip Reports

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Alternatives to a Schmidell permit

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